Rijal Almaa Heritage

General information

The Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is located west of Abha city in Asir region. It boasts adjacent multi-story houses built of stone and consists of several neighborhoods, including: Ruz, Al-Heiama, Al-Manadher, Al-Haifa, Al-Kadha, and Asla. Dating back over 700 years, the village is steeped in history being the capital of the Emirate of Holay in Abu Musa Al-Kinani's era in 732 AH. It consists of stone-built heritage forts, ranging from 3 to 7 stories high, with each floor representing a residential unit. People in this area adopted this adjacent architectural style as they rented floors to their relatives, making the village the first apartment compound in the region. The most prominent forts in the village are: Riyadh, Razih, Al Jaber, Al Mismar, and Al Hawat. The Rijal village was constructed in the form of military barracks depicting its high fortification. Its unique architecture consists of narrow streets, vast yards, and marvelous forts with gates the size of a loaded camel. It also features a mosque, called "Al-Souh" by its locals, roofed from the eastern and western sides and has a covered prayer hall and a courtyard. The mosque also includes an extension room called "Al-Manzala," used to hold meetings and host pilgrims and visitors.