Jazan Province

Jazan جازان
province
The Fifa Mountains
Map of Saudi Arabia with Jazan highlighted
Country	Saudi Arabia
Capital	Jazan
Boroughs	14
Government
• Governor	Prince Muhammad bin Nasser
• Deputy Governor	Muhammad bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Saud
Area
• Total	13,457 km2 (5,196 sq mi)
Population  (2022 Census)
• Total	1,404,997
• Density	100/km2 (270/sq mi)
ISO 3166-2	09

Jazan Province, also spelled Jizan (Arabic: جيزان, romanized: Jīzān) is the second smallest (after Al-Bahah) province of Saudi Arabia. It stretches 300 km (190 mi) along the southern Red Sea coast, just north of Yemen. It covers an area of 13,457 km² and had a population of 1,404,997 at the 2022 census.^[1] The region has the highest population density in the Kingdom. The capital is the city of Jazan; Prince Muhammad bin Nasser has been the Governor since April 2001.^[2]

The region includes over 100 islands in the Red Sea. Jazan Economic City is a mega project that is planned to boost the economy of the region and make it part of the Saudi economic growth.^[3] The Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia's first conservation protected area, is home to migratory birds from Europe in winter.

The region divides into three parts.

• The Al-Sarawat mountains inland, which rise to about 3,000 metres.
• The Alhazoun forest district consists of forest broken by some areas of rich pasture.
• The plains are noted for the production of coffee beans, cereal grain crops (barley, millet and wheat) and fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, papayas, plums and citrus varieties).

Though the climate on the highlands is similar to the relatively wetter climate of ʽAsir, the coastal regions of Jizan province are part of Tihamah, probably the hottest place in the country, with mean maximum temperatures ranging from 40 °C (104 °F) in July to 31 °C (88 °F) in January. High humidity from coastal lagoons makes the climate even less bearable than it would be otherwise. Rainfall is extremely low at less than 75 millimetres (3 inches) per year. Sabya is located in the center between the mountain and the beach.

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1992	865,961	—
2004	1,157,587	+2.45%
2010	1,264,845	+1.49%
2018	1,373,659	+1.04%
source:[4]

The region is now sub-divided into 17 governorates (following the creation of the governorates of At-Tuwal from part of Samtah, Fayfa from part of Jizan, and Harub from part of Al-Aydabi) as follows:^[5][6]

Jizan's Governorates

Name	Native name	Census 15 Sept 2004	Census 28 Apr 2010	Census 10 May 2022
Abu Arish	أبو عريش	123,943	196,462	187,060
Ad-Dayir	الدائر	49,239	58,325	47,424
Ad-Darb	الدرب	52,062	70,740	68,965
Ahad Al-Masarihah	أحد المسارحة	70,038	109,866	130,545
Al-Ardah	العارضة	62,841	76,033	79,730
Al-Aydabi	العيدابي	52,515	61,043	32,940
Al-Harth	الحرث	47,073	23,496	11,561
Al-Raith	الريث	13,406	19,022	16,877
Bish	بيش	58,269	77,406	86,996
Damad	ضمد	62,366	71,256	64,136
Farasan	فرسان	13,962	18,015	13,529
Jazan	جازان	255,340	163,703	200,911
Sabya	صبياء	198,086	227,519	223,083
Samtah	صامطة	128,447	201,959	154,925
Total Province		1,187,587	1,374,845	1,404,997

The Arabic language is spoken by over 90% of the inhabitants. Parts of Jizan was claimed to be part of a "Greater Yemen" by many Yemenis despite never being ruled from Yemen since the fall of the Himyarite Kingdom at 525 CE. Since that period, the areas of Jazan province has been mostly independent and it has also been part of the First Saudi state during the 18th century. Jazan has been annexed by Saudi Arabia in 1932 and was defended from a Yemeni invasion that lead to the Saudi–Yemeni War (1934) and Imam Yahya suspended Yemen's claim to the region in the treaty of Taif. Though many Yemeni nationalists continued to claim Jizan until the issue was settled formally and finally in the Saudi-Yemeni border agreement of 2000.^[7]

In 2019, the Saudi Government allocated $213 million to implement water and environmental projects in the region. Such projects include, installing a sewage treatment line, sewage network, sewage connections for households, and a station for pumping.^[8]

Since 2014, in relation to the civil war in Yemen, there have been reports of alleged shooting of Ethiopian migrants illegally crossing the Saudi border by the Saudi Border Guard. Since 2023, at least several hundred Ethiopian migrants have been killed at the border between Yemen and the provinces Jazan, ʽAsir and Najran. The border guards allegedly also used explosive weapons.^[9][10]

Abu Arish is the capital and center of the Abu Arish Governorate in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It is situated to the east of the city of Jizan at the intersection of longitude 42.30 and latitude 16.30. The city of Abu Arish has been known since ancient times under the name Darb al-Naja.^[11] In the early seventh century AH, it served as the capital of Al-Mekhlaf Al-Sulaymani.^[12]

Abu Arish is one of the historical cities known since the fourth century AH, as it is located on the pilgrims' route, and its origins and history can be recognized from the study of Al-Mekhlaf Al-Sulaymani by historian and writer Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Aqili. He stated that the area was initially inhabited by the Al-Hakami and Al-Jibril families and that it had been in existence for a much longer period of time, previously known as "Darb al-Naja." The city is of strategic location due to its role as a transportation hub, connecting numerous governorates via a network of regional roads. It is situated at a pivotal point between Ahad al Masarihah Governorate in the south, Damad Governorate in the north, Al Aridhah Governorate in the east, and Jazan Emirate in the west.^[13]

Abu Arish was previously known as Darb al-Naja. The name Abu Arish was derived from a man who came for pilgrimage and passed through the village of Abu Arish at that time. Upon his return, he again passed through the village. He built a pergola (Arish in Arabic) made of wood and straw to educate the village's sons in the sciences of religion and jurisprudence. When visiting this jurist, one might say, "I am going to Abu Arish," meaning the owner of the arish which is how the village got its name.

