Saudi Gazette report

ABHA – The Habla resort, located 50 km away from Abha and 40 km from Khamis Mushayt, is one of the major tourist attractions in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. Thousands of people from within the Kingdom and neighboring GCC countries visit the place every year to spend their holidays, enjoying its natural beauty and salubrious climate.

Habla received its name from the rope (habl) which in old times people used to reach the town, part of which lies in a 400-meter deep ravine. Nestled on a unique stone terrain are natural resorts where visitors can enjoy the natural sceneries and entertainment programs on offer as well as the cable car rides to capture the breathtaking views. Young and old alike can enjoy the place, which definitely is one of the natural wonders of the region.

The resort is named after the a village of the same name close by near Wadiyayni town. Ancient inhabitants of Habla used rope to get into and out of the village and transport goods. Now the rope has been replaced by a cable car system, which facilitates travel of tourists to the village.

The Asir region is replete with several tourist resorts. Abha is another popular holiday destination during the summer months due its beautiful scenery, the misty mountaintops and the cool breezes. At an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level, the mountainous region enjoys pleasant weather year round.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has implemented a large number of projects in recent years to meet the requirements of the growing numbers of tourists who visit the region. Tourists can spend their time at Qara, Souda, Warda, Dalfan, Jarra and Hassab resorts, wander around the juniper forests and spot some 170 bird species.

Abdullah Al-Sanouri, a visitor, said he was attracted by the rainy weather in Habla. “Its salubrious climate is a gift from God,” he told Al-Madina Arabic daily. Habla mountains are covered by rich greenery. Many tourists, especially youth, camp in the valley erecting tents.

“I have spent three days in Habla with my friends to enjoy its beauty and invigorating climate,” he added.

Ali Al-Khaledi, who came from Dammam, spoke about Habla’s cable car service. “My friends and I enjoyed traveling on cable cars in Habla. It was a memorable experience,” he added.

It is interesting to know that people used to live in this isolated village hundreds of years ago despite the difficulty to communicate with the outside world. They used rope as a means of transport.

Abdul Rahman, another visitor, said traveling on cable car in Habla was one of the main purposes of his visit. “We get different feelings while sitting in the cable car. It’s not only adventurous but also an ideal way to enjoy the natural beauty. It enables us to reach the old village situated in a deep place,” he added.

Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, a young man, said: “I came to the Asir region to enjoy its marvelous natural sceneries and pleasant climate. Bachelors visiting Habla can set up tent camps that give us lots of fun and an opportunity to show our creativity and spend our free time in a positive way.”

Abdullah Al-Ali said it was his first visit to Habla with family. “This is a marvelous place located away from the din and bustle of the city. People can enjoy the calm and quiet atmosphere and the marvelous climate. There are several hotels and restaurants in the village to cater to the needs of tourists,” he said.