The highest range
Saudipedia describes the Sarawat as the Kingdom's highest mountain range. The southern part of the western highlands, it runs from the Yemeni border to north of Taif, through al-Baha, Asir, Najran, Jazan and Taif Governorate in Makkah Region, rising eastward from low hills beyond the coastal plain.
Its summit is Jabal al-Soudah, about 20 km from Abha, at about 3,015 m. Jabal Ferwa' (3,004 m), Jabal Natfa (2,971 m) and Jabal al-Majaz (2,902 m) follow close behind.
Rain and runoff
A watershed runs along the crest, sending valleys west to Tihamah and east to the inner plains. On the western side, deep, narrow wadis such as Baish, Hali, Yaba and al-Lith drop to the Red Sea. The Sarawat highlands receive rain through the year, and summer air from the tropical sea gives Abha the highest summer rainfall of any Saudi city.
Juniper and honey
According to Saudipedia, the range has the highest biodiversity of any of the Kingdom's natural environments. Juniper grows on its slopes with acacia, wild olive and medicinal and aromatic herbs, beekeeping is widespread, and national parks protect parts of Asir, Taif and al-Baha.
Steep mountain roads, the aqabat, link the heights with the lowlands. Aqabat al-Sama runs from Abha down the Tihama slopes towards Rijal Almaa.