Al Baha City is the capital of Al Baha Region and the seat of the Emirate. It is considered one of the most important tourist and agricultural cities in Saudi Arabia. The region is named after it, and it represents the administrative and commercial center of the area. The city includes government departments and major commercial centers, in addition to popular markets, the most notable of which is Thursday Market. The population of Al Baha is approximately 487,108 residents distributed across the city and its governorates. The city is surrounded by many forests, including Raghadan Forest, Al Shahbah Forest, Dar Al Jabal, and Al Zarqa. It is bordered to the north by Al Qura Governorate, to the west by Al Mandaq and Al Makhwah Governorates, to the south by Baljurashi Governorate, and to the east by Al Aqiq Governorate.

It is located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and represents a central location among tourist regions.

Climate

The variation in topographical formations affects the climate of the region. The Hijaz sector is exposed to moist air fronts coming from the Tihama plain, resulting in cloud formation and fog. During winter, the Hijaz area is often affected by clouds and fog due to air masses coming from the Red Sea, in addition to thunderstorms, lower temperatures, and heavy rainfall. The region enjoys a mild and pleasant climate during spring and summer. The Tihama sector, although geographically close to the Hijaz sector (approximately 25 km), has a different climate, as it consists of undulating coastal plains with higher temperatures in summer, warm winters, and moderate spring weather. In general, the climate of Al Baha Region falls within the arid climate zone; however, it is moderately cold in winter and pleasantly mild throughout the rest of the year. Humidity levels range between 52% and 67%, atmospheric pressure ranges between 602 and 607, the average maximum temperature is 23°C and the minimum is 12°C, while average annual rainfall ranges between 229 mm and 581 mm in the Hijaz sector and between 100 mm and 250 mm in the Tihama sector.

Population

The population of Al Baha City and its suburbs exceeds 487,108 residents. The population is distributed across the city, surrounding suburbs, and villages, and residents work in government sectors, the military sector, as well as agriculture, trade, and education.

Educational Services

The city includes public education schools, Qur’an memorization schools, special education schools, scientific institutes, vocational institutes, a commercial institute, a technical college, a health college, and the Community College affiliated with Umm Al Qura University. Al Baha University for male and female students, which began operation in 1428 AH, is also located in the city, in addition to a private international university specializing in sciences, Al Baha University.

Culture and Sports

Al Baha Literary Club is considered one of the main contributors to cultural activities and is active at the national level through local and international participation.

With regard to sports, the city includes a fully integrated sports complex known as King Saud Sports City. In addition, the city and its affiliated governorates include several sports clubs, including:

- Al Ain Club

- Al Hijaz Club

- Al Baha Club

- Qilwah Club

Tourism

The villages of the city are distinguished by the presence of many historical sites alongside popular markets and traditional handicrafts for which the region is known. Various archaeological sites, forts, buildings, and heritage villages are spread throughout the area, in addition to parks and dense forests.

Al Baha Heritage

Al Baha Region is rich in diverse dialects, folk arts, agricultural and animal products, and wild plants. Geographically, it is bordered to the east by the Najd region, while the Sarawat Mountains lie at its center, and the plains and valleys of Tihama extend to the west. The region is inhabited by the Ghamid and Zahran tribes, among the oldest tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, both tracing their lineage back to Al Azd, a great tribe originating from Qahtan.