The Regions' System issued on 27 Shaaban 1412H. divided the emirate of Jazan into 13 governorates and 31 centres 25 of them are A category and 6 are B category; whereas there are 10 governorates, which are B category— Al-Raith, Baish, Damad, Farasan, Ahad-al-Masarha, Al-Harth, Al-Ardah, Al-Qeiyas, Al-Aidabi and Al-Dai'yer.
Following are some of the governorates:
Abu Areesh:
Abu Areesh is an historical city that has been known since the fourth hijri century. It was the route of pilgrims. Abu Areesh is gaining great importance because it is a link for many provinces through regional roads network. It is located in the centre bordering Ohud in the south; Subya in the north; Al-Ardah in the east; and the emirate of Jazan from west.
Subya:
Subya is located on the plain that extends from Al-Sarwatt mountains in the east; and eastern shores of the Red Sea in the west. Subya is one of the towns of the region in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, 40 kilometres northeast of Jazan city.
Samta:
Samta is characterised by its distinctive geographical location on the southern west route of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the gates to Saudi Arabia from the south where it borders Al-Tuwal Center from the south; Al-Gefl Centre from the east; the Red Sea from the west; and Ahad-al-Masarha from the north.
Ahad-al-Masarha:
Ahad-al-Masarha has been a trade centre for the surrounding villages since 1054H, according to historian Mohamed bin Ahmad Al-Aqili. When Saudi Arabia became united, Ahad-al-Masarha became administrative capital for more than 150 villages; the governorate gained its importance because it is located among the governorates of the region. The estimated age of the market in Ahad-al-Masarha is said to be 306 years. Ahad-al-Masarha is located between Al-Harth governorate in the east; Al-Hakemiyya Centre in the west; Samta governorate in the south; and Abu Areesh in the north.
Baish:
Baish was named Um-ul-Khashab in the ancient times because of its large number of trees from which timber (Arabic Khashab) manufactured. Baish is a promising tourism site that enjoys beautiful coast. The coast is evergreen, which attracts tourists and visitors to the governorate.
Al-Ardah:
Al-Ardah governorate is located southeast of Jazan. It includes many centres such as Al-Casaba, Al-Humera Center, etc.