Okaz/Saudi Gazette AL-RASS — Marid Dam in Ain Fehaid city in Al-Asyah governorate is a potential tourist spot that already attracts a large number of visitors and holidaymakers especially during high seasons. But the place lacks basic facilities to woo tourists. Due to a lack of power supply, this enchanting tourist site becomes desolated with sundown. The place also needs more public utilities such as toilets and family resting areas as more than 10,000 families visit the place on weekends, according to one report. "People like to spend a lot of time at the dam enjoying its beautiful and cooling atmosphere," said Abdullah Al-Jamhan while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. "It's one of the oldest dams in the Kingdom and dates back to 400 years," he said. "An important tourist attraction in Qassim province, people visit the place in both summer and winter." Al-Jamhan described the coasts of the dam as a "marvelous" getaway for local people. He, however, said the place needs more facilities such as toilets and family resting areas. He also urged the authorities to light up the place so that people can spend more time at the dam in the evening. He commended Al-Asyah municipality for its efforts to develop the dam as a tourist site. "We request the municipality to continue its efforts to develop the area further to attract more tourists year-round from all over the Kingdom, not only during the rainy season," he added. Khaled Al-Sultan said Marid Dam is a beautiful place located near his home and he visits the place with family on weekends. He urged the authorities to lay tiles on the banks of the dam and establish more resting places for people to relax and enjoy the beautiful climate. "We hope the municipality would place more dustbins to keep the area neat and clean and allow opening of more restaurants and shops while preventing young men from joyriding and other dangerous pastimes, causing harassment to visitors," said Mohammed Al-Harbi. During the rainy season, the dam is filled with water, Al-Harbi said. It needs more boats for children and elders to enjoy their time, he said while asking coast guards to keep a close watch to prevent possible accidents and hazards. Veteran media figure Turki Al-Fehaid highlighted Al-Asyah's tourism potential thanks to its moderate climate. "We see a lot of business activity at its markets during winter," he said.
