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Are you traveling to Medinah, Hail or Tabuk via Al Qassim and in a search of very good resting place in there or are you planning to visit Al Qassim and in search of tourist attractions there? If Yes, Raak Lake Park is one of the best choices in Al Qassim.

It is located in Al Badaya district of Al Qassim around 50 kms from Burayda city center and 22 km from Onaiza Mall. However, it is classified as Farm by the owner and Google map; park fits best for it in my opinion.

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If you are traveling from Onaizah to Al Badaya via King Abdul Aziz Road then take a u-turn at the junction of King Abdul Aziz Road and Eastern Ring Road and you will find it on your right. Neither it looks like a park or farm from outside nor there is any board so we had some difficulty finding the entrance when we went there.

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Entrance was so beautiful, fully covered with trees from both sides in a way sunlight can hardly reach the ground. You will see a lot of trees in circle and rest room & mosque can be found on the right side of entrance. There was a place which looked like a Restaurant or Bofia but we did not find anyone there and again no sign board. In fact, we were the only family there and the reason could be our timing. We visited the park in the morning around 10:30 am. Anyway, I parked my car underneath a tree and found that there were some big places with trees like watch towers and from one of the watch towers we saw the stunning view of the lake, wooden bridge which can take the visitors to a small but spectacular island. However, park is small and needs some attentions of the owner; the lake, full of different kinds of fishes, was so rejuvenated that everything was left behind and we were living only those moments. There was facility for the kids to kayak but again it needs attention because the canoes were a bit dirty.

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Visiting Hours & Tips: It can be visited from 05:00 am to 06:00 pm everyday. If you are going there with kids and want to spend quality time bring kids toys and sitting carpets or rugs with you. Also bring water and some food as I did not find any canteen or cafeteria there. More importantly, for every car entry they charge 50 SAR so I would advise you to park your car outside and walk to park if you want to save entry fee

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UNDDdUhUhSY8FHeD7

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Top Attractions in Al Qassim:

Read the stories of other top attractions in Al Qassim Region

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Syed Ovais Hashmi

Have you ever heard about PHVG? Are you a member of PHVG? Have you ever participated in their Nobel Cause? If “No” is the answer for all or any of these questions then you must read full article because it’s going to help you and your loved ones whoever is going to perform  Hajj in the years to come.

Pakistan Hajj Volunteer Group is a non-governmental, non-political group founded in 2011 with an aim to earn reward from Allah by serving Hujjaj as they perform Hajj. They provide support services to Hajj pilgrims through mobilization of Pakistani volunteers in association of Pakistan Hajj Mission and PHVG Friends. If you have already performed Hajj or watched the transmission of Hajj you would have noticed some people especially in Mina and other holy sites wearing PHVG volunteer vest providing supports to Hujjaj as shown in pictures

They are Pakistani Volunteers residing in KSA and serving the Guests of Allah during Hajj season under the platform of PHVG. Let me describe you how these volunteers are prepared across Kingdom and how they serve the Hujjaj.

As the Hajj season begins, volunteers’ registration gets underway on PHVG website (https://www.phvg.com). Once the registration completes PHVG starts their training sessions in almost all regions of Saudi Arabia. At this point you must note that legal residence permit of Saudi Arabia is a must to serve the Hujjaj with PHVG. They conduct trainings of volunteers in two sessions in which volunteers learn how to facilitate Hujjaj. At the completion of two sessions every volunteer has to qualify by an online assessment at their site. After that PHVG officially announces the names of qualified volunteers who can serve the pilgrims with them.

