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ALKHOBAR: Jazan Municipality has completed 145 walkways and sports paths across the region, part of an effort to encourage physical activity and improve public health.

The project is designed to create a safe, healthy environment while offering spaces that promote both exercise and social interaction, the municipality said. 

Each walkway is equipped with lighting, seating, parking, and landscaped green areas, with wide lanes to accommodate walkers and joggers. 

Decorative features and shaded spots were added to enhance the experience and make the spaces more attractive for residents of all ages.

Officials said the initiative supports Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life and creating sustainable urban spaces.

By providing safe, well-maintained routes, the walkways are expected to encourage daily physical activity, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reducing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Residents welcomed the move as a major step toward improving community health and lifestyle.

“I am absolutely thrilled to hear about the development of 145 new modern walkways and sports paths in Jazan,” said Meshal Al-Makhlafi. “This is a fantastic and much-needed initiative that represents a significant step forward for our community.”

He noted that by removing barriers such as safety and accessibility, the city has made walking a more appealing choice. “I believe they (walkways) will be a powerful incentive for many to start walking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.”

The municipality said it will continue to invest in recreational projects to meet growing demand, including shaded areas, bicycle lanes, and spaces for outdoor group activities.

Officials added that these projects position Jazan as a model city for public health initiatives, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to building vibrant, active communities under its national transformation plan.

LONDON: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism has launched its Saudi Winter 2025 program with a packed schedule of events running to the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the tourism minister and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launched the program on Sunday in Riyadh, with 120 partners from the private sector.

Al-Khateeb said the ministry is focusing on increasing visitor numbers to align with Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 150 million tourists.

The program’s theme is “Winter Live,” highlighting major entertainment events including the Riyadh, Diriyah, AlUla and Khobar seasons, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The events will include concerts, plays, poetry, family activities, and beach activities during the Khobar Season.

Highlights will feature various AlUla festivals, the World Rally Championship, and powerboat races in Jeddah.

Additionally, there will be a special collaboration with MrBeast and the WWE Royal Rumble event as a part of the Riyadh Season, according to the SPA.

Saudi Winter 2025 will feature the launch of over 1,200 tourism products, and more than 600 special offers in several major destinations, the ministry said.

Riyadh, Diriyah, Jeddah, AlUla, Al-Qassim, Hail and Madinah will showcase the rich natural and cultural diversity found in ��������, it added.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said the aim is to “strengthen partnerships with the private sector,” which would “contribute to stimulating spending and attracting more tourists from around the world.”