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The Glossary

sirwal - "a long or short capacious white pant with sash."

From Saudi Arabia Glossary

Unlike the rest of Saudi Arabia that is abound in wilderness and forbidding climate, the town of Asir has a sprawling greenery, towering mountains, and cool breezes. The town might be elevated at 8,500 feet, yet this plateau region near the Yemeni Border is one of the most sought-after destinations in Arabia, not only for its diverse cultural heritage but also because of its high altitude, which makes it an ideal getaway during the heat of the summer months.

Garden of Saudi Arabia

Dubbed as the “Garden of Saudi Arabia,” Asir is the home of the Sarat tribes from the central highlands of Abha, as well as to the Tihamas of Jizan, and the Badiyan tribes of Najran Oasis, which are renowned for their impressive mud brick fortress homes known as qasr. Much of Asir’s inhabitants are skilled farmers that can be frequently seen tending cliff-side terraces, unlike in the rest of Arabia wherein the Bedouins can be spotted herding their camels in the desert.

Nature walks and trails

While in Asir, visitors can take pleasure in a wide variety of activities. Abha town, for instance, houses the Asir National Park, where visitors can have nature walks and trails. There is also the historic Shada palace, which used to be the home of the first emir or prince of Abha.

Flora and fauna

There are also cable cars offering lifts to the top of the mountain, where visitors can have a peek at the region’s scenic valley and lake. Mid-morning is the best time to tread the footpaths running through the hills. From here, travelers can have a peaceful picnic in a pristine landscape dotted with rare animals and birds.

Island living

Other points of interest include the Red Sea port town of Jizan, where visitors can find shabby huts and the ever-present “flower man;” as well as the huge Najran Fort in Najran, and the secluded island of Farasan.

Village art and cuisine

Excursions out of Asir are also possible, including trips to the villages of Habla and Khamis Mushayt, prominent due to their sheer drops and their ancient community of villagers selling traditional handicrafts and antiques. Visitors can also sample the local cuisine while shopping.

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