If you thought Saudi Arabia was all desert dunes and shiny modern cities, the province of Al Baha will make you think twice. Unlike most other parts of the country, this small province has pleasant weather, a lush green landscape, and a rich heritage that makes it one of the top places for tourists to visit during their next holiday.
Situated in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, Al Baha is a landlocked region spanning approximately 15,000 sq km. The mountains here top 2,000 m, and the landscape is dotted with valleys, plains, forests, waterfalls and the Tihama coastal plain. As one of the major tourist resorts in the country, Al Baha has earned the nickname “the Pearl of Resorts.”
This castle comprises two fortresses, built four centuries ago, for military purposes. However, it was also used as storage for food supplies and was the site of several peace agreements signed between tribes.
The twin structures were built about 100 m above the valley, with a small space of no more than 120 cm separating the two. They are identical in size, shape and interior design, with the only difference being their location—one to the north and the other to the south.
The northern fortress is located in the courtyard of a house, while the southern fortress is situated in the courtyard of a two-storey house with two doors—one facing south and the other facing north.
During your visit, soak in the view of Al Baha’s valleys and take photographs of the stunning vistas.
One of the most extensive forests in Saudi Arabia (6,00,000 sq m), Raghadan is often shrouded in fog thanks to its elevation at 1,700 m above sea level. Because of its high-altitude location, it is home to trees that have stood for centuries, mainly juniper trees which are green all year round.
Check out Al Sahab Promenade, a 100-m-long bridge that hangs amidst the fog and overlooks Aqabat Al Baha and Raghadan Forest. Afterwards, enjoy the flowing waterfalls, especially after sunset.
There are plenty of walking trails and kids' areas, as well as a big shopping tent where you can shop till you drop in an atmosphere you won’t forget.
The Thee Ain Historical Village, located on the top of a rugged white mountain, is considered one of the most important heritage villages in the Arabian Peninsula. The 400-year-old village, which was abandoned around 30 to 40 years ago, can easily be seen from a distance thanks to its white glow. In fact, the village's houses are not made of marble but of flake stones and slate. However, the village got the moniker "Marble Village" for the rocky outcrop upon which it is built. The grey mountains that tower behind the outcrop and the green fields in the foreground add to the shining marble that forms a foundation for the village.
The village includes a small mosque and more than 30 houses, designed to be contiguous and superimposed on each other due to the village's mountainous nature. Thee Ain is famous for growing diverse types of fruits and basil and the high quality of its traditional handicrafts.
Spanning approximately 150,000 sq m, with 100 agricultural terraces extending along the Sarawat Mountains, this farm is a must-visit during your Saudi Arabia trip. Home to more than 4,000 olive trees, in addition to three tanks for storing rainwater and a bird breeding garden, the farm offers a charming experience for visitors who can engage in picking agricultural crops, enjoying scenic views and savouring delicious dishes prepared on-site by skilled chefs.
The farm's owner, Dr Saleh bin Abbas Al-Hafiz, works on renewable energy plants, hydroponic agriculture for watering his 12,000 strawberry seedlings, and agricultural terraces that prevent soil erosion and water leakage. The farm also includes a beehive for honey production.
In fact, Al Baha hosts an annual International Honey Festival where the best local and international honey products from around the world are exhibited in one place.
Tropical crops such as avocado and cocoa are grown at Al-Zaytouna Farm. Enjoy local dishes made from the farm's crops and a refreshing cold mountainous atmosphere, while learning about the farming techniques used here and tasting all the pomegranates, berries, grapes, guava and various types of strawberries you can reach.
The ancient palaces and towering forts of Al Baha region stand as a living testament to Saudi Arabia's rich history. Among these, the Bin Raqoush Palace stands out due to its transformation into a cultural and historical centre.
Rising up to 25 m, the towering fort is decorated with striking white quartz and functioned as a private residence. Its construction took place in two stages: the first stage included the construction of the maritime house containing a council, a weapons depot, a library, supply stores, sleeping quarters, family sitting rooms, a Damascene house, a mosque, a main kitchen, servant quarters and a water well.
The second stage began in 1939 and included the construction of a guesthouse, the “Middle House” and the “Reform House,” completing the fully-serviced palace and forming a fortress for the tribes and their inhabitants at that time.
The region of Al Baha boasts some of the most beautiful camping spots in Saudi Arabia, especially during the rainy season—just take care to stay away from the bottoms of valleys and flood-prone streams for a safe camping trip.
One of the top camping locations is Khairah Forest, whose landscape extends over vast areas on the high peaks of the Al-Surat Mountains. The forest includes the Prince Mishari Bin Saud Park and the Al Shallal Theme Park. The area's ancient agricultural terraces conserve water and nourish the Khairah Waterfall, but there is also a children's play area and plenty of walking trails to keep you busy.
Al Baha Regional Museum of Antiquities and Heritage has a rich collection of Islamic inscriptions on frames or stones, along with Byzantine, Ottoman and Abbasid coins. You will also find fossils and ancient tools dating back to the Stone Age and many artefacts from the Mousterian era.
Built in a modern architectural style over 9,000 sq m next to the Raghadan Tourist Village, the museum also contains a corner displaying embroidered clothes made of old materials and designs, a collection of jewellery made by previous inhabitants of the region, exhibits of kitchen utensils and household supplies, scales for grains and cereals, and tools for preparing tea and coffee.
According to the official Saudi Arabia tourism website, the summer season (June to August) is the best time to visit Al Baha. However, we recommend the months from October to April when the weather is cool and comfortable.
Take a flight to Al Baha Airport (ABT) from Riyadh or Jeddah, or land directly at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), 401 km away. Take a bus or taxi from either of these places to Al Baha province.