Abha: For decades, the Al-Muftaha District has been a cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Abha, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with a prime location along the Abha Valley. This Ramadan, the district has transformed into a vibrant tourist and cultural hub, drawing hundreds of visitors daily for a unique blend of recreational, artistic, and heritage-driven experiences.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the festivities in the district are organized by the Aseer Development Authority's Tourism Destinations Sector and offer a diverse array of activities. Families, both residents and tourists, are attracted to the Art Village, which was established 35 years ago in the northern part of the district. Here, exhibitions and artistic displays celebrate the region's creative heritage.
Al-Muftaha is also home to a theater with a capacity of over 3,500 individuals, equipped with audiovisual technology. Among its historical highlights is the Souq Al Thulatha (Tuesday Market), one of Aseer's oldest traditional souqs, named after its weekly Tuesday gatherings. The market, designed in an oval layout, features pedestrian-friendly walkways and open-air stalls showcasing local handicrafts and traditional products.
The district's architecture preserves Abha's building traditions, featuring thick walls, small windows, and "raqf" plaster coatings to protect mud walls from rain while providing shade. Several historic palaces contribute to the district's timeless charm.
Historically, Al-Muftaha was renowned for sword making, with craftsmen sourcing iron-rich sedimentary rocks from the Al-Soudah Mountains, located 20 kilometers northwest of Abha. They extracted iron to forge swords, daggers, and agricultural tools using traditional methods.