Jizan is
located in southwestern
Saudi Arabia, Jizan covers an area of 40,000 square kilometers, including some 5,000
villages and cities. The city of Jizan is situated on the Red Sea coast. Attached to it
are 100 islands, including the important island of Farasan. Jizan is the third most
important seaport on the Red Sea. The area's tourist landmarks include: Buqa'at Al
Farar, Buqa'at Marouh, Buqa'at Heran, Al Meriah and Al Makhafa in addition to the Al
Absiyah Fortress antiquities and the agricultural plateaus of Shat Al Sabaya.
The region's historical cities include: Asir city, Qalaat Abi Arish, Upper Jizan, Jabal
Jahfan and Qalaat Alasilki, which was formerly the headquarters of Turkish rulers.
A visit to the Jizan region must include the Farasan islands in the Red Sea, which form
an archipelago with nearby pearl-rich islands. These islands are situated in the
southeastern part of the Red Sea and to the southwest of Jizan city.
Farasan island itself is surrounded by some 90 islands to which thousands of birds
migrate annually from Europe and other parts of the world. Gazelles are also found in
large numbers in these islands.
Located on an ancient caravan route, Jizan city is currently witnessing tremendous
economic, educational, cultural and healthcare development. It is famous for its scholars,
poets and men of letters and is the headquarters of the Governor, local councils and
branches of governmental departments.
