The Kingdom has now made it to the list of the world’s best tourist villages, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

With Saudi Arabia donning several hats of finest tourism places in the region, the Kingdom has now made it to the list of the world’s best tourist villages, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The Rijal Alma village in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, also known as ‘Gingerbread Village’, is now one of the best villages in the world. The village was shortlisted among 174 entrants representing 75 countries.

Nestled in the mountainous Asir region of Saudi Arabia, the villages date back to more than 900 years old and the reason why it is called ‘Gingerbread’ is that its buildings look like they are made of gingerbread.

Located 45 kilometres west of Abha city in the mountainous Asir region, Rijal Alma is a unique example of Saudi Arabia’s diverse heritage and culture. It consists of several towering houses and palaces, each constructed out of natural stone clay and wood.

The UNWTO officials said the Saudi village is ‘an outstanding example of rural tourism,’ and that it deserved to be on the list. The Best Villages Programme was announced by UNWTO, earlier in May, during the Tourism Recovery Summit in Riyadh.

The programme aims to recognise exceptional examples of rural tourism that combines cultural and natural assets, preserve, and promote community values, and sustain traditional lifestyles and production techniques.

The award was accepted by Saudi Princess Haifa Al Saud, Assistant Minister of Tourism, on behalf of the village chief at the UN General Assembly that took place in Madrid on Thursday.

At the heart of ancient trade networks, Rijal Almaa once linked Yemen, the Levant, Makkah, and Madinah.

Along with its famed unique buildings, the region is also known for the ‘Flower Men’—locals who traditionally dress in wraparound skirts and adorn themselves with floral wreaths.

Also, this is not the first time Gingerbread Village has won accolades for its preservation. In the past too, Rijal Almaa was recognised by the Arab Cities Mudon Award for its architectural heritage in 2017, and it won the Prince Sultan bin Salman prize for urban heritage in 2007.