Moving to Al Baha: Mountain Climate, Towns, Services and What to Check

Al Baha (Al Bahah) is a city of about 90,500 people (2022 census) high in the Sarawat Mountains, at roughly 2,200 m. It is the capital of Al Baha Province, the Kingdom's smallest, and it has a much cooler climate than most of Saudi Arabia. It suits people who want green, mountain surroundings and a quiet pace, and who can manage without frequent flights or a big expat scene.

The basics

• Climate: Wikipedia calls it a cool steppe climate, with mild summers and cool winters. We could not find a reliable temperature range, so check the forecast for your arrival month.
• Nickname: the "Garden of the Hejaz".
• Province: about 11,000 km2, with 339,174 people in 2022.
• Education: Al-Baha University was established in 2006.
• Health: King Fahd Hospital is the city's training hospital, per Wikipedia. Ask your insurer which facilities are in your network. See health insurance in Saudi Arabia.
• Airport: domestic flights only. International travelers typically use Abha, Taif or Jeddah.

Towns around the city

Al Baha is a region of separate towns rather than one big city. Saudipedia describes:

• Baljurashi, about 25 km south of the city. Mount Hazna, the province's highest peak at 2,211 m, is in the governorate, along with the historic Saturday market (al-Sabt Market) and the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Musbeh Museum.
• Al-Mandaq, about 40 km northwest of the city.
• Al-Aqiq, a governorate to the east. Travel sites disagree about the distance from the city, so check on a map.

Housing, schools and cost

We could not verify rents, neighborhoods, schools or living costs for Al Baha, so none are given. Before you move:

1. Ask your employer about housing support and which town you are expected to live in. Drives between towns are on mountain roads.
2. Have the lease registered on Ejar and compare quotes in the rent affordability tool.
3. Check schools directly with each school.
4. Test heating and damp in winter if you visit then. Mountain homes can have problems that a summer viewing will not show.
5. Use the cost calculator with real local prices.

Things to do

See things to do in Al Baha for Raghadan Forest Park, Dhee Ayn village, Baljurashi and the Al Baha Summer Festival.

Is it a good fit?

Al Baha suits people posted to the university, hospital or public services who value cool weather and nature. It is a poor fit if you depend on direct international flights, a large expat community or specialist hospital care close by.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on 22 October 2026 against these pages. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official page before you pay or apply.

• Wikipedia: Al Bahah
• Saudipedia: Baljurashi Governorate
• Arab News: Natural beauty of Baha's Raghadan Park attracts visitors (13 July 2024)
• Al Riyadh Daily: Al-Baha's scenic sites attract tourists (7 July 2025)