Seasonal rains transform Saudi Arabia’s Rafha and Hanakiyah governorates into verdant pastures

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A view of the grazing grounds of Zubala. (SPA)
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Scenes of camel herds grazing provide a picturesque natural spectacle. (SPA)
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Scenes of camel herds grazing provide a picturesque natural spectacle. (SPA)
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A view of the grazing grounds of Zubala. (SPA)
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Updated 08 February 2025
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Seasonal rains transform Saudi Arabia’s Rafha and Hanakiyah governorates into verdant pastures

  • Scenes of camel herds grazing provide a picturesque natural spectacle, showcasing the region's serene beauty

RIYADH: Seasonal rains have turned some of Saudi Arabia’s otherwise dry lands into lush green expanses, providing breeders with forage for their livestock and attracting tourists seeking a scenic escape.

Among these places is Al-Hanakiyah governorate in the western region of Madinah, where the mountains and plains have blossomed into vibrant green scenery, the Saudi Press Agency reported.




Scenes of camel herds grazing provide a picturesque natural spectacle. (SPA)

“These rejuvenated landscapes provide perfect spots for visitors to unwind and engage in a variety of outdoor activities and hobbies,” the SPA said in one report.

Scenes of camel herds grazing provide a picturesque natural spectacle in a show of the region’s serene beauty.

Another such site is Zubala, south of Rafha governorate in the Northern Borders region, which is currently teeming with sheep grazing against the backdrop of the town’s historical landmarks.




A view of the grazing grounds of Zubala. (SPA)

Zubala, an important stop on the ancient Zubaydah Trail, has features of historical significance and natural beauty. 

Aside from providing grazing grounds for sheep farmers, the flourishing pastures also attract families and hikers seeking to enjoy the rural scenery. 

The village itself, with its preserved monuments, offers a glimpse into its past as a vital station on the Zubaydah pilgrimage trail. 


Saudi Arabia says recent STC military movements in Hadramout, Al-Mahra were unilateral, uncoordinated

Updated 25 min 54 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia says recent STC military movements in Hadramout, Al-Mahra were unilateral, uncoordinated

  • Saudi Arabia said the moves harmed the interests of the Yemeni people, as well as the southern cause and the coalition’s efforts.
  • The Kingdom said it coordinated with the United Arab Emirates, the president of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Yemeni government to contain the situation.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that recent military movements in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahra carried out by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were conducted unilaterally and without coordination with the Presidential Leadership Council or the coalition leadership.

“These movements resulted in an unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of all segments of Yemeni people, as well as the Southern cause and the coalition’s efforts,” read a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.

The statement said Saudi Arabia has always prioritized preserving the unity of Yemen throughout recent developments, and that the Kingdom has spared no effort to reach peaceful solutions to resolve the situation in both governorates.

In this context, “the Kingdom worked with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, the president of the Presidential Leadership Council and the brotherly Yemeni government to contain the situation.

“A joint military team was sent from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to put the necessary arrangements in place with the Southern Transitional Council in Aden. These arrangements were made to ensure the return of the Southern Transitional Council forces to their previous positions outside the two governorates and hand over the camps in those areas to the Nation Shield Forces and the local authorities, in accordance with organized procedures under the supervision of the coalition forces.”

The statement said that “these efforts remain in progress to restore the situation to its previous state.”

Saudi Arabia also said it “hopes public interest will prevail through ending the escalation by the Southern Transitional Council and the withdrawal of its forces from the two governorates in an urgent and orderly manner.”

It added: “The kingdom stresses the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni factions and components to exercise restraint and avoid any measures that could destabilize security and stability, which may result in undesirable consequences.”