Dissertation_Dr Faisal Almubarak

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processing and assembly, etc.) as well as heavy manufacturing, at nominal prices has been
part of government programs aimed at encouraging citizens to participate in the modern
economy. Municipal authorities devised physical plans identifying industrial zones. Land
was subdivided and rented to Saudi entrepreneurs at prices as low as SR 0.08 per square
meter ($0.02) per annum. 20 In 1986, urban land categorized as "industrial" accounted for
15 hectares, or 1.6 percent of Arar's total area of 925 hectares, (see new information on
land subdivisions).
As Arar's population increased, squatter settlements sprouted housing ruralites and
Bedouins. Shanty towns, comprising tents, mud houses and other structures built with
temporary building materials developed in an uncontrolled fashion exhibiting a mix of the
traditional organic form and scattered Bedouin camps, appeared outside the formal land
market. 21 In 1973, squatter settlements on public land accounted for up to 30 percent of
the city's total residential stock. Legal title for lots were only given to those who bought
and built in platted areas in compliance with the planning by laws imposed by the
municipality and other government agencies. Moreover, only legally sanctioned lots were
entitled to municipal services, such as water, electricity, telephone and benefits from
government public services.
C. Militarization: Planning a Model Community
Since its birth in 1950, Arar has fulfilled economic, administrative and military roles.
It benefited from its location on the economically active Tapline corridor and served as the
administrative capital for the Northern Province. In addition to these political economic
functions, Arar was to benefit substantially from increasing expenditures of the military.
Arar is located 188 miles southeast of the Saudi-Jordanian border and less than 40 miles
southwest of Iraq. Due to its proximity to the border, Arar garnered a strategic military
distinction which reflected the central government's concern over its sovereignty in this
ulterior region. 22 The vitality of the northern region to the national security of Saudi
Arabia can only be understood in light of the international political developments that swept
the Middle East following the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent colonialization
of its territories by European powers (1910s-1960s). Although Saudi Arabia was formed
without passing through de facto colonialism, the demarcation of its borders took place
when neighboring Arab territories were under colonial administration. Until today,
segments of many Arab countries borders, including Saudi Arabia, are still the subject of