About Najran University

Najran University is located in the city of Najran, one of the oldest cities with a rich history full of events throughout the ages. Historians and geographers commend this region, which is filled with agricultural wealth due to its strategic location, fertile land, and abundant groundwater, giving it a special importance among the regions of the Arabian Peninsula. The Najran region combines several topographical advantages; it is an agricultural, mountainous, and desert area at once. Najran is one of the ancient places that date back to pre-Christian eras, as evidenced by what remains of its effects until today.

Reason for Naming the Region of Najran with this Name

The name “Najran” appears in many historical narratives and writings of Arab and foreign travelers without a direct explanation of this naming. Some accounts state that "al-Najran" is the palm frond on which a camel’s saddle rotates, and it is said: “She stopped the saddle in al-Najran until the saddle remained without a hinge.” Another narrative adds that it was named after the first person who settled in it and populated it, his name was Najran ibn Zayd ibn Saba ibn Ya'rub ibn Qhattan. This person reached the area after a vision that terrified him, so he traveled until he ended up in a valley where he descended, and the region was named after his name. As mentioned in poetry: "I poured water into al-Najran until the hinge remained without a hinge.”

The Life of Nomads and Settlers in Najran

The Bedouin in Najran had their own unique way of life, similar to other Bedouin communities throughout the Arabian Peninsula; they moved with their herds of camels, sheep, and especially goats – which was considered the primary source of income for wool, meat, and milk – following pastures and areas where rainwater accumulated. As for the urban population in Najran, their main occupation was agriculture, which they dedicated most of their time to, using primitive furrows and traditional irrigation methods such as camels and cattle via troughs.

The Location

The region of Najran is located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, bordered by towering mountains to the north and south, while extending eastwards into the Rub' al Khali desert sands. It is dominated by Najran Valley, which penetrates the area from west to east, flowing into the Rub’ al Khali, known as Yam sand sheet.

The Climate

The climate of the Najran region is characterized by semi-arid climatic features, with temperatures ranging from 14.6 to 30.9 degrees Celsius, while annual rainfall averages approximately 83 mm.