Abha, Saudi Arabia

Capital City

Life at 7,450 feet in Saudi Arabia's highest major city comes with surprisingly mild temperatures - rarely breaking 95°F even in summer. For the 334,290 residents of this mountain capital, that means escaping the kingdom's notorious desert heat, though you'll still need to adjust to the thin air.

A former Ottoman stronghold turned Saudi tourist magnet, Abha centers on its hilltop fortress quarter and the 1927 Shadda Palace, now showcasing local culture. The city's modernization is evident in its international airport (opened 1977) connecting to major Gulf hubs, and King Khalid University's massive 85,000-student campus. For financial planning, factor in that most amenities cluster around Lake Sadd and the newer five-star hotels.

The semi-arid climate delivers about 11 inches of rain annually, mostly February through April, with a second wet season in summer. While temperatures stay moderate year-round, ranging from 28°F to 104°F at extremes, the elevation demands acclimatization for new arrivals. The 2015 mosque attack that killed 15 people, mostly police officers, serves as a sobering reminder that security remains a consideration even in this relatively stable mountain city.