Driving Downtown - Abha City - Driving Tour Abha city Saudi Arabia

Geography & Location
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.

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.

Archeological Places
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.

Recent Developments
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
Abha Exhibition Center
Abha Exhibition Center, Health Center and Syahya Airport Mall are close to Abha Airport, centrally located between the two cities of Abha and Khamis Mushayt.
The Abha International Exhibition Center provides a total of 8000 square meters in five exhibition halls around a semi-open central area, plus a state-of-the-art auditorium for 550 delegates with additional conference rooms and full support services. Just two kilometers from Abha airport, the center includes a leisure complex with a 60-room motel and health club. Attractions include a bowling center, restaurants and cafeterias and indoor sports arena. There are also outdoor facilities for tennis, football and horse riding, with a children's play area.

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Entertainment
Various entertainment facilities are available for the entire family. Facilities include open sports playground for tennis, football and other sports in addition to specially designed sidewalks to enjoy walking in the middle of superb scenery. Other indoor activities are available including a fully equipped gymnasium, covered pool and a large centre of Bowling