Al-duwaid: The historical village of Al-Duwaid in Northern Borders Region serves as a vital architectural testament to the area's early administrative and commercial formation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, established as the region's first capital following the 1948 Tapline agreement, Al-Duwaid housed the principality's headquarters, a court, and Al-Duwaid School before the capital moved to Arar in 1376 AH. This foundational period marked the beginning of significant governmental and societal developments in the region.
The village site features a mosque built in 1367 AH, which is currently being restored under the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques. This initiative underscores the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the area. The village is also home to the remnants of Al-Duwaid Airport, one of the oldest in northern Saudi Arabia, famously hosting King Saud bin Abdulaziz. These historical structures reflect the village's past significance in the region's transportation and religious history.
Once a bustling trade hub, Al-Duwaid's market historically linked merchants from Najd and Iraq. The ruins left behind continue to document the Kingdom's early 20th-century transformation, offering insights into the economic activities that once flourished in the village. The enduring architectural and historical elements of Al-Duwaid illustrate its pivotal role in the Northern Borders Region's development and the broader narrative of Saudi Arabia's history.