Arab News: RAFHA: Flowing waters and lush, rain-fed landscapes have turned Wadi Ayouj into a magnet for visitors, as residents and tourists flock to the site to witness the striking transformation following recent heavy rainfall in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region.

Picnickers, photographers and nature enthusiasts gathered along the wadi’s banks, drawn by the rare spectacle of surging waters, refreshed and revived terrain — scenes that underscore the region’s growing appeal as an ecotourism destination.

Located southwest of Rafha governorate, Wadi Ayouj recorded a significant rise in water flow after moderate to heavy rains this week. The onrushing water widened the wadi’s course and reactivated ancient tributaries stretching toward Faydat Al-Ajramiyah, breathing new life into the surrounding landscape.

The surge also led to the overflow of Wadi Ayouj Dam, which spans 365 meters in length, stands 4 meters high, and has a storage capacity of more than 251,000 cubic meters.

The Northern Borders region is known for its numerous wadis, plains and hills, long recognized for both ecological richness and cultural depth. Similar sites, such as Wadi Arar near the regional capital, have historically supported diverse vegetation and wildlife, while also featuring prominently in classical Arabic poetry.

Authorities have in recent years advanced initiatives to preserve and develop these wadis, focusing on environmental protection, biodiversity restoration and sustainable use — efforts that are increasingly enhancing the region’s profile among nature lovers.