Explore Abha, Saudi Arabia's Mountain Gem

As an Egyptian who lived in Saudi Arabia, I have always had a great liking for Abha. My first and only excursion to this mysterious city was when I was still a child, and even though it was brief, it made a lasting impression. Even though most of the details have become jumbled with time, the feelings of amazement and fascination never fade. The first visit left an unspoken fascination, one that lingered years after I’d departed.

Abha now remains one of the Kingdom’s loveliest getaways, a sanctuary where nature, culture, and peace meet. While I never actually returned, the memories that linger in my mind, along with everything I’ve since discovered about this magical region of the world, encourage me to share it with anyone who searches for a destination that is rare, beautiful, and full of tradition.

Visiting Abha Is Like an Entrance into a Hidden Paradise

Located high in the Sarawat Mountains, Abha is around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, giving it a cooler and temperate climate than the rest of Saudi Arabia. Temperature-wise in summer, it averages about 25°C (77°F) during the day but dips to 15°C (59°F) at night, the perfect condition for outdoor activities and relaxed exploration.

Flying in over Abha is said to be breathtaking, a mosaic of green hills, terraced fields, and rocky villages unfolds beneath the clouds. It’s a part of the Kingdom that few can imagine, fog-shrouded, quiet, and green. The architecture of the cityscape, with colored houses scattered over the sides of the mountains, blends seamlessly into its environment, offering a landscape that’s both actual and mythical.

Take the Cable Car Adventure and Ride Above the Clouds

One of the best experiences among Abha’s finest is a ride on its famous cable cars. The trip from Abu Khayal Park to Green Mountain (Jabal Al-Akhdar) is particularly favored. The mountain earned its name from the way that it appears radiating with green light at night, and by day, offering breathtaking vistas overlooking the valleys below. High above the clouds, the ride gives you a new angle on Abha’s vastness and beauty.

Another must-ride cable car takes tourists to Al Habala, or “The Hanging Village.” Once only accessible by rope ladders, the cliff top village now welcomes visitors by cable car, a restored village hanging in mid-air on the mountain. Its stone buildings and stories of survival bear witness to life once lived in this isolated but stunning place.

Explore the Cultural Heart of Asir

The Asir district is renowned for maintaining the tradition that is a blend of Saudi and Yemeni flavors. Abha, its cultural hub, is a living testament to this tradition.

Start off with a visit to the Asir Regional Museum, located in a historic palace and housing exhibits of original dresses, weapons, and handicrafts. It gives details on the native way of life, especially the exquisite silver decorations, pottery, and weaving technique passed down through the generations.

Don’t overlook Al Muftaha Village, a colorful art quarter where there are building facades painted with bold geometric patterns. It’s a place where local artisans and artists sell their pieces in open workshops and galleries. The village vibrates with pride and creativity, offering a chance to meet artisans and witness cultural heritage in action.

And of course, the food is unforgettable. Abha’s culinary scene is rooted in comfort and spice, think steaming plates of kabsa, mandi, or aseed. Visit a market or dine in a small restaurant, and you’ll experience not just flavors but stories in every bite.

Go Beyond the City to Explore Abha’s Natural Wonders

Abha is also the entrance to a gigantic natural playground. Hikers, photographers, and escape artists in general will adore the surrounding countryside, which has everything and then some.

● Asir National Park: With more than 1,600 square kilometers, the reserve is full of walking trails, dense juniper forests, and rocky cliffs. You can even catch a glimpse of baboons, lizards, and shy birds on the trail.

● Abha Dam Lake: A scenic lake ideal for a peaceful walk or sun-down picnic. As the sun sets over water and hills, the beauty is completely lyrical.

● Jabal Sawda: Referenced frequently as the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, this mountain is almost 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) tall. Its top is reputed to be so high it actually floats above the clouds. On a clear day, the Red Sea is visible from the top, making the trip up there well worth it.

Plan Your Visit with These Practical Tips

Abha is accessible like never before by Saudi Arabia’s e-visa system. Flights directly connect the city with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other hubs.

Where to stay:
● Abha Palace Hotel: Traditional choice with panoramic views and quick access to the cable car network.
● Blue Inn: Boutique accommodation for those looking for charm and serenity.
● Intercontinental Abha: High-end amenities delivering luxury and comfort.
Getting around:
● Within the city, taxis are readily available.
● To explore the outer natural sights, consider renting a car. For mountainous roads and rural areas, a 4WD or booking a guided tour may be a better fit.
Best time to visit:
● Summer (June–September) is peak season thanks to the cooler weather.
● Spring and autumn are also pleasant, with fewer crowds.

Let Abha Be the Place That Enchants You

Although I have not visited Abha frequently, the town never left me. It remains in memory not as a city I had visited, but as an emotion I’ve kept wonder, calm, and muted joy.
Abha is not flashy or boisterous. It lacks skyscrapers and city landscapes of the future. Instead, it invites you to put your feet on the ground, breathe deeply, and feel something special, nature, heritage, and soul, all in one place.
If you’re looking for a Saudi Arabian destination that takes you by surprise, soothes you, and stays with you even after you’ve left, then Abha might just be that destination.