Hiking trail opens in historic Thahlan Mount outside Riyadh

Hikers on the Thahlan Mount trail can enjoy stunning mountain and desert views. (SPA)
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Updated 22 April 2024
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Hiking trail opens in historic Thahlan Mount outside Riyadh

  • Stretching over 1,200 meters, the trail is one of the longest in the area, and is expected to become a popular destination for outdoor activities
  • Opening ceremony was attended by various government representatives and regional hiking enthusiasts

RIYADH: The municipality of Dawadmi, Riyadh province, in collaboration with the Saudi Hiking Trails Association (Darb), has inaugurated the historic Thahlan Mount hiking trail.

Stretching over 1,200 meters, the trail is one of the longest in the area, and is expected to become a popular destination for outdoor activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The opening ceremony was attended by various government representatives and regional hiking enthusiasts.

During the event, the area’s history was highlighted, and the new trail, as well as development efforts, were introduced.

Mount Thahlan, located in the town of Al-Shuaraa in Dawadmi province, is a historic landmark in the upper Najd.

The area features elevated flatlands, valleys and mountain passes, making it a popular hiking destination.

Hikers on the trail can enjoy stunning mountain and desert views. The trail was created by the municipality using modern design principles to offer a scenic and enjoyable experience.

The trail aligns with the Riyadh Municipality’s strategy to make the city more attractive and competitive.

The initiative also enhances quality of life and supports the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.