Dec 18, 20224 min read

REJAL ALMAÁ, SAUDI ARABIA - A Town With the Scenes, Sights, And Stories

Updated: Nov 9

Rejal Almaa is a small town in Aseer Province, rich in history and culture, and one of Saudi Arabia's heritage cradles. The main attraction that draws thousands of tourists is the 900-year-old Rejal Almaá Palaces (above photo), which UNESCO has listed as a Heritage Site.

Rejal Alma'a is famous for the exhilarating landscape of the mountains that blow the breath of its visitors and the 900-year-old ancient palaces. This UNESCO-listed heritage site displays the unique structural and architectural building design during the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The design differs from the European designs during that period, but it illustrates the Middle Eastern expressions as far as applied arts in engineering are concerned.

Please click the play tab to watch the video about the place on YouTube.

The area's phenomenal temperature and natural weather conditions are the intriguing characters that draw visitors besides heritage monuments and ancient palaces. During winter seasons, while people from the nearby towns and places, especially the ones atop the Jabal Soudah, are chilling in a cold temperature, Rejal Alma'a gives a comforting warmth embraced by its perfect temperature—not so cold and not hot, of course.

The oddity of its temperature during

winter, most people come here to shield themselves from the coldness of the winter. I had to witness this phenomenon during my trip to this town. It was a cold, clear sky from the mountain, but I noticed the temperature was increasing as we drove down. It is the complete opposite of what I thought. Since it is inside the Al Soudah mountain range, it would also be cold down the mountain, inside the village.

After 25 minutes of an exciting mountain ride on the road winding down from the top of Jabal Soudah, the road named The Devil Road, tensions rocking the nerves are relieved by the panoramic views that catch everyone's eyes at the new town center.

It is a quiet, peaceful community with amazing sights that awe every visitor for adventure, sightseeing, and holiday visits. It has a perfect climate temperature, suited for walking around and enjoying the surroundings.

Click the play tab to watch the video about the New Town Center of Rejal Almaá

Coming here is taking the chance to experience and feel the combinations of thrills, excitement, and a pulse-beating breath as you ride the car rolling the sharp and blind curves and steep portions of the Devil Road from the mountain top to the foot of the Al Soudah mountain range. Hence, driving skills on the unique road terrain are essential since safety is at stake.

Attractions:

(Note: The listed places of attraction are the only ones the author has personally visited. Others were not included here because the author still has to visit yet)

The Old Palaces of the 900-year-old Heritage Village
Rejal Almaá Museum
Rejal Almaá View Point
Rejal Almaá Park
Remarkable landscapes of the mountains
2 Km long road tunnel
The 25 Km zig-zag road of the Devil Road

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Things To Observe:

Coming here is passing through the winding road with plenty of sharp curves and steep portions; you must observe the following for a safe and enjoyable ride:

Check the engine's condition; it should be in excellent mountain road-worthy condition, especially the brakes.
Make sure the fuel is enough on your way and back.
Drive at the speed required suited to mountain driving.
Be watchful because there are troops of monkeys crossing the road.
The observance of proper road manners and courtesy is a must.
During rainy days, if it is not necessary to come, do not come, especially if you are new to the terrain, or let someone familiar with the road drive for as long as you know him to be an excellent defensive driver.

Things To Bring

It would help if you came with your winter outfits to keep you warm. Though the temperature is not that cold here at the Rejal Alma'a, on your way, while cruising the top of Jabal Soudah, it is at a freezing level during winter and out during ordinary or summer days.
Always bring water to drink and something to eat so that you will not starve and thirst if ever there is any unexpected occurrence. Though there are shops in the town center where you can buy some food and light snacks, the food you carry is your stock along the way.
Camera, first foremost to those coming here for the first time, to record the memory of the visits.
Like visiting any other place, it is much better if you come along with a guide—a local guide or resident of the area—to ensure you can reach the places you want to visit without getting lost. The guide can also communicate with the people in the place.

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