Visiting Abha: The Green Heart of Saudi Arabia’s Asir Mountains

Abha, the capital city of Aseer province, is widely known for the mountains of Aseer National Park, home of dense juniper forests, birds, and the sky-kissing Jabal Soudah peak. It is the capital city of Aseer province near the Red Sea in Southwest Saudi Arabia.

Due to the cool climate, lush landscapes, cable cars and heritage sites, it has been a center of attraction to travelers from all around the world. The city’s hospitality and a sense of luxury have been key interests for people to experience a memorable holiday trip. But why is it called the green heart of the Asir Mountains? What are the major places you can visit? Let’s find out.

Why is Abha called “The Green Heart of Saudi Arabia”?

Abha is called the green heart of Saudi Arabia, since its lush, green landscapes, unique in nature, compared to the country’s more typical desert scenery. It is located in the mountains of the Asir region, and is known for misty mountains, cooler climate, and verdant valleys, making it a popular summer destination for global tourists.

• Unique Topography: The mountainous location provides Abha with a distinct environment from the rest of the country. The high altitude of this region ensures a cooler and more temperate climate.
• Lush Vegetation: Instead of the conventional dunes, this region is characterized by forests, green spaces, and valleys, reflecting a significant contrast to the arid landscape of Saudi Arabia.
• Arabian Summer Escape: The distinctive green appearance and soothing climate have made it a popular destination for tourists looking for a cool environment and to escape the summer heat.

These factors make the city the green heart of Saudi Arabia.

Top Must-Visit Attractions of Abha in Saudi Arabia

Here are the 4 top must-visit attractions of Abha in Saudi Arabia, that are the key attractions to tourists!

Asir National Park

Asir National Park in Saudi Arabia, is one of the major protected areas in the Asir Province. Established in 1981, it preserves ecosystems and wildlife, spanning more than 4,500 square kilometers and known for its mountainous terrain. It features varying elevations (with the maximum elevation of 3,200 meters), and aims to rehabilitate wildlife. It is a home for a wide variety of species, including more than 300 species of birds. It is designated as an IUCN category VI protected area, which means it uses natural resources to support biodiversity.

You can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and camping within the park’s diverse landscape and visit famous spots like Al Soudah viewpoint to experience scenic viewpoints.

Note: The region is the last known habitat for the Arabian leopard.

Al-Soudah Mountains

Al-Soudah, the home of the country’s highest peak, Jabal Soudah, is characterized by lush, dense juniper forests and a cool climate. The geographical location makes it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

It is located in the Asir mountains, about 20 kilometers from the city of Abha. The slopes, covered with juniper forests, have been a key attraction to tourists, while the cool climate has made it a major holiday destination. The average temperatures in these areas are below 25-degree-celcius in the summer and 15-degree-celcius in winter.

Cable car systems provide scenic transportation from the foothills, while trekking and hiking in this area are also popular among tourists. The tourist village, situated at an altitude of 3,015 meters, provides modern facilities, resting spots and traditional markets. However, the nearest village, Rijal Almaa village, is well-known for its historic establishments.

Rijal Almaa Heritage Village

Rijal Almaa is an ancient Saudi village in the Aseer region, well-known for its unique clay, stone, and wood architecture, dating back more than 900 years. Located about 45 km west of Abha in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, it was once a key trade route center linking Makkah, Yemen, and the Levant. The traditional multi-stored buildings (more than 60), made from clay, stone, and wood, have not only been a center of attraction for historians or architects, but for university researchers or students as well.

The Rijal Almaa Heritage Museum is located in the Al Al-wan Palace, one of the oldest forts, and allows visitors to experience historical artefacts. This is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status and is widely recognized for its traditions and architecture.

Abha Dam & Abha Lake

Abha Dam and Lake are a man-made reservoir, created by a dam built in 1974 to manage rainwater. With a length of 350 meters, the dam creates a lake, which is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Aseer region, featuring scenic landscapes, green spaces, and various recreational activities, including hiking and walking.

It is a key part of the area’s terrain protection. The lake is surrounded by green spaces and landscapes, creating a pleasant atmosphere. It organizes several events, such as light and sound shows, while the activity area includes playgrounds, family areas and opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing.

How to Get to Abha for International Visitors

Step 1 is to get the Saudi tourist visa- paper or eVisa. Here are some key guidelines to get a Saudi Visa for Abha visitors!

Eligibility

• Citizens of over 60 countries are eligible to apply for a Saudi tourist e-Visa, and applicants must be 18 years or older, or applying with a legal guardian.
• Foreign nationals living in GCC countries for at least 3 months are also eligible, while citizens of the EU, UK and US need to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at different entry points, including Abha International Airport.

Required Documents

• You need a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive.
• A recent, passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm, colored, white background).
• Make the payment through a debit or credit card.
• You need a valid travel health insurance, typically purchased as a key part of the Saudi Arabia e visa application process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The entire process for applying for e-Visa takes around 10-12 minutes to complete.

• Visit an Online Portal: Make sure that you fill up the application through a reputable website.
• Fill out the Form: Give required details, such as name, address, citizenship, age.
• Upload Documents: Recent photos and valid IDs.
• Pay the Fee: Use a debit or credit card.
• Receive e-Visa: Receive the Saudi Arabia e visa within 1-3 days.

Important Travel Information

• Entry Points: If you have a legal visa, you can enter Saudi Arabia through any designated international entry point, including Abha International Airport (AHB).
• Umrah: The tourist e-Visa allows you to perform Umrah.
• Safety: Abha is close to the border of Yemen, and travellers are recommended to exercise a high degree of caution.

Planning to Visit Abha?

The cultural heritage and natural beauty attract travellers from around the world, while the artifacts and historical archives can offer you lifetime memories. Make sure you have valid passports and documents before you set foot in Saudi Arabia. Winter, spring and summer are the ideal times to experience the essence of Abha in Saudi Arabia, due to cool and pleasant weather.

READ MORE:
There are several wild reserves in Saudi Arabia, which include Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve, Farasan Islands Marine Sanctuary, and others.

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Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. Japanese citizens, French citizens, Swiss citizens, Portuguese citizens and Spanish citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.