In the southwest region of Saudi Arabia lies a port city with a natural diversity unparalleled in those parts. Rugged mountains, fertile plains, serene sea waters, and lush green forests beckon tourists with a keen eye for nature’s splendid offerings.
Situated along the Red Sea, some 700 kms from the Western city of Jeddah, Jizan is just a hop across to Farsan Island, a protected area where wildlife thrives. The island is home to the Arabian gazelle and host to a range of migratory birds flying in from as far as Europe. The island waters are also rich in marine life. Take a boat from the Jizan Port and you’ll be there after a 50-km ride for a marvelous diving experience, or simply taxi around for a rich feast of archaeological sites and ancient structures.
The Faifa Mountain range has brilliantly formed rocks down the centuries, and a spread of greenery across vast meadows. The Valley of Qaa, abounding in forested trees, is the green belt of the mountain region. Karthah, Thwayei, and Al-Abseyah are all mountainous regions worth a visit. The Alhazoun district is where you’ll find forest land, a rural, rustic setting not to be missed.
Other names to look for are Buqaat Al-Farar, Buqaat Marouh, Al-Makhafa, Shat Al-Sabaya and Al-Absiyah Fortress. And since farming is an important occupation for the local populace look out for fresh produce – grapes, oranges, lemon and much, much more. Jizan is also an important center for milk and honey produce.
Archeological sites in Jizan go back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages; besides one can find age-old inscriptions and antiquities of the early Islamic period. Ancient castles and watch towers add to the archeological variety.
The weather in Jizan could be rather hot in summer, but gets mild in winter, with the average year’s temperature around 24 degrees Celsius. Come rainfall and it’s time for waterfalls, a sight rarely seen elsewhere in the region. There’s even more for nature lovers: hot springs in Damad, which is reported to have therapeutic waters.
Jizan province is well known for its mineral deposits. You’ll find several cement factories, besides metal and plastics industries in the region. Jizan City, in fact, is far from the fishing town it once was. Its close proximity to Jizan Port has made it a thriving industrial center, with the first phase of a new industrial city set up some four years ago.
Considering the ‘ancient’ image of Jizan City, it may come as a surprise to many that the upcoming Jizan Economic City will focus on ultramodern energy and labor-intensive industries. Take the project components and you’d realize the kind of metamorphosis the region is witnessing: an industrial park, fisheries and agricultural packaging and distribution, a business and cultural center and a health and education areas.
But then, in the midst of this sea of development, Jizan still preserves its rustic charm, with traditional souks and old-school boat-builders. Located on a nostalgia-laden route where ancient caravans rolled, the province still echoes the memories of the famous poets and scholars of the region.
Which brings us to where we began – the Farsan Island. You will sense the past reverberating across the island, with antiquities dating back to the Ottoman period and earlier. Do not miss the Ottoman mosque, distinctly decorated with striking designs, highlighting the artistic acumen of the island’s ancient inhabitants. You will also find uniquely shaped circular and rectangular buildings at the Wadi Matar on the island.
Jizan has a modern airport serviced by Saudi Arabian Airlines, connecting the major cities of Saudi Arabia.

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