Spanning more than two million square kilometres, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and one with a diverse landscape. From vast seas to mountain peaks and desert plains, the experiences the country has to offer are as diverse as its topography.
As the kingdom prepares to mark its 94th National Day on Monday, The National rounds up five unique and off-the-beaten path experiences to consider, including twitching at an age-old lake, hiking an ancient volcano or singing karaoke in a tiny home in Al Taif.
Tackle the country’s tallest volcano in Madinah
Outdoor enthusiasts can pack their hiking shoes and explore a path less travelled at Saudi Arabia’s tallest volcano. Jebel Abyad – which means White Mountain – is named for its milky-like coating formed from comendite after the volcano's last known eruption in 700.
Towering 2,093 metres above the Harrat Khaybar lava field north of Madinah, the hike is mostly moderate, but the last part does involve a bit of a scramble. Make it up there and you’ll be rewarded with an impressive Mars-like view over neighbouring Jebel Qidr with its black slopes. Even better, you’re likely to have the vistas largely to yourself.
Hike under a starlit sky in AlUla
AlUla is arguably one of Saudi Arabia's best travel destinations, now known worldwide for its ancient formations, Unesco sites and luxury desert resorts. But for something a little different, try exploring the city by starlight. Led by Husaak Adventures, night hiking takes place in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. The specialist travel operators lead visitors on a trek across ancient sands under the cover of darkness.
Winding through the mountains of the Hidden Valley, travellers will be reminded to look upwards at AlUla's dazzling night sky, which is truly something special. As one of the best destinations in the world for stargazing with panoramic scenery, AlUla promises a deeper connection to the landscape as you trek through darkness and stillness.
Go cave diving in Jeddah
Jeddah has long been a scuba diver's haven, but did you know that it’s also the best place in the kingdom to go cave diving? The Red Sea coast here is full of underwater caverns that date back thousands of years and Durat Al Arous, a lagoon side development 45 minutes outside of Jeddah, is one of the most accessible places to explore these grottos.
From here, a 30-minute boat ride will bring you to a thriving spot in the sea that is home to deep caves, colourful coral reefs and marine life including groupers and angel fish. You’re also likely to spot sharks and manta rays in these warm coastal waters. Technical skills are needed for cave diving, but Jeddah has plenty of experienced outfitters who can arrange your guided trip into the deep blue.
Sing karaoke in a tiny home in Al Taif
Al Taif in the Makkah Province is known as the City of Roses and is a popular summer retreat thanks to its cooler climes. As an established holiday spot, it’s home to several hotels and guesthouses, many of which reflect the city’s ancient charm. But if you’re looking for a unique place to bed down, this tiny home listed on Airbnb might be for you. The quaint cottage overlooks the surrounding farms and is ideal for those wanting to explore the region’s hiking trails.
Sleeping up to four guests, the ochre and turquoise abode has a private terrace that’s perfect for barbecues or watching a film on the outdoor projector. But the best part is perhaps that the tiny home comes with a soundproofed music room that functions as a karaoke hub, ideal for visitors looking to belt out some tunes after a day of discovery.
Try birdwatching at Al Asfar Lake
Birding, pishing and twitching are all on the cards with a visit to Al Asfar Lake in Al Ahsa. Surrounded by sand dunes, the lake – which dates back hundreds of years and is fed by numerous springs and seasonal rain – is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of the largest natural bodies of water in the Gulf.
It’s quite remote, so involves a bit of effort to get there but as it is an important site on the route of migratory birds, those who do make the journey will be rewarded with sightings of elegant pink flamingos, grey-headed Swamphen waterbirds, tiny bluethroats, reed warblers and more.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
The Saudi Cup race card
1 The Jockey Club Local Handicap (TB) 1,800m (Dirt) $500,000
2 The Riyadh Dirt Sprint (TB) 1,200m (D) $1.500,000
3 The 1351 Turf Sprint 1,351m (Turf) $1,000,000
4 The Saudi Derby (TB) 1600m (D) $800,000
5 The Neom Turf Cup (TB) 2,100m (T) $1,000,000
6 The Obaiya Arabian Classic (PB) 2,000m (D) $1,900,000
7 The Red Sea Turf Handicap (TB) 3,000m (T) $2,500,000
8 The Saudi Cup (TB) 1,800m (D) $20,000,000
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Honeymoonish
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
