Many people envision Saudi Arabia as a vast expanse of flat deserts and sand dunes. However, the western part of the country surprises visitors with its mountainous massifs, particularly the majestic kilometer-high cliffs of the Sarawat Mountains, stretching from Taif to Abha in the southwest. Nestled within these mountains is an even more remarkable landscape—the Jibal Mussala Ibrahim (جبال مصلى إبراهيم), a granite mountain located in Al-Bahah Province, about 50 kilometers from the famous marble-hill village of Zee Al-Ayn.
The Majestic Jibal Mussala Ibrahim
Unlike other mountainous areas in western Saudi Arabia, the Jibal Mussala Ibrahim resembles an alpine mountain with a significant height difference of 1,700 meters from its base to its summit, peaking at 2,222 meters. Its altitude matches that of the Sarawat Cliffs just 20 kilometers to the east, giving the Jibal Mussala Ibrahim the appearance of a geological marvel that has resisted the erosion leveling the surrounding landscape.
The Jibal Mussala Ibrahim's imposing silhouette is visible from the road running along the bottom of the cliffs on the eastern side of the massif. From a distance, the mountain’s sharp granite summit seems to pierce the sky, offering a majestic view from the nearby Wadi Suqamah.
The Hidden Village of Sheda
A closer look reveals the hidden treasure of this place—a village perched halfway to the top at an altitude of over 1,600 meters. This village, named Sheda (شدا), is accessible via a small road that meanders along the sides of the Jibal Mussala Ibrahim. The journey to Sheda provides stunning viewpoints of the distant Sarawat cliffs, surrounding green hills and wadis, terrace cultivations, and, of course, the gigantic shape of the Jibal Mussala Ibrahim.
Along the way to Sheda, visitors encounter other charming villages and intriguing stone constructions where local Bedouins likely once lived. The drive up the mountain reveals a significant change in climate within a short period—much cooler and slightly drier at the top compared to the incredibly hot and humid weather at the bottom, especially during summer.
These unique conditions have allowed rare plants and trees to thrive around Sheda, including the elegant white-flower Capparis Cartilaginea and the wide-trunk tree Dendrosicyos, also found on the remote island of Socotra, off Yemen.
How to Visit Sheda
The location of Sheda can be found on Google Maps under its Arabic name شدا. The road leading to the village is indicated as "Jibal Sheda Al-A'la." However, due to rain damage and steep inclines (up to 16%), it is highly recommended to avoid the road during or after rainfall. Despite being paved, a 4x4 vehicle is advisable for a safer and more comfortable journey.
Visiting Sheda offers an unforgettable experience of exploring a village in the sky, nestled within one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning and surprising landscapes. From the awe-inspiring views to the unique flora and traditional villages, Jibal Mussala Ibrahim and Sheda present an enchanting destination for adventurous travelers.
