Ad-Dilam Governorate
Ad-Dilam Governorate (Muḥāfad͟hat Ad Dilam) is one of the governorates of Riyadh Province, in the center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has an estimated population of 54,882 people, according to Saudi Census 2022. Ad-Dilam Governorate is located twenty-five km from al-Kharj Governorate. It was previously the headquarters of al-Kharj Governorate.
Centers
In 2017, approval was issued to convert Ad-Dilam Center into a governorate. Ad-Dilam Governorate is classified as a Category “B” governorate. It is administratively affiliated with nine centers, three of which are Category “A” and six are Category “B”, as follows:
| Centers | Category |
| Al-Muhammadi | B |
| Mawan | B |
| Uthaylan | B |
| Al-Ain | B |
| Al-Rughaib | B |
| Najan | A |
| Al-Dhubai‘ah | A |
| Al-Hazm | A |
| Al-Salmaniyah | B |
Landmarks
Ad-Dilam Governorate includes a number of landmarks, such as Ad-Dilam Wall, the traditional Ad-Dilam Market (“Al-Musahab”), Jabal Abu Walad and Al-Dahi Forest, the ruins and springs of Khasf Daghrah, Wuthaylan Park, and the ruins of Al-Furai‘ in Zamayqah.
Among its notable features is Mawan valley—also known as the Hidden Valley—located west of Ad-Dilam Governorate. It was formed as a deep fissure through the solid rocks of the Tuwaiq Mountains, creating a valley distinguished by its depth, striking scenery, and high edges. Mawan valley split open, allowing running water to flow through its interior, surrounded by clusters of acacia trees growing alongside the rocks.
Mawan Valley features unique rock formations, and after the rainy season, water remains in it for several months due to the lack of direct sunlight reaching the valley floor. The valley extends for about seventy km within the Tuwaiq Mountains and includes water channels, springs, as well as some settlements and forts. It is considered an ecological park for nearby regions and cities, especially during the rainy and spring seasons.
Services
Residents and visitors of Ad-Dilam Governorate use King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which is the nearest international airport to the governorate.
Sources
General Authority for Statistics.
General Authority of Civil Aviation.
General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.