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Abha

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Abha is the capital city of the Asir Province. It sits in the Asir Mountains in southwest Saudi Arabia.

Abha, Saudi Arabia
Abha, Saudi Arabia

This city is located near the Asir National Park. It lies on the western edge of Mount Al-Hijaz. The city is very close to Jabal Sawda. This is the highest peak in all of Saudi Arabia.

Map of Arabia 600 AD
Map of Arabia 600 AD

Because the city is so high up, people call it the Bride of the Mountain. This name describes its position far above the sea.

The weather in Abha is quite special. It has a hot desert climate, but the high elevation changes things. Most of the year, the weather feels mild and temperate.

It does not get as hot as other desert areas. The city stays cooler during the low-sun season. Most of the rain falls between February and April. There is also a smaller wet season in July and August. The city even uses rainwater harvesting for irrigation.

Abha has a long and interesting history. It was once the capital for the Prince of Asir. At that time, the Ottoman Empire held authority there. In 1918, Prince Yahya bin Hasun Al Ayde returned to his throne. Later, in 1920, the Ikhwan tribesmen conquered the area. This happened during the Unification of Saudi Arabia. Many different tribes, like the Azdi, have lived in this region for a long time.

There are many landmarks to explore in the city. You can see hilltop fortresses which are a common feature. Shadda Palace was built in 1927 and is now a museum.

Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024
Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024

You might also visit the famous Art Street. It is well known for its beautiful jacaranda trees. The city also has the Abha Great Mosque and the Abha Palace Hotel. For sports, the Abha Club plays football at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City. This large stadium can hold 20,000 people.

Abha is a busy place for students and travelers. King Khalid University is a large public school here. It was made in 1998 by joining two other universities. About 85,000 students are enrolled there. Travelers can arrive at the Abha International Airport. Construction on this airport began in 1975. It now connects the city to places like Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. A coastal road also connects Abha to Jeddah.

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File:Map of Arabia 600 AD.svg
Map of Arabia 600 AD.svg
File:Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024.jpg
Art Street of Abha, Saudi Arabia 2024.jpg
File:Abha, Saudi Arabia.jpg
Abha, Saudi Arabia.jpg
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