Ahad Rafidah

History Amidst Natural Beauty

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Ahad Rafidah, one of Aseer’s prominent provinces, lies southeast of Abha. Named after the renowned Sunday market, a hub for trade, poetry, and reconciliation, it features a moderate climate with plentiful rain, contributing to its vibrant agriculture amid its mountains and plains.
Deep within a rocky fissure of its mountains lies the ancient village of "Al-Habala," once accessible only by ropes. The residents have since relocated, transforming Al-Habala into a tourist site with residential villas, cable cars, and striking rock formations, drawing crowds annually. Nearby, the majestic mountains of Al-Sha'ara and Al-Mahall offer exhilarating hiking experiences and stunning views of cascading waterfalls during the rainy seasons.
"Al-Marba" Park stretches south of Ahad Rafidah as a verdant carpet with dense trees and scattered rock formations, a haven for nature lovers. "Sha'af Gharma" Park offers a mesmerizing view over the Tihama plains through occasional mists.
Ahad Rafidah is also home to one of the kingdom’s first open archaeological sites at the Jurash site, which showcases building remnants and artifacts that predate Islam, ongoing excavations revealing its rich history. Additionally, ancient inscriptions and drawings are found here.
Locals, deeply invested in beauty, art, and heritage, have converted some old mud houses into museums like the Clay House Museum and the Al-Amiriya Museum, offering insights into a richly detailed life, both past and present.
Cultural tourism thrives here too, with the Culture House serving as the first public library in the region, supported by the Ministry of Culture in its new form.