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History
The history of Tabuk province dates back to 3,000 B.C.E. The province is identified with the land of Midian. The province is traversed by the Hejaz railway, which was built during the Ottoman Empire under the Sultan Abdul Hamid II and was a focus for attacks during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918. The province has traditionally been inhabited by the Huwaytat tribe.
In recent years, the province has received substantial media attention due to the Saudi government's planned Neom City project in the province.
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Population
Governorates
Tabuk Province comprises six governorates, with Tabuk City serving as the seat of the province. The governorates are categorized into Category A and Category B based on the availability of services.
Seat Governorate (A) Governorate (B)
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. 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.
Education
Tabuk has a range of educational institutions, including elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools operated by the Ministry of Education throughout the province. Higher education is available for both men and women through several institutions, including the University of Tabuk, Fahd bin Sultan University, and a branch of the Saudi Electronic University.
Technical and vocational education in the region is managed by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). Colleges for male students include Umluj Technical College, Tabuk Technical College, Haql Technical College, Al-Wajh Technical College, and branches in Tayma and Duba. For female students, the Technical College for Girls in Tabuk offers vocational training.
Transportation
Air
Tabuk Province is served by several airports that provide domestic and international air links:
- Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk City serves as the main airport of the province. It handles both civilian and military operations and offers regular domestic flights along with limited international services. The airport has seen a 25% increase in flight operations, reflecting the region’s growth and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transportation goals.
- Red Sea International Airport in Hanak on the Red Sea coast began operations in 2023. It serves as a key gateway for Red Sea Global projects, including The Red Sea Destination and Amaala, and is expected to handle up to one million passengers annually by 2030.
- Neom Bay Airport near Sharma began limited operations in 2019 and currently serves as the initial air hub for the Neom development.
- Al-Wajh Domestic Airport serves Al-Wajh and Umluj Governorates, providing regional air connectivity.
Border Crossings
Tabuk Province shares two international land border crossings with Jordan, supporting both regional trade and religious tourism.
The Durra Border Crossing connects Haql in Tabuk Province to Aqaba in Jordan. Established in 1966 and upgraded in 1988, it facilitates pedestrian and vehicular movement and offers full immigration and visa services.
The Halat Ammar Border Crossing is located near the town of Halat Ammar, southwest of Tabuk city. It serves as a key point of entry for pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. It is operated by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. In recent years, it has been upgraded as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance logistical infrastructure.
Provincial government
The province is governed by a governor (Emir) appointed by the King of Saudi Arabia, assisted by a deputy governor.
Destinations
- Tabuk Castle.
- The Red Sea Destination
- Amaala
- Sheybarah Island
- Sindalah
- Trojena
- Neom
- Midian
- Al-Naslaa Rock
- The Birds Garden
- The Park of Prince Fahd bin Sultan