Floral Bloom Turns Saudi Arabia’s Desert Purple

VIVA – A desert in the north of Saudi Arabia has been hit by the current winter rains, causing purple lavender flowers to grow. This phenomenon attracts tourists from all over the Arabian Peninsula.

Muhammad al-Mutairi drove nearly six hours from his hometown in the center of the kingdom to see the rare burst of color in the drab landscape, “No one expects that this scene is in Saudi Arabia,” he remarked. 

“The smell and sight refresh the soul,” he said of the plants known in Arabic as wild lavender.

Winter rains brought deadly flooding to parts of western Saudi Arabia late last year, but in northern areas, they have brought life to the desert.

After that, Saudi businessman Nasser al-Karaani traveled 770km from the capital Riyadh to see the colorful flowers before they wilt.

“This scenery lasts from 15 to 20 days a year, and we come here specifically to enjoy it,” said al-Karaani, as quoted from the Straits time site.

He unloaded a tent from his four-wheeler and set up base with a group of friends before gathering around a fire for a hot cup of tea, “This atmosphere makes me feel at ease,” said Karaani, wearing a heavy jacket over his traditional thobe gown.

After that, across the desert, visitors pitched tents and cooked food over open fires. Residents of the area kept camels away to stop them from eating the flowers that have drawn the sightseers.

Meanwhile, Hamza al-Mutairi, who was camping with friends, said he felt “recharged” by the natural spectacle, “It gives a person a new motivation for life,” the 56-year-old Saudi said.

Nearby, Abdul Rahman al-Marri said he had driven from his native Qatar to catch a glimpse of the vibrant blossom, “The sight is worth” more than the 12-hour journey, he said. “It's as if you are in paradise.”

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VIVA.co.id

31 Juli 2025