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Al Kharj
ℹ️Practical info — Al Kharj
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The historical water sinkholes (Ayun AlSeih) are a must-see; go during daylight to truly appreciate their depth.
- Rent a car, as major sights like the King Abdulaziz Palace and the natural wells are spread far apart.
- Al Kharj is famous as an agricultural hub. Look out for opportunities to buy fresh produce directly from local farms.
- Double-check opening times for historical palaces locally, as they can sometimes close without prior notice.
🍽 Food
A creamy, traditional Saudi dish made from crushed wheat, served in well-established local eateries.
The city is renowned for its date farms. Buy them fresh and sweet directly from local markets.
A hearty stew featuring vegetables, meat, and flat pieces of dough, found in traditional Saudi restaurants.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The premium spot to purchase multiple local varieties of dates directly from the farmers.
A modern retail center offering international brands, cafes, and a cool break from the outside heat.
The historical water wells offer a surprisingly quiet and fascinating area to walk around and reflect.
Drive toward the agricultural outskirts where the dense, green plantations provide a lush contrast to the desert.
Water temperature…
Al-Kharj is a city in the central part of Saudi Arabia, in the Riyadh province, about 80 kilometers south of the capital, Riyadh. The city is located in an important oasis and is one of the country's most significant agricultural and dairy centers. Almarai, the largest dairy company in the Middle East, operates its huge farms here. Al-Kharj is famous for its historic natural water sources called 'Ayun' (springs), which have fed the region's agriculture for centuries, although many of them have now dried up. The city also hosts strategic military facilities, including the Prince Sultan Air Base, which is crucial for both the Saudi and US air forces. Al-Kharj's economy is based on agriculture, industry, and the military presence. The city is developing rapidly, with modern infrastructure, residential areas, and shopping centers, taking advantage of its proximity to Riyadh and the growing number of commuters.
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Nearby: Riyadh (90 km)
- Population: ~425.300 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 28 | 21 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 6 |
Geography
Facts
- Al-Kharj's population exceeds 425,000.
- The city's name means 'outlet' or 'exit', referring to the water springs.
- King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, built one of his first palaces outside the capital here.
- Prince Sultan Air Base was a major hub for coalition forces during the Gulf Wars.
- The city is home to the Saudi Arabian Agricultural Research Center.
- The region is experimenting with the latest technologies in desert agriculture.
- Al-Kharj is an important training center for the Saudi National Guard.
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Sights in the town Al Kharj (1)
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