Abha is the capital of Asir and located in the south of the Kingdom. Situated 2,200 meters above sea level in the fertile mountains of south western Saudi Arabia, its mild climate makes it a popular tourist destination for families, both Saudi and expatriate. The Saudi government has been promoting Abha as a tourist destination and has created events, such as the Abha Festival during the summer, to draw people to the city. Various events are organized to attract visitors to discover the city and its surroundings, such as sporting competitions, shows, exhibitions and musical performances by famous poets and singers. Shada Palace is one of the city's major attractions and its rooms and exhibits showcase antique handicrafts and household goods as well as historic artwork, some of which periodically leaves the museum during the summer months because of the heat. One of the most remarkable monumental landmarks in Abha, it was established in 1927 as a headquarter to the Princes of Asir region. Visitors are particularly attracted by the Al-Miftaha art village. Here tourists can find artwork by Saudi painters and sculptors. These are displayed together with archeological items and local honey, hand-woven items and souvenirs. An open theater provides entertainment for summer visitors with performances by various popular groups. The Asir national park is another major attraction, covering an area of 455,000 hectares and protecting both fauna and animals. Abha houses a number of personal museums displaying household tools traditionally used in the region. These include Al-Khalileah Museum and Al-Ghamaz Museum. For the outdoor-inclined, Abha also offers adventure sports like hiking and mountain-biking. The mountains in Abha provide the natural setting for some of the most beautiful camping in the world. The mountains provide outstanding sporting activities and paragliding, hang-gliding, rock climbing and mountaineering are all professionally supervised here. Moreover, a cable car facility provides outstanding views of the entire mountainous region of Abha. Some specialist shopping is also on offer with fresh fruits and vegetables in the market as well as ornate silver Bedouin jewelry and hand-woven baskets. During summer, the temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius with an average rainfall of 120 to 350 mm. Bring your family and friends for a weekend or a week and enjoy a special brand of culture and experience in the Asir mountains that you will never forget.
