Al-Eishan Palace jewel in Jouf’s cultural crown

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Located in the heart of Sakaka, Al-Eishan Palace dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. (SPA)
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Located in the heart of Sakaka, Al-Eishan Palace dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. (SPA)
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Located in the heart of Sakaka, Al-Eishan Palace dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. (SPA)
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Located in the heart of Sakaka, Al-Eishan Palace dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. (SPA)
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Located in the heart of Sakaka, Al-Eishan Palace dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. (SPA)
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Updated 04 January 2026
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Al-Eishan Palace jewel in Jouf’s cultural crown

  • Guests are greeted with coffee and freshly baked Maqshush, a thin flatbread with a distinctive flavor, at Al-Eishan Palace

RIYADH: Visitors to the Jouf region can explore a host of historical landmarks and unique architectural heritage, with mud brick palaces offering immersive cultural experiences that combine traditional cuisine and local hospitality.

The highlight is Al-Eishan Palace, where guests are greeted with coffee and freshly baked Maqshush, a thin flatbread with a distinctive flavor, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Located in the heart of Sakaka, the building dates back to 1852 and is surrounded by lush palm groves. Built from mud, stone, tamarisk wood and palm fronds, it has five-meter high walls and spans more than 1,000 sq. meters. To the east, it borders orchards of peaches, pomegranates and grapes.

Parts of the palace were redeveloped in 2017-18, though the original foundations were maintained and traditional building materials were used for the renovations to ensure the building retained its character, including the majlis, inner courtyard and living quarters.

Al-Eishan Palace is open to visitors daily.


Saudi foreign ministry welcomes second phase of Gaza peace plan, formation of transitional committee

Updated 16 January 2026
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Saudi foreign ministry welcomes second phase of Gaza peace plan, formation of transitional committee

  • Ministry also thanked US President Donald Trump for his leadership and efforts to end the war in Gaza

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday welcomed the announcement of the second phase of a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry said it also welcomed the formation of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip as a temporary transitional body, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which met in Cairo on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry also thanked US President Donald Trump, who declared the formation of the Gaza “board of peace,” for his leadership and efforts to end the war in Gaza.

It highlighted his commitment to the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the prevention of any annexation of parts of the West Bank, and efforts to advance sustainable peace in the region.

The ministry commended the role of mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye, stressing the importance of international and regional cooperation in supporting the peace process.

It underlined the need to support the work of the temporary Palestinian National Committee in managing the daily affairs of Gaza’s residents, while preserving the institutional and geographical link between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, ensuring Gaza’s unity and rejecting any attempts to divide it.

The statement also called for consolidating the ceasefire, halting violations, ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and accelerating early recovery and reconstruction efforts across Gaza.

It said these steps were essential to enabling the Palestinian National Authority to resume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, leading to an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution.