About Najran University

Najran University is located in Najran City, one of the oldest cities with a rich history of significant events throughout the ages. Historians and geographers praise this region for its agricultural wealth, strategic location, fertile soil, and abundant groundwater — all of which grant it a distinguished status among the regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Najran combines various geographical features, being simultaneously an agricultural, mountainous, and desert area. It is also considered one of the most ancient settlements dating back to pre-Christian times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological remains still present today.

The Origin of Najran's Name

The name "Najran" appears in many historical narratives and travel literature, both Arab and foreign, often without a definitive explanation. Some accounts suggest that the word "najran" refers to a wooden pivot around which a door bolt rotates, as in the expression: “I closed the door on the najran until it made no creak.” Another narrative attributes the name to the first person who settled and built the area: a man named Najran bin Zaidan bin Saba bin Yarub bin Qahtan. According to the story, he had a frightening vision, which led him to roam until he reached a valley where he eventually settled — giving the place his name.

Bedouin and Urban Life in Najran

In Najran, Bedouins maintained a distinct lifestyle, similar to other nomads across the Arabian Peninsula. They followed pastures and rainwater gathering areas with their herds, which typically included deer, sheep, and especially goats — their primary source of livelihood. These animals provided wool, meat, and milk, sustaining the Bedouins. In contrast, the urban population of Najran primarily worked in agriculture, devoting their time to plowing the land using traditional plows and irrigating crops through conventional methods such as water-lifting using camels or oxen via the "sawani" system.

Geographical Location

Najran is located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically on the eastern boundary of the Arabian Shield, extending deep into the southern Arabian Peninsula. It lies approximately at longitude 44°20? and latitude 17°30?. The region spans around 36,500 square kilometers, much of which is desert — especially in the Sharurah Governorate, which administratively belongs to the Najran region. Elevations in Najran range from 900 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The area is bordered by towering mountains to the north and south, gradually sloping eastward into the sands of the Empty Quarter. The Najran Valley runs through the region from west to east, eventually merging into the desert in what is known as Ramlat Yam.

Climate

Najran's climate is somewhat continental, with average temperatures ranging between 14.6°C and 30.9°C. Annual rainfall is minimal, with an average of approximately 83 mm.