Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces

Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces are a collection of historical forts and palaces located in the town of Tabab, affiliated with Aseer Province in the southwestern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tabab served as the capital of Aseer Province during the First Saudi State and was one of the province's prominent hamlets in the fourth decade of the tenth century.

Tabab is located twenty-five km northwest of Abha City and rises approximately 2,400 m above sea level. The town comprises more than 150 villages and is interspersed with several valleys, including Tabab Valley, al-Maghwath, and Dubu’i. Tabab is renowned for its fertile land and the cultivation of various seasonal crops. In addition to Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces, Tabab features other historical landmarks that attract visitors, such as forts and palaces scattered across villages like al-Hadhn, Zeina, and al-Ghal.

The forts and palaces of Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami consist of six adjacent structures of varying sizes and heights, covering an area of approximately four thousand m². They include several storage pits of various sizes and depths, with depths ranging from two to three m and widths between six and fifteen m. These pits were used for storing and preserving agricultural crops for extended periods, ensuring their availability during years of drought, wars, or when farming ceased. Due to the site's strategic importance, these storage pits were also used to hide ammunition during conflicts and wars.

The exact age of the burial sites is unknown. They are expertly carved into the rocky mountain, with some located beneath the forts and palaces, while others are situated in the inner courtyards, deep within the rocky mountain on which the forts and palaces were built.

The rocks in which the ancient burial sites were carved, and upon which the forts and palaces were built, are distinguished by their water-resistant properties. The careful and precise selection of these locations highlights the presence of ancient civilizations that had established themselves in the area.

Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces were constructed using stones from the surrounding rocky mountains. Their architectural designs highlight Asiri heritage, featuring windows with edges adorned in white quartz stone. The palaces overlook the fertile banks of Tabab Valley, offering visitors picturesque natural views.

The palaces underwent restoration and rehabilitation after being abandoned for nearly fifty years. They were subsequently reopened to welcome visitors and tourists in Aseer Province. As part of the Kingdom's efforts to develop historical and cultural heritage sites, Al Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Historical Center was established, encompassing the palaces, forts, and their eight burial sites, transforming them into tourist and cultural landmarks.

Following their restoration, Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces were converted into heritage inns that blend modern amenities with the identity of the location. The site also includes areas for selling traditional products, such as traditional clothing, a local bakery offering popular dishes, a traditional café, and an international café serving both hot and cold beverages. The organizers of the project chose to name the visitor sites after items inspired by the location, such as the names of swords, horses, and spears owned by their ancestors.

These palaces were also one of the venues for the third edition of the Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performing Arts, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Authority in 2024. The event hosted performance troupes specializing in traditional arts from twenty-five countries, in addition to local troupes from seven Saudi provinces.

In 2024, Abu Nuqtah al-Muthami Palaces were included in the List of Best Tourist Villages for 2024, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This achievement was supported and supervised by the Ministry of Tourism and other governmental entities, aiming to showcase the Kingdom’s rural heritage on a global scale. The inclusion of the palaces in the list is attributed to their rich history and cultural heritage. This inclusion contributes to strengthening the Kingdom's efforts as a global tourist destination, highlighting its environmental and natural diversity and its archaeological sites.

The inclusion of the palaces in the United Nations list also helps highlight rural destinations that rely on tourism as a means to achieve development, create job opportunities, and provide new sources of income, while preserving and promoting community values and traditions. Abu Nuqtah Palaces received this recognition due to their adherence to innovation and sustainability standards across various economic, social, and environmental aspects, as well as their focus on developing tourism in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.