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JEDDAH: Horror Con 2025 began in Jeddah on Wednesday, bringing together horror fans of all ages until Nov. 5

The region’s biggest horror festival will entertain visitors with haunted house experiences, interactive horror-themed games and attractions designed to challenge thrillseekers, according to organizers.

Visitors can expect to explore haunted houses, terrifying mazes and activities designed to test the nerves, as well as live stage performances.

Fans gathered at the opening with large crowds on day one.

Mahmoud Al-Buadani, 29, who attended with friend Adnan Shaker, told Arab News just before entering the Horror Con venue that they were looking forward to the surprises on offer.

“We realized as we came that we are the first to come and attend this unique event. I attended the Horror Con in Bahrain and hope this one is as interesting as what I witnessed in Bahrain,” he said.

Shaker, who is a horror movie fanatic, added: “We are looking forward to experiencing the thrilling fright zones.”

Among those who turned out for the Horror Con attraction on Wednesday was Abdulrahman Al-Tamimi, who attended with his two sons.

Al-Tamimi said: “We thought to come during the opening day before it gets crowded. We just experienced, firstly, the horror hospital and it was fun; we expected scary things inside but for us it was average. We hope to see more (terrifying) zones.”

Eight haunted houses are spread across Jeddah Corniche and each one is designed to immerse visitors in different worlds of fear.

The eight experiences at Horror Con are: Escape, Field Maze, Horror Hospital, Qaid Station, Qalat Wadrean, The Clown, The Dead Zone and The Farm.

Beyond the scares, Horror Con also offers horror-themed food and beverages.

RIYADH: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority showcased ������Ƶ’s leadership in restoring arid ecosystems at the 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration in Denver, Colorado. 

The global gathering brought together leading scientists, experts, and practitioners to share insights and advance ecological restoration efforts worldwide, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

The authority presented a scientific paper and a visual presentation highlighting its restoration and conservation projects in hyper-arid environments.

It also took part in a workshop on implementing international standards for ecological restoration, emphasizing best practices for arid regions. 

Additionally, the authority contributed to a strategic brainstorming session to shape the future direction of the Asian Network of the Society for Ecological Restoration.

The participation reflects the authority’s “commitment to adopting global best practices in biodiversity conservation and fostering international collaboration,” in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for environmental sustainability. 

At home, ������Ƶ is continuing efforts to protect its unique biodiversity. The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve’s Development Authority recently highlighted the importance of migratory birds, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

It also drew attention to the threats these birds face and emphasized their vital role in maintaining ecological balance, a SPA report said.

The reserve lies along several key migratory routes across the Arabian Peninsula and includes diverse environments, including mountains, valleys, mudflats and water bodies, which provide ideal habitats for resting, feeding and temporary breeding for hundreds of bird species.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migratory birds and enhancing environmental monitoring, in line with national and international biodiversity conservation strategies.

Together, these efforts illustrate ������Ƶ’s growing role as a global leader in conservation and sustainable environmental management.