Rafha: King Faisal Road in Rafha Governorate, Northern Borders Region, locally known as 'Old Rafha Market Street,' boasts a rich history dating back more than seventy years to the early days of the governorate's establishment alongside the famous Tapline, which transported crude oil from the Eastern Region to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the street has become one of the most prominent historical and heritage landmarks in the memory of the place and its residents, standing as a living witness to the area's transformations and development through the decades. It presents a visual narrative of old architectural charm, with traditional-style shops lining both sides, offering visitors a visual experience that evokes the authenticity and simplicity of life in earlier times.
Due to its symbolic value and deep-rooted history, the street remains a favorite destination for many visitors from within and outside the governorate, forming an essential part of Rafha's cultural and social identity.
To preserve this heritage, Rafha Municipality has implemented a comprehensive development project to rehabilitate the street as part of its urban humanization initiatives and efforts to enhance the quality of life. The project included resurfacing the road over a length of 1,270 meters and a width of 21 meters, improving sidewalks and the central median, adding greenery and modern lighting, and unifying the color scheme of shopfronts in a heritage style. Informational signage was also redesigned to align with the visual identity of the area.
This project supports the municipality's broader goal of enhancing the governorate's architectural and heritage dimensions by transforming historical sites into vibrant urban and cultural destinations that boost the city's appeal and reinforce its tourism and development presence.