Abha Hotels

Abha, the home of the headquarters of the regional Governorate, is located in the Asir region in the south-west of the Kingdom.
Abha's position, some 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea-level, gives it a relatively moderate climate. Temperatures remain within a narrower band than is the case in many other parts of the Kingdom. The Abha region also enjoys the highest level of rainfall of any part of Saudi Arabia.
The natural beauty of the region and its fertility have encouraged the Saudi Arabian Government to establish a number of national parks, enabling Saudi citizens to holiday in a location of outstanding scenery and natural interest to rival anywhere abroad. Abha, the home of the headquarters of the regional Governorate and capital of Asir region, is located in the south-west of the Kingdom. The region abounds in mountains, valleys and fertile plains. It has a generally moderate climate, heavy rainfall, green pasture and agricultural plateaus. Abha is engulfed by clouds and is surrounded by dense forests. Situated at an elevation of 2270 m (7,500 feet) above sea level, it is a mountain retreat and vacation spot for people from across Saudi Arabia and the other Arabian Gulf countries, gives it a relatively moderate climate. One of the greatest attributes of Abha is the moderate temperature and climate all year round, which in summer, is noticeably more comfortable than found in other areas of the country. It has a generally heavy rainfall, green pasture and agricultural plateaus. The Abha region enjoys the highest level of rainfall of any part of Saudi Arabia. To ancient Egyptians, this region was known as the land of spices and incense. Visitors are particularly attracted by the Al Miftaha art village at the King Fahad Cultural Center. Here they find art works by Saudi painters and sculptors. Also available are archaeological items, handicrafts, local honey, hand-woven products and souvenirs. The open theater presents entertainment by various popular groups. The city of Abha also includes the famous "Shada" archeological palace which dates to the year 1250H (1927 AD), and contains numerous archeological artifacts. It was as an office/residence for King Abdul Aziz's governors. After being restored, it was reopened as a museum in 1987. Abha's houses there are made of stone and mud and were built by hand. Some are over 300 years old and still inhabited. The slight graduation from on layer to the next gives these houses the overall impression of truncated pyramids. Foundations are usually stones. The houses are built in shelf-like, overlapping, vertical rows that act as rain guides, keeping the rain from saturating the walls and washing them away. On every hill stands one of the famous stone watchtowers built over the centuries to monitor the movements of possible invaders. Abha's daily market is a busy affair, bustling with activity and people. Locals bargain for fruits, vegetables, coffee beans and other wares. Local handicrafts like ornate silver Bedouin jewelry and hand woven basketry are specialty items. ver the past 20 years the area has become more accessible, thanks to the rapid development of its infrastructure, and direct flights linking Abha with Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran. Abha has a modern airport and more than 56 gardens that are continuously open to the public. In addition to its scenic beauty, Aseer's geography of mountainous terrain has made it possible for the development of four dramatic cable car systems linking the various resorts with each other, including; the cliff top rides at Al-Sooda and Al-Habala,the Lakeside and Thera Mountain routes at New Abha. Blessed with spectacular mountain scenery, a cool climate, fertile soil and moderate rainfall, Abha is rapidly becoming a major tourist attraction. One of the most populous regions in the Arabian Peninsula, its long history has resulted in a rich cultural heritage and provides a colorful mosaic of changing architecture and traditions. Abha has been beautified and prepared to receive tourists. Available in the city are 5-star hotels, furnished tourist villas and fashionable motels. Visitors can spend their time moving between mountain parks amidst a hospitable Arab atmosphere.
TOURS AROUND ABHA

National Parks
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its vastness, enjoys a diversity of good natural scenery ranging from mountains covered by a variety of natural vegetation and trees and wide plateaux with attractive plants in spring, to beautiful green oases in the middle of the desert, distinguished by their wild fauna, and the rich coastal regions by the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has realized the importance of the protection of these natural resources, which are for the enjoyment of present and future generations, enabling Saudi citizens to holiday in a location of outstanding scenery and natural interest to rival anywhere abroad. It has thus been concerned with the establishment of parks, such as the National Park of Asir on the large mountainous and hilly landscape of Aseer around the city of Abha. There are also studies and designs in preparation for the establishment of modern parks in Riyadh, Al-Hasa, and Al-Baha and in other places.
To utilize the regions touristic and aesthetic potential, several parks have been established, most important among which is the Aseer National Park. It groups small parks in Al Qaraa, Al Souda, Al Wardeh, Dalafan, Al Jarrah and (Tanumah). The area also includes the Grand Tourist lake Project and Al Hebla Park, which has been provided with a cable lift service.
Asir National Park in the Al-Soudah area near the summit of Saudi Arabia's highest mountain, Jabal Sawdah, is one of the most scenic protected areas. From the observation deck of the parks Visitors Center, it is often possible to see some of Asir's wild baboons. A cable car ride to the floor of the Tihama Valley leads to the village of Rijal Alama to explore its castle, now a wonderful museum of Saudi wares. Habalah is a deserted farming village perched on the cliff face above a broad valley. Before Habalah was abandoned in the late 1980s, ropes lowered people and goods to the village. Basket Souq
There is also famous "basket souk" in the city. Abha is famous for these heavy duty colorful baskets which are made from reeds and sometimes vinyl. Most of which are handmade. They can be found at good prices and used for just about anything. It is run by mostly Saudi women.