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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
– 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 Sawda, in Asir National Park near Abha, is Saudi’s tallest peak, soaring over 3,000 metres and offering many climbing, hiking and camping spots to choose from.