While the heat waves intensify in most areas of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, Asir in the south of Saudi Arabia hides a cold oasis with green and breathes uninterrupted clouds.
Tourism is no longer just a recreation between the mountains or a passing summer picnic, but rather turned into a destination that combines natural beauty and sporting challenge, and in this summer, more than eighty bikes from various regions of the Kingdom and the Gulf states met, to take a new experience in vibrant sports tourism, which is launched on the paths of a winding, and its fresh peaks rise.
Nine years ago, the Asir region turned into more than just a sports station for the “Tawaf Asir” team, but rather a second house embracing the athletes and giving them a unique experience that combines challenge and nature, as the team member Fayqa Halawani describes it.
She pointed out that the moderate atmosphere that is characterized by Asir throughout the year is an additional incentive to renew the circumambulation annually, adding that societal support and local relations that have evolved over the years played a pivotal role in facilitating the logistical aspects of the circumambulation, and added social and human value.
On the development of the circumambulation and its program, Halawani explained that the beginning was focused on exploring the terrain, farms and old towns, as well as the challenges of Jabal Al -Souda and the stalk of Ghazal, but the trips program became more diverse thanks to the improvement of infrastructure and roads, which allowed the team to explore new paths.
She said: “Every year we merging unprecedented paths, while maintaining some basic ways because of the symbolism it represents for the circumambulation.”
As for the director of Tawaf Asir, Muhammad bin Hussein, he explained in his interview with Asharq Al -Awsat that the circumambulation is more than a sporting activity, but rather an integrated tourist journey that starts from riding a bicycle in the high mountains of Asir and its stunning valleys, and is going through cultural experiences such as visiting museums and historical palaces, and the taste of popular foods that the region is famous for.
He added that the circumambulation, in its ninth edition, witnessed an increasing growth in the number of participants from inside and outside the Kingdom, which reflects the growing awareness of the importance of this type of tourism.
In his response to a question about the possibility of expanding the experiment to other regions in the Kingdom, Ibn Hussein stressed that the team had implemented a successful experience in Al -Ula during the past two years, and is currently targeting the eastern region as part of a future plan.
He also revealed a continuous coordination with the Ministry of Sports, while preparing for near cooperation with the Asir Region Development Authority to support sports tourism to be a always strategic path.
On the Gulf and international dimension, he pointed out that the circumambulation this year received posts from the countries of the Cooperation Council, stressing the endeavor to attract new nationalities in the coming years, “so that visitors see the beauty of our nature and get to know our history, within the goals that are in line with (the Kingdom’s Vision 2030), and supports the quality of life through a sophisticated sport such as cycling”, as he put it.
In every copy of the Asir Tawaf, new methods are explored that keep the element of surprise and enthusiasm among the participants.
Fayaka Halawani confirms that this annual change is part of the philosophy of circumambulation, as the sporting experience is integrated with the cultural and exploration side.
She believes that Aseer has all the ingredients to become an international destination for sports tourism, from a geographical diversity and a moderate climate, to a continuous development in infrastructure.
She notes that the road towards globalization needs greater support in promoting, organizing events and attracting international participants, adding: “We aspire to be competitors of global rolls such as the Tawaf of France or Spain.”
As for the challenges, it describes it as natural in such events, but it confirms that the team has experience and equipment, ensuring the success of each copy, including the provision of “integrated support cars, to the motivation teams accompanying the bikes, and providing nutrition and maintenance throughout the path.”
She concludes her speech by saying: “Our message goes beyond sport. We are trying to show the Kingdom and the world the beauty of our country, and we encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, in which we link tourism to sports, culture and identity. ”
What Aseer witnessed this summer cannot be reduced to a mere sporting event, but rather a scene that beats with a broader dream: that the mountains, corridors and charming nature turn into a permanent theater of the spirit of adventure and activity.
The experience of the cyclists was not only a physical journey, but also a meeting with nature, with the self, and with a society that opens its arms to the guests.
While the attention of tourists usually turns towards the major cities or traditional destinations, Asir waved its own knowledge, saying that the south is not only cold weather, but warm opportunities.
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