البلدة القديمة بالوجه

Al-Wajh (Arabic: الوجه) is a coastal governorate in northwestern Saudi Arabia, located on the Red Sea in Tabuk Province. Its seat is Al-Wajh City.

History

Al-Wajh played a pivotal role during the Arab Revolt in World War I. In 1917, the city was taken by the forces of Faisal I, and it was subsequently used as a strategic base for launching a series of coordinated attacks on the Hejaz railway. (See HMS Anne for the British side of that operation.)

Historically, the city has been known by several other names, including Al-Hijr Port, Hegra, Al-Yaqoubi, and Al-Udhri.

The governorate is served by the Al-Wajh Domestic Airport, a small airport located on its outskirts. It offers flights to several major destinations within Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina.

In Art and Literature

Al-Wajh is the subject of a painting by Clarkson Frederick Stanfield, an engraving of which was published in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832 as El Wuish, Red Sea. along with a poetical illustration by Letitia Elizabeth Landon that reflects on the slowness of navigation amongst the numerous coral reefs in the area.