First phase of historic Sheikh’s Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

With the completion of the renovation efforts, the company is transforming the fortress to be one of the monuments in the region. (Supplied)
With the completion of the renovation efforts, the company is transforming the fortress to be one of the monuments in the region. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 June 2025

First phase of historic Sheikh’s Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

First phase of historic Sheikh’s Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa
  • Sheikh’s Fortress is one of three heritage sites receiving emergency repairs through a collaboration between Soudah Development and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa, under a deal signed last year

RIYADH: The first phase of renovating the historic Sheikh’s Fortress site in Rijal Almaa was recently completed by Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund company.

It is one of the heritage sites in Jareen, one of six development zones within the Soudah Peaks project, according to a report.

Sheikh’s Fortress is one of three heritage sites receiving emergency repairs through a collaboration between Soudah Development and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa, under a deal signed last year.




The emergency restorations process of the Fortress is a partnership between the investment fund company and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa. (Supplied)

The collaboration includes emergency repairs of Sheikh’s Fortress, Bee House and Hamidiyah Fortress, the report said.

It is part of broader efforts by Soudah Development to preserve and protect architectural and cultural heritage within the Soudah Peaks project area, which includes about 300 historical and cultural sites.

The goal is to provide exceptional experiences for tourists and residents, create job opportunities, and boost the regional and national economy.

With the first phase of repairs complete, Sheikh’s Fortress will symbolize the region’s rich architectural, cultural and historical identity, and help promote local heritage.

Soudah Peaks will be a luxury mountain destination inspired by local architectural identity. The project includes six distinctive zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock.

It will offer luxury tourism, hospitality and residential experiences, and is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while generating long-term economic impact for the region and 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 is fusion of fantasy, excitement, and visual spectacle suitable for families and adventure seekers

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

The storytelling is inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient 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, crowned by a massive wave.

Lasting about 10 minutes, “Amazonia Awakens” delivers a captivating fusion suitable for families and adventure seekers.

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)

Amazonia is one of the latest offerings of Boulevard World, a venue for Riyadh Season, which opened on Oct. 10 and runs until May 2, 2026.

There are other festivals held elsewhere in the Kingdom throughout the year to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030.

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, ’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season has already attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, the Kingdom and ANB arenas, Dunes of Arabia, and Riyadh Zoo.


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.