| Jazan | |
| Native Name: | جازان |
| Native Name Lang: | ar |
| Settlement Type: | province |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  Saudi Arabia |
| Seat Type: | Capital |
| Seat: | Jazan |
| Parts Style: | para |
| P1: | 14 |
| Area Total Km2: | 13,457 |
| Population As Of: | 2022 Census |
| Population Total: | 1404997 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Postal Code Type: | ISO 3166-2 |
| Postal Code: | 09 |
| Leader Title1: | Governor |
| Leader Name1: | Prince Muhammad bin Nasser |
| Leader Title2: | Deputy Governor |
| Leader Name2: | Muhammad bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Saud |
Jazan Province, also spelled Jizan (Arabic: جيزان|Jīzān) is the second smallest (after Al-Bahah) province of Saudi Arabia. It stretches 300km (200miles) 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.
Though the climate on the highlands is similar to the relatively wetter climate of 'Asir, 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.
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:[4] [5]
| Abu Arish | Arabic: أبو عريش | 123,943 | 196,462 | 187,060 | ||
| Ad-Dayir | Arabic: الدائر | 49,239 | 58,325 | 47,424 | ||
| Ad-Darb | Arabic: الدرب | 52,062 | 70,740 | 68,965 | ||
| Ahad Al-Masarihah | Arabic: أحد المسارحة | 70,038 | 109,866 | 130,545 | ||
| Al-Ardah | Arabic: العارضة | 62,841 | 76,033 | 79,730 | ||
| Al-Aydabi | Arabic: العيدابي | 52,515 | 61,043 | 32,940 | ||
| Al-Harth | Arabic: الحرث | 47,073 | 23,496 | 11,561 | ||
| Al-Raith | Arabic: الريث | 13,406 | 19,022 | 16,877 | ||
| Bish | Arabic: بيش | 58,269 | 77,406 | 86,996 | ||
| Damad | Arabic: ضمد | 62,366 | 71,256 | 64,136 | ||
| Farasan | Arabic: فرسان | 13,962 | 18,015 | 13,529 | ||
| Jazan | Arabic: جازان | 255,340 | 163,703 | 200,911 | ||
| Sabya | Arabic: صبياء | 198,086 | 227,519 | 223,083 | ||
| Samtah | Arabic: 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.[6]
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.[7]
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, Asir and Najran. The border guards allegedly also used explosive weapons.[8] [9]
See main article: Abu ʽArish. 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.[10] In the early seventh century AH, it served as the capital of Al-Mekhlaf Al-Sulaymani.[11]
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.[12]
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).[13] 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.[14]
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.[15]
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.[16]
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.[19]
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.[21]
Source:[22]
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:[23]
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.[24]
Abu Arish is home to numerous mosques, the most notable of which are[25] [26]