Al-Khafji – Its borders were delineated by King Abdulaziz and the British High Commissioner
The city of Khafji lies at the northernmost tip of the Eastern Province, near the border with the sister State of Kuwait. It is located 278 km from Dammam and covers an area exceeding twenty‑five square kilometers. Khafji has a long history that dates back to the era of the Founder, His Majesty King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him.
In 1342 AH / 1922 AD, an agreement was concluded between the Sultanate of Najd and the Emirate of Kuwait to establish the Neutral Zone, intended to facilitate the movement of nomadic tribes who frequented the area, allowing them to move freely and settle on either side of the border.
Khafji is justifiably proud that the demarcation of its borders was signed by the Founding King himself, in the oasis of Al‑Uqair, together with the British High Commissioner and the British Resident in Kuwait. Later, the two neighboring states—Saudi Arabia and Kuwait—agreed to divide the Neutral Zone into northern and southern sectors. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Jaber Al‑Ahmad Al‑Sabah—may he rest in peace, while King Faisal—may he rest in peace—delegated Minister Ahmed Zaki Yamani to sign on behalf of the Kingdom.
The Flow of Prosperity and Oil
In 1957, a Japanese investor obtained from King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him a concession to explore for oil in the Neutral Zone.
In 1959, natural gas formations were discovered at a depth of 1,479 feet, followed in 1960 by the discovery of commercial quantities of oil at 4,900 feet below sea level. Prosperity began to flow from what became known as Khafji Field No. 1, producing 6,000 barrels per day, eventually reaching 270,000 barrels per day.
Khafji also takes pride in having hosted a historic meeting between King Saud—may he rest in peace and Sheikh Abdullah Al‑Salem—may he rest in peace, during which they witnessed the loading of the first oil shipment from the region.
The city also witnessed the inauguration of Ras Al‑Mishab Port by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, on 19/7/1977, and the opening of the Internal Security Forces Housing Project by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, Governor of the Eastern Province, on 11/4/1408 AH.
Once a Sea
According to Lisan al‑Arab by Ibn Manzur, al‑khafj refers to a spring plant with pale, broad leaves; its singular form is khafjah. Khafajah is also the name of a tribe from Banu ‘Amir, a branch of ‘Aqil, whose dwellings were in the Hijaz.
Judge Abdulrahman bin Hassan, former judge of Khafji, stated that the name “Khafji” derives from the nature of the land: its soil is soft and loose, and the area was once part of the sea—possibly a portion of what was historically known as Al‑Bahrayn during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al‑khubt refers to low‑lying land.
On the Map of Environmental Tourism
Khafji possesses many features that distinguish it from other cities of the Kingdom. In addition to being an attractive destination in both winter and summer—by land and sea—the region has received significant attention from the government, represented by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, Governor of the Eastern Province, His Deputy Prince Jalawi bin Musaed, and His Excellency the Governor of Khafji, Eng. Badr bin Mohammed Al‑Atishan.
Khafji was added to the national environmental tourism map after the Supreme Commission for Tourism was introduced to its unique natural landmarks, such as Khafji Creek, the second‑largest creek on the Arabian Gulf. The Commission also supervised the “Kulna Khafji” Festival, which attracted visitors from across the GCC, with attendance exceeding 60,000 visitors during the spring holiday.
The Governor also introduced the concept of environmental tourism to the region, personally overseeing—together with the Deputy Governor—the rehabilitation of Qusayr Al‑Tayyar Reserve, and the environmental development of Ain Al‑‘Abd, Bir Maraghah, and Bir Al‑Badr. Ain Al‑‘Abd is a sulfuric artesian spring surrounded by clay soil rich in sulfur, and studies were commissioned to explore its potential as a therapeutic resort.
Economic Activity
Khafji is uniquely home to three major oil companies, creating a competitive labor market and driving local economic growth while providing numerous employment opportunities for citizens.
The presence of these companies has strengthened the Kingdom’s international relations with Gulf states and the wider world, as evidenced by the frequent visits of ministers and ambassadors to the region.
Khafji’s Firsts
- First Governor: Saleh Al‑Atishan
- First Judge: Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hassan
- First Desalination Plant: Established 1388 AH; major plant inaugurated 1406 AH by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd
- First Electricity and Lighting: Installed within the company in 1963
- First Government Clinic: 1397 AH
- First Government Telephone Network: 1398 AH
- First Mayor: Othman Al‑Qurayan
- First Police Chief: Lt. Abdullah Khojah
- First Traffic Chief: Lt. Yahya Yamani
- First Border Guard Commander: Lt. Abdullah Al‑Tuwijri
- First Passport Office Director: Abdulrahman Al‑Dulaijan
- First Labor Office Director: Abdullah Al‑Salem
- First Executive Director for Administrative Affairs: Abdullah bin Suleiman Al‑‘Ulula
- First Executive Director for Technical Affairs: Mohammed bin Abdullah Akhdar
- First Official Photographer: Mahmoud Al‑Rifai
- First Companies Operating in Khafji: CAT Company and Arabian Drilling Company
- First Bank Branch: Riyad Bank
- First Mosque: Al‑Dawar Mosque (1385 AH)
- First Boys’ Primary School: ‘Amuriyyah School (1385 AH)
- First Girls’ Primary School: First Girls’ School (1386 AH)
- First Boys’ Intermediate School: Harun Al‑Rashid School (1388 AH)
- First Girls’ Intermediate and Secondary School: 1391 AH
(All these schools were established by the Arabian Oil Company.)