Al-Awjam 3.38

Al-Awjam is a small city located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Arabic Gulf. The village lies in far north-eastern corner of the Eastern Province, in a petroleum-rich region near the Ghawar and Qatif oilfields. It has a population of 11,460.Al-Awjam is located near Qatif, and, like most cities in the region, it is home to a large Shia Muslim population. This contrasts with the majority of Saudis, who are Sunni. As a result, sectarian tensions exist, especially during the Shia holy day of Ashoura. Conflict has reportedly eased since 2005.