Guide
About Tabuk
Tabuk Region covers the north-western corner of Saudi Arabia, reaching from the Jordanian border down the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea coast. Its capital, Tabuk city, lies inland on the main north–south road, while the governorates of Haql, Al-Bad', Duba, Al-Wajh and Umluj stretch along the coast and Tayma sits in the eastern interior.
For a long time the region was known mainly for agriculture and fishing. It now attracts national attention because NEOM, a large development zone, spans several of its coastal governorates. That has brought contractors, engineers, logistics firms and hospitality operators into an area that previously had a modest private sector, and it has raised demand for services in Tabuk city and along the coast.
Economy and main industries
Agriculture and fishing have historically been at the forefront of the region's economy. Farming inland and fishing on the coast still support a substantial number of local businesses, from farm suppliers to fish markets.
The region's current development plans focus on tourism, information and communications technology, agriculture and renewable energy. NEOM is a development zone rather than a governorate and covers parts of Duba, Haql and Al-Bad'. Its construction has created demand for building materials, plant hire, worker accommodation, catering, transport and professional services, much of it supplied through Tabuk city and the coastal towns.
Manufacturing is organised through Tabuk Industrial City, run by MODON, which offers serviced plots for factories and workshops close to the regional capital.
Main business areas and markets
- Tabuk city: the regional capital, with government offices, the main retail and wholesale markets, the airport and Tabuk Industrial City; it has its own guide
- Duba: a Category A coastal governorate with 54,917 residents in 2022
- Umluj: a coastal governorate with 69,656 residents in 2022
- Al-Wajh: a coastal governorate with 49,948 residents in 2022 and its own domestic airport
- Tayma: an inland Category A governorate with 42,164 residents in 2022
- Haql and Al-Bad': northern coastal governorates with 27,712 and 17,973 residents respectively
Getting around
Distances in Tabuk Region are long, and air links matter. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk city handles both civilian and military operations and offers regular domestic flights with limited international services. Neom Bay Airport near Sharma began limited operations in 2019 as the first air hub for NEOM, and Al-Wajh Domestic Airport serves Al-Wajh and Umluj. Road transport links the coastal governorates with each other and with Tabuk city inland.
New businesses obtain a Commercial Registration from the Ministry of Commerce and, for shops and offices, a municipal licence through the Balady platform. Membership of the Tabuk Chamber is the usual route to certificates of origin and regional business events.
Finding businesses in Tabuk Region
Common searches include construction and civil engineering contractors, equipment hire, camp and catering services, transport companies, hotels and furnished apartments, and agricultural suppliers. In the coastal governorates people also look for marine services, fish traders and tourism operators. SaudiYP lists businesses by city and category so you can focus on Tabuk city or a specific coastal town.
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Tabuk?
Tabuk Region uses the 014 landline code, shared with Madinah, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.
Is NEOM in Tabuk Region?
Yes. NEOM is a development zone in Tabuk Region and spans parts of the Duba, Haql and Al-Bad' governorates.
How many governorates does Tabuk Region have?
It has six: Al-Wajh, Duba and Tayma in Category A, and Umluj, Haql and Al-Bad' in Category B.
Which airports serve Tabuk Region?
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk city is the main airport, with Neom Bay Airport near Sharma and Al-Wajh Domestic Airport serving the coast.