About Us
Information about Al-Dhahiriya Municipality
Al-Dhahiriya Municipality was established in 1963. In 1997, the Al-Dhahiriya Village Council was upgraded to a municipality, and the first municipal council was formed.
The council is managed by thirteen members, headed by Engineer Ali Abbas Al-Shabaan. The municipality employs 120 staff members. Al-Dhahiriya Municipality is classified as a Category "B" municipality by the Ministry of Local Government and according to the Municipal Development and Lending Fund's 2025 classification (B++). Al-Dhahiriya Municipality carries out specific tasks as outlined in the Local Authorities Law No. 1 of 1997, such as road construction and paving, school building, water services, solid waste collection, issuing building permits, licensing trades and industries, and implementing various development projects.
Al-Dhahiriya Municipality
Palestine - South Hebron
dahrieh@hotmail.com
022267747
City of Dhahiriya
Dhahiriya is located in the far south of the West Bank, 22 km south of Hebron, and is considered the southern gateway of the West Bank. The city sits above the ancient Arab Canaanite town of Joshen. Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars fortified it for its strategic location, from which the city derived its current name.
Population:
The population is approximately 50,000, surrounded by several smaller communities including Ramadeen, Shweika, Wadi al-Khalil, and the village of Zanuta. According to the structural plan, the city covers 15,198 dunams while the total land area is 120,854 dunams. It is 655 meters above sea level and has a transitional climate between semi-arid and Mediterranean.
Dhahiriya is the third largest urban center in Hebron Governorate and the last populated area southwards towards the Negev. It connects the Bedouin lifestyle of the Negev with rural life in southern Hebron, making it a commercial hub for over 100,000 Negev residents. The city also serves as a base for workers traveling to Beersheba, creating pressure on services like water, roads, electricity, health, and sanitation.
Area:
Surrounded by the lands of Dura, Samu’, and Beersheba District. Historical population: 1922 – 1,265; 1945 – 2,190; 1961 – 4,199; 1967 – 2,190; 1987 – 11,500; 2011 – 33,442 (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics).
City Economy
Dhahiriya’s strategic location made it a commercial center attracting over 100,000 Negev residents. According to municipal records, there are more than 2,300 commercial establishments issuing licenses for trades and services. The labor force rate is approximately 68.6%, with 52% working in Israel, 17% in government jobs, 15% in agriculture, 11% in commerce, and 5% in industry.
Jareeda Palace
This palace is located southwest of Dhahiriya near Khirbat ‘Asilah. Discovered in the 1990s, it has two floors with colorful mosaic floors and historical illustrations. The name "Jareeda Palace" comes from the nature of the land (“barren land”). Water wells and stone channels were discovered for irrigation, along with stone olive presses indicating the presence of olive trees.
Annab Church
Between the hills of Khirbat Annab al-Kabira and Dhahiriya lies Annab Church, featuring marble columns and mosaic floors. It is one of the oldest churches in Palestine. Ancient clay water channels and rock-carved water basins are still visible. Nearby are Christian graves dating back 800 years from Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars’ era.
Old City of Dhahiriya
Dhahiriya is an ancient Canaanite city over 5,000 years old. The old city is a key heritage site in Palestine, with over 972 historic buildings and approximately 32 archaeological sites including mosques, churches, forts, and palaces. The municipality works with Ruwwaq Foundation to restore these buildings and allocate them as offices for local NGOs to maintain the heritage.
