Tabuk Province

Not to be confused with Tobruk.

Tabuk Province, also known as Tabuk Region (Arabic: مِنْطَقَة تَبُوْك Minṭaqat Tabūk), is a province in Saudi Arabia, located along the northwestern coast of the country, facing Egypt across the Red Sea. It also borders Jordan to the north.^[2][3]

Tabuk مِنْطَقَة تَبُوْك (Arabic)
Province
Tabuk Castle Red Sea destination Midian Al-Naslaa Snow in the Midian Mountains
Seal
Map of Saudi Arabia with Tabuk highlighted
Coordinates: 28°0′N 37°0′E
Country	Saudi Arabia
Region	Hejaz
Capital	Tabuk
Governorates	7
Government
• Body	Municipality of Tabuk
• Governor	Fahd bin Sultan
• Deputy Governor	Khalid bin Saud.[1]
Area
• Total	146,072 km2 (56,399 sq mi)
Population  (2022 census)
• Total	886,036
• Density	6.1/km2 (16/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+03:00 (SAST)
ISO 3166-2	SA-07
Area code	014
Website	tabukm.gov.sa

History

Further information: Midian and Tabuk, Saudi Arabia § History

Ancient temples in what used to be Midian, nowadays the province of Tabuk

The history of Tabuk province dates back to 5,000 years ago. The province is identified with the land of Midian.^[4][5] The province is traversed by the Hejaz railway, which was built during the Ottoman Empire under the Sultan Abdul Hamid II and was a focus for attacks during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918.^[6] The province has traditionally been inhabited by the Howeitat tribe.

In recent years, the province has received substantial media attention due to the Saudi government's planned Neom City project in the province.^[7]

Population

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1992	486,134	—
2004	691,716	+2.98%
2010	796,425	+2.38%
2018	930,507	+1.96%
2022	886,036	−1.22%
source:[8]

Governorates

#	Governorate	Capital	Population (2022)
1	Tabuk Governorate	Tabuk	623,665
2	Umluj Governorate	Umluj	69,656
3	Al-Wajh Governorate	Al-Wajh	49,948
4	Tayma Governorate	Tayma	42,164
5	Duba Governorate	Duba	54,917
6	Haql Governorate	Haql	27,712
7	Al-Bad' Governorate	Al-Bad'	17,973

Economy

Tabuk is an active commercial center, serving pilgrims passing through towards Mecca. Due to its moderate climate, it's also the site of several dairy and poultry farms. The region (Astra) exports flowers to Europe, mainly lilies, statices and gladiolas.^[9] In the past, a narrow-gauge railway (1,050 mm / 3 ft 511⁄32 in track gauge) ran from Damascus to Medina through Tabuk. Remains of the railway can be found in Tabuk, where a large station was built. The station has since been restored.^[10]

Further information: Ghurayyah mine

Education

See also: List of universities and colleges in Saudi Arabia and Education in Saudi Arabia

Tabuk has a range of educational institutions, including elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools operated by the Ministry of Education throughout the province. Higher education is available for both men and women through several institutions, including the University of Tabuk^[11], Fahd bin Sultan University^[12], and a branch of the Saudi Electronic University^[13].

Technical and vocational education in the region is managed by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). Colleges for male students include Umluj Technical College, Tabuk Technical College, Haql Technical College, Al-Wajh Technical College, and branches in Tayma and Duba. For female students, the Technical College for Girls in Tabuk offers vocational training.

Transportation

See also: Transport in Saudi Arabia and List of airports in Saudi Arabia

Air

Tabuk Province is served by several airports providing domestic and international connectivity:

- Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport (IATA: TUU) in Tabuk City is a public and military airport offering domestic flights and limited international connections. It has experienced a 25% increase in flight operations, reflecting the region's growth and alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 transportation goals.^[14]

- Red Sea International Airport (IATA: RSI) near Hanak on the Red Sea coast began operations in 2023. It supports the Red Sea Project and is expected to handle up to one million passengers annually by 2030.^[15][16]

- Neom Bay Airport (IATA: NUM) is located near Sharma and began limited operations in 2019. It serves as an initial air hub for the Neom development.

- Amaala International Airport is an upcoming airport under construction to serve the luxury tourism destination of Amaala along the Red Sea coast. It is designed to handle up to one million passengers annually and is expected to open in the near future.

- Al-Wajh Domestic Airport (IATA: EJH) serves Al-Wajh, providing regional air connectivity.

Border Crossings

Tabuk Province shares two international land border crossings with Jordan, supporting both regional trade and religious tourism.

The Durra Border Crossing connects Haql in Tabuk Province to Aqaba in Jordan. Established in 1966 and upgraded in 1988, it facilitates pedestrian and vehicular movement and offers full immigration and visa services.^[17]

The Halat Ammar Border Crossing is located near the town of Halat Ammar, southwest of Tabuk city. It serves as a key point of entry for pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. It is operated by the Saudi General Directorate of Border Guard and the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority. In recent years, it has been upgraded as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance logistical infrastructure.^[18]

List of governors

Name[19]	Term of Office	Monarch(s)
Muhammad bin Abdulziz	1926 – 1930	Abdulaziz
Abdullah bin Saad	1930 – 1931	Abdulaziz
Abdullah bin Saad	1931 – 1935	Abdulaziz
Saud bin Hathloul	1936 – 1937	Abdulaziz
Musaed bin Abdullah	1938 – 1950	Abdulaziz
Suleiman bin Mohammed	1950	Abdulaziz
Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed	1950 – 1953	Abdulaziz
Khalid bin Ahmed	1953 – 1955	Saud
Musaad bin Ahmed	1955 – 1972	Saud, Faisal
Sulaiman bin Turki	1972 – 1980	Faisal, Khalid
Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz	1980 – 1986	Khalid, Fahd
Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz	1986 – 1987	Fahd
Fahd bin Sultan	1987 – present	Fahd, Abdullah, Salman

Destinations

• Tabuk Castle^[20]
• Red Sea destination
• Amaala
• The Birds Garden
• The Park of Prince Fahd bin Sultan

See also

• Saudi Arabia portal

• Provinces of Saudi Arabia
• List of governorates of Saudi Arabia
• List of cities and towns in Saudi Arabia
• Hejaz