Arar, Saudi Arabia

Arar is the capital of Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (The Northern Border) province in Saudi Arabia. It has a population of 145,237 (2004 census). Arar is located to the north-east of Saudi Arabia on the Iraqi border. It is known for its fertile pastureland, and a principal occupation is sheep and camel herding. The population of the city, according to the latest official government statistics is 240,000 in the city itself. The population of the region, including the cities of Rafha, Toriaf and Alaoiqilah and suburban villages and their inhabitants is 890,000. Arar is located in the north of Saudi Arabia, at Latitude: 30° 54' 21 N, Longitude: 41° 8' 20 E, in the heart of a vast rocky limestone plain. It lies about 1100 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, and about 60 kilometers from the Iraqi border The city of Arar was founded in 1951 (1375 AH), after the construction of the Aramco oil pipeline (Tapline) was completed. It was initially an oil pumping station with a health centre and worker housing. Workers at Arar were primarily from the regions of Al-Ahsa, Ha'il, Yanbu and Al Wajh.