Serving as the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Province, Arar is a sheep and camel-herding hub near the border with Iraq. It was established as recently as 1951 following the construction of an oil pipeline and takes its name from the oil field that originally existed here.
Things to do in Arar
Wander along the main boulevard of King Abdulaziz Road, which is lined with markets, fruit and vegetable grocers and clothing stores. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants along the way, with Pakistani cuisine available at the Peshawar Restaurant and Indian dishes on the menu at Taj Hotel.
Stretching along the southern edge of Arar is the Palm Garden, an urban green space planted with shady trees and towering palms. In addition to several recreational courts and sporting fields, the adjacent park features children’s play equipment and is a particularly popular destination for families in the early evening.
Arar makes an excellent base for exploring the Harrat al Harrah Conservation Area, which sprawls across more than 12,000 square kilometres in northern Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1986 to protect the region’s basalt lava fields, gravel plains and wadis, which provide habitat for Arabian wolves and striped hyenas. Due to the soaring desert temperatures, it’s best visited on a scenic drive.
Getting around Arar
Arar Domestic Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Long-distance buses travel to Arar while taxis are the main means of getting around the city. Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of exploring the region.