Cool, breezy mountains are the least one would expect in the harsh desert topography of Saudi Arabia. But tucked away some 600 kms south of Jeddah lies a dainty mountain town, Abha – an amazing making of nature, offering a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat.
Abha, the capital of Asir region, spreads out to a splendid landscape, drawing in a mix of heritage, culture and the rustic outdoors. The city rises 2,200 meters above sea level, but the highest peaks in the Al-Sodah region are well above 3,000 meters in height. The magnificent view and serene valleys are what make Abha a true delight for nature buffs. Green pastures and low-lying, drifting clouds complete the picture.
A significant aspect of Abha is that its climate is moderate throughout the year. Average rainfall is among the highest in the Kingdom at 500 mm. Asir National Park, Al-Jarra Park, Al-Sahab, Wadi Al-Mahalah and Al-Saqt are among the host of parks in the region, skillfully planned and maintained in their natural environment.
The Asir National Park stands out among the 50-odd parks in the region. It is the first park of its kind in Saudi Arabia, a feast for tourists anytime of the year. Though modern facilities like restrooms and parking lots are available, much of the area is rough country, with mischievous baboons darting across the roads and a variety of plant life thriving just about everywhere.
Abha is an attractive destination for eco-tourists as its resorts are just an hour and a half drive from the coral beds of the Red Sea to the west and the Empty Quarter desert to the east. It lies in the Sarawat Mountains, and overlooks the steep slopes of these mountains to the west, facing the coastal plain of Tihama and the densely forested Al-Sodah mountains. The underlying rocks are mainly granite and the soil is generally sandy, but it is alluvial in the agricultural areas.
The Al-Miftaha Art Village at the King Fahd Cultural Center is a true delight for culture enthusiasts. The village, located in an old neighborhood, has a wide collection of works of art created by painters and sculptors, besides archeological finds and handicrafts.
Habalah Village rests perilously along a cliff, making it a rare attraction for tourists. Built some three centuries ago, supplies to the village were brought in by an extraordinary system of rope ladders and pulleys. Present-day visitors can still spot remnants of those days, including iron containers used to tow up vegetables, fruits and other provisions into the village.
The Shadda Palace is yet another delightful attraction. Built in 1927 and used by the region’s governors, the palace is today a popular museum showcasing the talents of Saudi craftsmen and their handicrafts, paintings and sculpted art.
The traditional mud houses in Abha, some believed to be more than 300 years old, are a major draw among tourists. Built with bare hands along terraced gradients, they offer an insight into the excellent architectural skills of ancient times. Watchtowers on the hills were once used as lookout points for any intruders.
As you drive about the region, you may spot marks of Saudi Arabian pride – agriculture. Cultivated in the region are wheat, coffee, ginger, and a variety of vegetables. Sheep, goats and camels add to the farming milieu, a far cry from what one would think of Saudi Arabia as a dry, arid land of expansive desert lands.
For summer visitors, the annual Abha Festival offers an exciting cultural treat – poetry, traditional music, folklore and theater. In fact, the festival is wonderland for any tourist seeking a strong local flavor, beyond the flora and fauna. Some significant events are a shopping festival, book fair, horse racing, spectacular firework shows, and even special programs for women.
Abha is easily reachable thanks to its modern road network. It is well connected to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran by Saudi Arabian Airlines flights, and offers a host of well-appointed hotels and apartments for the tourist of all budgets.

Main Page	Page Up
عربي