Terraced green valleys, cool misty air, and a distinct highland culture. Abha is unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom — and it's opening up to expats fast.
Abha is the capital of the Asir Region in southwestern Saudi Arabia. At 2,200 metres above sea level, it enjoys average summer temperatures of just 19–24°C — a world apart from the 45°C+ of Riyadh or Jeddah. The lush terraced agriculture, traditional mud-brick villages, and misty mountain scenery make it feel like a different country entirely.
Abha is not a traditional expat hub like Riyadh or Jeddah — but that is changing rapidly. The Saudi government's Vision 2030 tourism push has poured tens of billions of riyals into the Asir Region, creating demand for hospitality, healthcare, education, and construction professionals.
Expats in Abha are typically employed in one of three sectors: healthcare (Abha has several major government hospitals and the King Khalid University Hospital), education (King Khalid University is one of the largest universities in the Kingdom), or the growing tourism and hospitality sector.
The city's compact size means commutes are short, traffic is manageable, and the pace of life is noticeably slower than the larger Saudi cities. If you're relocating with a family and want a calmer, greener environment — Abha is seriously worth considering.
This is Abha's most talked-about feature among expats. The city experiences four seasons, with:
This stands in stark contrast to the rest of Saudi Arabia's summer — which makes Abha a popular domestic tourism destination for Saudis escaping the heat, and a genuinely liveable location for expats who struggle with extreme heat.
Housing costs are significantly lower than Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Most expats working at government institutions live in employer-provided accommodation (particularly those at hospitals and the university). Private rentals are available and very affordable by Saudi standards.
Abha has solid healthcare infrastructure for its size:
Mandatory CCHI health insurance applies — ensure your employer has registered you. See the Healthcare Guide for full details.
International schooling options are more limited than in Riyadh or Jeddah, though improving:
Families with school-age children should confirm schooling availability with their employer before committing to Abha.
Abha is a car city. Public transport is minimal, though the city is small enough that distances are short. Uber and Careem operate. The famous Abha Cable Car connects the city to the cooler heights of Jabal Al-Arashi — a popular weekend activity rather than a commute option. Abha Regional Airport has flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and some international routes.
The Asir Region has a distinct cultural identity — quite different from the Najd (central) culture of Riyadh. Traditional crafts, colourful Asiri architecture, and mountain festivals are part of life here. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is extraordinary:
Everything you need to prepare your move to Abha
