Abha, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1403
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abha is the capital of the Asir Province in Saudi Arabia, known for its moderate climate and green mountainous landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-50 Mbps, sufficient for most remote work tasks. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD, credit cards widely accepted, and local banks like Al Rajhi and Saudi National Bank available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 60Hz, with type G plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are the main mobile providers with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted; local accounts can be opened with residency visa. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, serviced apartments to long-term rentals through local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Economical hotels and hostels start from around SAR 100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Abha for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Mahdiah district, known for its quiet environment and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive - a popular coworking space offering high-speed internet and facilities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mokha Coffeehouse - great for freelancers with a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly digital nomad meetups organized on social platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats that regularly organize social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are popular ride-hailing options in Abha. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; check local rentals for bikes and scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al-Soudah Beach is about 30 km away, known for its stunning views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer flights to and from Abha internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Abha is well-connected by the main highway to major cities like Jeddah and Riyadh. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abha Railway Station for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No extensive public transport passes available; taxis and ride shares are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Abha to neighboring cities and towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Asir Central Hospital is the leading healthcare facility in Abha. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Al-Mualla Fitness Center offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Plus - a well-equipped gym with various fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available throughout the city, including Fast Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat offers a wide variety of local food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | A traditional dish to try is 'Kabsa,' a spiced rice dish with meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Albaik offers vegetarian meal options as well. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Nour Bakery for traditional Arabic sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Souq Al-Hijaz for budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com serve local online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Abha is more conservative; nightlife is limited with family-friendly parks and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is strictly prohibited; local cafés offer traditional beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available in local markets, offering Shawarma and falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC are popular international chains in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Asir National Park and Al-Soudah Park for breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Abha Art Museum showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic village of Rijal Almaa is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Masjid Al-Haram is the main mosque for local prayers. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Abha Summer Festival featuring arts, crafts, and cultural activities annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit downtown Abha for its unique blend of traditional and modern culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check local listings for theater performances at cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local markets provide a vibrant shopping experience for crafts and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music events occur at various cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features murals celebrating the Asir culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes in traditional Saudi cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art galleries exhibit modern and traditional works, like Al-Faisal Art Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The governor's palace in Abha is a noteworthy example of historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Abha's heritage is celebrated for its unique wooden architecture unique to the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Asir National Park offers hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Asir National Park is the nearest major national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple trails in the highlands suitable for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The cable car at Al-Soudah provides stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Asir National Park is home to various bird species, ideal for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Look for designated camping areas in national parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Available through Aramex and SMSA Express for local shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops like iFix and local electronics stores provide services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreational centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Arabic language classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Abha Public Library has study areas and resources available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers like the Abha Cultural Center host various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local internet cafes may provide gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 126,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residency based on physical presence; no income tax on individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, subject to regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in place. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax is levied on individual expatriates. |