Saudi Arabia, Feb 17:
The wide range of landscapes in Saudi Arabia are proving increasingly popular with tourists from both
inside and outside of the Kingdom, but the southwestern region of Baha is offering a new and unusual
attraction with the “cave resort” of Jabal Shada Al-Asfal in Al-Makhwah Governorate.
There, the local people have transformed 10 abandoned mountain caves once inhabited by their
ancestors into modern, fully-equipped accommodation with all modern amenities.
The caves are located on Shada Al-Asfal, a mountain rising around 1,700 meters above sea level, and
renowned for its agriculture, as well as its caves, and for its Shadawi coffee farms and the annual
Shadawi Coffee Festival. The mountain is also an important site for scientific research.
Abdulrahman Nasser Al-Shadawi, owner of one of the revamped caves, said their designs were inspired
by the surrounding landscape.
Another owner, Mohammed Saleh Al-Shadawi, explained that each cave includes a living room, kitchen,
bedrooms, and spectacular views over the governorate.
Visitors and tourists also have the opportunity to explore untouched ancient caves that were home to
indigenous people thousands of years ago, as well as the ancient local geological formations.
