Published On 2/12/2025
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Last update: 08:19 (Mecca time)
The city of Abha, located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, is still adorned with what is new on the tourism scene, and is adding a landmark to the natural tourism map in the Asir region. In the heart of the southern western mountains of the city of Abha, and on the peaks of the towering Nahran Mountain, “Star and River” Park stands as a new icon.
This site is part of a series of tourism initiatives launched by the Asir Region Municipality, with the aim of enhancing the quality of the tourism experience by creating natural views and developing the infrastructure in open sites, which contributes to transforming these sites into active economic and cultural tributaries.
The city of Abha is known as the bride of the southern Saudi Arabia, and is famous for its mild climate and the diversity of its tourist attractions.
Abha is the administrative capital of the emirate and the Asir region, which extends from the borders of the Jazan region in the southwest to the borders of Yemen in the southeast and Najran in the east, and from the borders of the Riyadh region in the north to the Al-Baha region on the Red Sea in the west.
“Star and River” Park is a unique landmark that directly overlooks the Abha Valley Dam, one of the most prominent destinations, from which the view extends to the depths of the Tihami issue area from the southern side.
In a short period of time, this park has become a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts and adventure lens professionals, as it provides panoramic scenes that satisfy the visual taste and inspire those who love documenting golden moments at sunrise and sunset, and with the entry of fog, which adds a special charm to the place.
Abha and its distinctive view
The view from “Star and River” appears as if it were a complete cinematic scene in which the clouds intersect with the mountain peaks, the greenery blends with the colors of the sky, and the horizon touches the details of the Tihamian plains below, giving the visitor a meditative experience that embodies the richness of the natural landscape in Asir.

The site contains a number of cafes and restaurants with a direct view of the dam and the Tihamiya dam, which adds a modern character to the place without compromising its mountain authenticity.
Abha’s legacies and landmarks
It is known that Abha, which is described as the “Lady of the Mist” and the “Bride of the Mountain,” has a cultural and social heritage and tourist attractions represented by popular markets, heritage villages, and archaeological houses, and it has the well-known Tuesday Market, which will take you on a journey through time and through it you can explore local products and traditional handicrafts.

Likewise, the village of Al-Muftaha is the best witness to what Abha has to offer. In addition to the charming view enjoyed by the “Zhurt” Mountain, which is located in the middle of the city of Abha, it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions and destinations visited by tourists coming to it.
In Abha, there is the village of Rijal Almaa, which is classified on the UNESCO World Heritage Lists, the Asir National Park, the Ottoman Bridge, the Shamsan Castle, and the amazing historic Shada Palace. There you will learn about the traditional lifestyle of the people of the region, and the splendor of the architecture of those edifices.
Abha is also distinguished by its historical status, cultural and social heritage, unique agricultural environment, and various festivals that are held in the region.

Environmental diversity
The visitor to the city of Abha finds environmental diversity and different terrain, as it is surrounded by forests spread in the parks of Al-Souda, Dalgan, and Al-Habla, and highlands with high views, in addition to the eastern plains and the western coasts.
The city is famous for its abundance of plants, including juniper trees, cactus plants, acacia plants, and acacia plants. The region also has a clean environment free of pollution, and protected areas such as the Rayda Reserve.

The region is generally known for its moderate climate and summer rains, making it a favorite summer destination in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, as it has a mixture of stunning natural scenery, including mountains, green plains, forests, waterfalls, and parks.
In addition, the Asir region is rich in cultural heritage, represented by palaces, archaeological museums, historical villages, and popular markets. The people of Asir are known for their hospitality and generosity, which attracts tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other countries of the world.
Tourist experience
A visitor to the city of Abha can create an unforgettable experience by visiting the amazing historical Shada Palace, through which you will learn about the traditional lifestyle of the people of the region, and the splendor of the architecture of this edifice.

After that, the visitor can go to the vibrant heart of the city, and wander through the popular markets full of Asir colors and flavors, and you will also find shops where you can buy souvenirs.
If you want to enjoy interesting local artworks, taste authentic Arabic coffee and relax in one of the nearby cafes, do not hesitate to head to the Fine Art Street.
Source: The island + Saudi News Agency (SPA)
