Hafr al-Batin, also known as Hafar al-Batin, is a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, near the borders of Iraq and Kuwait. With a population of around 387,000 as of 2022, it is one of the largest cities in the province. Due to its historic location along the trade and pilgrimage route, Hafr al-Batin is of paramount importance.
Historically, pilgrims traveling from Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and Eastern Anatolia faced water shortages along the route, which compelled a companion of prophet Muhammad, Abu-Musa al-Asha’ari to dig new wells in the Al-Batin valley along the route. Over time, a settlement grew around these wells which became the city of Hafr al-Batin today. Hafar Al-Batin is an important production center of the Eastern Province, which borders Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.
The city has many factories and commercial areas that produce chemicals like polyester and cellulose. Hafr al-Batin is an example of industrial advancement and development in the country. Two airports serve Hafar Al-Batin. The Al Qaisumah/Hafr Al Batin Airport, which is located 20 km southeast of the city, and the King Khaled Military City Airport, which is located 60 km southwest of the city. Both airports only serve domestic flights.