From roses to fog: Discovering Saudi Arabia’s cool summer escapes
As temperatures soar across the Gulf, Saudi Arabia’s mountains offer a different kind of summer, where Taif’s fragrant rose fields, Abha’s misty peaks, and heritage villages create a seasonal journey of nature, culture, and adventure.
Messenger
Whatsapp
Threads
Email
Print
X
Facebook
As temperatures in many Gulf cities climb toward 40 and even 50 degrees Celsius, thousands of vehicles and aircraft are taking a different route, not toward the beaches, but toward the mountains. In the south and west of Saudi Arabia, a different kind of summer awaits, with mist drifting over mountain peaks, rainfall turning the slopes lush and green, and cool breezes carrying the fragrance of juniper trees and Taif roses.
Summer in Saudi Arabia is no longer synonymous with travelling abroad to escape the heat. Increasingly, people are discovering destinations within the Kingdom, as Abha, Taif, and the Asir region become, year after year, among the most sought-after seasonal escapes for visitors from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Taif, the “Bride of Summer Resorts” that remains unforgettable
Jawaher, a resident of Riyadh, tells Annahar about her annual connection with Taif, saying: “Every summer, I travel to Taif. For me, it is an escape from Riyadh’s heat. What attracts me the most is the cool weather, as well as the Al Shafa and Al Hada areas, where the mountains are transformed into a green landscape thanks to the summer rains.”
Jawaher adds that what sets Taif apart is not only its natural beauty, but also the diversity of experiences it offers, from modern restaurants and cafés to Shubra Palace, one of the city’s most prominent historical landmarks, as well as the pomegranate orchards and summer fruit farms that have become part of Taif’s identity.
Jawaher is not the only one who does this. For decades, the city has carried the title of the “Bride of Summer Resorts,” but today it combines its rich historical heritage with a modern tourism revival.
In the morning, visitors can stroll through the Taif rose farms in Al Shafa, where the flowers used to produce some of the world’s most renowned fragrances are harvested. In the evening, they can head to Al Ruddaf Park, which hosts summer events and artistic performances. In between, Souq Okaz remains a witness to the city’s literary legacy, where poets once competed during the pre-Islamic era, and where the cultural festival continues to revive that heritage every year.
Tayef, whose family roots are from the city, tells Annahar: “My roots are connected to the city of literature and roses. For me, Taif is a piece of the blessing that Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, prayed for. I feel grateful that my region has become one of the most famous summer destinations in the Kingdom and the Arab world, thanks to its proximity to Mecca and the beauty of its nature.”
She adds: "Here, the roses tell the most beautiful stories, poetry finds its language, and the people of Taif welcome their visitors with endless generosity and hospitality. I love this city in all seasons, but it remains my favorite summer destination, where the mountain breezes mix with the fragrance of roses at every corner."
She adds: “Here, roses tell the most beautiful stories, poetry finds its language, and the people of Taif welcome their visitors with endless generosity and hospitality. I love this city in every season, but it remains my favourite summer destination, where the refreshing mountain breezes blend with the fragrance of roses in every corner.”
Abha: A Summer Written by Fog
If Taif welcomes summer with the scent of roses, Abha welcomes it with fog.
Fatima, a local resident, described the scene to Annahar, saying: “The southern region is distinguished by the beauty of its weather and its summer rainfall, which is why it becomes full of summer visitors. The most popular places visited by tourists are Al Habala, Dilaghan, Al Soudah, and Rijal Alma’a, where parks and green landscapes spread across areas that many people would not expect when they hear the name Saudi Arabia.”
In Abha, the scenery differs from the stereotypical image of the Kingdom. The city, located at an altitude of more than 2,200 metres above sea level in the Sarawat Mountains, enjoys moderate temperatures even at the peak of summer. Fog covers the mountain peaks, while juniper forests and agricultural terraces, shaped by local residents over hundreds of years, spread across the landscape.
From Abha, the adventure begins. The cable car takes visitors between mountain peaks and slopes, while hiking trails offer a different experience for nature lovers. Mount Al Soudah, the highest peak in the Kingdom, stands as one of the most prominent landmarks of mountain tourism, alongside Asir National Park, which is home to one of the richest plant and animal ecosystems in the country.
The journey is not complete without a visit to the village of Rijal Almaa, which has transformed from a historic stone village into one of Saudi Arabia’s most notable heritage destinations. The village features colourful houses and Asiri architectural decorations that reflect the region’s identity and culture, which have been preserved for centuries.
Vision 2030: Redrawing the Map of Summer Tourism
This transformation did not happen by chance. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has reshaped the map of domestic tourism. Summer destinations are no longer limited to a single city; instead, each region now has its own identity and unique experience. In this context, Abha, Asir, and Taif have received extensive investments in infrastructure, including the development of airports and roads, the expansion of hospitality facilities, and the launch of comprehensive tourism seasons that attract visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad.
The “Saudi Summer Season 2026” further strengthens this direction through an extensive programme of concerts, cultural festivals, artistic performances, sporting activities, adventure experiences, and traditional markets. These offerings make visiting these cities an experience that goes beyond simply enjoying the weather, turning it into a complete journey that combines nature, culture, and entertainment.
Discover more about the summer dossier and related stories: