Saudi Arabia encompasses a greater variety of
architectural styles than any other country in the Arabian Peninsula where building
materials including coral, plaster, mud-brick and stone. Traditional stone
buildings can be found in many highland areas of the Asir mountains
particularly in the Abha area but also in the Taif region further to the north.
I took the photo below of some stone buildings near Bani Saad, south of Taif
off the main road to Baha and Abha. These buildings are often left derelict and
even though new dwellings are built nearby they are often left in disrepair rather
than being renovated. They are hand-built and beautifully designed and always
catch the eye when you see one driving along any of the highways.
