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JEDDAH: British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. She recently completed the first phase on foot, exploring the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes while highlighting its rich history and cultural transformation.

A TV presenter and writer, Morrison was the first woman to walk Morocco’s Draa River. She has also cycled from Cairo to Cape Town, ran around Mount Everest and walked across Jordan.

Originally from Edinburgh, she documents her adventures through books, documentaries, her “Alice in Wanderland” podcast, and is now filming the BBC show “Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans.”

In an interview with Arab News, Morrison, 61, discussed her recent journey in Saudi Arabia, which ended on Feb. 14 just before Ramadan, after completing the first section of her 2,500-km trek.

The trek, split into two phases, is expected to take five months.

Accompanied by camels Jusy and Lulu, as well as local guides, Morrison began the first phase on Jan. 1, covering 930 km, averaging 23 km or 33,000 steps daily.

Morrison said she has been working on the project for decades and was determined to make her dream come true.

The second phase will start in Madinah in October this year and finish near Najran, on the Yemen border, in December.

Morrison said: “When I was 11, my father gave me a copy of Wilfred Thesiger’s ‘Arabian Sands,’ about an Englishman crossing the Empty Quarter with his Bedouin companions. It fired my imagination. I later studied Arabic, and when Saudi opened up to non-Hajj tourism, I began planning the journey.

“I have always wanted to explore Saudi Arabia since studying Arabic at university, but I was initially hesitant because it was an unknown to me,” she added.

Asked about her impression of Saudi Arabia, she said: “I thought the people would be strict and serious. In fact, I found a people who love to laugh, joke and enjoy life — some of the most hospitable folk on the planet.”

Morrison split her trek into two phases due to Saudi Arabia’s intense heat and the holy month of Ramadan.

“Yes, I will be back in October to complete the expedition and walk to the Yemen border. It will be 1,300 km and take about 70 days. I can’t wait,” she said.

“The country is so rich in history. We have discovered Bronze Age tombs, 4,000-year-old rock carvings, and mechanical treasures from the old Hejaz railway, now named for the provinces it passes through. I can’t wait for phase two — though my feet can.”

Speaking about the highlights of her journey, Morrison said: “Exploring AlUla was a big highlight. It is rich in history, with the Nabatean and Dadanite kingdoms. I was lucky to be shown around by distinguished archeologist Wissam Khalil, who kept finding new artifacts under our feet. I also saw a wild Arabian oryx in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. It was thrilling to see an animal once extinct thriving again.”

Morrison also met Saudi women along the way, including walking with the country’s first female wildlife rangers in Wadi Al-Disah, part of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve.

Speaking about the challenges, she said: “I had bad blisters and was in a lot of pain, but I just took painkillers and kept going. Our camels bolted, and Lulu injured herself, so we had to find a solution. We found a camel herder and a vet, bought her food, and now she is recovering on the farm.

“We also walked through a terrible sandstorm that scoured my skin and filled me with despair, but Shaya Al-Shaya, the guide who walked with me, and I, encouraged each other and finished.”

On her route, Morrison, a fluent Arabic speaker, has been warmly hosted by many locals. “I have to mention the hospitality. Everywhere we went, people tried to help us and wanted to know all about the expedition. We had so many sheep slaughtered for us. I am grateful to every single kind person who looked after us, fed us and welcomed us.

“Things are really changing in Saudi Arabia now — very rapidly. For me, it is an interesting time to come, talk to young women, and see what their dreams and hopes are.”

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has announced the next phase of its global tourism campaign and named it “Ramadan Lights,” the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) said on Monday, sharing a range of offerings in the Kingdom.
During Ramadan, Saudi transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition meets celebration. While the days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
People can explore districts like Historic Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds. With a lively atmosphere and special Ramadan events, it’s the perfect time to experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saudi.
“From the crystalline waters of the Saudi Red Sea, lively coastal city of Jeddah, to the heritage-soaked AlUla, and the vibrant capital of Riyadh, visitors venturing to Saudi can experience a land of firsts, and create memories for a lifetime,” the STA said in a statement shared by its Pakistani PR partner firm. 
“From wellness retreats, stargazing, beach horse riding, paddleboarding and kitesurfing there is somethings for every type of interest. History and heritage come to life in Diriyah, near Riyadh, walking through the ancient rock carved tombs near AlUla, or wending your way through the alleys of Historic Jeddah.”
Ramadan is traditionally a time for family and reflection, and the Kingdom truly comes alive as the sun sets.
In Jeddah, visitors are treated to a diverse selection of Ramadan delicacies to suit every taste, or vibrant Ramadan tents filled with surprises and exciting events. For those wanting to celebrate, the Al Falah Square Bazaar offers a distinctive cultural experience that revitalizes authentic Ramadan traditions whilst offering shoppers a different experience through a range of shops and products.
AlUla is the place where Ramadan’s serene ambiance blends harmoniously with the tranquil surroundings, creating the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty. A visit to Bukhoor Road for shopping and tasting coffee is a must or enjoying wonderful Ramadan events at Al-Manishiyah Square.
Riyadh City offers a unique Ramadan ambiance, where iftar and suhoor gatherings bring families together, and special Ramadan events create a distinct atmosphere. Visitors can wonder through the Souk Al Zal, an exceptional market for incense, traditional artifacts and textiles, combining Saudi heritage with a Ramadan atmosphere, or watch the Ghabga, a Ramadan event that offers a unique experience, mixing traditional and modern atmosphere and featuring a range of entertainment and cultural events to enhance the Ramadan experience.
Saudi Arabia is currently boosting its public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism as part of the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
The Ramadan Lights season is part of the Kingdom’s global tourism campaign, “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,” a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer.
It aims to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys.