Badr al-Janub Governorate

Badr al-JanubGovernorate is a governorate in Najran Province, south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It comes in second place in terms of the least populated governorate in the province with 7,991 inhabitants, representing only 1.3 percent of the Najran region’s population, according to the 2022 Saudi Census. It is a Category B governorate, located 160 km northwest of the emirate’s headquarters in the city of Najran. Five administrative centers are affiliated with it. They are Hadada, al-Khaniq, al-Rehab, Ladama, and al-Arj.

Badr al-Janub Governorate is located on the peaks of the northern western mountains of Najran. It rises around 3,000 ft above sea level, at longitudes 47° and 52°, and latitudes 19° and 20°. It is bordered from the west and north by Dhahran al-Janub Governorate affiliated with Aseer Province, from the east by the governorates of Habuna and Thar, and from the south by Akifa Center and Bir Askar affiliated with Najran. Badr al-Janub Governorate occupies an area of approximately 4,200 km.

Badr al-Janub Governorate boasts a rich array of heritage relics and monuments, showcased within its ancient mud houses nestled in the heart of the governorate. Perched atop al-Qarah Mountain is al-Qashla Castle, while the nearby ruins of al-Qasabah are nestled amidst the residential houses in the old quarter. It stands out as a seven-story tower that was once called Badr Palaces. The governorate also contains the ruins of al-Thaghr Palace which is a stone building surrounded by a large stone wall.

Rocks and mountains in the center of the governorate and some nearby highlands contain many ancient drawings and inscriptions, which suggest they were inhabited in ancient times.

To enhance its cultural and heritage significance, the Cultural Center in Badr al-Janub Governorate was opened in 2020. It was built on a mountaintop overlooking the governorate with a total area estimated at 22,159 m and was implemented in two phases. The ground floor comprises a theater, two lecture halls, two meeting and dining halls, and a VIP hall, whereas the first floor is dedicated to administrative offices and premises for hosting guests and delegates.

Image of streams in a valley in Badr al-Janub Governorate. (SPA)

Badr al-Janub Governorate of Najran Province is renowned for its natural touristic features, thanks to its valleys, rivers, and giant trees. One of the distinct tourist attractions in the hights of Badr al-Janub Governorate towards the west is al-Asha Park, which is characterized by its greenery and dense sprawling trees, where tourists spend some days enjoying camping.

Another tourist site in the governorate is Mou’ah Park in Hadada Center, which features giant sider trees spanning Wadi Mou’ah, as well as acacias (Vachellia tortilis), Arak trees, and other tree species. Al-Khaniq Center is home to Wadi Kahla, known for its spectacular scenery and clear water bodies.

Badr al-Janub Governorate has been known across the region for its weekly local markets, such as the Tuesday Market in Badr al-Janub, Wednesday Market in al-Khaniq, and Friday Market in Hadada.

These markets reflect the commercial movement and economic activities in the governorate, which is famous for producing wheat and corn, as well as the finest dates, in addition to honey production. As sidr trees are spread throughout the governorate, bees can feed on flowers and foliage plants in the valleys and mountains. Residents of the governorate also engage in livestock and camel breeding, and thus its markets are renowned for selling milk and ghee.

Residents and visitors of Badr al-Janub Governorate rely on Najran Airport, which is the nearest airport to it, located 141 km away. It is a regional airport with a capacity of approximately 1.4 million passengers per year.

Secondary Road 172 crosses the territory of the governorate. It connects Badr al-Janub Governorate with Highway 15, linking the cities of the south and north of the Kingdom. It is considered the main land access and travel route to and from Badr al-Janub.