Saudi Arabia: Mystical fog envelops highlands, turning summer into a scenic retreat

In August 2025, the mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia—Al Hada, Al Mandaq, Al Baha, Sarawat, and Aseer—were wrapped in a silken veil of fog, creating some of the Kingdom’s most breathtaking summer landscapes. What began as an ordinary seasonal weather shift quickly transformed the region into an ethereal retreat, drawing residents and visitors alike to witness the spectacle.

In Al Mandaq, thick trails of fog wove through valleys and rolled gently over peaks, softening the rugged outlines of the mountains. Families flocked to roadside lookouts and picnic spots, where the mist offered both relief from the heat and an enchanting atmosphere. Al Baha’s highlands mirrored this magic. Villages surrounded by forests and terraced farms seemed to float in clouds, their traditional architecture glowing against the soft, dreamlike backdrop.

The Sarawat range, which spans much of the Kingdom’s southwest, has long been celebrated as Saudi Arabia’s cool-weather refuge. While the plains endured soaring summer temperatures of 40°C and beyond, the fog-bound highlands offered a refreshing climate, often dropping several degrees cooler. This climatic contrast has turned the mountains into a prime destination for domestic tourism, especially during the summer months.

For travellers, the fog added drama to winding highland drives, where roads disappeared momentarily into white mist before revealing sweeping views of valleys below. For locals, it was a reminder of nature’s rhythm—an annual gift that transforms daily life into something serene and surreal. In these misty mountains, Saudi Arabia revealed a softer, greener side, both majestic and inviting.