The Beekeeper's Village: A honeycomb of local history

With its striking formation, solid foundations, and carved geometrical niches that once buzzed with honey production, Al Kharfi Beekeepers Village is a striking sight to behold.

Its staggered stone houses – built into the mountain and designed to withstand torrential rains – date back centuries. And although no longer operational, the village’s charm is undeniably behind its growing appeal as a sought- after tourist destination.

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Located in Al Kharfi in the governate of Maysan (around 100km south of Taif), the village can be accessed through the Gulf of Aqaba’s rugged roads in a 4x4 vehicle. As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted by its distinct design and sun-drenched terrain.

Its apertures house around 1,300 beehives created out of stone placements in the walls, each at varying levels (there are even hives on the fourth floor, presenting a challenging extraction process that required the right expertise).

However, honey is no longer produced here due to the scarcity of water, trees, and rare flowers.

Once home to thriving communities, Al Kharfi Beekeepers Village is now abandoned, primarily due to its perilous state. In addition, the inaccessibility of its roads for trucks means that power stations to generate electricity are near impossible to install, making it challenging to live and produce honey.

Al Kharfi continues to stand strong, and is now a notable destination welcoming previous residents as visitors, who flock to the site to enjoy the cooler months in the area. Steeped in history, this village is a structural marvel definitely worth visiting.