19 Mar 2024
20 Mar 2024
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From the Green Mountain to the Abha Dam, Abha is a wonder of nature and one of the crown jewels of the Asir Province.

Places to Visit in Abha

From the Green Mountain to the Abha Dam, Abha is a wonder of nature and one of the crown jewels of the Asir Province.

Destinations in The Asir Province

Explore other cities of Saudi Arabia

Abha
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Al Ula
Buraydah
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Jazan
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Najran area
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The Beautiful City of Fog

The scenic capital of the Asir province, Abha offers some amazing natural wonders that are meant to be experienced first-hand. Add in the great climate of the city and you are in for a delightful experience. 

Abha is located at a height of around 2,200 meters above sea level and is home to some of the tallest peaks in Saudi Arabia. Due to its milder climate, it is an increasingly popular destination both for locals and international tourists. The city is connected to Jeddah by a coastal highway and SAPTCO buses can be used to travel to and from other cities in the country. The Abha International Airport serves as the main airport of the city. Many international options are offered for tourists seeking to enjoy adventure, sightseeing, and all the great places to visit in Abha.

History

Before World War I, the city of Abha was under Ottoman control. In 1920 it was conquered by the Ikhwan tribesmen and became part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For most of history, the region was cut off from the rest of the world due to its geography. The mountainous region started gaining prominence when the Saudi government started promoting it as a tourist destination. Abha quickly caught the interest of tourists due to its favorable climate and ancient history. 

 

Hilltop fortresses are a characteristic of the city. The Shadda Palace, established in 1820 used to be the main ruling palace of Abha. It has now been converted into a museum and houses some interesting artefacts of the region. The city contains the Abha great mosque and countless other mosques including some really ancient ones.

Geography

Sometimes it may seem that Abha is perched on the clouds. Surrounded by tall, imposing mountains, the city is often covered in fog. You will also find fertile plains and deep valleys in the area. The city itself is situated at a height of 2,270 meters above sea level. The tallest mountain of Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda is also right next to the city. Visitors can ride a cable car to the summit of the mountain.

 

The climate of Abha remains mild throughout the year. It is very rare for the temperature to rise above 35°C. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the city was −2°C and the city receives a decent amount of rain. The rainy season typically lasts from the months of February to April. Due to the rain and mild climate, the city has a lot of natural greenery.

Cultural Life

Abha has a distinctive and rich culture that has been passed on across generations. The city is a lively place and events like the Abha festival are held to promote the culture of the city. Different sports, events, festivals, and exhibitions, along with poetry and musical performances, are held in the city. The city also has a public university, King Khalid University. 

 

The culture of the city is best experienced by observing the intricately designed houses. These large, fortress-like houses are designed vertically. This helps the heat escape and trap in the cool air. Residents also use bright colors to paint their houses. The materials used in constructing these traditional residential units are clay, stone, and wood.

Popular Attractions

Abha Dam is one of the major attractions of the city where you can get an amazing lake view. Abha Al Jadidah Cable Car Station is one of the iconic features of the city featuring a bird’s eye view of the surroundings from the cable cars. You can also take this ride to visit another popular tourist destination of the city, the Green Mountain.

 

Abha High City offers panoramic views of the stunning mountains. It is a family-friendly destination that also offers tourists a range of different cafes and restaurants to choose from. The weather here is often very cold and foggy. It offers a great getaway from the crowds and hustle and bustle of Abha City.

 

The Art Street of Abha is a picturesque walkway lined with magnificent purple jacaranda trees. It is a place where artists from all over the country catch up to share their creativity. The street is decorated with colorful pieces of art and is illuminated at night to offer a serene ambiance. There are around 10 art galleries on this street and you can also find numerous cafes and restaurants that offer good quality food.

 

Other places to see in Abha include Abu Kheyal Park and the Abraj Al Bait Towers.

The scenic capital of the Asir province, Abha offers some amazing natural wonders that are meant to be experienced first hand. Add in the great climat