[2024 Guide] Rijal Almaa: A Journey Through History and Culture

Rijal Almaa is a small village located in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. Nestled in the midst of the Rijal Almaa mountain range, the village is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved through the ages. This article will explore some distinct aspects of Rijal Almaa that provide insights into its history and culture before planning a trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Old Rijal Almaa Heritage Village With Stunning Architecture And Views

Rijal Alma, one of the most prominent cultural and archeological destinations in the Saudi Kingdom is considered an architectural icon ever built by a human, winning 2017 first place in the Arab Cities “Mudon” Award with respect to its “architectural heritage” after the completion of the restoration of 16 fortresses in the village.

Where is Rijal Almaa heritage village location?

Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is a historical gem located in the Asir province of Saudi Arabia, around 45 kilometers to the west of Abha. Built during the 10th century, the village consists of 60 stately homes made of clay, wood, and stones and the village is made up of 60 impressive homes that are connected and share identical architectural traits. Recently, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently acknowledged this village as one of the top tourism destinations worldwide.

The village of Rijal Almaa is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The village's architecture is what attracts tourists with its distinctive mud-brick buildings and exquisite woodwork. The village is also known for its souq, a bustling market that sells everything from traditional clothes to spices and herbs. The Souq Market is an essential part of the village's culture and a must-see for anyone looking to experience the local way of life.

How to visit Rijal Almaa for travelers?

Rijal Almaa is located in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia. The nearest airport is Abha International Airport, which is approximately 130 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to travel to Rijal Almaa. Additionally, there are bus services that operate from Abha to Rijal Almaa. It is important to note that some roads in the region can be challenging to navigate, so it is recommended to have a reliable GPS system or a local guide.

Rijal Almaa world an amazing heritage site in the Asir region, south of Saudi Arabia.

Top Things To Do For Tourists When Visit Rijal Almaa in 2024

1. Explore Rijal Almaa Museum

Let's a short Rijal Almaa Museum reviews. The local residents take immense pride in their architecture. They have made efforts to renovate the older buildings, particularly the 16 fortresses in the village that were restored in 2017. The Rijal Almaa forts have a long history, which visitors and historians may explore. Several notable forts, including Maejib and Hakim, Msamr, al-Dir'iyyahal-Dir'iyyah, al-Sisbae, Al Jaber, and Al Hawat, are among the must-see ones. These forts have been owned by local families for generations, and they form an integral part of the region's heritage. The museum provides English and Arabic descriptions to help visitors better understand the artifacts and one of the forts functions as the museum's headquarters and is cared for by locals.

2. Visit Qasabat Al-Owus Tower

The Qasabat Al-Owus Tower is a well-known historic site about 5 km from Haswa town, part of the Rijal Almaa governorate. With a surface area of around 26 square meters, this ancient tower is one of the earliest tourist attractions in the region. Visitors typically scale the tower to appreciate the breathtaking views from a high vantage point.

3. Camp at Jabal Soudah

The peak of this mountain, rising to a height of 1900 meters above sea level, marks the start of the renowned Wadi Haswa, also known as the Haswa valley. The mountain extends all the way to the Aqabat Dhula location. Its name comes from the numerous prickly pear trees that are scattered across the area, along with other fruit trees and terraced agriculture. Visitors can enjoy these fruits for free, but it is important to be careful of the thorns. Tourists typically embark on the moderate trail to test their hiking abilities, and during the journey, they relish the picturesque view of the surrounding area. Besides that, visitors also have the opportunity to camp at the peak and spend the night there while enjoying campfires and grills.

A Landscape view of Zig-Zag road route at al Soudah heading to Rijal Almaa

4. Travel to Country Honey Hut

Visitors to the Country Honey Hut can savor the delicious honey produced in the Rijal Almaa region. The building, made of strong stones and tree trunks collected from the highlands of Rijal Almaa, offers several seating areas. The establishment occupies 10 square meters and is open to tourists, surrounded by bee houses. The country honey hut represents a harmonious fusion of rural, tourism, and Rijal Alma' customs. The bee houses located around the hut yield honey that is collected daily.

5. Climb Jabal Ash-Shorfa

The historical Ash-Shorfa mountain, situated in the eastern part of Rijal Alma' governorate, is a well-known tourist attraction due to its rich past. The mountain has a temperate climate in both summer and winter seasons. Tourists can reach the mountain by taking cable cars from As-Soudah to the Awus valley and then by 4-wheel drive cars. Upon arrival, visitors can marvel at the beautiful green agricultural terraces, which appear like stunning artwork.

The Rijal Almaa Mountain range boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular attraction for hikers and adventurers. Visitors from all over the world come to explore the rugged beauty of the mountains, which are also home to several historical sites, including ancient forts and watchtowers. These structures provide a glimpse into the challenges that the region's inhabitants faced in the past and highlight its rich history.

In conclusion, these aspects of Rijal Almaa offer a comprehensive understanding of the region's culture and heritage for visitors. The Rijal Almaa heritage village with its traditional architecture and vibrant souq, is a testament to the enduring traditions of the region. Furthermore, the Rijal Almaa Museum celebrates the region's rich heritage with its extensive collection of artifacts and cultural events. Additionally, the Rijal Almaa mountain range offers tremendous potential for adventure tourism. It can be said that the development of tourism in the area is a positive step that not only preserves the local heritage but also creates opportunities for economic growth. Rijal Almaa is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored, and it has the potential to become a significant tourist destination in Saudi Arabia.

One of the significant tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia

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