Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Region: Riyadh


Geographic Coordinates: 24.148300, 47.305000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 45.0°C (68°F to 113°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with occasional rainfall, and summers are extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 50°C.
Population: 376325
Language: Arabic

Al Kharj is a city located in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, About 80 km south of the capital city. It has a rich history dating back to pre-Islamic times and was once known as Khawr Al-Hamam, Meaning the pond of pigeons. Today, It serves as an important agricultural hub for the country. Visitors can take a tour around the vast agricultural fields that stretch for miles on end. The fertile land in this area makes it ideal for growing crops such as wheat, Corn, And date palms.

Wadi Hanifa is another popular attraction in Al Kharj – a beautiful valley that runs through the heart of the city and home to several natural springs and waterfalls. The King Abdulaziz Palace Museum is one of several historical landmarks worth visiting in Al Kharj showcasing traditional Saudi Arabian architecture and culture. Wildlife conservation enthusiasts can visit Al-Kharj Wildlife Reserve located just outside the city limits housing several rare species such as Arabian Oryx antelopes, Gazelles, Hyenas among others.

Al Kharj has modern amenities like shopping malls (such as Granada Mall), Restaurants serving local cuisines (such as Al Khodariyah restaurant), Entertainment centers like cinemas (like Vox Cinemas) among others making it an excellent place to visit with family or friends alike. whether you’re interested in history, Agriculture or nature; modernity coexists with tradition and nature in this excellent example – Al Kharj.



Important Landmarks

  • King Khalid Military City
  • Wadi Hanifah
  • Al-Kharj Dam
  • Heritage Village
  • Camel Market
  • Al-Yamamah Palace Museum
  • Thumama Park
  • Date Palm Oasis
  • King Abdullah Park Zoo
  • Saudi Falcon Club – Hunting Museum & Falcon Hospital

These are some popular landmarks in Al Kharj that attract tourists from all over the world every year!

Some details about each landmark:

  1. King Khalid Military City – offers tours to the public
  2. Wadi Hanifah – a beautiful valley with lush greenery and hiking trails
  3. Al-Kharj Dam – a popular picnic spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  4. Heritage Village – showcases the local culture and history of Al Kharj
  5. Camel Market – visitors can see camels being traded and sold
  6. Al-Yamamah Palace Museum – once the residence of King Abdulaziz now turned into a museum showcasing his life and achievements
  7. Thumama Park – an expansive park with playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas for families to enjoy
  8. Date Palm Oasis – filled with date palms that offer visitors an opportunity to pick their own dates during harvest season
  9. King Abdullah Park Zoo – features animals from around the world including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys birds and more!
  10. Saudi Falcon Club – Hunting Museum & Falcon Hospital – dedicated to falconry which is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest traditions; it includes exhibitions about hunting methods as well as an open-air hospital for injured birds of prey

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture: Al Kharj is known for its fertile lands and is a major producer of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
  2. Military: The city is home to several military bases and training facilities.
  3. Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing companies in Al Kharj that produce goods such as textiles, plastics, and construction materials.
  4. Healthcare: The city has several hospitals and medical centers that provide healthcare services to the local community.
  5. Education: Al Kharj has a number of schools and universities that offer education to students from across the region.
  6. Retail: There are many small businesses in the city that offer retail goods such as clothing, electronics, and household items.
  7. Construction: With a growing population, there is a need for new housing developments and infrastructure projects in the area which has led to an increase in construction activity.

Overall, agriculture remains the dominant industry in Al Kharj with military presence also playing an important role in its economy.


