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Al-Kharj

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Al-Kharj is a significant governorate located in central Saudi Arabia.

Flag of Saudi Arabia
Flag of Saudi Arabia

It sits southeast of the capital city, Riyadh. The region covers a large area of 19,790 square kilometers. According to 2010 statistics, the population reached 376,325 people. The city of Al-Saih serves as the administrative and economic center. This city is the capital of the modern Al-Kharj governorate.

The geography of Al-Kharj is defined by its unique water systems. Many valleys flow through the region. These include the Hanifa Valley, the Haniyeh Valley, and the Al-Sahba Valley. The area is also famous for its ʿayūn, which are natural cavities in the earth. These are often called "eyes" in English. These massive wells flood with water like rivers in the desert. The water is cold during the summer and warm during the winter.

Natural springs have historically shaped the life of this region. These springs supply farms and agricultural projects through channels and streams. One of the largest eyes is the ʿAyn of al-Dila in the southwest of Al-Saih. Other notable springs include ʿAyn Samha, ʿAyn Umm Khaysa, and ʿAyn Farzān. Some of these springs contain mineral sulfur water. However, the water levels have decreased over the last twenty years. This is due to the expansion of artesian wells used by large agricultural and animal projects.

History is deeply embedded in the landscape of Al-Kharj. The region is a major destination for researchers studying the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One important site is the King Abdulaziz Palace. It is located in the Al-Aziziyah district within Al-Saih City. This palace was built between 1940 and 1941. Another site is the Abu Jafan Palace, built during the reign of King Abdulaziz. This palace served people traveling to the Great Mosque of Mecca.

The town of Yamama is one of the oldest settlements in the Arabian Peninsula. In the northeastern corner of Yamama lies the ancient settlement of Al-Banna. This site was part of an old settlement from before the era of Islam. Archaeologists have found pottery there from the mid-3rd millennium BC. They have also discovered ancient coins and accessories made of silver and bronze. The town of Dalam also holds great historical value and has seen many historical battles.

Economically, Al-Kharj is a powerhouse for food production. The region produces more than 26 percent of all vegetable production in the Kingdom. It is even more significant in the dairy industry. Al-Kharj produces over 65 percent of the milk in Saudi Arabia. Large companies like Almarai, Al Safi Danone, and Al Azizia operate here. In May 2008, the area held its first dairy festival. This event was the first of its kind in the Persian Gulf.

The region also hosts important military and educational institutions. The General Corporation for Military Industries is the only military factory in the Persian Gulf. The Prince Sultan Air Base also serves as a vital supply base for the Saudi Arabian Army. For education, the city is home to Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. It also contains various state, public, and international schools.

Finally, Al-Kharj serves as a strategic transportation crossroads. A major highway was established in 1980 to connect the city to Riyadh. This road links the capital to the 'Asir Region and Yemen. Other roads connect the area to Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. A railway line also runs from Riyadh to the eastern region. The city of Al-Saih contains a freight train station. This station helps transfer the weight of trucks to a dry port.

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