MADINAH: Al-Rayis, a beautiful village surrounded by pristine beaches and white sand on the Red Sea coast 180 km west of Madinah, is becoming an ideal destination for hikers, recreational enthusiasts and fishermen. Other attractions at the village are community events, such as seasonal maritime sports competitions, sailboat racing, family cruise programs and seafood festivals.  Family trips to the beaches of Al-Rayis are one of the most important sources of economic activity in the region. Families visit throughout the year to enjoy its quiet beaches, sit by its shores, watch the sunset, and spend a day on a cruise, with a fish meal on offer from seafood restaurants on the commercial street adjacent to the northern corniche of Al-Rayis. During the past few years, Al-Rayis has enjoyed significant footfall due to the development of public service and maritime infrastructure, afforestation projects, and through supporting and developing small investment projects to attract tourists and increase economic opportunities for locals.  Mohammed Al-Saidi, a resident of Al-Rayis, said: “The town is witnessing an increase in the number of hikers, especially during the summer, the weekends, national events and holidays.” He pointed to the need for more accomodation, such as furnished apartments and hotels, to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and promote tourism in Al-Rayis. Another resident, Salem Al-Sobhi, said: “The geographical location of Al-Rayis has made it economically influential since ancient times.” “The Al-Jar port in Al-Rayis was one of the most prominent elements attracting residents to the place hundreds of years ago as it was one of the most important ports that has had an impact on the economic activity of Madinah in the past.” Al-Sobhi said that the ancient ruins found in Al-Rayis indicated the presence of settlements, reflecting the port’s commercial impact, as it was an important location where seaborne cargo vessels were docked.