I personally worked with them four years ago in 2015. Upon completion of training sessions, by the blessings of Allah, my name was shortlisted and I received invitation to serve the pilgrims. However, pilgrims starts arriving Mina from the evening of 7^th Zul Hajj; authorities don’t allow anyone to enter Makkah city before 10^th Zul Hajj to control illegal Hajj Pilgrims. Considering this, PHVG administration asked the Riyadh volunteers to gather at the departure location on 8^th Zul Hajj in late evening where PHVG administration had arranged the transportation for volunteers and another final demonstration had been given to all volunteers before departure. We left Riyadh after Fajr on the 9th of Zul Hijj and reached Taif around 7 pm in the evening where PHVG administration arranged our short stay at Pakistan International School Taif with the assistance of the school admin and staff. We were supposed to reach Makkah on 10th Zul Hajj after Fajr prayers to provide support to Hujjaj coming back Mina from Muzdalifah but we were not allowed to cross the check post at Taif. We stayed at Qarn al Manazil meeqat until got the clearance from authorities. While staying at meeqat we heard about the unfortunate Mina stampede incident.

We reached to the building in Azziza in Makkah which was booked by the PHVG administration for volunteers to stay by noon where we met volunteers from Jeddah, Dammam, Khamis Mushait and other cities across KSA. After having lunch at the building we were ready to take the positions at the given location to our group.

Well, that was the beginning of a lifetime experience. As soon as we reached Mina we found hundreds and thousands of people who were lost and needed assistance to reach their tents. I can’t describe the happiness we felt serving the guests of Allah and the love we had been given by the pilgrims whenever we dropped any pilgrim to their tents – simply un-measurable

While staying there for three days PHVG administration took very good care of all volunteers providing all the required facilities free of cost including meals, hotel accommodation and transportation.

I really loved the way they are developing volunteers to serve the guests of Allah without expecting any appreciation or reward from anyone except Allah. May Allah accept everyone efforts specially the administration for providing the ease to His guests

However, I could not work with them after 2015; I know they are still serving the Hujjaj in far better way. Another best thing they have done in the past couple of years is the free mobile applications for Hujjaj and Volunteers.

“Hajj Navigator” is a free app developed by them which makes Mashaer navigation very easy for the iOS pilgrims. Android Pilgrims can install “Mina Locator” app from Google Play to identify route to different Camps (Maktabs), Train Stations, Mosques, Hospitals, PHVG Posts and other important locations in Mina with the reference of their current location.

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Follow PHVG Facebook Page by pressing below button if you are residing in KSA and want to be part of their volunteer work in the next Hajj season

Special Thanks to PHVG team for their cooperation making it possible for me to write about my life time experience.

Syed Ovais Hashmi

As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs (Maqsora Al Swailem) that Al Qassim Region has a very rich history and famous for its heritage, nature, traditional handicraft and super fine dates not only in Saudi Arabia but also around the world.

Today I would like to take you to another hidden gem of the region which is known as “Maqsora Al Rajhi”.

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Al Rajihi Maqsora is also located in the south-eastern part of Al Bukayriyah governorate at a distance of only 1 km from Maqsora Al Swailem and dates back over 250 years

However, the architecture of the two are almost same; Maqsora Al Rajhi is very big compare to Al Swailem having date farms on three sides of the Maqsora and unlike Al Swailem it has a very big open Majlis at the back of Maqsora where a very gentle guy offers Dates and Arabic Qahwa to all the guests.

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There’re small gardens at the entrance of Majlis where they have planted some herbs and vegetables including Mint, Tulsi and Lady Finger.

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The most interesting thing at Maqsora is a Well in between Maqsora building and Majlis which is very big and deep. The interesting thing is that the framers use Camels to get the water from well which then flows through different channels to irrigate the farms and gardens. Observing the whole process how they use camels to take water from well was incredibly amazing

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There’s a beautiful walkway at the left of the main entrance of Maqsora which takes the visitors to date farms. If you walk a little further from the date farm you will find farmers feeding their cattle’s in green grassy patches on right side and lush green gardens will surprise you on your left in which you can find different seasonal vegetables. I went there in August 2019 and found Chili, Spinach, Tomato, Lady Finger and some Onions which were already plucked from the plant.

