SOUTHERN REGION
Saudi Arabia’s Southern Region: Najran, Abha, and Jazan
The Southern Region of Saudi Arabia, known for its diverse landscapes, encompasses the vast desert expanses of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) to the lush, verdant mountains of Asir. The region includes the cities of Najran, Abha, and Jazan, each celebrated for its unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Abha: mountain retreat and cultural capital
Abha, the capital of the Asir province, is perched at approximately 2,270 metres above sea level. It enjoys a temperate climate, making it a popular summer retreat.
– Al-Soudah National Park: Surrounded by dense mountain forests, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and panoramic vistas.
– Al-Soudah Development Project: Aiming to transform Asir into a premier luxury destination, this project focuses on ecological conservation while providing upscale hospitality.
– Rijal Almaa Village: A heritage village known for its traditional stone and clay houses, offering a glimpse into Asir’s cultural history.
– Asir Regional Museum: Highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage through artefacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits.
– Fatimah’s Museum of Aseeri Woman’s Heritage: The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the Asir region’s women.
Asir National Park
Established in 1981 as Saudi Arabia’s first national park, Asir National Park is a haven of natural beauty and biodiversity. Covering approximately 1,600 square kilometres, the park encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountains and verdant valleys to dense forests and coastal plains.
Jabal Tahlal is the highest mountain peak in the Kingdom with an altitude of 3015 m. Next in line is Jabal Fara’a at a height of 3004 m, followed by Jabal Al Majaz at 2902 m and Mount Mishref at 2859 m. Al-Sahla, Mana’a, and Shawkan are a few other mountains whose altitudes exceed 2500 m.
Green Agricultural Terraces
It is one of the most beautiful manifestations of rural life, especially during summers. Not only do they expand the region’s green areas, these terraces also offer stunning views for tourists.
The Fog Walkway
It is a 7 km long and 14m wide suspended corridor in the Al-Dabab neighborhood, overlooking the Tihama Mountains, and is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Kingdom and the entire Arab region. Its strategic location gives visitors a feeling of wandering among the clouds and mist.
The Fog City
The Al-Namas area, also known as ‘Fog City’, is giving tourists and nature lovers a peek into nature’s bounty with a historical touch.
Al Sahw Villa: at one with nature in Asir
Overlooking Asir’s Al-Souda Mountains, Villa Al-Sahw is a pioneering project aimed at developing mountain-based resorts to boost regional tourism in line with Saudi Vision 2030. This stunning tourist attraction boasts impressive architecture and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and dense forests, all while being perched at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. Villa Al-Sahw enhances the natural beauty of the region, providing visitors with a unique and picturesque destination for relaxation and exploration.
Jazan: coastal charm and coffee plantations
Jazan, situated along the Red Sea coast, is renowned for its beaches, islands, and high-altitude coffee plantations.
– Farasan Islands: A pristine archipelago that attracts divers and nature lovers with its coral reefs and rich marine life.
– Jazan City: Known for its traditional souks and distinctive regional architecture.
– Jazan Mountains: Famous for their coffee plantations, particularly in the Faifa Mountains, where the climate and altitude produce some of the finest coffee beans in the region.
– Castles: The Jazan Region is home to many ancient historic castles, representing a rich historical heritage spanning centuries and a prominent feature of the region’s civilization and tourism.
These castles encapsulate the identity of the community, its values, and traditions, reflected in the architectural details of these buildings from past centuries through their stones, columns, pottery, inscriptions, and unique decorations. They are a tourist attraction for lovers of enchanting nature and rich human heritage.
Natural beauty and adventure - Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter):
The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, sprawling across an astonishing 650,000 square kilometres and touching four nations: Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Its vastness, beauty, and mystery captivate adventurers and scientists alike, drawing them to one of the most extreme and least explored environments on Earth.
Covering an area larger than France, the Rub’ al Khali is characterised by enormous sand dunes that can reach up to 250 metres in height and 50 kilometres in length.
Between these towering dunes lie sabkhas, or salt flats, which form a flat, hard crust that reflects the intense desert sun.
The region’s climate is unforgiving, with summer temperatures soaring above 55°C (131°F), while night-time temperatures can plummet dramatically.
Historically, the Rub’ al Khali was integral to the ancient frankincense trade routes that connected the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient cities.
For centuries, nomadic Bedouin tribes have navigated this vast wilderness, mastering its dunes and sabkhas with unparalleled expertise.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Empty Quarter is home to a surprising diversity of flora and fauna. Adapted species like the sand cat, Arabian oryx, fennec fox, and desert hedgehog thrive here, while salt-tolerant bushes, grasses, and acacia trees dot the landscape.
Najran: architectural heritage and fertile landscapes
Najran, located near the Yemeni border, is characterised by its unique architectural style and rich historical sites that echo its deep-rooted history.
– Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site: This pre-Islamic settlement provides invaluable insights into the region’s past. The ruins reveal ancient inscriptions, stone carvings, and remnants of a city once surrounded by walls.
– Najran Fort: An impressive historical structure showcasing traditional Najran architecture.
– Date Palms and Citrus Orchards: Najran’s fertile land makes it a vital agricultural hub, known for its vast date palms and abundant citrus orchards.
The Book Plateau: a timeless treasure in the Al-Baha region
The Book Plateau in Baljurashi, nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Baha region, has emerged as a captivating tourist destination that seamlessly blends the allure of nature with a rich historical legacy. This plateau, situated at the convergence of two streams at the valley’s base, strikingly resembles an open book due to the ancient inscriptions adorning its surface. These carvings, believed to be over 14 centuries old, feature early Islamic writings devoid of diacritical marks, including the names of the Prophet’s companions and followers.
Abdulrahman Al-Ghamdi, Director General of the Al-Baha Heritage Authority, noted that the site was added to the National Antiquities Register following a comprehensive survey in 2005. The inscriptions, meticulously etched into the granite rock face, stand as enduring guardians of the region’s cultural heritage and historical importance.
The allure of the Book Plateau extends beyond its archaeological marvels, serving as a testament to the diverse range of heritage tourism sites that define the Al-Baha region. This unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes the plateau a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the depths of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural tapestry.
