The permanent Heritage Museum of Rijal Almaa was established in 1405 AH/1985 AD with a general initiative of the province inhabitants in order to save the heritage of their area, Al Elwan Fort was chosen that was founded by Al Elwan family a foundation in the village of Rijal Alma’, being the largest of the forts. The fort was renovated with the cooperation of the inhabitants of Rijal Almaaeach according to his potential and experience. The sons of the village collected old objects donated by the people, and women of the village contributed to the decoration of the fort under the supervision of the local artist Fatima Ali Abu Qahhas, later many of them donated their old ornaments of silver and some of their savings. The work in the museum was completed, and it gained a lot of support, concern and encouragement by those interested in tourism. It was inaugurated by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, former Emir of Asir region in 1407 AH/1987 AD, and the museum began to exercise its role of cultural tourism conduit since then, until it became a world tourist destination year round, the number of visitors has increased after the opening of the cable car project in Al-Souda and securing transportation between Al-Uos station and the museum; it played an important role in facilitating the visit to the museum, especially in the summer, when the tourist season peaks, some statistics showed visitors to the museum is to nearly 30,000 visitors in 1419 AH/1997 AD and increased more in the summer of 1420 AH/2000 AD.
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