Earth Day in AlUla to connect nature, community at Arch Rock

The Earth Day experience in AlUla is designed to deepen connections with nature and will be held at Arch Rock on Tuesday. (Supplied)
The Earth Day experience in AlUla is designed to deepen connections with nature and will be held at Arch Rock on Tuesday. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 April 2025

Earth Day in AlUla to connect nature, community at Arch Rock

Earth Day in AlUla to connect nature, community at Arch Rock
  • Bilal Fahad: “Arch Rock was chosen because it’s a significant landmark in AlUla, and its setting perfectly aligns with the Earth Day theme and the nature of the experience”

JEDDAH: In the heart of AlUla, a Saudi community platform, Motnfs, is hosting an Earth Day event on April 22 at the iconic Rainbow Rock, also known as Arch Rock.

The 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the vital role of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in creating a cleaner, greener future.

The experience in AlUla is designed to deepen connections with nature, foster social bonds, and promote environmental awareness in a fun and engaging setting.

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The 2025 Earth Day theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ highlights the vital role of renewable energy sources in creating a cleaner, greener future.

Bilal Fahad, founder and experience designer at Motnfs, said: “We decided to align the initiative with the Earth Day 2025 theme through an experience that practically incentivizes teamwork despite the diversity of the participants in a way that raises environmental awareness, creating an environment that encourages the adoption of sustainable eco-friendly habits that reflect our common strength to protect the planet and reflect on this year’s Earth Day theme.”

Rainbow Rock earns its name from its distinctive shape. It resembles an arch or rainbow flanked by two cloud-like formations. The site’s surreal beauty, paired with AlUla’s minimal light pollution, makes it a prime destination for camping and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.

“Arch Rock was chosen because it’s a significant landmark in AlUla, and its setting perfectly aligns with the Earth Day theme and the nature of the experience,” Fahad added.

Earth Day, marked globally on April 22 since 1970, unites more than 1 billion people across 193 countries to advance environmental protection. Initiatives like tree planting and sustainability workshops highlight collective efforts to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and reduce waste.

The core of the Earth Day event in AlUla is a community clean-up designed to raise awareness about environmental care and promote a shared sense of responsibility for preserving natural spaces.

“Success is measured by the area cleaned and the level of participant engagement during the activity,” said Salman Al-Kanani, co-founder and social media manager at Motnfs.

Motnfs encourages environmental consciousness not only during Earth Day, but also throughout its activities.

“We design experiences in an innovative way that instills a sense of environmental responsibility in participants. This is what characterizes our experiences — redefining people’s connection with nature and bringing themselves away from the pressures of modern life,” said Batool Al-Humaidi, co-founder and public relations lead.

The Earth Day event includes a treasure hunt, blending fun with environmental education.

“The experience is centered around a treasure hunt, where the real treasure is the earth we live on and the participants themselves — highlighting that with the right practices, they are true treasures of our treasure earth,” added Al-Humaidi.

Another key moment of the day will be stargazing, which Fahad believes is a powerful way to connect with the environment.

“The astronomy guide leads participants through a journey of the night sky, sharing stories and facts that spark awe and awareness. By looking up, we’re reminded of our place in the universe and the importance of protecting our planet, tying back to Earth Day’s message of care and responsibility,” Fahad said.

Motnfs operates in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, with plans to expand to more destinations within and beyond the Kingdom.


‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
Updated 23 October 2025

‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World

 ‘Amazonia Awakens’ brings rainforest magic to Boulevard World
  • Latest attraction delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike

RIYADH: Riyadh’s Boulevard World has opened a new aquatic attraction, “Amazonia Awakens,” as part of Riyadh Season 2025, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of adventure, imagination, and stunning visual effects.

The experience draws guests into an imaginative story inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient-like ruins and a dark tunnel filled with dramatic sound, light, and interactive effects.

It builds up to a heart-pounding moment where the boat plunges 20 meters down in a breathtaking splash, crowned by a massive wave that stands out as one of Boulevard World’s most thrilling moments.
 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026. (SPA)

Lasting about ten minutes, Amazonia Awakens delivers a captivating fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.

With its high-quality design and immersive experience, Amazonia adds a distinctive touch to Riyadh Season’s lineup of attractions. 

Amazonia is just one of the latest offering of Boulevard World, one of the venues for Riyadh Season, which opened on October 10 and will run until May 2, 2026.

Several other festivals are held elsewhere in the Kingdom the whole year round in a bid to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030. 

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Apart from the Boulevard World, Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, major event spaces such as Kingdom Arena and ANB Arena, and other notable areas like Dunes of Arabia for desert experiences and Riyadh Zoo for family-friendly activities. 
 


Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat
Updated 23 October 2025

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

Saudi leaders send messages of condolence to Kuwaiti emir after death of former diplomat

RIYADH: ’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Wednesday following the death of Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 75.

He was a diplomat who served in several high-ranking positions, including acting undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and director of the ministry’s European Department, The Times Kuwait reported.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince offered their prayers that God would forgive the deceased and have mercy on him, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

 condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
Updated 22 October 2025

condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land

 condemns Israeli draft laws for annexation of Palestinian land
  • Kingdom says it firmly rejects all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank
  • Foreign Ministry reminds international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachment

RIYADH: ’s Foreign Ministry condemned the preliminary approval by the Israeli parliament on Wednesday of two draft laws, one of which seeks to legitimize an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, and another attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory.

The Kingdom said it firmly rejected all settlement and expansionist activity by Israeli occupation authorities in the West Bank, and reaffirmed its support for the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions.

The ministry reminded the international community of its responsibility to implement UN resolutions and halt Israeli encroachments on Palestinian territory, and called for a peace process that results in a two-state solution to achieve security and stability in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier, Israeli lawmakers voted in the Knesset to advance two bills related to annexation of the West Bank, a goal promoted by far-right ministers. The drafts will have to go through three additional votes in the parliament to become law.

The first bill, which passed by 32 votes to 9, proposes annexation of a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem. The second, which proposes annexation of the entire West Bank, narrowly passed by 25 votes to 24.


Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to
Updated 22 October 2025

Eastern Province governor receives Belgian envoy to

Eastern Province governor receives  Belgian envoy to

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received the Belgian Ambassador to the Kingdom Pascal Gregoire in Dammam on Wednesday.

He also received UAE’s ambassador to , Matar Salem Al-Dhaheri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest.


Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of . (Screenshot)
Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of . (Screenshot)
Updated 22 October 2025

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan appointed Grand Mufti of

Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed the new Grand Mufti of . (Screenshot)
  • Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars.

The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The religious scholar will also undertake the role of president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, SPA said.

Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23.