|
|
Al-Baha
Arabic: 'a-bāha
|
Village in the Al-Baha region.
Rugged mountains in Al-Baha.
|
Town in south-western Saudi Arabia with 90,000 (2009 estimate) inhabitants, capital of the Al-Baha region with 395,000 inhabitants (2009 estimate) and an area of 9,900 km², being the smallest of the kingdom's regions. It is located at an elevation of 2,350 metres.
The region of Al-Baha is uncommon for Saudi Arabia, with several forests of varying density. It is sometimes called The Garden of Hijaz. Al-Baha has mild summers and moderately tempered winters. Rainfall is much higher than Saudi average, yet only between 200 and 600 mm/year.
Tourism to Al-Baha is today a business of importance, Saudis come here to enjoy nature and escape the heat.
Al-Baha is well-connected to other urban centres by road. At-Ta'if is 220 km north, Abha 340 km south. There is a small domestic airport 30 km north-east of town, with flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.
Inhabitants of Al-Baha belong to two main tribes, either the Ghamid or the Zahran.
The Al-Baha University opened in 2006.
© Copyright 1996-2009 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
|
|
|
