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Qasr near Al Kharj. Photo by John Lunde.

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Al Kharj is located in the southeast of the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, within an area of 4,890,215.5 acres.

Al Kharj has a population of 376,325 people, according to the statistics of the General Authority for Statistics for the year 2010.

Al Kharj is a governorate in central Saudi Arabia and is one of the important governorates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Al Kharj has been an agricultural region since earliest times and it is said that its name means鈥漺hat comes out of the earth鈥� hence its agricultural significance.

The top ten intriguing facts about Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia include the following.

1. Al Yamama In Al Kharj Is One of The Oldest Towns in The Arabian Peninsula

One of the oldest towns in the Arabian Peninsula, is the town of Al Yamama, located in the north of the city of Al-Saih in Al-Kharj governorate of Riyadh Province

Al-Banna which is part of the old settlement that was found in this place even before Islam is located on the northeastern corner of the town.

A time settlement that extends from the middle of the third millennium BC existed in the town and is evidenced by a variety of pottery which was found on the surrounding area of the town.

On the site also there has been found accessories made of silver and bronze as well as three pieces of an ancient coin.

2. Al kharj Is Known for The Presence of Cavities Inside the Earth

Al kharj is known for the many valleys that flow into the area with the most significant ones being Al-Sahba Valley and Hanifa Valley.

One of the most remarkable features is the presence of al-ee-u-oonin in Arabic which literally means 鈥渆yes鈥�, which are cavities inside the earth in Al Kharj.

Many visitors from inside and outside of the Kingdom and especially citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries come to see these cavities inside the earth mostly during summer.

The cavities in a place called Ayun Alseih is around 500 meters with two big holes which were allegedly created by meteor showers thousands of years ago.

3. Al Kharj Is Home to The Famous Al Kharj Park Zoo

Lion in a Zoo. Photo by Maksym Kozlenko.

The Al Kharj Park Zoo occupies a small area in Al Kharj and conserves a wide range of animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, bears and monkeys.

Various birds such as eagles, vultures, ducks and flamingoes are also kept in the zoo in addition to various rides for children to enjoy.

The zoo opens between 8.30 am and closes at 12.00 noon and has proved to be a place which gives a lot of joy to both parents and children alike.

4. Al Kharj Water Tower Is A Significant Tourist Attraction In Al Kharj

Al Kharj Water Tower. Photo by Slayym.

One of the best and most significant tourist attractions of Al Kharj is considered to be the Al Kharj Water Tower.

Tourists spend time strolling in the associated park and also around the water tower as well.

At Al Kharj Water Tower hosts a revolving luxurious restaurant offering a delicate and unique spread of a variety of cuisines with a spectacular view of the whole city.

At the top of the Al Kharj Water Tower is the city鈥檚 major water reservoir from where visitors can get a panoramic view of the city.

The water tower which has a storage capacity of 7800 meters cube stands up to 105 meters from the ground and spreads across 57 meters in diameter.

5. Al-Baijan Amusement Park Is One Of The Most Famous Parks In Saudi Arabia

Al-Baijan Amusement Park is one of the most famous and economical amusement parks and is located approximately 14 kilometers away from the borders of Riyadh in Al Kharj region.

The park offers facilities that suit all ages such as water slides and rides in addition to grocery stores, gift shops and fast food joints.

One of the greatest family places ideal for quality times and also for entertainment purposes is the Al-Baijan Amusement Park. The amusement park attracts tourists in large numbers every year as it is one of the largest parks in the country. 

6. King Salman Walkways Is The Largest Park In The World

King Salman. Photo by StalactiteSA.

King Salman Walkways named after King Salman, covering an area of 13.4 square kilometers in Al Kharj, is a large alluring park and is considered the world鈥檚 largest park.

King Salman Walkways is five times bigger than the size of London鈥檚 Hyde Park and four times bigger than New York鈥檚 Central Park.

The park has a traffic-free path within it and is ideal for walking; cycling and different modes of transportation can be used within the park.

The park consists of a sensational landscape consisting of a series of branching valleys, dry Wadi river beds and shaded walkways among others.

7. Ushaiger Heritage Village is A Tourist Attraction In Al Kharj

Ushaiger Heritage Village is an oasis-dotted region that incorporates the sights of slow-paced old Saudi society and is concealed in the heart of the Najd.

Tourists make use of the village鈥檚 narrow lanes to stroll around and enter a living museum. The village is wrapped with traces of ancient ways of life and has a small community of residents.

The village boasts of hundreds of mud houses, with ornately carved wooden doors, swindling alleyways, shared pathways and timber-framed walkways.

8. Tourist Can Visit One Of The Earliest Mosques; The Jawatha Mosque

Jawatha Mosque. Photo by O.Mustafin.

One of the earliest known mosques established in eastern Arabia is Jawatha Mosque.

The mosque is the epitome of cultural and Islamic heritage which holds many glimpses of history, and Islamic landmarks.

Even though most of the site is still used for prayer, most of the original structure lies in ruins.

9. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Musa Museum Contains Relics From Ancient Times

The Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Musa Museum is located in Al-Salmiya, Al-Kharj Governorate and consists of six rooms each containing relics from ancient times.

Some of the relics include metal utensils, photographs of various vintage automobiles, antique artifacts and belongings among others.

10. The Abu Jafan Historical Palace Is One Of The Oldest Landmarks

One of the oldest landmarks in Al-Kharj which is located in the city’s eastern district is the Abu Jafan Historical Palace.

The palace was used to keep an eye on and support the ancient unification army of the country.

Named after the neighboring Abu Jafan River, the palace was created in a region abounding with trees, water, mud, and timber.