ABHA: THE HIGHLANDS OF THE KINGDOM

Abha is the capital of Assir region. It rises to 2,200 meters above sea level. Thanks to its cool climate, Abha is a major domestic tourist destination especially in the hot summer months. The city has an airport and is home to important cultural events.

 

Green Mountain is a hill overlooking the city. At night it is beautifully illuminated with green lights. The luxurious Abha Palace Hotel has fantastic views over the city and from this resort you can take a scenic cable car ride up to Green Mountain.

 

Abha city is also famous for the Hanging Village of Habala. This ancient village was built halfway up a rock face and was only accessible by ropes. The villagers are believed to have fled the Ottomans and lived in isolation completely self-sufficient until they were rediscovered by a Saudi army helicopter. The "flower men" are the men who used to live in this village and who wore flower crowns. Today no one lives in this village anymore.

 

 

 

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Also in the Abha area is Mount Soudha, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia with an altitude of 2910m. From here it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view. The area is also famous for the fog that covers the mountain tops and makes the atmosphere thin. This is one among the landscapes you would not expect to find in Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 

 

 

The Assir region is also famous for its artistic tradition. The artistic spirit of the region is embodied by the Al Muftaha village adorned with beautiful graffiti calligraphy and decorations typical of the region. The village consists of a number of small art galleries where local and regional artists paint and exhibit. It is an important artistic platform for locals in which some of today's internationally known Saudi artists were educated.

 

 

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