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MOUNTAIN VILLAGES Spectacular views of the sur- rounding area provide reason enough to visit Jebel Sawdah near Abha, the highest point in Saudi Arabia that peaks at 2,910 metres. The Jebel al Taraf in Ohud Rofaidah and Jebel Al Helah near the village of Mohayl are also worth a visit.
Villagers living in the moun- tains before the emergence of motorised vehicles had little choice but to make do with ma- terials and supplies at hand. The height of their surroundings and depth of the valleys meant it was extremely difficult for dwellers to bring in groceries and build- ing materials. As a result, each village adopted its own technique for day-to-day living, making each one drastically different from the next.
There are five styles of architecture in the region, rang- ing from thatched huts on the Tihamah coastal plain to the horizontal stone tile layers found in Al Basta. Mud tower houses spring up in Al Khalef, while visitors can expect to see stone apron tower abodes in Al Yazid, Al Khat and Dar Osman.
Part of full-day mountain tour Two to 20
Best visited in the morning before the mid-day heat Take a tour guide and a camera
AL MAQAR TOURISM VILLAGE Scenic views of the coastal region of Tihamah draw in many visitors each year to this attrac- tion, which is located near a cliff ridge. The tourism village has a museum, restaurants, residen- tial apartments and even a zoo.
Half-day tour Two to 20
Best viewed in the afternoon to explore the full track Visit the zoo for an education in wildlife
saudiarabia 2011
RAIDAH
HABALAH
Known as the Hanging Village, this community in Asir clings per- ilously to a sheer cliff face of the valley wall. The villagers settled 300 years ago interacted using a pulley system and rope ladders, which is where the name Habalah (rope) comes from.
Large iron buckets used to haul food and supplies up or down the village, which was inhabited until 1980, are just some of the remains that visitors can still see today. Parks and restaurants are close by, as well as a daily oper- ated cable car that offers breath- taking views of the village.
Part of full-day tour Two to 20
Best visited in the morning before the mid-day heat Take the cable car as the climb can be exhausting
RIJJAL AL MA'A One of the most impressive cul- tural attractions in Rijjal Al Ma'a is the museum and visitor centre, which has been developed by the local community. Some 60 traditional stone-built dwellings and buildings in the style of Tiha- mah slopes make up the village. Tourists wishing to visit the area can tie Rijjal Al Ma'a into a day trip involving the nearby cable cars and lunch or dinner at one of several restaurants.
Half-day tour Two to 20
Arrive for lunch and stay the afternoon
Tie in with tour of the mountain villages
PROTECTED AREA At 14 sq km, this reserve may be one of Saudi's smallest wildlife areas. But that should not take anything away from a wonderful natural habitat and many local animals. Of Saudi's 10 indigenous species of birds, nine can be found in the park among many foreign fowl including eagles. Public access to Raidah Park is afforded to some education groups, although visitors should take caution as the site is located on a steep slope below Jebel Saw- dah. The park is managed by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation & Development. The steep walls of the wadi are great for spotting many animals, including gazelles, mongoose and leopards. Sacred baboons, caracal lynx and Arabian Wolves also roam the area, which carries a hunting ban.
Half-day tour Two to 20
Best viewed in the morning before the wildlife takes to hiding
Bring along binoculars to see the wildlife
ATTRACTIONS KEY
Ideal for
Group size Timings Top tip
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