Jabal Shada Al-A'la Reserve

Towering Peaks and an Arabian Leopard Sanctuary in Al-Baha

Al-Baha

Jabal Shada is located west of Baljurashi within Al-Baha region. It comprises two prominent peaks: Shada Al-A'la (Upper Shada) and Shada Al-Asfal (Lower Shada). The mountain is famous for its unique rocky terrain. It is also a nature reserve for the rare Arabian leopard, making it a distinctive ecological and tourist destination.

Jabal Shada Al-A'la stands at an elevation of 2,202 meters, while Jabal Shada Al-Asfal reaches 1,513 meters high. The two peaks were named Shada Al-Shami (Northern Shada) and Shada Al-Yamani (Southern Shada).

Jabal Shada Al-A'la is characterized by countless isolated columns resembling maritime obelisks. This imparts a unique natural scene to the site, attractive to visitors and nature lovers.

The National Center for Wildlife Development declared Jabal Shada Al-A'la a sanctuary for the Arabian leopard. This animal is one of the rarest wild creatures in the Arabian Peninsula and is at risk of extinction due to poaching. The latest statistics estimate the number of Arabian leopards at fewer than 100 across their distribution areas in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the UAE.

The Shada Mountains combine breathtaking natural scenery, unique rocky terrain, and rare wildlife. This makes it a high-value tourist and ecological site for Al-Baha and the Kingdom as a whole.