CULTURE & HERITAGE
Uncover the highlights of Al Namas
Within a whimsical misty mountain escape with breathtaking panoramas and fascinating history is the Saudi spectacle of Al Namas...
Nestled in Saudi’s Asir province and resting atop the Sarawat mountain range, Al Namas unfolds as a pleasant surprise. Its spectacular landscape of verdant foliage and regal mountains has for the first time ever opened its doors to the world. Beyond the region’s ethereal, foggy embrace is a storied past which bears witness to the imprints of ancient tribes who have etched their legacies across the Arabian Peninsula.
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Entering the Al-Maqar Palace is like stepping into a magical realm of sorts; a luminescent glow adorns this treasure trove of wonder. Fashioned painstakingly over 35 years from two million natural stones from Asir’s mountains, it stands as an ode to Andalusian palaces. Al-Maqar Palace houses an incredible collection of Islamic artefacts from eras spanning the Abbasid, Umayyad, and Ottoman eras. It holds a remarkable collection of over 18,000 artefacts that breathe life into Islamic civilisation’s scientific contributions.
The Asir region’s charm is encapsulated beautifully through the Thurban Palace, an architectural marvel set amidst a backdrop surrounde by fresh mountain air. Built more than two centuries ago, the structure has been recently renovated and occupies two inner courtyards, external annexes and a sublime mosque with floors adorned with juniper wood. The structure emanates the essence of southern heritage. Outdoor courtyards bedecked with refreshing greenery make the palace gleam with a radiant facade.
Within the Moshrefa Palace, you’ll find yourself meandering through a pyramid castle (the local style of building is slightly narrower at the top) that is sure to captivate you with its centuries-old corridors, housing ancient agricultural tools and traditional Aseeri tableware. Rooms are festooned with Al-Qatt Al-Aseeri art that showcases the creative soul of Aseeri women, including their traditional attire.
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Embraced by mist and framed by mountains and plains, the charming parks in Al Namas offer the perfect tranquil landscapes to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
A must-visit is the Shaaf Al Waleed Park, Al Namas’ primary park featuring green spaces and BBQ spots. Another beauty is Shaaf Al Aqeeqah Park, with its lush terraces, dense trees, and celestial fog-laden surroundings.
At the Al Shaab Al Ain Park, the landscape comes alive with its expansive vistas and vibrant creatures like lizards as well as wildflowers with the majestic Sarawat mountain range as its backdrop.
Get up and close to nature’s marvels at the Jabal Mareer Mountain Park that is dotted with greenery and thick trees, along with a diverse range of wildlife amidst the towering Nasser Mountains, perfect for an immersion in serene surroundings.
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Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
To get to Al Namas in Asir Province, you can take a direct domestic flight to Abha from either Riyadh (two hours) or Jeddah (one hour, twenty minutes). When you reach Abha, it’s a two-hour drive to Al Namas. We’d recommend hiring a car for the ultimate flexibility and ease when travelling around the wider Asir Province. It’s easy to reach Saudi from both the UK and USA. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
