Nader Al-Anzi Okaz/Saudi Gazette Snow has covered the highlands of Tabuk, in the northwest of the Kingdom, as the Middle East continues to be hit by the heaviest snowfall in decades. While for many, the rare occurrence has caused major disruption in countries that are ill prepared for extreme winter weather, others have found novel ways to enjoy the white stuff. Picnickers from various regions of the Kingdom are flocking to Tabuk these days to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of heavy snowfall blanketing several mountainous regions, especially Al-Lawz Mountain, in the province. They join residents of Tabuk in enjoying the exquisite beauty of snowfall. Visitors to the region have eagerly shared information and pictures of snowfall and their outing in the snow on social networking websites, something which has contributed in drawing more visitors to Al-Lawz Mountain, and several other mountainous regions, including Olgan and Al-Dahar bordering Jordan, 160 km northwest of Tabuk. Accompanied by his family, Muhammad Al-Dosary flew from Riyadh to Tabuk to enjoy the rare sight of snowfall. “We were eagerly waiting for these rare days to come every year. Immediately after reaching Tabuk, we rented a car and reached Al-Dahar region. My children and I were extremely delighted,” he said. Ali Al-Balawi, a resident of Al-Ula region, said he reached the area along with his friends to enjoy the rare scene. He suggested turning regions that receive snowfall into the Kingdom's winter tourist destinations by increasing investment to set up infrastructure facilities and utility services. Omar Al-Anzi, aged 12, and Muhammad Al-Anzi, 13, expressing their delight at having an opportunity to be in the region, said: “We were impatiently waiting to get this opportunity. Both of us joined hands in creating a model of iceman.” People, especially youths, have come out in large numbers to enjoy the beauty of Al-Lawz Mountain though the snowfall here is not as much as that in Olgan and Al-Dahar regions. Mubarak Al-Anzi said the snowfall in the regions of Tabuk draws huge number of tourists and picnickers every year. He urged the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to make these places into winter tourism destinations for people from all regions of the Kingdom by making available necessary services and facilities. Tabuk region is well known for its desert climate that is hot and dry in the summer and cool and rainy in winter. Temperatures here often drop below zero in the winter. Al-Lawz (almond in Arabic) Mountain is located 150 km northwest of Tabuk city, near the Jordanian border. It is situated at 2,580 meters above sea (Gulf of Aqba) level. It is considered one of the highest mountain ranges stretched from Sarwat Mountains in the west of Tabuk to Rum Valley in Jordan.