Noteable History

  1. In 1902, the Battle of Al Kharj occurred between the forces of Ibn Saud and the Ottoman Empire, resulting in a significant victory for Ibn Saud’s efforts to unify Saudi Arabia.
  2. The King Faisal Air Base is situated in Al Kharj and is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest military bases. It was named after King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, who ruled from 1964 until his assassination in 1975.
  3. The Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammed Al-Ali Mosque is a prominent landmark in Al Kharj named after a local religious leader who played an important role in promoting education and Islamic values.
  4. The Prince Sultan College for Tourism & Business is an esteemed educational institution located in Al Kharj that offers undergraduate programs focused on tourism, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship.
  5. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Sheikh was a well-known Islamic scholar during the 19th century who contributed significantly to spreading Islamic teachings throughout Saudi Arabia.
  6. Dr. Ziad Abu Gharara is an acclaimed physician based out of Al Kharj recognized for his contributions to medical research and patient care through numerous awards he has received over time.
  7. Abdullah bin Jibreen was an influential cleric during the late 20th century who advocated for conservative interpretations of Islamic law.
  8. Mohammed Abdu is a famous singer from Saudi Arabia with several albums released over several decades while winning multiple awards throughout his career as well.
  9. Ahmed Moussaoui is a former professional footballer from Saudi Arabia who played for both national teams as well as various professional clubs during his career spanned over years.
  10. The Prince Fahd bin Salman Park located in Al Kharj offers visitors recreational amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields among others making it popular among tourists visiting this city.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Al Kharj Museum showcases the history, culture, and traditional crafts of Al Kharj, including agriculture and architecture.
  2. King Fahd Cultural Center hosts events and exhibitions related to art, music, theater, and literature.
  3. Al Kharj Castle is a historic landmark built in the 18th century.
  4. Wadi Hanifah is a natural park with hiking trails and picnic areas located just outside of Al Kharj.
  5. The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum displays a collection of aircraft used by the Royal Saudi Air Force over the years in Riyadh.
  6. King Abdullah Park is a large public park with gardens, playgrounds, fountains, and walking paths located in Riyadh.
  7. National Museum of Saudi Arabia provides an overview of Saudi Arabian history from prehistoric times to modern day through interactive exhibits and artifacts in Riyadh.
  8. Masmak Fortress played an important role in the formation of modern-day Saudi Arabia as another historic fortress located in Riyadh.
  9. Diriyah Historical City was once the capital city of the first Saudi state founded by Imam Muhammad ibn Saud in 1744AD which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Riyadh.
  10. Edge Of The World is situated on top of Jebel Fihrayn which offers panoramic views across miles upon miles across desert scenery under azure skies making it a popular tourist destination.



Cultural Events

  1. Al Janadriyah Festival is a renowned cultural event in Saudi Arabia that takes place every year in February or March. It showcases the country’s heritage and culture through traditional music, dance, food, and handicrafts.
  2. Eid Al-Fitr is a significant Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasting and gift-giving.
  3. National Day is celebrated on September 23rd each year to commemorate the unification of Saudi Arabia under King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
  4. The Camel Festival occurs annually in December or January and features camel races, auctions, and exhibitions showcasing traditional Bedouin culture.
  5. The Al Kharj Date Festival celebrates dates – a staple food in Saudi Arabia – with competitions for the best date varieties and dishes made from dates.
  6. Souq Okaz is a historic marketplace dating back to pre-Islamic times that was recently revived as an annual cultural event featuring poetry readings, theatrical performances, and traditional crafts.
  7. Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East held annually in March/April featuring books from around the world along with literary events and discussions.
  8. Jeddah Season takes place every summer across various cities including Al Kharj featuring concerts by international artists along with art exhibitions, fashion shows, food festivals etc..

Cuisine

  1. Mandi House: A restaurant that serves traditional Arabic cuisine, particularly Mandi (rice and meat dish) and grilled chicken.
  2. Al Baik: A fast-food chain known for its crispy fried chicken.
  3. Al Tazaj: Another fast-food chain that specializes in grilled chicken.
  4. Bait al Farooj: A restaurant that serves a variety of dishes including shawarma, falafel, and grilled chicken.
  5. Al Khodariyah Restaurant: This restaurant offers traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine such as Kabsa (spiced rice with meat), Haneeth (slow-cooked lamb), and Madhbi (barbecued meat).
  6. Al Shamiyah Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its delicious Arabic breakfast dishes like foul medames (fava beans stew), hummus, and falafel.
  7. Najd Village Restaurant: This is a popular spot to try authentic Najdi cuisine such as Thareed (bread soaked in broth) and Matazeezah (stewed lamb with vegetables).
  8. Shawarmer Restaurant: As the name suggests, this place serves some of the best shawarmas in town along with other Middle Eastern delicacies like kebabs and hummus plates.
  9. Hala’s Kitchenette: If you’re looking for home-style cooking then this is the place to go! The menu features hearty dishes like stuffed grape leaves, kofta kebabs, and lentil soup.
  10. Marmar Palace Restaurant & Cafe: This upscale eatery offers a mix of international cuisines ranging from Italian pastas to Indian curries along with classic Arabic dishes like Machboos rice with lamb or chicken biryani.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Al Kharj Public Park
  2. Prince Sultan Park
  3. King Fahd Park
  4. Al Watan Park
  5. Al Rayyan Park
  6. Al Areen Park
  7. Horseback riding at the Equestrian Club of Al Kharj
  8. Swimming at the Olympic Swimming Pool Complex
  9. Golfing at the Royal Saudi Air Force Golf Course
  10. Bowling and arcade games at Strike Zone Bowling Center

Suitcase

Travel And Be Free.


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