Situated 2,200 meters above sea level in the highlands north of Abha, the A’anab Tourist Farm began not as a commercial venture, but as a personal commitment to land and heritage. Founded by Mohammed Al-Abood, the property now features a vegetation cover exceeding 4,000 plants and trees, including ancient heritage trees over 200 years old.
2,200m
Elevation Above Sea Level
4,000+
Plants and Trees on the Farm
200+
Years of Some Heritage Trees
Mohammed was born and raised on this land in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region. His transition from traditional farming to agritourism developed naturally, driven by a personal passion for cultivation and environmental care.
“
There is a beautiful, truly indescribable feeling when I walk around the farm and wander through its grounds, among the trees and nature. This is because every single corner, every tree, and every spot in this place received my personal attention.
— Mohammed Al-Abood
As an honoree of the inaugural HalalTrip People Awards, Mohammed demonstrates how individual land stewardship can protect regional biodiversity while creating sustainable, community-focused tourism destinations.
The Aseer region has long been an agricultural center, defined by its mountainous terrain and ancient terraced farming practices. The core of the farm’s ecological appeal lies in its preserved flora, which functions both as a natural habitat and an agricultural resource.
“We have a collection of ancient trees that are over 200 years old. They have taken on distinct shapes and have become a beautiful addition to the place, boosting oxygen levels, and serving as a sanctuary for many birds. Our total flora now exceeds 4,000 trees.”
Over time, this continuous planting evolved into what Mohammed describes as a diverse “fruit basket,” offering seasonal crops cultivated through traditional practices.
Rather than treating tourism as a high-density commercial effort, Mohammed designed A’anab to offer educational experiences tied directly to nature and conservation. Visitors encounter an environment focused on tranquility, conscious land stewardship, and local history.
During his acceptance address at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2026, Mohammed emphasized that responsible travel must extend beyond theory into practical, on-the-ground management.
“Principles, ideas, standards, and values are not merely theoretical concepts. They are already being translated into reality… through continuous efforts across tourism programs and travel experiences.”
He also noted that Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism landscape offers global Muslim travelers opportunities to explore regional culture, natural landscapes, and heritage sites beyond traditional pilgrimage routes.
Building and maintaining the farm has required close cooperation with local residents, family members, and farm workers. In traditional mountain communities where changes to land use can meet hesitancy, earning local trust remains essential.
Mohammed credits the success of A’anab to this collective local support:
“Receiving this award for A’anab for agritourism is the result of overcoming many challenges through dedication and continuous hard work. It would not have been possible without direct support from my country’s government, my teamwork, my family, the hard workers who work with me, and the local community around my farm in the village.”
For Mohammed, the ultimate goal of agritourism is leaving visitors with a deeper connection to the natural environment and a clear model for sustainable land preservation.
“Upon departing from the A’anab Tourist Farm, a visitor undoubtedly carries away beautiful memories. The various tourism and agricultural experiences they encounter, combined with the tranquility of the surroundings and the aesthetic beauty of the landscape… all of these elements come together to forge unforgettable memories.”
Know someone making a lasting difference in their community without asking for recognition? Nominate them for the HalalTrip People Awards 2027 here.
