Al-Mandaq Governorate
Al-Mandaq is a governorate of Al-Baha Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located on the heights of the Sarawat Mountains overlooking Tihamah. It is in the northwest of Al-Baha City, and rises above the sea by about 2243m. It is about 40 km away from Al-Baha city. The area of Al-Mandaq is estimated at about 650km. It includes more than 100 villages. It has a charming nature that formed natural parks visited by residents of the region, tourists and visitors. It was established in 1383 A.H.. The royal order was issued classifying Al-Mandaq as an emirate under the name (Emirate of Al-Mandaq) instead of a city. Thereafter, the new Province Law was issued in 1414 A.H. and Al-Mandaq became Governorate (A) instead of Emirate.
Location:
Al-Mandaq Governorate is located on the heights of Al-Hijaz Mountains overlooking the Tihama on a longitude of 20-17 and a latitude of 9-20 to the north of Al-Baha Province. It is about 40 km away from Al-Baha Province. It is south of Taif Governorate and about 200 km away from it. It is also located along Al-Baha-Taif tourist line.
On the sides of the road overlooking the high plains, there are high altitudes ranging from 1800 to 2200 meters above sea level where Al-Arneen Mountain mentioned in the pre-Islamic poetry is situated.
Affiliated Centers:
- Barahrah Center: It is 25 km away from Al-Mandaq Governorate.
- Daws Center: It is located northwest of Al-Mandaq Governorate and is 15 km away.
- Dos Bani Fahm Center: It is located north of Al-Mandaq Governorate and is 10 km away.
- Belkhzmer Center: It is located south of Al-Mandaq Governorate and is 15km away.
Population:
The population of Mandaq exceeds 67,000 people.
Climate:
In the summer, it is exposed to monsoon in summer and reversal winds in winter. In some seasons, it is exposed to dry east winds. It has heavy rainfall, in general, allowing for the growth of the vegetation cover, especially on the western slopes and mountains of the governorate. The governorate has experienced drought in recent years. The aforementioned valleys have provided water to the governorate. Due to its mild summer and very cold winter, the temperature does not exceed 30 Celsius in summer. As fog covers most of the governorate most days and months of winter, when temperatures reach zero Celsius.
Topography and Valleys:
- An agricultural mountainous area containing some valleys, including:
- Turubah Valley
- Derak Valley
- Mashniyeh Valley
- Barahrah Valley
- Hazwa Valley
- Al-Shaer Valley
- Al-Hobara Valley
- Salaman Valley
- Amdan Valley
- Tharouq Valley.
Agricultural Products:
Grapes, peaches, pomegranates, figs, corn, wheat and other products
Livestock:
Goats, lamb, cows, camels
Al-Mandaq Most Prominent Parks, Gardens and Tourist Projects:
Al-Burj Park and Restaurant:
It is located on an area of 11,500 square meters with a cost amounting to SAR 12 million. It contains a 6-storey tower building that includes dining halls, receptions, terrace, a restaurant and cafes. The park has 25 independent sitting areas reflecting the heritage culture with a glass view overlooking the governorate. It also has green areas, corridors, waterfalls, an artificial cave consisting of three floors, an outdoor restaurant, a theater, an amusement park, a mosque and public utilities.
Al-Khulab Park:
Al-Khulab Park is one of the best parks of Al-Mandaq. It is located on a high hill having the traditional architectural decorations of Saudi Arabia. It is characterized by its high peak, the diversity of its trees including juniper and wild olives, and green areas of 6000 square meters overlooking the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains. There is a track for walking, jogging and cycling, restaurants, and seating areas, in addition to a children's theater and amusement parks, and multiple waterfalls and landscapes on the sides of the park.
Dharak Valley:
Dharak Valley is located north of Al-Mandaq City. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Kingdom. Dharak Valley is characterized by beautiful and picturesque nature formed by a body of valleys and parks to which tourists, whether Saudis or foreigners, and residents of the region visit to enjoy their time.
Barahrah Model Park:
It is characterized by its beautiful view. It was designed in geometric shapes. It has family seating areas, various children's rides, utilities, as well as green spaces with native grass covering the garden floor.
