The center of Abs, which is inhabited by more than 25,000 people and is rich in many archaeological sites such as the Ibn Ajlan Palace and heritage villages, is witnessing difficulty in moving to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, after the road was previously the gateway for their arrival. “Abs” is considered one of the oldest centers affiliated with Al-Majardah Governorate. It is bordered to the east and south by the towering Sarawat Mountain Range. It is connected to the south with Al-Namas Governorate by the mountain road called Aqaba Tla’a. As for the east, it connects it to the center of Bani Omar, Aqaba Saqin. Salem Muhammad Shabib Al-Shehri says: “I am from the people of Wadi Abs, and Al-Jawf Road shortens the road to the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region (60) km, and there are (8) km left of it. The towering valleys and valleys running throughout the year, in addition to its economic ability and its link between the popular markets, and Saleh Al-Omari indicates that the road represents one of the northern gates of the Asir region and connects the south road, passing through the obstacle of Talaa through Abs, until it connects to the southern Tihama road. As for Ahmed Muhammad Al-Absi Al-Shehri, he said: “Al-Jawf Road is historical, and until recently it was the only gate and road connecting Abs with the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, and we hope to quickly complete the road.” For his part, Yassin Awad Al-Absi Al-Shehri adds, "For years, we have been calling for the completion of Al-Jawf Road to reach Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the speedy implementation of the remaining link."
And Muhammad Ali Al-Shehri agrees with them, and he said: “The Wadi Al-Jawf Road is a continuation of the Aqaba Tla’a Road, and about 35 km have been implemented, and 15 km remain until it connects to the Muhayil Al-Makhwah Road. It saves travelers a distance of 60 km from the road, and also connects the people of Al-Ardiyat with Al-Namas Governorate. Muhammad Ahmed Hamdan Al-Shehri says: “The short-distance tourist road is of great importance in linking the regions of Asir and Makkah and directly serves the people of the governorates of Al-Namas, Al-Majardah and Al-Ardiyat, and the valley flows next to it throughout the year.” While Naem Saleh Ajlan Al-Omari adds: “Al-Jawf Road shortens the road to the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region by about 60 km, and 8 km remain, but it is bumpy.”
Ahmad Al-Shamrani (Jeddah) @okaz_online