Saudi Arabia's Abha has been named the capital of Arab Tourism 2017. Saudi Arabia's Abha has been named the capital of Arab Tourism 2017.

Abha, the capital of Asir province in Saudi Arabia, is named capital of Arab Tourism 2017, due in part to a diverse environment, with forests in the parks Soudah, Dulghan, Al-Hubala, and towering highlands in addition to the eastern plains and western coasts, says local media.

Abha’s new status as the Capital of Arab Tourism is expected to bring dozens of investment opportunities to help attract further visitors, experts have said.

Investment opportunities include international conferences and exhibitions areas, a shopping mall, hotel, two restaurants at two distinct tourist sites in addition to a number of other opportunities, said Director-general of investment in the region Ali Al-Haid.

“The project of exhibition and conference, the airport’s mall and hotel which is located on an area of 200,000 square meters will contribute to the revitalisation of tourism in the region throughout the year as well as embracing many programs, events and conferences,” he said.

Al-Haid added that these opportunities include: “a shopping mall on King Abdullah Road in an area of 30,000 square meters, near the King Faisal Medical City and the hostel university, in addition to five-star hotels and villas.”

The city was earlier named the tourism capital for 2016 by the Arab Tourism Organization.

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