The Northern Border Province of Saudi Arabia

Historically, the Northern Border Province has gained significant importance due to its strategic geographical location, which connects Saudi Arabia to the outside world. This province has historically served as a crucial station for water sources and grazing lands along the Zubaydah Trail, one of the most important pilgrimage and trade routes in history. Today, the province is home to four prominent archaeological villages: Lina, Zubala, Luqah, and Duqrah.

Natural Environment

The Northern Border Province is an ideal environment for natural life, serving as a natural habitat for birds and livestock. It is renowned for being a prime location for falcons, including the Saker and Peregrine falcons, and is an excellent pastoral area for camels and sheep. The province is also a prestigious destination for falconry sports in the Kingdom.

The province features four significant nature reserves: Ma'ila, Al-Owaisi, Al-Gharaba, and part of the Harrat Al-Harrah Reserve. Its unique geological features, primarily consisting of the Arabian Shield, contribute to its rich plant and mineral resources.

Population and Area

The population of the Northern Border Province exceeds 373,577, with an average population density of 3.7 people per square kilometer. This represents about 1.1% of Saudi Arabia's total population, with an annual population growth rate of 2.17%. Approximately 72.6% of the population are Saudi citizens.

Location

The Northern Border Province is one of the 13 administrative provinces of Saudi Arabia and ranks eighth in terms of area, although it has the smallest population. It is located at the far northern edge of the Kingdom, bordered by Iraq and Jordan to the north, the Eastern Province to the south, the Qassim and Hail provinces to the southwest, and the Al-Jawf province to the west. Arar is the administrative capital and the seat of the provincial government.

Climate

The climate of the Northern Border Province is characterized by its continental nature, with significant temperature variations. Summers are hot, while winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing in January and February. This unique climate differs from other provinces in Saudi Arabia, as snow occasionally falls on some of the province’s highlands. Rainfall is most common during the spring and winter seasons.

Cities and Governorates

Arar Governorate:

Located in northern Saudi Arabia, Arar borders Iraq to the north and Al-Jawf to the south, with Al-Uwayqilah to the east and Turaif to the west. It is a key location historically and today, hosting the Jadidat Arar land port, a major entry point for pilgrims from Iraq and a vital trade route between the two countries. Historically, Arar was a significant point on old pilgrimage and trade routes, and today, it serves as a crucial connection between the Gulf States and the Levant, including Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Rafha Governorate:

Rafha is one of the governorates in the Northern Border Province and is classified municipally as a category (A) governorate, comprising 17 administrative centers. It is the largest governorate in terms of area and the second largest in terms of population. Located in the far north of Saudi Arabia, Rafha is 290 kilometers from Arar, the provincial capital, and accommodates 25% of the province’s population.

Turaif Governorate:

Turaif is another governorate in the Northern Border Province, situated 1,540 kilometers from Riyadh. Turaif was established to mark the beginning of the Kingdom’s northern border. The Trans-Arabian Pipeline (Tapline) played a significant role in settling nomadic Bedouins in the area in the early 1960s, with the establishment of a hospital and an airport during that time.

Al-Uwayqilah Governorate:

Located in northern Saudi Arabia, Al-Uwayqilah is administratively part of the Northern Border Province. Its administrative capital is the city of Al-Uwayqilah, making it the fourth-largest city in the province after Arar, Rafha, and Turaif.

The Northern Border Province, with its historical significance, unique natural environment, and strategic location, offers a blend of cultural heritage, economic potential, and natural beauty, making it a remarkable part of Saudi Arabia.