| Native name | محافظة الوجه |
|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Province | Tabuk Province |
| Region | Hejaz |
| Seat | Al-Wajh City |
| Governing body | Al-Wajh Municipality |
| Population as of | 2022 |
| Population metro | 49,948 |
| Time zone | SAST |
| Coordinates | 26°17′0″N 36°25′0″E |
| Area code | 014 |
Al-Wajh (Arabic: الوجه) is a coastal governorate in northwestern Saudi Arabia, located on the Red Sea in Tabuk Province. Its seat is Al-Wajh City.[1]
History
Al-Wajh played a pivotal role during the Arab Revolt in World War I. In 1917, the city was taken by the forces of Faisal I, and it was subsequently used as a strategic base for launching a series of coordinated attacks on the Hejaz railway.[2] (See HMS Anne for the British side of that operation.)
Historically, the city has been known by several other names, including Al-Hijr Port, Hegra, Al-Yaqoubi, and Al-Udhri.[3]
Population
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50,000 | — |
| 2022 | 49,948 | −0.1% |
Source:
Transportation
Air
The governorate is served by the Al-Wajh Domestic Airport,[4] a small airport located on its outskirts. It offers flights to several major destinations within Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina.
In Art and Literature
Al-Wajh is the subject of a painting by Clarkson Frederick Stanfield, an engraving of which was published in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832 as along with a poetical illustration by Letitia Elizabeth Landon that reflects on the slowness of navigation amongst the numerous coral reefs in the area.[5]
See also
- Provinces of Saudi Arabia
- List of islands of Saudi Arabia
- List of governorates of Saudi Arabia
- List of cities and towns in Saudi Arabia
References
- ^ "Al-Wajh Governorate - Saudipedia". Saudipedia. Ministry of Media, Saudi Arabia. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Lawrence, T.E. (1935). Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Garden City: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc. pp. 144, 161–164.
- ^ "‘Rawashin’ of Al-Wajh: A window on Saudi history, architecture". Arab News. 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
- ^ "Al Wajh Domestic Airport (EJH) – Airpaz". Airpaz. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1831). "poetical illustration". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832. Fisher, Son & Co.Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1831). "picture". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832. Fisher, Son & Co.