Dissertation_Dr Faisal Almubarak

293
(inevitably calling for the importation of out-of-town immigrants, some of whom came
from nearby countries). Second, with disposable income in the residents' hands, the urban
economy prospered. For example, with more outsiders in town, demand for new housing
units ensued, which in turn called for growth in the construction sector's employment. The
improvement in households' income also resulted in the diversification and growth of
commercial uses and services. The simple, traditional socioeconomic structure of the
agrarian village has drastically been altered in response to the new changes and multiplying
effects associated with the modernization programs of the government enlisting oil
resources in the development of the nation's urban system(s). The goal of this chapter is to
outline the relationship between state-led development and the impact of such intervention
on Huraimla's urban development and form.
In this chapter, I will first discuss the locational and physical attributes of Huriamla.
Next, I will give a brief narration of the agrarian town's history and development, which
typifies the dominant cultural forces that shaped pre-industrial forms in Saudi Arabia, in
general, and Najdi towns, in particular. In the remaining part of the chapter, I will focus
on the urban development of Huraimla's traditional and contemporary forms with particular
emphasis on political forces sweeping Najdi town and, following the consolidation of the
nation-state, on the state's impact on the transformation of the local built environment.
I. LOCATION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Huraimla is located in the Central Province, Najd, 86 kilometers north west of
Riyadh, the seat of the central government. Huriamla houses the amarah and municipality
for the Ashsha'eeb sub-region as well as the seat for branches of various ministries, hence
serving as the administrative center for the sub-region of Ashsha'eeb. Ashsha'eeb refers to
the relatively low, flat area formed by escarpments suffusing the desert basin which is
confined by rugged terrain of low mountains.
Ashsha'eeb comprises a number of arterial wadis and tributaries whose meager
though crucial running water explained the emergence of several villages and towns, Al-
Gareenah, Sodoos, Malham, Salboukh and Al-Barrah, all dominated by Huraimla.
Huraimla is located at the confluence of the major wadis suffusing Ashsha'eeb's basin
(Figure 8.1 and 8.2). Along with its relatively developed system of walls, the