A number of residents in the Al-Jouf region have called for the rehabilitation of Dumat Al-Jandal Lake, the largest artificial lake in the Middle East, after it has turned in recent years into an abandoned site suffering from mosquito infestations and a decline in services, causing it to lose the tourist status it once enjoyed.

Abdullah Saleh told Okaz that the lake has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which prevents visitors from sitting nearby and raises concerns about the spread of diseases. He added that the site requires diving and rescue teams in anticipation of any emergency, especially with the influx of visitors during holidays, noting that the lake has witnessed several incidents of drowning and vehicles falling into the water in the past.

In another account, a female citizen stated that she had traveled from Qassim last week, arriving in the evening full of excitement to visit the lake, only to be shocked that it was "dark and devoid of any signs of life," describing the place as "sadly abandoned." Meanwhile, Salman Al-Shammari asserted that the lake was previously an active tourist site that included green spaces, boats, and jet skis, but it has been closed for three years, "until everything in it died," as he put it.

As for resident Mohammed Al-Sayed, he suggested investing part of the lake in fish and shrimp farming, emphasizing that this would achieve significant economic gains and bring the site back to life.

Nasser Al-Balawi explains that the site now lacks tourist infrastructure after the green spaces were neglected and shops and restaurants were moved to other locations three years ago, leading to a total decline in tourism. Residents are now calling for the lake to be rehabilitated to restore its role as a prominent tourist destination in the region.

Residents have urged the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to reactivate mosquito spraying programs around the lake, as was done in the past. They also called on the municipal authority to tend to the green spaces and restrooms, which suffer from poor cleanliness, and to clean the nearby mosque, given that the lake attracts visitors from neighboring areas.

Dumat Al-Jandal Lake is the largest artificial lake in the Middle East, formed about 35 years ago by the discharge of agricultural irrigation water, with depths reaching up to 30 meters. It previously hosted the first Gulf water sports championship with the participation of all Gulf states and enjoyed significant tourist and media attention, hosting numerous local championships and attracting dignitaries, including ambassadors and ministers, from around the world. It also featured daily family boating and jet ski activities.