Al-Ahsa
Al-Ahsa is the largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in terms of area, covering approximately 375,000 square kilometers according to the Saudi Geological Survey. This expanse constitutes nearly 20% of the total area of the Kingdom. The population of Al-Ahsa is around 1.3 million residents, distributed across ten main cities and over eighty villages. Additionally, Al-Ahsa features agricultural land spanning about 170 square kilometers, with irrigated land measuring approximately 81.65 square kilometers, as reported by the Al-Ahsa Directorate of Agriculture. The city boasts three million date palms, yielding an impressive production of 120,000 tons of dates. Furthermore, Al-Ahsa is home to beaches that stretch 150 kilometers along the coastline.
Al-Sulayyil
Al-Sulayyil is recognized as the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia by area, with a total size of approximately 58,000 square kilometers, as reported by the Saudi Geological Survey. Strategically located between the mountainous plains to the north and sandy plains to the south, Al-Sulayyil is bordered by Wadi Al-Dawasir to the west, Al-Ahsa to the east, and Sharurah to the south. This city is located in the far southern region of Riyadh, approximately 70 kilometers from the capital. It is linked to Riyadh by an asphalt road, which is the historic route connecting Taif and Riyadh. Al-Sulayyil is characterized by an abundance of wild acacia trees and dense green forests.
Hafar Al-Batin
Hafar Al-Batin ranks as the third-largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in terms of area, with a total of 57,000 square kilometers according to the Saudi Geological Survey. Located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom, Hafar Al-Batin is positioned at a latitude of 26–28 degrees north and serves as a nexus for several international and domestic routes, establishing it as a vital transportation hub for travelers entering or exiting Saudi Arabia towards countries such as Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq. Historically, Hafar Al-Batin was a key rest stop for trade caravans and pilgrims traveling to and from Iraq, largely due to the presence of Al-Musa’s wells. This led to an influx of tribes that settled in the area because of its water resources and grazing lands, eventually transforming Hafar Al-Batin into an important commercial center.
The municipality of Hafar Al-Batin was established in the year 1357 AH, responsible for developing commercial and residential plans. This further included asphalt paving of sidewalks, street lighting, market construction, and fencing around cemeteries, alongside issuing permits for buildings and businesses. The municipality has also focused on creating parks and managing rainwater drainage systems, ensuring that its services extend to several surrounding villages and communities.