Family Travel to Abha, Saudi Arabia: A Refreshing 5-Day Getaway from Dubai
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Planning a trip to the mountains? Our family of four — two adults and two little girls aged 2 and 4 — explored Abha, Saudi Arabia, in December 2025. It was a perfect winter escape with stunning mountain views, cool weather, and family-friendly attractions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our itinerary, experiences, and costs for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Getting to Abha from Dubai
We booked our Flydubai afternoon flight from Dubai to Abha, which took around three hours. Upon arrival, the first thing we did was pick up our car rental from Key Rent a Car. Their counter is conveniently located just outside the main airport building on the right side.
After completing the formalities, we paid the rental fee plus a SAR 3,000 refundable deposit (returned after 14 days). For convenience, we had pre-booked our car online and chose the option to return it in Jeddah at the end of our trip.
Where we stayed – Abha
Boudl Abha has family rooms, spacious self-catering suites with a separate living room, and kitchen facilities like a microwave, refrigerator, and kitchenette, which make longer stays easier with children. It also offers free parking, free wi‑fi, 24-hour front desk service, room service, and a location near Abha Mall Complex,
Want more options in Abha? Check our Abha Collection.
Check out our carry-on essentials for flying with kids →” Carry on Essentials list.“
Packing for the cold? Check our cold weather family essentials → “Cold Essentials List.”
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Al Souda Mountain and Chair Lift Ride
We started our first morning fresh and excited. The drive to Al Souda Mountain was absolutely scenic, with breathtaking viewpoints along the way. After enjoying the panoramas and taking plenty of photos, we returned to the city by afternoon for the chair lift ride.
The ticket cost SAR 90 per adult, while kids rode for free. The ride lasted about 22 minutes round-trip and offered a mesmerizing view of the valleys. Later that evening, we relaxed at a nearby park with our girls and ordered dinner back at the hotel.
Day 2: Al Sahab Resort Viewpoint and Abha High City
On the second day, we revisited Al Souda Mountain, but this time we drove all the way up to Al Sahab Resort Viewpoint. The top offered a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding clouds.
Next, we stopped by Abu Khayal Park, followed by Abha High City, located just across the street. The lively atmosphere and mountain coffee shops made it a memorable stop for coffee lovers like us. We wrapped up the day with dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Rijal Al Maa Heritage Village
We began our morning with breakfast at Makhi Bakr Coffee Shop, a cozy café with an inviting ambience. Then we set off for Rijal Al Maa, a famous heritage village surrounded by dramatic mountain views. Book tour here if you do not want to drive to Rijal Almaa.
Although the road leading down was quite narrow and steep, the scenic beauty made it worthwhile. We stopped at a small park midway, which was perfect for the kids. However, driving our Suzuki Dzire back uphill was a bit challenging due to the sharp inclines.
By evening, we visited Dabab Walkway, a beautiful fog-covered area with coffee spots and a pleasantly cold breeze — the perfect way to end the day.
Day 4: Abha Rashid Mall and Sky Village
Our fourth day was more relaxed. We spent the morning at Al Rashid Mall, one of Abha’s largest shopping centers featuring both international and local brands. Breakfast at Tim Hortons was a nice start before exploring the stores.
Later that evening, we had dinner at Sky Village, at the Italian restaurant Olive Garden. The food was delicious, the service attentive, and the nighttime mountain views absolutely stunning.
Day 5: Road Trip from Abha to Jeddah
On our final day in Abha, we began our road trip to Jeddah, leaving around 9:30 AM. The journey took approximately 7.5 hours non-stop, though we took short breaks and stopped for lunch at Qunfudha.
There, we enjoyed our favorite Al Baik meal, which was a highlight for the whole family. We finally reached Jeddah around 8:30 PM, tired but satisfied.
Exploring Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City
In Jeddah, we spent a couple of days relaxing and exploring. One of the best experiences was a day trip to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The beaches were quiet, clean, and ideal for a peaceful family picnic.
Finally, we took a Saudi Air flight back to Dubai — a simple end to an unforgettable Saudi road adventure.
Cost Breakdown for Family Travel to Abha
| Item | Cost | Currency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air tickets (Flydubai) | 3,500 | AED | 4 family members |
| Hotel | 2,000 to 3,000 | AED | 5 nights |
| Car rental (Key Rent a Car) | 2,200 | SAR | With comprehensive coverage, drop-off in Jeddah |
| Fuel | 130 | SAR | Filled twice during trip |
| Miscellaneous (meals, park entries, shopping) | 1,000 | AED | Approximate total |
Tip: Always carry both local and UAE currency for convenience, as some attractions may only accept SAR.
Final Thoughts
Our family trip to Abha, Saudi Arabia, was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. The mountain views, cold December weather, and friendly local atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning a winter family holiday in Saudi Arabia, Abha should definitely be on your list — just remember to dress warm, rent a car for flexibility, and enjoy every twist and turn of the journey!
Loved Abha? Here’s where else we’ve taken the kids.
If cool mountain air and a short flight from Dubai are what you’re after, these are the trips we’d point you to next:
Shymbulak Ski Resort: Your Ultimate 5 Days of Alpine Magic — for families who want the mountain-cool feeling of Abha taken further, with actual skiing.
Family Trip to Western Serbia: Complete Travel Guide — another nature-first mountain trip, this time with visa-free European access.
How to Plan a 5-Day Georgia Trip from Dubai — similar short-haul, budget-friendly pacing with a mountain-and-old-town mix.
Our Family Adventure to Istanbul: A 5-Day Journey with Tiny Travelers — if you want more city and culture on your next short-haul trip.
