Abha, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1403
18.216428, 42.504359
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abha is the capital city of the Asir province in southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its mild climate and stunning mountainous landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain provide good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards accepted, local banks include Al Rajhi Bank and National Commercial Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels like Al Ahlam and OYO are available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Darat Al Dhi Salam, offering flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Munch, providing a cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by local tech startups and expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Abha Expat Meetup on social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently limited options for bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al-Soudah Beach, about 30 minutes drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is significant for domestic travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways operate through Abha International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect Abha to major cities like Khamis Mushait and Abha to Riyadh. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service, bus options available for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Currently, no formal public transport pass systems are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans serve connections to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Asir Central Hospital, equipped for emergencies and complex care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers classes for expats and locals. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Multiple laundromats are available, including Wash & Fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation is popular for food delivery in Abha. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Jasheed, a traditional Asiri dish made with lamb and flatbread. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options available at restaurants like Al Bahar and Koshary Abha. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Bukhari Sweets for traditional Saudi sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Abha Mall has various affordable dining options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon.com cover a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Abha does not have a vibrant bar scene due to cultural norms. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not available publicly in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Search for shawarma and falafel stands throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | McDonald's and Pizza Hut are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Al-Soudah Park for its breathtaking natural views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Asir Regional Museum showcases the culture and heritage of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ikhlasa Fort, a notable historical site nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Mada'in Saleh for cultural and religious significance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Abha Summer Festival held annually embracing culture and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic Al-Muftaha village is notable for its traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Abha Culture Center provides local theater performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al-Souq is popular for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local festivals often feature traditional music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art due to local cultural norms. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer traditional Saudi cooking classes upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Cultural Center hosts temporary exhibitions by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Asir Heritage Village known for its unique architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional Asiri house and its building technique are unique to the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Soudah National Park offers hiking and picnic spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Asir National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Mountain trails are available for hiking and exploring. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Shamsan Mountain provides stunning views of the valleys. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the highlands of Abha. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in Al-Soudah Park allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local shops in Abha specialize in electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Arabic language immersion classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Abha Library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and workshops throughout the year. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes in the city often have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 4,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 160,000 SAR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 3,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 140,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 228,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 3,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 180,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,600 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 288,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 224,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; comprehensive VAT applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Not applicable as no income tax exists. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Usually around 5% on property transactions. |