Al-Awjam (often called Lājām [laː.dʒaːm] 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 | |
|---|---|
  Al-Awjam | |
| Coordinates: 26°33′30″N 49°57′1″E / 26.55833°N 49.95028°E | |
| Country |  Saudi Arabia |
| Province | Eastern Province |
| Governorate | Qatif Governorate |
| Population (2022) | |
• Total | 16,147 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 |
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]
References
edit- ^ 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.
