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Tabuk
مِنْطَقَة تَبُوْك (Arabic)
Snow in the Midian mountainous region
Map of Saudi Arabia with Tabuk highlighted
Map of Saudi Arabia with Tabuk highlighted
Coordinates: 28°0′N 37°0′E / 28.000°N 37.000°E / 28.000; 37.000
Country Saudi Arabia
CapitalTabuk
Boroughs6
Government
 • GovernorFahd bin Sultan
 • Deputy GovernorKhalid bin Saud bin Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud[1]
Area
 • Total146,072 km2 (56,399 sq mi)
Population
 (2017 census)
 • Total910,030
 • Density6.2/km2 (16/sq mi)
ISO 3166-2
07

Tabuk (Arabic: مِنْطَقَة تَبُوْك Minṭaqat Tabūk) is a province of Saudi Arabia, located along the northwestern coast of the country, facing Egypt across the Red Sea. It has an area of 146,072 km2 and a population of 910,030 (2017).[2] Its capital is Tabuk. The governor is Fahd bin Sultan since 1987.[3] In recent years, the province has received substantial media attention due to the Saudi government's futuristic Neom City project in the province.[4]

History

Further information: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia § History

Ancient temples in what used to be Midian, nowadays the region of Tabuk

The history of the Tabuk region dates back to 5,000 years ago. The region is identified with the land of Madyan. The region is traversed by the Hejaz Railway, which was a focus for attacks during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918.[5] The province has traditionally been inhabited by the Howeitat tribe.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1992486,134—    
2004691,716+2.98%
2010796,425+2.38%
2018930,507+1.96%
source:[6]

Major cities

Economy

Tabuk is an active commercial center, serving pilgrims passing through towards Mecca. Due to its moderate climate, it's also the site of several dairy and poultry farms. The region (Astra) exports flowers to Europe, mainly lilies, statices and gladiolas.[7] In the past, a narrow-gauge railway (1,050 mm / 3 ft 511⁄32 in track gauge) ran from Damascus to Medina through Tabuk. Remains of the railway can be found in Tabuk, where a large station was built. The station has since been restored.[8]

Further information: Ghurayyah mine

List of governors

The governors of the region since 1926 are as follows:[9]

Destinations

See also

References

  1. ^ "Saudi King Orders Appointment of Faisal bin Salman as Special Adviser, Salman bin Sultan as Governor of Madinah Region". english.aawsat.com. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  2. ^ "Population Characteristics surveys" (PDF). General Authority for Statistics. 2017.
  3. ^ Sabri, Sharaf (2001). The house of Saud in commerce : a study of royal entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. New Delhi: I.S. Publications. ISBN 8190125400. OCLC 47863742.
  4. ^ "Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince reveals project 'THE LINE' in futuristic city of NEOM". 10 January 2021.
  5. ^ "Tabūk | Saudi Arabia". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  6. ^ "Saudi Arabia: Regions & Major Cities - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". citypopulation.de.
  7. ^ "Tabouk City Profile, Saudi Arabia". The Saudi Network. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  8. ^ "The Hijaz Railway". visitsaudi.com. Retrieved 2021-05-25.
  9. ^ "the list of all governors of Tabuk Province". Ministry of Interior. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  10. ^ "Tabuk". sauditourism.sa. Retrieved 2019-04-11.