Saudi citizen converts farm into rustic tourism haven

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The scheme represents a milestone for Sakaka and, with nature’s bounty, palm groves, and a countryside ambience, creates a distinctive and memorable tourism experience. (SPA)
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The scheme represents a milestone for Sakaka and, with nature’s bounty, palm groves, and a countryside ambience, creates a distinctive and memorable tourism experience. (SPA)
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The scheme represents a milestone for Sakaka and, with nature’s bounty, palm groves, and a countryside ambience, creates a distinctive and memorable tourism experience. (SPA)
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Updated 19 October 2023
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Saudi citizen converts farm into rustic tourism haven

SAKAKA, Saudi Arabia: A Saudi citizen’s entrepreneurial endeavor, which involved converting his neglected farm into a rustic tourism destination in Sakaka, has finally been realized.

Sultan bin Mamdouh Al-Owaish, a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Al-Jouf, has praised the concept of repurposing old farms into thriving business models.

He added that such projects were pioneering commercial initiatives that promised a unique tourist experience within the Al-Jouf region.

The scheme represents a milestone for Sakaka and, with nature’s bounty, palm groves, and a countryside ambience, creates a distinctive and memorable tourism experience.

The story behind the project begins with the citizen’s retirement and a visit to his family’s farm.

The vivid memories of childhood spent at the location cultivating palm and olive trees, and tending to fruit alongside his late father, rekindled his vision.

He set out to create a business model that would seamlessly blend with the environmental characteristics of the Al-Jouf region, which is celebrated for its moderate climate.

His aim was to provide visitors to Sakaka with a memorable experience.

Over an expanse of 4,000 square meters, the farm underwent an extensive transformation, while carefully preserving its trees.

Serpentine pathways, adorned with local Jandal stones, were meticulously laid out. Wooden seating arrangements and open-air spaces were thoughtfully constructed, while an assortment of delectable baked goods, a diverse breakfast menu, and traditional Saudi coffee and tea were offered to visiting guests.

The countryside project, which was unveiled just a few days ago, immerses visitors in the stunning beauty of nature, and boasts rustic seating, wooden huts with large glass windows, and scores of mango, orange, and tangerine trees, palm groves and aromatic plants.

Al-Jouf region boasts a total of 6,716 agricultural holdings, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. These produce an array of foods, most notably dates, olives, fruit, and vegetables.


Riyadh forum to discuss AI impact on education, jobs

The conference aims to redefine work and human capacity building to meet future labor market demands. (SPA)
Updated 12 January 2026
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Riyadh forum to discuss AI impact on education, jobs

  • The exhibition will give young people direct access to educational, training, career, and technological opportunities while enabling them to learn from leading local and international experiences to shape their future careers

RIYADH: Experts from more than 50 international and local organizations in education, employment, and artificial intelligence will gather in Riyadh from Jan. 28-29 for the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building to explore the future of education during rapid AI advances.

Discussions will examine how AI is transforming work, its implications for current and future generations, and the new opportunities it creates, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the conference aims to redefine work and human capacity building to meet future labor market demands.

Participants will present practical solutions for empowering young people with AI skills, integrating AI into education, and aligning learning outcomes with the most in-demand future skills locally and globally.

By addressing AI’s evolving impact on the job market, the conference offers academics, AI and data professionals, policymakers, and students a platform to exchange insights and explore the latest innovations for societal benefit and national development.

An accompanying exhibition will highlight cutting-edge educational and digital transformation solutions from public and private sector organizations.

The exhibition will give young people direct access to educational, training, career, and technological opportunities while enabling them to learn from leading local and international experiences to shape their future careers.