Serenity of Abha beckons Monday, 19 July 2010 01:44

The city of Abha lies in the south-western part of the Arabian peninsula. The region abounds in mountains, valleys and fertile plains. It has a generally moderate climate, heavy rainfall, green pastures and agricultural plateaus.

Clouds cover Abha most of the time and the dense forests surrounding it add to the charm.

To ancient Egyptians, this region was known as the land of spices and incense.

To utilise the region’s tourist and aesthetic potential, several parks have been built, most important among which is the Aseer National Park. It groups small parks in Al Qara’a, Al Souda, Al Wardeh, Dalafan, Al Jarrah and Al Hassab. The area also includes the Grand Tourist lake Project and Al Hebla Park, which has been provided with a cable lift service.

Abha has a modern airport and more than 56 gardens that are continuously open to the public.

Visitors are particularly attracted by the Al Miftaha art village at the King Fahad Cultural Centre. Here they find art works by Saudi painters and sculptors. Also available are archaeological pieces, handicrafts, local honey, hand-woven products and souvenirs. The open theatre is used by various popular groups.

The city of Abha also includes the famous Shada archaeological palace which dates to the year 1250H, and contains numerous archaeological artefacts.

Abha has been beautified to receive tourists. Present 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.

THE PENINSULA