Moving to Arar: Location, Climate, Iraq Border Crossing and Practical Basics

Arar is the capital of the Northern Borders Province in the far north of Saudi Arabia, about 1,100 km northwest of Riyadh and roughly 60 km from the Iraqi border. It is a small, remote city. Anything beyond the basics below needs to be checked directly with your employer or on arrival.

The basics

• Population: 202,719 in the 2022 census (Wikipedia).
• Setting: a rocky limestone plain at about 536 m elevation.
• History: founded in 1951 by Saudi Aramco as a pumping station on the Trans-Arabian Pipeline.
• Climate: hot desert with declining rainfall. We did not find a reliable temperature range for Arar, so check the current forecast before you pack.
• Airport: Arar Domestic Airport offers domestic flights. Check airlines for current routes and schedules.
• Distance: about 1,100 km from Riyadh.

The Iraq border crossing

The Jadidat Arar crossing with Iraq closed in 1990, partially reopened in 2017 and fully reopened on 18 November 2020. It carries freight: Arab News reported that land trade between Saudi Arabia and Iraq reached SR913 million in the first half of 2023, with Arar traffic rising. Crossing rules for individuals can change, so use official sources such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Absher before planning any travel, and don't rely on this guide for entry requirements. See the MOFA visa guide.

Housing, healthcare and schools

We could not verify neighborhoods, rents, hospitals or schools for Arar, so none are listed. Before you commit:

1. Get housing terms, allowance and relocation support in writing from your employer.
2. Ask the landlord to register the lease on Ejar and compare quotes in the rent affordability tool.
3. Confirm your health insurance network includes a facility in or near Arar. See health insurance in Saudi Arabia.
4. If you have children, ask each school directly and use the schools finder.
5. Check mobile plan options for coverage at your address.

Food and daily life

We could not verify any named restaurants or cafes in Arar, so none are listed. Check Google Maps for current listings and reviews, and use delivery apps to see what actually covers your address. International chains in a city of this size are not guaranteed, so confirm before you assume.

Is it a good fit?

Arar suits people posted there by an employer, with clear housing and healthcare arrangements. It is a poor fit if you need a large expat community, specialist healthcare nearby or easy road trips to other cities.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on 22 October 2026 against these pages. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official page before you pay or apply.

• Wikipedia: Arar, Saudi Arabia
• Arab News: Saudi Arabia, Iraq trade exchange hits $243m in H1