Jabal Al-Haylah in Mahayil Asir: A geological landmark and a stunning tourist destination
Mount Al-Hila in the Mahayil Governorate of the Asir region stands out as one of the most important natural landmarks, its topography reflecting a rich geological history and promising future tourism potential. Located 80 kilometers northwest of Abha, the mountain represents a unique convergence of rugged volcanic formations and the beauty of urban development, making it a focal point for earth scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
A geological formation that tells the story of Earth
Jabal al-Hila stands as a living testament to the geological history of Saudi Arabia. According to geographer Mohammed Harish, the mountain is classified as an extinct volcano that formed thousands of years ago. This classification places it within the system of volcanic lava fields and the western mountain ranges extending across the Sarawat Mountains. Estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 meters above sea level, the mountain clearly displays the traces of ancient volcanic craters and lava flows that have solidified into a picturesque landscape of dark basalt rock, giving it a majestic character distinct from the surrounding sedimentary or granite mountains.
In the context of geological activity, experts confirm that the dormancy of this volcano makes it safe, as the light seismic activity that may be observed in the west of the Kingdom is usually related to the movement of tectonic plates and the expansion of the Great African Rift, which are natural phenomena that are subject to careful monitoring by seismic monitoring stations and do not pose a direct danger, which enhances the attractiveness of the site as a safe destination for scientific and tourist exploration.
Strategic shift towards sustainable tourism
The role of Jabal al-Hila is not limited to its scientific value; thanks to its strategic location overlooking the Mahayil Governorate from all directions, it has transformed into a vibrant tourist destination. Writer Hassan Musa Al-Aqeel points out that this unique location has given the mountain a significant competitive advantage, prompting the Mahayil Governorate Municipality to capitalize on these natural assets with astute planning.
The mountain has witnessed development projects that have transformed it into a major recreational area for residents and visitors, including the creation of hanging public gardens and pedestrian walkways, in addition to attracting private sector investments through the establishment of commercial units, cafes, and upscale restaurants that provide stunning panoramic views of the city, especially in the evenings when the city lights embrace the mountain's tranquility.
An economic driver and in line with Vision 2030
The development of Jabal Al-Hila is of particular importance within the framework of the Asir region's development strategy, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to transform the region into a year-round global tourist destination. Given Mahayil Asir's location in the Tihama plains, which enjoy warm winters, Jabal Al-Hila is an ideal winter tourism destination, complementing the summer tourism in the highlands of Abha and Al-Soudah. This integration boosts local economic activity, creates new job opportunities for the region's residents, and underscores the success of the model for investing in challenging terrain and transforming it into attractive recreational and investment hubs.
