Qassim winter season: Heritage, desert adventures drive regional tourism surge

Qassim Winter Season: Heritage and desert adventures drive regional tourism surge. (SPA)
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Updated 23 January 2026
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Qassim winter season: Heritage, desert adventures drive regional tourism surge

  • Ministry of Tourism, regional authorities upgrading infrastructure

RIYADH: The Qassim Region is experiencing a significant winter tourism surge, offering a diverse array of heritage and recreational activities that align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals.

The Qassim winter season features interactive programs in traditional markets and heritage villages, alongside desert adventures in the Nafud area, including off-road cycling, horseback riding, and fully equipped family camps, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Rural tourism has become a focal point of the region’s appeal, with local farms offering visitors hands-on experiences in harvesting and traditional bread making, all featuring traditional hospitality.

To support this growth, the Ministry of Tourism and regional authorities are actively upgrading infrastructure and service quality to meet the rising demand from domestic and international travelers.

The seasonal activity underscores Qassim’s role in diversifying the national economy and solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a year-round sustainable tourist destination.


Saudi Arabia now has over 1,900 care centers for 60,000 children

There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia now has over 1,900 care centers for 60,000 children

  • Nationwide care for children from birth to age 10
  • 24-hour support for pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah

RIYADH: There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children, the Ministry of Human Resources said on Monday.

The ministry supervises the centers across 13 regions to ensure high quality services. They provide safe havens for children when their parents are not present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Childcare centers in the Kingdom offer a range of programs aimed at improving children’s cognitive and social skills, so they can speak clearly and express feelings.

The growth of services in 2025 reflects increased demand for early childhood development support, the SPA said.

The ministry’s services include independent centers that run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for children from birth to the age of 10.

There are also workplace centers that serve the children of employees during office hours, and mobile ones for those between 1 and 10.

Home centers care for children from birth to the age of 6; and there is also 24-hour provision for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

The ministry has improved its online application process for those seeking licenses to operate. And is supporting providers financially through the Human Resources Development Fund.

It also provides consultations and guidance through specialized training workshops.

The ministry is updating legislation and raising the level of oversight to ensure a safe environment for the development of children.