Al-Awjam Explained

Official Name:Al-Awjam
Pushpin Map:Saudi Arabia
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Saudi Arabia
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Eastern Province
Subdivision Type2:Governorate
Subdivision Name2:Qatif Governorate
Unit Pref:Metric
Population As Of:2022
Population Total:16,147
Utc Offset:+3
Utc Offset Dst:+3
Coordinates:26.5583°N 49.9503°W

Al-Awjam (often called Lājām pronounced as /ar/ locally) is a small village located in the Qatif Governorate, which is affiliated with the city of Safwa in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The village is located in the far northeastern corner of the Eastern Province, west of the city of Qatif, in an oil-rich area near the Ghawar and Qatif fields. It has a population of 16,147 people.

Al-Awjam is located near Qatif, and, like most cities in the region, is home to a large Shia Muslim population. This contrasts with the majority of Saudis, who are Sunni. As a result, sectarian tensions exist, especially during the Shia holy day of Ashura:[1] however, the conflict has reportedly eased since 2005.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Lacey, Robert. Inside the Kingdom. 2009. Penguin Group. New York. 978-0-14-311827-5. 404.
  2. Web site: Denied Dignity. HRW - Publications. Human Rights Watch. 25 April 2012.