Saudi Arabia's Gingerbread Village - in pictures

Saudi Arabia's Rijal Almaa has been named one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world by the UNWTO. All photos: Visit Saudi
Saudi Arabia's Rijal Almaa has been named one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world by the UNWTO. All photos: Visit Saudi
The village in the mountainous Asir region is an "outstanding example of rural tourism", say UN officials.
The village in the mountainous Asir region is an "outstanding example of rural tourism", say UN officials.
Saudi men perform a traditional folk dance at the cultural village of Rijal Almaa in the outskirts of Abha region.
Saudi men perform a traditional folk dance at the cultural village of Rijal Almaa in the outskirts of Abha region.
The village is often called the Gingerbread Village because its buildings look as if they are cut out of gingerbread.
The village is often called the Gingerbread Village because its buildings look as if they are cut out of gingerbread.
The village is also famed for its Flower Men, who wear colourful attire and flower garlands on their head.
The village is also famed for its Flower Men, who wear colourful attire and flower garlands on their head.
Traditional handicrafts are preserved in Rijal Almaa.
Traditional handicrafts are preserved in Rijal Almaa.
Buildings lit up for the annual Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia in Rijal Almaa.
Buildings lit up for the annual Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia in Rijal Almaa.
Girls at the Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia.
Girls at the Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia.
Rijal Almaa also stands at the heart of ancient trade networks linking Yemen, the Levant, Makkah and Madinah.
Rijal Almaa also stands at the heart of ancient trade networks linking Yemen, the Levant, Makkah and Madinah.
The well-preserved village is surrounded by mountains.
The well-preserved village is surrounded by mountains.
Villagers at work in Rijal Almaa.
Villagers at work in Rijal Almaa.
Participants in the annual Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia.
Participants in the annual Flowermen Festival of Saudi Arabia.