Al-Kharj Governorate

Al-Kharj lies on the eastern edge of Riyadh Region, about 80 km south-east of Riyadh, bordered by Al-Ahsa to the east, Riyadh to the north, Al-Dilam to the west and Al-Aflaj to the south. [1]

In his Mu'jam al-Buldan, Yaqut al-Hamawi described Al-Kharj as a valley with villages in the land of Al-Yamamah and among its best valleys, a land of crops and palms. [1]

Excavations in Al-Kharj have revealed Palaeolithic sites, some around 100,000 years old, and traces of human settlement at Ain al-Dil', west of the Al-Kharj oasis, estimated at about 5,000 years old. [1]

Old farms and buildings from the fifth century AH have also been found, together with Thamudic inscriptions and undotted Arabic writing. [1]

Al-Kharj is home to King Abdulaziz's palace at Al-Sih, founded in 1359 AH/1940 CE and regarded as the governorate's historic icon. Its springs, once a lifeline for farms, are now leisure sites, including Al-Sih, Mawan, Al-Khubbi and Al-Dahi. [1]