Rijal Alma village. The whole village has been turned into a tourist attraction. Most of the people have left the old houses, mud or stones ones, mainly because they had an easier access to water in this area. The village of Rijal Almaa is located in the Tihama part of the Aseer (or Asir) Province. It is 45km west of the tourist city of Abha. The village is only 500 m from the main road that connects the city of Mahayel Aseer and Darb Bani Shubah. It is located near other tourist sights in Abha. It was the capital of the principality of Hala during the reign of Mossa al Kenani in 732 H. 50,000 tourists a year visit this locality. The village is famous for the Assouda Tourist Cable Car that descends from the heights of Assouda Mountains to an area near the village. High stone buildings that often reach 7 storeys characterize the architectural legacy of the area. © Eric Lafforgue www.ericlafforgue.com