The Asir Region is gearing up to receive thousands of local and foreign holidaymakers for their winter tourism season. Tourists can expect a broad range of climate, finding cold weather in the cities and villages in the mountainous areas, including Abha, Khamis Mushayt and Ahad Rufaidah. In contrast, the edges of the Asir Region especially the coastal plains, which are known as Tihama, have sunny and warm weather. These preparations to receive tourists were carried out by officials under the orders of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdul Aziz, the Emir of the Asir Region and Chairman of the Tourism Development Council. The aim is to ensure that holidaymakers have an enjoyable time and that there is a resultant boost in the tourism sector in the region. The region is now attracting greater numbers of tourists with the completion and development of roads, including the recently completed Dhil' Mountain Pass that was executed by the government of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This is to enable citizens to reach tourist attractions quickly and safely from different regions of the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The new roads will also enable tourists to drive within the region from one location to another to enjoy the variety of weather and attractive scenery and topography. Winter in the region coincides with the availability of agricultural products and traditional light handicrafts, which visitors can purchase. The traditional markets have more business now than at any other time of the year. There are also new residential centers, hotels and rest houses. All these factors have served to boost tourism in the region as a sustainable economic activity. Rijal Alma' The climate and environmental diversity in the Rijal Alma' Governorate in Tihamat Asir is unique. It has become a favorite destination for visitors, as it is located between the Red Sea coast in the west and the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains in the east. There is a great variety of scenery, from the beautiful seashores to the awesome mountains and their splendid foothills. There are also breathtaking views from the mountains. There are many tourist areas in the governorate, including the forests, slopes, fertile valleys, and cultivated steps on the mountain slopes, where step farming takes place. This makes visitors feel they are in a fresh rural atmosphere. The Museum of Rijal Alma' is one of the most well-known museums in the region. It is visited frequently by thousands of visitors who are eager to see old architectural building styles. The museum also displays costumes and agricultural implements and tools reflecting the social life of this conservative society. The distinctive geographic location of the Mahayil Asir Governorate, which is situated in the middle of Tihama, is one of the most attractive winter tourist sites. It is visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists throughout the winter season. It is distinguished by its greenery and magnificent scenery. The Mahayil Asir Governorate is located in the west of the Asir Region. It is 80 km from the Red Sea coast and is 5,800 square km in size. The climate of the governorate is hot in summer and moderate in winter. The maximum temperature is 45 degrees centigrade and the minimum is 20 degrees centigrade. The annual average rainfall is 30 mm and the humidity is 18 percent. Mahayil is flat and is surrounded by volcanic mountains and valleys with streams. It has natural vegetation cover which is the richest in Tihama, surrounded by thick tree growth and green highlands. It is also distinguished for its archeological forts and traditional markets, which are open all week. Al-Majaridah Governorate The Al-Majaridah Governorate has become famous as one of the major winter tourist sites. It is 180 km from Asir. It is blessed with beautiful nature, fresh air and fine weather, especially during the winter season. Thousands of holidaymakers and tourists, who look for warm weather, visit the area every year. It is also rich in history for it was one of the ancient trade routes in the Kingdom. It has six centers including Barig, Thalouth Al-Mandhar, Abs, Tharban, Ahad Tharban and Jum'a Rabi'ah. Al-Majaridah has several tribes including Bani Shehr, Bani Omar, Barig and Rabi'ah. Visitors can find high mountains including Mounts Barkouk, Tahwi, Athrab, Tharban, Al-Ghows and Raiman and steep valleys like Wadi Abs, Wadi Khatbah, Wadi Al-Dhamu, Wadi Al-Gheel, Wadi Khaat, Wadi Shari and Wadi Al-Na'ss, in addition to the plains in other parts of the governorate. The climate in Al-Majaridah is hot in summer, moderate and warm in winter, with rain throughout the year. The climate is fine in the heights and warm in the lowlands, during winter. Al-Majaridah is famous for its traditional markets like Souq Al-Ithnain, which is the main market for Tihama Bani Shehr. It is located in the middle of the governorate and is a commercial center and cultural meeting place. In addition to this, is the Khabta Market which is held every Saturday, Abs traditional market every Sunday, Thalouth Al-Mandhar market every Tuesday, Barig Market every Wednesday and Souq Khaat every Thursday. Some Al-Majaridah people breed animals and market these animals locally. The area is also distinguished for its agricultural products including cereals, bananas and lemon. It is also a hub for aromatic plants like mint and has coffee trees on the top of Mounts Raiman and Barkook. Winter tourism in Al-Majaridah is attractive because of its fine weather during the cold season. But winter tourism is not confined to the governorate, there is also Al-Qahma center which is considered one of the oldest historic sites in the Asir Region because of its strategic location on the shores of the Red Sea. Al-Qahma, the first seaport in the southern region, has white sandy beaches surrounded by palm and Dom trees and beautiful islands and blue sea. Al-Qahma center is 460 km from Abha and includes more than 90 villages inhabited by more than 18,000 people. The area of Al-Qahma is 2,520 square km. It is bound on the north by Dhahban center, Al-Huraidha center on the south, Bahr Abu Sakina center on the east and the Red Sea on the west. Al-Qahma has witnessed a quantum leap in development especially after the implementation of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz National Housing Program. Al-Qahma has quiet beaches, rich heritage and warm weather in winter. It is also distinguished by its sea islands, pastures and volcanic heights.