Abu Arish is situated in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, to the east of Jizan, which serves as the administrative capital of the area.

The climate of Abu Arish is similar to that of the southwestern region of the Kingdom, as it is situated within this area. The climate is characterized by mild winters, with temperatures reaching 18 degrees Celsius, and a hot, humid summer, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. During the summer, monsoon winds and sandstorms are common, particularly in the afternoon and evening, and are called by the locals (Ghubra).^[14] On some days, the intensity of the winds increases, resulting in decreased visibility for several hours. This can lead to the formation of sand dunes, as well as irregular local winds that blow with great force for brief periods. These winds are characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and the presence of sand and dust clouds.^[15]

The humidity level is 50% in the area west of the Jizan Valley Dam and decreases as we head east.

The precipitation occurs during the late summer and early fall months and is characterized by irregular patterns. In some years, there are heavy rainfall events that support agricultural activities, and the dam captures a significant portion of these precipitation levels. Conversely, in other years, there are minimal rainfall events that are insufficient for agricultural production.^[16]

The city of Abu Arish is distinguished by its geographical positioning, situated at the nexus of the region's principal urban centers. The local population is predominantly engaged in agricultural and commercial activities, with the city market serving as a pivotal economic hub within the region. The weekly market day occurs on Wednesdays, during which traders engage in commercial activities involving both regional and external markets. These activities encompass the import and export of various products. Each profession had its own market, with a sheikh responsible for the affairs of its affiliates. As the region developed, traditional trade methods underwent a transformation, with the advent of new professions and the decline of older ones. Many individuals sought employment with the government or pursued non-manual self-employment, while commercial complexes and integrated markets emerged.^[17]

• Dar al-Nasr Castle.^[18]
• Al Qubbab Mosque (Abu Arish).
• Wednesday Market (Souq al-Samil).
• Al-Asha roundabout.
• Al-Zahir.
• Al-Khazan Alshamly.
• Najran is a site of archaeological significance that has been largely overlooked and is now the location of the Al-Hassan ibn Al-Haytham School.^[19]

The Abu Arish popular market is a significant commercial hub within the city. It is also known as the Robua Market and the Samil Market. It is a traditional market that has been in operation for an extended period, attracting a considerable number of individuals from various villages within the Abu Arish Governorate on a weekly basis to engage in commercial activities. The market displays a variety of traditional household items, including crockery, tools crafted from palm fronds, textiles utilized for clothing, agricultural implements, and animals. The market, which still exists today every Wednesday, is an ancient gathering place for the people of Abu Arish and its surroundings.^[20]

• King Fahd^[21]
• Al-Khalidiya
• Al-Andalus
• Al-Naseem
• Al-Rawda
• Al-Salam
• Al-Quds
• Al-Nahda
• Al-Safa
• Al-Ward
• Al-Zuhur
• Al-Nuzha
• Qanborah
• Al-Rabea
• Al-Bahakla

The city of Abu Arish has been known for study circles since old times, as circles were held in the city's mosques to teach the Qur'an and Hadith. From it's notable scholars include Abdullah ibn Ali al-Amoudi and his son, Saleh ibn Abdullah al-Amoudi, as well as Abdullah Adam, Muhammad Zakri, and Musa al-Manqari. Subsequently, Abdullah Al-Qaraawi's educational institutions were established, and over time, conventional schools proliferated, reaching a total of 65 schools for girls and approximately 66 schools for boys.^[22]

Source:^[23]

• The College of Shari'ah and Law is affiliated with Jazan University.
• The College of Arts and Humanities is affiliated with Jazan University.
• Community College for Girls is affiliated with Jazan University.
• Technical College for Girls in Jazan.
• Manahil Knowledge Institute for Women's Education and Training.
• Maharat Institute - Jazan Contractors Alliance for Training and Employment.

Abu Arish City is home to a 150-bed public hospital that offers a range of medical specialties, in addition to two primary care centers. Among the most prominent hospitals located within the city:^[24]

• Abu Arish General Hospital.
• Chest Diseases Hospital.
• Jarash Medical Hospital.
• Safwa Dental Clinic.
• Al-Salama dispensary.
• Almariya Medical Center.
• Al-Hakami Medical Complex.
• Dr. Daifallah Daqdaki Center.
• Al-Hayat Specialty Center.
• Al-Hayat Medical Center.

Abu Arish is the hometown of the Saudi Yarmouk Club, a third-division club that was established in 1390 AH. The city's stadiums include the Yarmouk Club Stadium and the Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Stadium, which is under the administration of the Ministry of Education.^[25]

Abu Arish is home to numerous mosques, the most notable of which are^[26][27]

• Al-Qebab Mosque.
• Al-Hokair Mosque.
• Al-Qaraawi Mosque.
• Al Taqwa Mosque.
• Mirabi Mosque.
• Rifaiya Mosque.

• S.I. Bruk, Narody Peredney Azii (1960).
• S.I. Bruk, and V. S. Apenchenko, Atlas Narodov Mira (Moscow: Academy of Science, 1964).
• A. Gabriel, Religionsgeographie von Persien (Vienna, 1971).

• Official website
• A travel through the province of Jizan, Splendid Arabia: A travel site with photos and routes

17°30′N 42°30′E / 17.500°N 42.500°E / 17.500; 42.500