Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate

Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate is a category (B) governorate within Qassim Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the smallest governorate in terms of population within the province, second only to al-Shamasiyah Governorate, with approximately 20,805 residents, as per the 2022 Saudi Census. This accounts for only 1.55 percent of the population of Qassim Province residing there.

Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate is situated west of Qassim Province, approximately 210 km to the west of Buraydah, the seat of the province's emirate. It shares its borders to the north with Hail Province, to the east with the western portion of Buraydah Governorate and the northern area of Riyadh al-Khabra Governorate, to the south with an-Nabhaniyyah Governorate, and to the west with al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province.

The governorate includes twelve administrative centers: Al-Haysuniyyah, al-Trfawi, Qitn, al-Mhelani, Embary, Dhwgan Al-Rkaya, Fayedah Dheban, al-Humaeileah, al-Aamayer, Shaqran al-Hajer, al-Jafen, and al-Nuqrah.

The citizens and visitors of Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate use Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Buraydah. It is the closest international airport to the governorate, located 182 km away. It is an international airport with a capacity of about 550,000 passengers annually.

The governorate can be reached via Highway Sixty, which starts from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province in the west and ends in al-Jubayl Governorate in the Eastern Province. This highway is the main land transportation hub to access and travel to and from Uqlat as-Suqur.

At the educational level, Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate hosts 'the College of Sciences and Arts', affiliated with Qassim University. The college includes three scientific departments: the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Physics, and the Department of Basic Education, in addition to the English Language Department and the Islamic Studies Department.

The governorate is home to Uqlat as-Suqur Historic Mosque, situated in the northeast of the governorate. It stands as one of the oldest heritage mosques in Qassim Province, and is among the distinguished heritage buildings that endure from the old town within the governorate. Erected in 1923, it has been a site of prayer for residents from the province and neighboring areas. Additionally, the mosque hosts numerous lessons and lectures. Notably, it is part of the Mohammed Bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques throughout the Kingdom, covering thirty mosques across ten provinces.

The mosque, distinguished by its Najdi style construction of mud and stone, with a roof made of wooded bars and panels, was rehabilitated and developed in 2022. Its total area is approximately 480 m, accommodating 250 worshippers. It comprises the prayer house, mosque courtyard, and a private room, along with a women's prayer area, restrooms, ablution spaces for both men and women, and a storeroom.

Uqlat as-Suqur Governorate hosts numerous marketing and tourism events aimed at promoting local products. One such event is the 'Samn and Sameen' Festival, organized by the Municipality of Uqlat as-Suqur. The festival features various attractions, including a shopping center, a children’s theater, exhibitions supporting handicrafts, food trucks, designated areas for local productive families, and a play area. Several government entities and charities within the governorate actively participate in this festival.