Global tourism includes the Saudi Rijal Alma village in the list of the best tourist villages in the world

Weather of Arabia - The United Nations World Tourism Organization included the Saudi village of "Rijal Alma" in the list of the best tourist villages in the world, during an official ceremony on the sidelines of the organization's general session in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

The initiative of the best tourist villages, which was announced during the Summit to Revitalize Tourism held in Riyadh last May, aims to shed light on outstanding examples of rural tourism that combine natural and cultural elements, and preserve societal values, ways of life and traditional production mechanisms.

The Best Tourist Villages initiative is based on the AlUla Framework for Comprehensive Community Development through Tourism, which was launched during the Kingdom's presidency of the G20 last year.

This achievement underscores the importance of committing to sustainability and using tourism as a force for positive change in societies, as the World Tourism Organization selected Rijal Almaa among 175 participating entities representing 75 countries.

The village of Rijal Almaa is located 45 kilometers west of the city of Abha in the mountainous region of Asir, and is a unique example of the diverse heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia. Yemen, the Levant, Mecca and Medina.

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, while receiving the award in Madrid on behalf of the village chief, said: "We are proud of this wonderful honor that Rijal Alma' received, given its cultural heritage, unique culture, and preservation of its distinguished history," noting that honoring the Tourism Organization confirms On the vast cultural and natural resources owned by the Kingdom, looking forward to seeing tourists in Rijal Almaa and other exceptional destinations that the Kingdom abounds in.

The United Nations' UNESCO, which is responsible for identifying and protecting culture and heritage in the world, had included the village of Rijal Almaa in the list of World Heritage Sites, and likened it to the French village of Mont Saint-Michel as an outstanding example of unique history and architecture that reflects the great importance of the village.

The Village Museum is located in one of the six-storey buildings and is a center for art and historical works, as well as photographs, artwork and antiques.

The year 2017 witnessed the restoration of all of the village’s 16 forts. Rijal Alma’ village won the Arab Cities Award “Modon” due to its rich architectural heritage, and the Prince Sultan bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage in 2017.