Overview
Rijal Almaa is a village of stone tower houses in the Asir mountains, with interiors painted in the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri style.
Why visit Rijal Almaa Heritage Village
The houses are built of dark stone laid in courses, several storeys high, with lines of white quartz set into the walls to throw off water. They stand stacked up the mountainside so tightly that the village reads as a single structure from the valley.
Inside, the walls are painted by women in Al-Qatt Al-Asiri - geometric bands in bright colour applied directly to the plaster. UNESCO added the practice to its intangible heritage list in 2017. Several houses are open as a museum.
Rijal Almaa sits below Abha on the escarpment road, and the drive down to it is a large part of why people come.
Nearby: Abha.
The ancient remains and folk tales, hidden inside the unique architectural designs of Rijal Almaa village, which have been echoing for more than 700 years, are historical evidence that attest to its early civilization.
Tours that include Rijal Almaa Heritage Village
Abha short break
4 days, 3 nights in the Asir highlands. Abha, the escarpment, Asir National Park and Rijal Almaa.
Jeddah & Abha
6 days, 5 nights. The Red Sea coast at Jeddah, then the green Asir highlands around Abha and Rijal Almaa.
Riyadh & Abha
6 days, 5 nights. The Tuwaiq escarpment and Wadi Hanifa from Riyadh, then the green Asir highlands at Abha.
Abha & Najran
6 days, 5 nights. Three nights in the Asir highlands at Abha, then two nights at Najran on the southern border.
Jeddah, Taif & Abha
8 days, 7 nights. The Red Sea at Jeddah, the rose farms of Taif, and the Asir highlands at Abha.
Riyadh, AlUla & Abha
8 days, 7 nights. Riyadh and Diriyah, three nights of AlUla archaeology, then the Asir mountains at Abha.
Travel Tips Before Visiting
- Listed as suitable for ages: All.
- Rijal Almaa Heritage Village: You don't need tickets to enter
- The tourism authority lists it as suited to Historic site, Families.
Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is in Abha.
Plan your visit to Rijal Almaa Heritage Village
Want to include Rijal Almaa Heritage Village in your trip? Browse our journeys or ask for a custom plan.