Al-Awjam
Al-Awjam | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Saudi Arabia |
| Province | Eastern Province |
| Population | |
| • Total | 11,460 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 |
Al-Awjam (also written Al Awjām, Al Ājām, or Ajam al Qatif) is a small city located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf. The village lies in far north-eastern corner of the Eastern Province, in a petroleum-rich region near the Ghawar and Qatif oilfields. It has a population of 11,460.[1]
Al-Awjam is located near Qatif, and, like most cities in the region, it 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 Ashoura.[2] Conflict has reportedly eased since 2005.[3]
References
- ^ "Al Awjām". worldcities.us. World Cities. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ^ Lacey, Robert (2009). Inside the Kingdom. New York: Penguin Group. p. 404. ISBN 978-0-14-311827-5.
- ^ "Denied Dignity". HRW - Publications. Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 25 April 2012.