EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES Horse racing is part of the reg- ion’s culture and few nations indulge the animals and the sport like Saudis. The season runs from late September until April and the King Abdulaziz Track, near the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, is a fine place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the races. Facilities are among the best
in the world with a grandstand that attracts some 5,000 race- goers every Friday afternoon. Arabian horses, long cherished
by the Bedouin, are recognised across the globe and Saudi Arabia has a thriving industry that supports the continued breeding of these highly prized animals. In Riyadh, visitors can ride at the
Nadee Alaghar Riding Academy. Women are welcome on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, while men’s sessions take place on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Contact: +966 1 4880954. Saturday to Wednesday at the
International Equestrian Stables is for women only after 5pm and again on Thursday 9 to 11am and 5 to 10pm. Contact +966 1 4774941.
Scuba diving Saudi Arabia’s coral reefs are teeming with marine life. Legendary sea explorer Jacques Cousteau described the Red Sea reefs as “second only to The Great Barrier Reef in extent”, but “perhaps exceeding it in splendour”. Just off Saudi’s Red Sea coast,
divers of all skill levels can access almost 2,000 kilometres of coral reef, with more than 450 species of fish along with turtles, whales, dolphins and even the dugong. Visibility often stretches
to 40 metres, which has earned the Red Sea a fine reputation among divers. The Arabian Gulf in the west also boasts some fine coral reefs – the coral atolls 32 kilometres from Jubail are among the best.
The Farasan Bank The Farasan Bank is a coral shore 100 kilometres wide that stretches 800 kilometres along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The Farasan Kebir and Segid archipelago includes two large islands, Farasan and Qummah. The Farasan Islands are largely
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10 & 11 Marine environment in the Red Sea
Scuba diving instruction and
facilities are available at all the major dive sites in the country, but visitors must make book- ings in advance with members of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
Snorkelling Saudi’s two most popular resorts are Obhur Creek in the Red Sea off the coast of Makkah Province and Al Khobar in the Eastern Province on the Arabian Gulf. Top sites include Al Bilad Beach, Al Nakheel, Blue Beach, The Pinnacles, Obhur Creek, Andulus Marina, Broken Dock and the Rabigh District.
low flat-topped lumps of coral that stand barely a few metres above the water. Here, there are white powder beaches, but the true beauty of the Farasan Islands is underwater where an abundance of colourful coral reefs, flying rays, dolphins, dugong, sea turtles and whale sharks can be found.
Eastern Province Although the Eastern Province is industrialised, aquatic life thrives. Just 32 kilometres from Jubail lie five coral atolls: Harqus, Karan, Kurayn, Jana and Jurayd. These tiny islands were formed when sand built up on a coral reef. The fish are colourful and varied
and the islands are a protected breeding ground for turtles, so ensure you have permission to visit during the breeding season.
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