Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace

Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
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Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 August 2024
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Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace

Unearthing the story behind Asir’s Al-Meger Palace
  • From Al-Namas to Nablus, Mohammed Al-Meger’s journey led him to create a museum of rare artifacts

RIYADH: One man’s labor of love and passion, Al-Meger Palace nestled in Asir’s Al-Namas governorate, tells the story of history, tradition, and the beauty that is born out of resilience and hardship.

The museum is home to some of the oldest manuscripts from Islamic history, including 60 volumes from the era of the Prophet Muhammad, and thousands of handwritten manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an.




Al-Meger Palace’s interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations. (Supplied)

Speaking about how he acquired the manuscripts for the museum, Mohammed Al-Meger told Arab News: “People from all around the country, especially the south, sold me historical manuscripts of great significance.”

The palace is a convergence of world cultures, meticulously curated by Al-Meger. Its interiors bear thousands of Islamic motifs and its walls are saturated with architectural details of Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations.

My interest sparked when I was in Jerusalem marveling at the amalgamation of different styles of architecture from different periods of time.

Mohammed Al-Meger, Museum founder

“The construction of Al-Meger Palace was no small feat, taking a staggering 35 years to complete and costing SR80 million ($21.3 million) to build,” he said.

With over 2 million stones sourced from the surrounding Asir region, the palace stands as a beacon of local architectural heritage. Al-Meger transformed a barren land populated by wildlife into an exquisite palace perched 2,400 meters above sea level.




This palace also bears thousands of Islamic decorations and contains more than a thousand hand-written manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an. (Supplied)

“My journey to creating the palace was fueled by a powerful discovery — a supplication manuscript penned by my father before his untimely passing,” he said.

This poignant relic became the guiding force behind his quest to immortalize his family's legacy through the palace, starting with collecting manuscripts.




The palace stands as a beacon of architectural wonder with over 2 million natural stones sourced from the surrounding region. (Supplied)

Orphaned at a young age, he faced challenges in his education, but Al-Meger persevered, spurred on by the memory of his late parents who were esteemed intellectuals. The palace is now part of the heritage village he built where tourists can stay.

“One of the most striking features of Al-Meger Palace is its astronomical design, which allows the sun to trace a complete circle around the palace through its myriad windows,” he explained. “Sunlight streams into the palace from over 360 windows, facilitating the observation of the sun’s path within the structure.”

The seven domes that crown it symbolize the continents of the world, a reminder of global unity and interconnectedness. Inside, more than 365 columns stand tall, representing the days in a year and fostering a sense of timelessness.

The walls of Al-Meger Palace are also steeped in the rich history of the Umayyad and Abbasid civilizations, creating a visual tapestry that weaves together centuries of cultural legacy.

As visitors roam its hallowed halls, they are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery, with each artifact being a testament to the enduring spirit of human creativity and ingenuity.

“Tourists can see a collection of ancient Islamic texts covering a range of subjects such as medicine, mathematics, and astronomy,” he noted.

Al-Meger said that scholars and historians have marveled at the architectural ingenuity of the palace, along with its rare manuscripts.

The museum’s collection includes the oldest manuscript penned by Jamal Al-Din Ibn Tumert Al-Andalusi from 720 AD, indicating that Arabs took up chemistry and physics. “The minister of culture sent a Chinese and French delegation with equipment to document and prove its authenticity,” said Al-Meger.

The cultural marvel’s success is born out the difficulties Al-Meger faced to achieve academic success.  

“I grew up without parents and attended school for three years before being expelled. I chose to care for village animals and relied on their milk for sustenance,” Al-Meger added, noting that he cared for the villagers’ sheep in Al-Namas until visiting his uncle in Tabuk at age 14.

His parents’ friends influenced him greatly as a child and he was told they were scholarly and intellectual.

Al-Meger said: “I told my uncle that I am willing to attend any school that accepts me and so I left for Nablus, Palestine. I didn’t spend a single penny (on) it as all the people of Nablus honored me and hosted me better than any of their children.”

When Al-Meger failed yet again, he moved to Jerusalem and a family took him in and enrolled him in Terra Sancta College. He wanted to become a doctor but failed once more.

“My interest sparked when I was in Jerusalem marveling at the amalgamation of different styles of architecture resembling different periods do time,” he recalled.

Back in Saudi Arabia, he joined the military and gained an interest in learning English and French: “I ranked ninth among 202 students in an officers’ course selection process and King Faisal awarded me my first certificate as a lieutenant after completing my training.”

He was then sent to the US. “After that, during my travels to Europe, I happened to pass by Spain and Andalusia and (learned about) the Islamic civilization there.

“Then I took a vacation and took a tour from the US to the Philippines and Indonesia, looking for a homeland to live in … I did not mean to return to Saudi Arabia.”

But fate brought Al-Meger back home and he decided to visit his hometown of Al-Namas once more.

