The Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Saudi Arabia. It is hidden away in the mountains of the Asir Region. This mountain village has been around for more than 900 years and is an excellent place to see old Arabia up close. Renting a car is the best way to reach the area because there is no public transportation.
As you start your road trip, the scenery changes from green hills to winding roads surrounded by clouds. When you get there, you'll see a village made of stone, clay, and wood. In this Rijal Almaa travel guide, you will learn about the village's long history, unique buildings, cultural heritage, and the best things to do there.
Rijal Almaa village is not just a collection of ancient buildings. It’s a living place where traditions, art, and hospitality still shape daily life. Here are some reasons why you should visit the village:
One of the Asir Mountains' most famous traditions is the culture of the Flower Men. These are Qahtani tribesmen known for wearing crowns of fresh flowers and herbs in their hair. The garlands, often made from marigolds, thyme, basil, and mountain plants, symbolise pride and vitality.
This tradition has existed for over two thousand years and serves aesthetic and medicinal purposes. The fragrant herbs help prevent headaches caused by high altitude. During your visit, you might meet these Flower Men at local festivals or around the village. Every year in September, Rijal Almaa hosts the Flower Men Festival, a colourful celebration that includes traditional music, sword dances, and 3D light shows projected onto the ancient forts.
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without tasting Haneeth, the signature dish of Rijal Almaa. This slow-cooked lamb is prepared in a sand-covered pit called a mahnaz, where the meat is wrapped in local plants and cooked for hours until tender. The result is a fragrant dish served with rice or flatbread, often shared among family and friends. You can try Haneeth at restaurants near the Rijal Almaa Heritage Village or during festivals and gatherings. Alongside Haneeth, look for other regional dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat), jareesh (crushed wheat porridge), and assidah, a sweet dessert from dates.
Rijal Almaa’s cultural identity is tied to art, especially the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri painting. This unique art form decorates the interiors of homes with bold geometric shapes and bright colours like red, green, yellow, and white. The patterns often symbolise harmony, prosperity, and protection. During gatherings or celebrations, locals perform rhythmic dances accompanied by flutes, drums, and three-stringed instruments.
Rijal Almaa sits on a slope in the Asir Mountains, surrounded by misty valleys and steep roads. Each house, fort, and museum shows the artistry and resilience of the local community that built and preserved them. Here are some spots you should not miss on your Rijal Almaa road trip:
The most striking sight in Rijal Almaa is its cluster of multi-storey buildings that rise up to seven or eight floors. These structures were built from natural stone, clay, and wood, using simple materials in the surrounding mountains. Many buildings are known as forts, such as Al Elwan, Al Jaber, and Al Hawat, each built for living and defence. The walls are thick, and the upper floors were used for storage or as lookout points. Basalt rock and white quartz give the village a distinct glow under the sun.
Rijal Almaa is often called the Gingerbread Village of Saudi Arabia because of its colourful and patterned façades. The houses have wooden windows painted in bright blue, red, and green hues, framed by neat white borders resembling icing on gingerbread. From a distance, the colourful windows stand against the brown stone, giving the whole landscape a fairytale-like appearance. These patterns have become a signature feature of the Asir region, celebrated by artists and architects across Saudi Arabia.
Inside the buildings, you’ll find the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artwork. It’s a traditional wall painting made by women from the region. This art form uses geometric shapes and bright colours like red, green, yellow, and white. Each pattern has meaning, often representing nature, family, or unity. UNESCO recognised Al-Qatt Al-Asiri 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At the centre of the village is the Rijal Almaa Museum, located inside the historic Al Elwan Fort. Established in 1985 by residents, this museum was one of the first community-led preservation projects in Saudi Arabia. Its goal was to protect the region’s stories, objects, and way of life. The museum features 19 sections, each focusing on village life. Its exhibits include ancient manuscripts, jewellery, weapons, tools, and household items collected from families in Rijal Almaa. The interiors are decorated with Al-Qatt patterns. Visitors can walk through the narrow corridors and stairways that lead to displays of traditional clothing, pottery, and musical instruments. This museum is open daily.
The village has around 60 multi-storey buildings, many of which once served as forts to protect the community. Each fort has its own name and story. The tallest is the Al Elwan Fort, known for its height and wide views of the valley. Other important ones include the Forts of Al Jaber, Al Hawat, Msamr, and Al-Diriyyah.
Most of these structures, built from stone, clay, and wood, rise between three and seven floors. The design has lower levels for storage, middle floors for family living, and upper floors for defence. When you walk through the village, look closely at the white quartz stones that decorate the walls. They sparkle under sunlight and give the buildings their distinct look.
In the centre of Rijal Almaa, you’ll find a traditional mosque with a shaded prayer area and a large open courtyard called “as-Souh.” This space once served as a prayer ground and a place for meetings, especially during trade and pilgrimage seasons. An attached annex to the mosque, known as “al-Manazilah,” is used to welcome travellers and host community gatherings.
Whether you’re walking through its narrow paths or enjoying mountain views, every step feels like part of a centuries-old adventure.
The best way to experience Rijal Almaa is to walk through its stone alleyways and explore at your own pace. You’ll notice how the buildings rise in layers along the slope, creating a dramatic skyline against the mountains. Many homes have decorative patterns on the windows and doors that reflect the creativity of the Asir people. As you walk, you’ll pass by small shops selling local honey, spices, and handmade crafts.
