Surrounded by mountains, Al-Hada is an alpine resort filled with luxury hotels and family-friendly theme parks. At almost 2,000 metres above sea level, Al-Hada attracts holidaymakers in search of cooler weather and beautiful mountain scenery.
Things to do in Alhada
A cable car stretches for more than four kilometres from Al-Hada to the Al Kar Tourist Village at the foot of the mountain. As you travel along the cable car, you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as well as the snaking roads and camel pens below.
Al Kar Tourist Village is packed with family attractions, including a water park featuring slides and swimming pools. The twists and turns of the toboggan track will get your pulse racing. Colourful shops selling Saudi Arabian souvenirs line the pedestrian arcade.
Every year, the Saudi Arabian government relocates to the nearby city of Taif to escape the searing heat of Riyadh. An easy day trip from Al-Hada, Taif features attractions such as the magnificent Shubra Palace built in the 20th century and the Taif Regional Museum where you can admire artefacts from the pre-Islamic age. Grapes, honey, pomegranates and apricots are some of the region’s local delicacies.
Dining at Al-Hada restaurants is a great opportunity to sample authentic cuisine from Makkah Province. Enjoy “haneeth” slow-roasted lamb, “madfoon” chicken seasoned with spices and “kabsa” rice flavoured with cloves and cardamon. Most hotels also feature high-end international restaurants.
Getting there
Al-Hada is located in Makkah Province, a 25-minute drive from Taif. Rental cars are the easiest way to visit Al-Hada and explore the region at your own pace. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah Airport is a two-hour drive away.