The location of the park constitutes another attraction, as it is located on the tourist road linking Al-Baha, Al-Mandaq, Taif, overlooking a valley of lush greenery and stunning areas. It has become one of the beautiful places frequently visited by vacationers and visitors and an important tourist attraction in this beautiful area and a picnic area for the residents and visitors. It has a wonderful and stunning design.
Butterfly Park:
The Butterfly Park is one of the parks of Al-Mandaq, with an area of about 10,000 square meters and contains a women's praying area, 44 canopies, 15 children's rides, as well as public utilities as 6 electric car charging stations, parking lots, seating areas and restaurants, in addition to a recreational court that includes electronic and electrical games, restaurants, cafes, a women's club, terraces and a VIP lounge. It is one of the largest indoor recreational places in Al-Baha Province.
Dhaher Ghadaa Park:
It is the highest peak throughout Al-Baha Province, and one of the five highest peaks ever. It is built above the tall and majestic Sarawat Mountains where dozens of villages established on the peaks and their beautiful and stunning nature can be seen. The park overlooks Al-Hajra Governorate within Tihamah. It includes about 20 canopies, built on an area of 4000 m2.
Centennial Park:
Centennial Park is located in Al-Mandaq Governorate. It is considered as one of the most wonderful parks in Al-Baha. It provides all utilities such as men and women bathrooms, praying rooms, green areas, family seating areas and kids’ area.
Balkhzmer Park:
It is built on an area exceeding ten thousand square meters. It includes more than 15 canopies, children's rides, family seating areas, bathrooms, and equipped with 22 canopies in its various facilities in addition to youth squares that include a football field and two volleyball courts.
Museums in Al-Mandaq Governorate:
Deira Museum:
It is located along the tourist road, specifically in Al-Sarfah Village. It attracts the attention of Al-Mandaq visitors. Founded 16 years ago, it is inspired by the character of the province reflecting the traditional heritage. It has more than 1,000 varieties of ancient and antique tools.
Daws Heritage Museum:
It introduces future generations to the tools that were used in planting, watering, harvesting and grinding grain, as well as the types of white weapons, firearms, cooking curtly, lighting equipment, women's ornaments, Saudi currencies, some of the Bedouin heritage, heritage of Sahl Tihamah and Al-Hijaz. The visitors are familiarized that Daws is the hometown of the great Companion (Abu Hurairah) Abd al-Rahman ibn Sakhr ad-Dawsi, may Allah be pleased with him, Al-Tufayl bin Omar Al-Dawsi, his son Amer bin Al-Tufayl, and many of the companions of the Messenger of Allah.
Government Departments of the Governorate:
- Governorate Police Department
- Barahrah Police Department
- Daws Police Department
- Balkhzmer Police Department
- Al-Mandaq Traffic Department
- General Investigations
- Al-Mandaq Civil Defense
- Barhrah Civil Defense
- Daws Civil Defense
- Security Patrols
- Passport Department
- Al-Mandaq General Hospital
- Health Supervision Department
- Saudi Red Crescent
- Masjid Administration
- Notarial Office
- Public Court
- Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice
- Reconciliation Committee
- Media Center
- Culture and Arts Committee
- Social Security
- Al-Mandaq Social Development Center
- Al-Mandaq Municipality
- Daws Municipal Services Office
- Barahrah Municipal Services Office
- Environment, Water and Agriculture Office
- Water Office
- Electricity Office
Charitable Associations and NGOs:
- Al-Mandak Al-Bir Society
- Barahrah Al-Bir Society
- Association for the Memorization of the Holy Qur'an at Al-Mandaq
- Al-Hanan Women's Association
- Roaa Association
- Al-Halah Cooperative Society
- Daws Social Development Association
- Al-Mandaq Social Development Commission
- Al-Nasabaa Social Development Commission
- Balkhazmar Social Development Commission
- Barahrah Social Development Commission
- Dawah and Awareness Associations at Al-Mandaq
Education:
- Faculty of Science and Arts
- Technical College
- Women's Extension and Supervision Office
- 32 Primary schools for boys
- 13 middle schools for boys
- 7 secondary schools for boys
- 13 kindergartens for girls
- 32 primary schools for girls
- 10 secondary schools for girls
- Al-Mandaq Scientific Institute