Al-Meger visited the site his palace is now perched upon, describing it as one of the most beautiful sites he had seen in the world.

“I took a trip to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines and found 20 talented builders to bring my vision to life,” he added.

Upon its final opening in 2009, Al-Meger Palace captured the attention of visitors with its unique blend of world cultures, rare manuscripts, and breathtaking Andalusian architecture.

Today, Al-Meger Palace serves as a tangible reminder not just of its historical significance, but also of resilience amid challenges and hardships.

 


How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership
Updated 05 April 2025
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How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership
  • ESG integration is transforming industries as Saudi firms leverage AI, blockchain, and biotech to drive impact
  • Private companies like SAWACO and WAYAKIT are proving that profitability and sustainability can thrive together

JEDDAH: Saudi companies across multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into their corporate strategies, driving sustainable growth while balancing environmental stewardship, community impact, and corporate responsibility.

This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap — a transformative economic diversification plan — and its ambitious 2060 net zero emissions target, reinforcing the nation’s position as a sustainability leader.

SAWACO Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embedding sustainability into its core operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility,” CEO Nizar Kammourie told Arab News, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental and social progress.

He added: “At SAWACO, we integrate ESG into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing resource efficiency to ensuring transparent governance and community engagement.”

Underpinning this commitment, SAWACO has implemented advanced operations intelligence software to enhance energy efficiency in desalination plants.

“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce power and chemical consumption while extending the life cycle of our assets,” said Kammourie.

Nizar Kammourie, chief executive officer of SAWACO. (Supplied)

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium Platform, which supports data-driven reduction targets.

“Accurate carbon accounting allows us to set tangible, data-driven targets for reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring our growth remains responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resource optimization, SAWACO has partnered with a US-based firm to pioneer brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” said Kammourie.

“Our innovative brine minimization system enhances freshwater recovery from seawater while significantly reducing brine discharge, preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify SAWACO’s ESG leadership. A dedicated committee oversees alignment with international sustainability standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the foundation of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “By integrating real-time data analytics, third-party audits, and stakeholder engagement into our decision-making process, we ensure accountability at every level.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not just discussed. That’s why we also integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews, making it a part of our company culture rather than just a corporate initiative.

“We are not just providing water — we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to drive meaningful change that aligns economic success with long-term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect broader national momentum, as Saudi businesses bridge profitability and planetary stewardship to set new benchmarks for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

SAWACO is not just providing water, but also afeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia, according to its CEO. (Supplied)

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of WAYAKIT, highlighted how her women-led biotechnology company has embedded ESG into its DNA, transforming hygiene solutions in aviation, transportation, and facilities management.

“We are not just creating products; we are building solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” she told Arab News.  

WAYAKIT’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using 93 percent biodegradable components.

By replacing harmful quaternary ammonium compounds with biodegradable nano-modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced environmental impact by 94 percent.

Dr._Luisa_Javier (left), CEO of WAYAKIT, and cofounder Dr. Sandra Medina. (Supplied)

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, and health improvements.

“Sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it’s about innovation,” said Javier. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

WAYAKIT also integrates ESG principles into its governance and transparency measures. Its women-led C-suite strengthens decision-making diversity, while blockchain technology safeguards sustainability metrics, preventing greenwashing and ensuring accurate reporting.

“Authenticity matters,” said Javier. “Every sustainability claim we make is backed by rigorous third-party laboratory testing. We are setting a new standard for how biotech companies can be both profitable and responsible.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Kingdom is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2060, embedding ESG principles in national initiatives like Green Riyadh.

• In 2021, the Saudi Stock Exchange introduced ESG disclosure guidelines, mandating listed companies prioritize transparency.

• Saudi Electricity Co., Almarai, and Saudi Telecom Co. have embedded ESG guidelines, issuing green bonds and improving governance.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of WAYAKIT’s ESG strategy. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to foster career advancement for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just a mission — it’s a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: a thriving, innovative economy where women play a central role.”

This momentum is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, highlighted how Saudi organizations, particularly those within its portfolio, are spearheading ESG awareness and implementation.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, more than 600 million trees and shrubs are expected to be planted by 2030 across the Kingdom. (SGI photo)  

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this shift with $187 billion in investments across more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large-scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies, and community-focused programs like those led by SAWACO and WAYAKIT, Saudi businesses are proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts set a new benchmark for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.
 

 


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 04 April 2025
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah
Updated 04 April 2025
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah
  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.

 


Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
  • The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added

BOLOGNA: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, held in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3.

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience.

Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the commission organized various initiatives to enhance the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom and showcase the Saudi cultural landscape.

The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added.

By participating in international book fairs, the Kingdom aims to enhance its cultural presence on a global scale and create new opportunities to promote Saudi culture both regionally and internationally.