Najran

Najran
City
Najran Fort
Najran Location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 17°29′30″N 44°7′56″E / 17.49167°N 44.13222°E / 17.49167; 44.13222
Country	Saudi Arabia
Region	Najran
Established	2000 BC
Government
• Mayor	Faris al-Shafaq
• Provincial Governor	Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Elevation	1,293 m (4,242 ft)
Population  (2022 census)[1]
• City	381,431
• Metro	421,902 (Najran Governorate)
Time zone	UTC+3
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3
Area code	(+966) 17
Website	www.najran.gov.sa

Najran (Arabic: نجران Najrān), is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It is the capital of Najran Province. Designated as a new town, Najran is one of the fastest-growing cities in the kingdom. Its population grew from 47,500 in 1974 to 90,983 in 1992, 246,880 in 2004, and 381,431 in 2021. The city's population mostly originates from the ancient tribes of Yām.

Najranis are Muslims, with Ismailis forming a plurality. Hanbali, Shafi'i, and Maliki Sunnis form the second-largest religious group in the city.

The Arabic term Najrān has at least two meanings: the wooden frame on which a door opens, and 'thirsty'. Local tradition also claims that the land derived its name from the first man to settle in the area, Najran ibn Yahjub ibn Yarub ibn Qahtan ibn houd.

Najran was a centre of cloth-making, and the kiswah, or the cloth of the Ka'aba, was originally made there. A Jewish community previously existed in Najran which was renowned for the garments they manufactured. According to Najran Jewish tradition, the Jews of Najran traced their origin to the Ten Tribes. Najran was also an important stopping place on the incense trade route.