Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate

Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate is one of the governorates affiliated with al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the third-smallest governorate in terms of population in the province, as it is inhabited by 2 percent of the province's population, according to the 2022 Saudi Census.

Based on the level of civil services in the governorate, al-Hanakiyyah is classified as a category (A) governorate with ten affiliated administrative centers. Centers in category (A) include al-Hisu Center, an-Nukhayl Center, 'Arja Center, and al-Humayj Center. Category (B) includes Talal Center, Hadban Center, al-Shuqran Center, Bilghah Center, Sukhaybirah Center, and Buthi Center.

Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate was renowned throughout Islamic history. Some historical sources mentioned that it witnessed the battle of Dhat al-Riqa', which took place in Wadi Nakhl, east of Jabal al-Qa'saa. The governorate also gained significance as a crossroads center for Hajj caravans from the Gulf, witnessing high activity throughout the year.

The governorate was linked to the companion, Abu Dhar al-Ghafari, may Allah be pleased with him, who resided there from 650 until his death in 652, and built a mosque. Nearby monuments include Jabal Sanam and Jabal al-Rabdhah.

Moreover, al-Hanakiyyah Governorate houses historical landmarks, namely Jabal al-Uhain, renowned for its inscriptions and drawings dating back to nine thousand years.

Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate is situated on the road connecting al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Qassim, and Hail, positioned centrally among various provinces. The governorate is located to the northeast of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, bordered by Hail Province to the north, Qassim Province and Riyadh Province to the east, al-Mahd Governorate to the south, and Khaybar Governorate to the west, which is also its headquarters. The governorate is located approximately 108 km northeast of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate covers an area of 22,265 km and is populated by 43,256 people according to the 2022 Saudi Census. Historically, an-Nukhayl Center was renowned for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes and seasonal fruits. Doum palm (Hyphaene) is also abundant in the area.

Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, located in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, is the closest airport to the governorate, located 115 km apart. It is an international with a capacity of about 4.8 million passengers per year.

Highway Sixty traverses the governorate, starting from Yanbu Governorate, west of the Kingdom, and extending to al-Jubayl Governorate in the Eastern Province. It serves as the main land transportation hub for accessing and traveling to and from al-Hanakiyyah Governorate.

Al-Hanakiyyah Governorate is home to 'al-Hanakiyyah Applied College,' a higher education institution. The college was established as the Community College at Taibah University in 2001. It encompasses two departments: the Department of Administrative and Financial Sciences and Technologies, offering an automated accounting program, and the Department of Computer Science and Information, providing programs in computer programming, information systems, and computer networks. Additionally, the college hosts a branch of the Business Administration Department from Taibah University's College of Business Administration in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.