Arar, January 21, 2024, The village of Hazem Al-Jalamid, nestled in the Northern Border Region, approximately 100 kilometers west of Arar, has garnered global attention from energy companies and the media since it announced the discovery of vast phosphate deposits nearly 13 years ago.
Initially known for its abundant white stone, Hazem Al-Jalamid was a modest village with a small population, serving as a rest stop for travelers journeying between the Kingdom and Gulf Cooperation Council countries or heading from various regions of the Kingdom to the Levant. The village also attracted tourists and enthusiasts of bird hunting during the spring.
The discovery of phosphate in Hazem Al-Jalamid marked a turning point, triggering significant transformations in the area. Several private industrial projects were initiated, generating employment opportunities for residents of the Northern Border Region and beyond. Over time, the village evolved into a renowned industrial hub, gaining recognition both within the Kingdom and internationally.
Eng. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, the Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, highlighted the significance of the Northern Border Region during the Northern Border Investment Forum in November 2023. He revealed that the region holds 25% of the Kingdom's total mineral wealth, valued at up to SAR 1.2 trillion. Al-Mudaifer emphasized that the region's competitive advantage has notably expanded due to the presence of phosphate.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Kingdom had invested more than SAR 120 billion in infrastructure to support the success of various projects. The potential of the Phosphate 4 and Phosphate 5 projects, valued at SAR 80 billion, will be subject to study. Factories in the Northern Border Region are poised to serve as the foundation for a modern industry, with components and investments projected to exceed SAR 220 billion by the end of 2035. The ongoing developments underscore the strategic importance of Hazem Al-Jalamid and the Northern Border Region in contributing to the Kingdom's economic and industrial landscape.
