"AL-Ola" a Al `Ula Travel Page by arabian10

AL-OLA

Although AL-Ola is a small city with not many inhabitants, its special historical significance has made it a major destination of researchers and archaeologists. It contains many antiquities dating back many centuries, some going back to the era of the Prophet Mohammed, (peace be upon him). It has also been mentioned in the work of many poets, including Jareer Ibn Kharqaa' and Lubeid Ibn Rabia, two of the writers of the seven famous Arab poems known as the Mu'allaqat.

The review of the city can be divided into two sections: the antiquities in and around the city, and present-day AL-Ola, which in common with other cities has been greatly modernized.

LOCATION

Al-Ola is administratively affiliated to the Governorate of Madinah. It lies 380 km (240 miles) north of Madinah, and is linked with the road network from several directions due to its location. The Hejaz railway line passed through it during the reign of the Ottomans.

AL-Ola is a fertile valley located between Madinah and the Jordanian border and surrounded by two ranges of high mountains. It is bordered by Harrat Khaibar to the east, Bahrat Owairedh to the west, Wadi Hasheesh to the north and Wadi AL-Hummus and Madinah to the south. The nearest cities to AL-Ola are Madinah to the south and AL-Wajh are its nearest air terminals: its inhabitants usually prefer AL-Wajh airport on the Red Sea coast because it is nearer to AL-Ola and accessible via an asphalt road.

CLIMATE

AL-Ola is 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. As one approaches the city, the temperature drops by 1 degree C for every 150 meters of altitude. The average drop in temperature from seal level is therefore between 6 and 7 degree C. Generally, the weather in AL-Ola is moderate, with relatively low humidity. Summer temperatures range between 26 and 36 degree C, or 79 and 97 degree F. Rainfall occurs mainly during the winter and the city is surrounded by a number of green areas.

AREA AND POPULATION

The area of AL-Ola is about 60 square km (23 square miles). Its population is approximately 60,000, with an annual growth rate of about 5%.

SUB-GOVERNORATES

There are 52 sub-governorates affiliated to the Governorate of AL-Ola. One of the best-known of these is Madain Saleh, located 25 km (15 miles) away and well known for its Nabataean historical mountains.

ROADS

AL-Ola is linked to the surrounding areas and the Kingdom's major road network by a number of modern asphalted roads, including:

* AL-Ola - Khaibar - Madinah 380 km (240 miles)
* AL-Ola - Taima' Tabouk: 300 km (186 miles)
* AL-Ola - Hail: 400 km (250 miles)
* AL-Ola - AL-Wajh: 180 km (110 miles)

HEALTH CARE

The Ministry of Health has established two hospitals in AL-Ola, one with 50 beds and the other with 100. The two hospitals have a total of 12 out-patient clinics covering the various medical specializations. There are also diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies, blood banks, X-ray and physiotherapy units.

COMMUNICATIONS

AL-Ola has a great number of post and telegraph offices, including the central Post Office and its branches serving the city and the surrounding villages.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

There are 74 primary schools for boys in AL-Ola, with 3,475 pupils, and 10 for girls, with 1,400 pupils. There are 10 intermediate schools for boys, totaling 830 pupils, and one for girls, with 350 pupils. The city has two secondary schools for boys, with 327 pupils, and one for girls, with 280. In addition, there are 12 literacy schools for males and three for females.

OTHER SERVICES

AL-Ola also has telephone services, a sports club and a branch of the Saudi Consolidated Electrical Company, supplying the city and its nearby villages with 10,000 kilowatts of electricity.