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The hospitality extended to us by the locals were beyond expectations. I would recommend everyone to visit the place at least once but please don’t pluck the fruits and vegetables without permission and even if you get permission do it nicely without damaging anything because those farms are the sources of their incomes.

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Visiting Hours & Tips: The Palace can be visited in between 16:00 pm to 18:00 pm (in between Asr & Maghrib) every day without any entry fee. As the temperature drops in the 4^th quarter, October to April is the best time to visit it. Again, as described in Maqsora Al Swailem blog keep water and juices to be hydrated if you are planning to visit it in summers

Location:.https://goo.gl/maps/rqsjyGaCfDc33VxE9

Syed Ovais Hashmi

Al Qassim is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Located at the heart of the country, and almost in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, It is known to be the “alimental basket” of the country, for its agricultural assets.

However, agriculture is the cornerstone of the region’s economy; having very rich history, heritage, nature, and traditional handicrafts, and its geographical location make it the hub of diverse cultures and various festivals.

Maqsora Al Swailem in one the best historical places Al Qassim Region has in Bukairyah city neighboring to its capital Buraydah. It’s an ancient palace which was constructed in the 10^th Century of Hijrah and played a major role in establishing Al Bukairyah history. It was headquarter of the principality for quite a long time hosted several kings and princes. The palace still exists and receives guest until today.

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However, the beauty of the multi-story palace can be seen by the photographs; the decoration of the rooms, a deep ancient well at the right side of the palace and date farms in the surrounding make it perfect for a short visit.

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Visiting Hours & Tips: However, the palace can be visited from 08 am to 10 pm round the year without any entry fee; the best time to visit is from October to April. If you are planning to visit it in summers then plan your visit in the evening and keep water and juices to be hydrated during your trip

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/n34JQXQXrfGmFa3K7

Syed Ovais Hashmi

My name is Ovais & I’m a Traveler…

Being resided in Riyadh, the biggest and capital city of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for more than 4 years I still love Karachi, my home town, the biggest and economical hub of Pakistan.

I did not travel to any city in Pakistan other than my home town until the early first decade of twenty first century and never thought that I would be continuously traveling in the coming years across the world specially in Pakistan and Middle East otherwise I would have chosen Tourism my career

June 2006 became the turning point in my life when I went to Pakistan Tour with my University fellows and traveled to famous tourist places of Pakistan like Islamabad, Swat, Abbottabad and other famous places of Galiyat Region.

During this first trip while traveling along the river Swat, eating traditional Pakistani cuisines in Kalam, exploring the lush green Atror valley, leaving the foot prints at glaciers and standing at the bank of Mahodand Lake surrounded by gigantic mountains I made a promise to myself that Travel is a Priority in My Life.

After this first trip I had many trips to northern areas of Pakistan including famous Naran – Kaghan and Neelum Valleys in Azad Jamu & Kashmir

In the second quarter of 2011 I traveled internationally with my family to Saudi Arabia for the very first time to offer Umrah and visit other sacred places in the Hijaz region. This trip opened the doors of international travels to me which includes UK, UAE and several trips to Qatar and Saudi Arabia

While working in Riyadh I have the same typical “Adult” worries like family, career and bills, I always try to remember the promise I made at Mahodand Lake, “Travel is a Priority in My Life”. As a result, I traveled a lot here in KSA, on average I make a trip every alternate week, including famous and those places which have very less foot prints by the adventurers so far.

However, I am not a writer; relaxing on the couch and getting all these memories remembered I felt to record all my travel adventures and experiences somewhere. Why not a travelogue, told my wife when I asked her for suggestions and now here I am with my blog in which I shall share all my travel experiences with some useful tips and information about the areas I traveled that might help you travel better.

Why Arabian Venture? I got around 60% of my travel experiences in Arabian Peninsula and wanted to write first about the travel destinations of KSA followed by UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Pakistan so what’s better than Arabian Venture?

I hope you will join me on Arabian Venture to get all the useful information about the places from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Syed Ovais Hashmi