Dhi Ayn Village







Amid the mountainous terrain of Al-Baha in the heart of Al-Makhwah Governorate, the heritage village of Dhi Ayn stands as a unique architectural masterpiece, bearing witness to a 400-year history. This village was built atop a white, rocky mountain with rugged terrain. It looks like a single castle to the observer. It features compact, multi-story houses, with their balconies decorated with marble stones and roofed with juniper wood from the surrounding forests. Dhi Ain is not just an urban complex; it is a model of sustainable living. Agricultural terraces were irrigated by a spring— called ‘Al-Qulla’ by village residents—emerging in the east of the village. Water flows down a stream carved in the rocks towards agricultural areas. Terraces are watered according to the local water law known as ‘atwaf’ (turns). This spring, which gives the village its name, has been a source of life in the village, irrigating banana, lemon and kadi farms for which the village is famous. Nestled amidst the village's historic houses, the mosque is surrounded by farms and paths that were carefully designed to facilitate movement between houses. The village also boasts defensive forts that relate the story of its persistence. In addition to its natural charm, the two waterfalls created in the village make a picturesque scene combining flowing water with the splendor of traditional architecture. Villagers have preserved their social cohesion. They constructed a stone platform adjacent to which running water flows. This was a meeting place of residents where they held meetings to resolve farm disputes and make decisions related to their daily lives. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction where visitors enjoy the sight of the flowing water, which endows the place with captivating aura and beauty. To preserve this historical heritage, the Heritage Commission has taken practical steps to rehabilitate the village and transform it into an integrated tourist and cultural destination, attracting visitors interested in history and human heritage. The Commission also seeks to nominate the site for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, the village of Dhi Ayn is a top tourist destination in the south of the Kingdom, showcasing the natural and architectural diversity of Al-Baha Province and contributing to sustainable development through supporting agriculture and handicrafts. It is also a living example of the sustainability and renewal of ancient cultural heritage.

