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Abha
Arabic: 'abhā
City in southwestern Saudi Arabia with 160,000 inhabitants (2003 estimate), at an elevation of 2,200 metres, capital of the mountainous Asir Province.
Traditionally, agricultrue is the main activity of the local economy, specializing in fruits, vegetables and coffee. Because of its climate and natural beauty, Abha is a popular summer resort for Saudis. The area has an uncommon nature for the country, with streams, green gardens and forested hills. To the north of the city lies the Asir National Park.
Abha has good connections to other urban centres of Saudi Arabia, 25 km west of Khamis Mushayt, 175 km northwest of Najran and 850 km southwest of Riyadh. The city's airport serves all of the Asir Province.
Abha is today largely a modern city, but has retained some of its traditional architecture, including forts built on top of nearby hills. Local houses are made of mud, in which flat stones are placed in vertical rows to keep rain from destroying the mud walls.
Abha has two institutions for higher learning, the King Khaled University and the Prince Sultan College for Hotel Management.
History
1920: Is conquered by the Wahhabis after previously having been under Ottoman control.
© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
Photo: Tor Eigeland (second and third)/PADIA/Saudi Aramco
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