📍 Al-Baha – August 11, 2025

Al-Baha region experienced a notable tourism revival during the 2025 summer season, thanks to what its heritage villages and traditional markets offered in the way of rich experiences combining authenticity with a deep-rooted cultural identity. These destinations helped revive scenes of old life and highlight the region’s tangible and intangible heritage in a vivid way that lets visitors experience the atmosphere of the past in full detail.

Programming was rich and varied, spanning folk shows and traditional games, folkloric dances, and handicraft workshops such as embroidery and making traditional garments, in addition to demonstrations of traditional building and farming skills, and workshops and courses in Arabic calligraphy and free drawing. Visitors also enjoyed a traditional food corner, interactive activities for children, and live performances by folk troupes.

Al-Hussein Al-Zahrani, supervisor of the eighth edition of the Al-Atawlah Heritage Village festival, said the festival combined the charm of nature with the beauty of history, allowing visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom to learn about local customs, traditions and heritage costumes amid an atmosphere rich in folk arts and authentic heritage.

At Al-Mousa Heritage Village, the third edition of the "Al-Dar" festival was organized under the supervision of Hashim Al-Zahrani, hosting 70 craftspeople who presented their handmade products across a range of crafts. Al-Zahrani said the festival aims to preserve local heritage and boost tourism, noting that after its restoration in 2021, the village has become a vibrant hub for events and community initiatives.

Ragdan Historic Market also wrapped up its five-day summer program themed "A Tale… and Heritage," featuring artistic and cultural shows that supported craftspeople and productive families. At Al-Malad Heritage Village, the Al-Akhawain Museum helped raise awareness of local history, benefiting from its location next to the historic "Al-Taw’amayn" fort overlooking the village, alongside a number of old houses.

Al-Sabt Market in Baljurashi governorate remains one of the oldest folk markets in the region, having retained its distinctive charm for more than a century despite the spread of modern markets.

Al-Baha region is home to more than 194 archaeological and heritage sites, including 72 heritage villages, making it a prominent tourist destination year-round and an economic and cultural driver that supports Saudi Vision 2030 targets while reinforcing national identity for future generations.