Thee Ain, a unique village in Al-Baha

DAMMAM: The village of Thee Ain in Al-Baha is a unique heritage site that includes old archaeological buildings, agricultural lands, springs, distinctive cultural and natural landscapes, gardens, and a visitor’s center.

The village, near Al-Mekhwa city in Al-Baha province, is one of the heritage sites that the Council of Ministers approved to be registered in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The well-preserved and authentic site comprises a distinctive cultural and natural landscape and distinct model of human adaptation to the natural environment.
The village’s multi-story houses are marvelous as they are simply constructed by stones laid one atop another, with timbers that form floor beams to provide stability to the stone structures. The houses have three levels with narrow alleyways between them.
The 400-year-old village is famous for agricultural crops such as bananas, basil, lemon and palm trees, and has many stores and a scenic river, too. The year-round spring supplies water for the many fields in the area. The agricultural area in the village covers approximately 40,000 cubic meters, upon which many of the village people from ancient times to the present day depend.
Due to its great importance, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has prepared a rehabilitation and development plan for this heritage village to become an economic, tourism and cultural resource that provides job opportunities for local communities and tourist guides.
The SCTNH aims to turn the village into a tourist destination equipped with all required services, and increase the marketing of its products after receiving it from the Thee Ain Cooperative Society for 30 years.
The SCTNH’s development plan that began several years ago, consists of five stages; three of which were completed and two are under implementation.
The first stage included the rehabilitation of a number of buildings to be a private museum in the village, along with the village main alleyway with seats established along which till the waterfall, in addition to the re-opening of the archaeological mosque.
The second phase included the creation of the village garden with SR4 million total cost, while the third phase begun with the restoring a number of buildings in the village that cost SR7 million.
In addition, the fourth development stage began recently to restore the rest of the buildings with a total cost of more than SR7 million, and the fifth stage includes the completion of the visitor’s center and its accessory structures to be an exhibition for the local products.
Al-Baha region in general is a delightful tourism destination rich with natural resources and known for its cool weather and natural diversity. Its charm lies in the architectural heritage, mountains, folk arts, crafts, heritage and buildings.
People looking for excitement visit the surrounding mountains and embrace the green surrounds, and the cool mist. Many from around the GCC visit the region every summer to experience the adventure found in the lush, green tourism resorts in the middle of Al-Baha mountains, and to enjoy the fascinating views and weather.
Al-Baha is dream-like with all its components of heritage, culture and breathtaking nature including Raghdan forest, the traditional souks, the old fascinating crafts, and the Thee Ain village sitting beautifully atop white stones.