For the best view of the entire village, climb to the top of Al Elwan Fort or one of the nearby towers. From above, you’ll see the red-tiled roofs, winding roads, and terraced hills that stretch across the valley. The sight of the mountains covered in mist is unforgettable, especially during the cooler months. These forts were built centuries ago for protection, but now serve as perfect viewpoints for visitors. Be prepared for many steps, as the climb can be steep but rewarding.
Located within the village, there is a small rustic café where you can taste pure mountain honey made by local beekeepers. The Asir region is famous for its honey; each flavour comes from the flowers growing at high altitudes. You can enjoy tea or coffee with honey. Many visitors buy honey as souvenirs since it represents the pure nature of the mountains.
During festivals or weekends, you can join workshops that teach pottery making, weaving, or Al-Qatt wall art. These sessions are often led by local artists who explain the meaning behind each design or object. Even if you don’t participate, watching the artists work is fascinating. You’ll see how skills have been passed down for hundreds of years and how each creation connects to the life of the community.
As you drive through the Asir Mountains, you’ll find plenty of spots to stop and take photos of winding roads, deep valleys, and cloud-covered peaks. These mountain routes are famous for their views, especially after rainfall when the mist rises and the hills turn green. You might also spot Hamadryas baboons along the roadside. They are common in this part of Saudi Arabia and often sit near the cliffs. Always observe them from a distance and avoid feeding them.
After exploring the village, relax at a local café or restaurant overlooking the old buildings and mosque. You can try dishes like Haneeth with rice, freshly baked bread, and mint tea. Many cafés have terraces that offer peaceful views of the mountains.
Rijal Almaa village is located 120 kilometres from Abha, the capital of Asir Province. Because there is no public transportation to Rijal Almaa, the most practical and flexible way to visit is to rent a car.
Your journey begins in Abha, where you can easily pick up your rental car at the Abha International Airport. Several car rental agencies operate there. Many agencies require an international driving licence and a credit card for the security deposit.
There are two main routes from Abha to Rijal Almaa. The shorter route, which takes about 1 hour, cuts directly through the Asir Mountains. It’s a scenic but steep drive with many sharp turns. If you enjoy mountain driving and feel confident behind the wheel, this route offers stunning views and the quickest arrival time.
For less experienced drivers, the Dhila Road route is the better choice. It’s flatter and easier to manage, but takes around 2 hours. The speed limit along this route is generally 100 km/h, and you’ll find many speed cameras and police checkpoints for safety. Both roads are well-paved, and along the way, you might encounter baboons.
If you’re driving during summer, the weather is mild, but fog and rain can occur in spring and autumn, especially near mountain passes. Plan your journey early in the morning, when roads are quiet and visibility is better. Avoid returning after sunset; driving around the mountains at night can be stressful due to limited lighting and sharp bends.
Once you reach the Rijal Almaa Heritage Village, you’ll find several parking areas around the site. The main car park is directly across the street from the museum, and another sits near the village mosque. If both are full, you can park along the roadside or ask a local. Arrive early in the morning to secure your spot and enjoy cooler temperatures for exploring.
The Asir region is known for its cool mountain climate, which differs significantly from the desert heat in most of Saudi Arabia. The weather plays a role in how you experience the village, so timing your trip right ensures the most comfortable and scenic journey.
The best time to visit Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is November and April. The weather is nice during these months, so it's fun to walk around the narrow streets and climb the old towers. During the day, temperatures are usually between 23°C and 28°C.
At night, they can drop to around 12°C to 15°C. Bring a light jacket for the evenings, especially if you’re staying near Abha or driving back after sunset. It rains sometimes in the spring (March and April). The village looks great with misty clouds, but be careful when driving because the roads could be slippery. Local tourists also like summer because they come from hotter cities to enjoy the cool mountain air.
Morning is the ideal time to explore the village. You’ll find fewer crowds, softer light for photography, and a peaceful atmosphere as the village slowly comes to life. Early mornings are also the best time to spot Hamadryas baboons, which wander near the museum area before returning to the hills later in the day. If you prefer a livelier experience, visit in the late afternoon. Many locals and visitors arrive at this time to see the Al Elwan Fort lit up at night. The views from the upper terraces are breathtaking during sunset, with the golden light reflecting off the stone walls.
If you want to experience Rijal Almaa’s traditions, plan your trip around one of its annual festivals. The Flower Men Festival, held every September, celebrates Asir’s unique culture with music, dancing, and colourful displays of traditional clothing. Another highlight is the Saudi Coffee Festival, which promotes local coffee farming and hospitality culture.
Visiting Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is like stepping into a living museum surrounded by mountains and clouds. Every corner of this 900-year-old settlement tells stories of trade, resilience, and art. When you walk through its narrow alleys and tall stone towers, you experience a rare side of Saudi Arabia’s culture.
To make your trip smooth, rent a car in Saudi Arabia with Final Rentals. The best place to pick up your vehicle is at Abha International Airport. With Final Rentals, you can go for a compact model for quick city drives or an SUV that’s ideal for the steep and winding roads of the Asir region. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
