The Asir region ranked second after the Riyadh region on the list of the most advanced regions in the field of cultural tourism, recording over 1.9 million domestic tourist trips related to festivals and cultural events, while Riyadh topped the list with 3.7 million trips.
Third place in visits to historical and heritage sites
This came according to the 2024 Cultural Status Report in the Kingdom issued by the Ministry of Culture, where Asir also ranked third in tourist trips to visit historical and heritage sites and archaeological sites, with 920,000 trips, confirming its prominent presence on the national cultural tourism map, alongside Riyadh and Medina.
The report indicated that the growth of cultural tourism in Asir reflects the diversity of its patterns and their connection to the region’s natural and environmental components. Events and activities held in mountainous cities and provinces, such as Abha, Al-Namas, Tanomah, and Rijal Alma, have become main destinations for domestic tourists, within a general trend showing increasing demand for cultural and heritage experiences.
It noted that these positive indicators align with the vision of the Ministry and the Regional Development Authority, aimed at enhancing the role of culture as an economic and tourism tributary, and making Asir one of the prominent tourist and cultural destinations at the local and international levels. Last year, it hosted several high-quality cultural events, most notably the third edition of the “Qimam International Festival for Mountain Performing Arts,” the “Writers and Readers Festival,” the “Traditional Foods Festival,” and the “Asir Manuscripts Exhibition.”
Riyadh region
The Riyadh region is the historic heart of Saudi Arabia, serving as the ancestral home of the Al Saud dynasty and the site where the First Saudi State was established in Diriyah in the 18th century. Today, it is a modern metropolis and the nation’s capital, representing a dramatic transformation from a fortified desert settlement into a global financial and administrative hub.
Asir region
The Asir region is a mountainous area in southwestern Saudi Arabia known for its lush green landscapes and unique traditional architecture, such as the famous painted houses of Rijal Almaa. Historically, it was a significant cultural crossroads and part of the ancient incense trade route. The region has a distinct cultural heritage, with its own traditional dress, music, and the annual Souq Okaz festival celebrating pre-Islamic Arabic poetry.
Medina
The Medina is the historic old city center found in many North African towns, most famously in Fez, Morocco, and Tunis, Tunisia. These ancient quarters are typically enclosed by medieval walls and feature a dense, maze-like network of narrow alleyways, bustling souks (markets), mosques, and historic residences. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages, and they serve as enduring centers of traditional urban Islamic life and culture.
Abha
Abha is the capital of Asir Province in southwestern Saudi Arabia, a city known as the “Bride of the Mountain” for its stunning highland scenery and moderate climate. Historically, it was a key settlement for various tribes and formed part of the ancient trade routes, with its distinctive mud-brick architecture, such as the Shada Palace, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Today, it is a popular summer tourist destination, famous for its vibrant souks, traditional festivals, and proximity to the Asir National Park.
Al-Namas
Al-Namas is a scenic town located in the Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its mild climate, lush greenery, and mountainous terrain. Historically, it has been an important agricultural area and a summer retreat for locals, with its development closely tied to the traditional farming practices of the region.
Tanomah
Tanomah is a scenic mountainous region located in the Asir Province of southwestern Saudi Arabia, renowned for its cool climate, terraced farms, and dense juniper forests. Historically, it has been a significant agricultural area for centuries, with its inhabitants developing sophisticated irrigation and farming techniques to cultivate the rugged terrain.
Rijal Alma
Rijal Alma is a historic village in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia, known for its distinctive multi-story stone and clay houses adorned with brightly colored window frames. Historically, it was a key hub for trade routes and a stronghold of the Qahtan tribe. Today, it is a popular heritage site and was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015.
Qimam International Festival for Mountain Performing Arts
The Qimam International Festival for Mountain Performing Arts is an annual cultural event held in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, established to celebrate and preserve the unique heritage of mountain communities. The festival showcases a diverse range of traditional performing arts, including folk dances, music, and poetry, from various mountainous regions around the world. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange and highlights the history and indigenous artistic expressions of these often-remote populations.
