��������

RIYADH: In the mountains of Baha, centuries-old stone villages are drawing visitors with their striking architecture and cultural significance.

Built from local rock, these traditional homes reflect the region’s architectural heritage and showcase how residents adapted to the rugged terrain and shifting climate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Thick stone walls offer insulation, small windows regulate indoor temperature, and their roofs are crafted from native juniper and sidr wood.

Villages such as Thee Ain and Al-Mousa still preserve these buildings, now popular tourist landmarks that offer a glimpse into traditional Saudi lifestyle.

Mohammed Al-Zahrani, a heritage village supervisor in Baha, told SPA that these stone houses are more than just homes — they represent a “spatial and cultural memory” of the local community.

Their design tells the story of past social and economic life and highlights the creativity involved in using natural materials to suit the region’s terrain and climate, he added.

Al-Zahrani emphasized the importance of preserving these buildings, noting that restoration efforts not only protect local identity but also encourage contemporary architects to draw inspiration from traditional styles.

LONDON: Two men have been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a student in the English city of Cambridge on Friday night.

Police were called to the Mill Park area of the city at 11:27 p.m. on Aug. 1 following reports of violence.

A 20-year-old man was found with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday.

Though authorities in the UK have not yet officially identified the victim, reports in Saudi media from Al-Ekhbariya and Al-Arabiya on Sunday said the victim was a Saudi national named Mohammed Al-Qasim. 

A 21-year-old man from Cambridge has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 50-year-old man, also from Cambridge, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, a Cambridgeshire Police statement said. Both remain in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station, the statement added.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and assistance following our appeal,” said Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. 

“The investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us.”

Arab News has contacted the constabulary for further information.

EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, where the victim was studying, confirmed his death in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened at the death of one of our adult students,” the language school said. “We are working closely with the local police, who are investigating the incident and have confirmed they made arrests.

“At this time, we understand the attack was carried out by a member of the public in an isolated incident.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organized counselling sessions.

“Our thoughts are with the student’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time and we have offered our full support. We will not be commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.”

Cambridgeshire Police have asked anyone with information to contact them via the web chat service at or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Brackley.