Al-Hadhan village: discover the natural and cultural jewel of Najran

Al-Hadhan village, southwest of Najran city, provides a captivating blend of nature and history. (SPA)
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Updated 24 April 2025
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Al-Hadhan village: discover the natural and cultural jewel of Najran

  • Verdant agricultural fields, flourishing palm farms, and ancient mud houses together form a timeless landscape
  • Residents primarily rely on farming and livestock breeding, while actively participating in community events that strengthen their social bonds

RIYADH: Al-Hadhan village, southwest of Najran city in southern Saudi Arabia, provides a captivating blend of nature and history. 

Verdant agricultural fields, flourishing palm farms, and ancient mud houses together form a timeless landscape, making it a popular destination for visitors from within the Kingdom and beyond.

Abdullah Adlan, a resident with a passion for agriculture and rural tourism, speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, described daily life in the village as simple and deeply rooted in social cohesion. 

Residents primarily rely on farming and livestock breeding, while actively participating in community events that strengthen their social bonds. 

They also take great pride in preserving their cultural identity by restoring historic mud buildings — some of which date back centuries — to safeguard the village’s architectural heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Adlan also noted that the village is a vital agricultural hub, supplying local markets with a variety of crops, including grapes, strawberries, dates, figs, lemons and oranges.

This abundance is made possible by the village’s fertile soil, freshwater resources, and a longstanding agricultural tradition.

Ibrahim Al-Mansour, the head of the Tourism Cooperative Society in Najran said that the history of Al-Hadhan village stretches back centuries, as reflected in its ancient landmarks and traditional mud-brick architecture.

He said that the village was once a key stop on the route for trade caravans traveling from Yemen, adding that Al-Hadhan is one of Najran’s premier tourist destinations, thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of mountains, verdant oases, and scenic valleys. 

He also highlighted the genuine hospitality of the local community, which greatly enhances the overall visitor experience.


Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

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Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses

  • Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs

RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.

More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities.

The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.

Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.

Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.

He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.

Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.

A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.

Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”

This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.