Fayfa Governorate

Fayfa Governorate is one of the provinces in the Jazan Province in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It is the fourth smallest province in terms of population, with only 1.4 percent of the population of the Jazan Province residing there. The estimated population is 19,346, according to the Saudi Census 2022.

Fayfa is a mountainous governorate situated within the highest range of Jazan Province on the western slopes of Sarawat Mountains. It is located 120 km northeast of Jazan, the capital of the Emirate, at an elevation of over 1,800 m above sea level.

The inhabitants of the Fayfa mountains are deeply connected to their mountainous environment, where they have lived for generations throughout history. They have a distinct dialect that is only understood by them and cannot be spoken by others. Researchers have found that most of the vocabulary in this dialect belongs to ancient Arabic. Still, it has been influenced by the ancient Himyaritic language they used to speak. 

The people of Fayfa rely on agriculture and livestock farming for income. The governorate is characterized by dense and diverse vegetation, with old trees and aromatic plants. Various fragrant trees, grains, vegetables, and fruits are cultivated, including quince, grapes, lemon, guava, and tamarind. Beekeeping is also practiced, and Fayfa Mountains are renowned for their high-quality honey products, including sidr, qatad, and samrah honey. The residents have been known since ancient times for cultivating coffee known for its high quality.  

Fayfa Governorate has witnessed numerous development projects, services, and infrastructure initiatives, including the transportation sector. The residents and visitors of the governorate utilize King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan, the closest airport to Fayfa, located ninety-five km away. It is a regional airport that can accommodate around nine hundred thousand passengers annually. 

The governorate is also connected to  neighboring governorates through a network of roads, including Sabya-Aidabi Road, which links coastal regions with prominent mountainous provinces. There is also the Fayfa-Aidabi-Dayer Road which serves a large population sector in Jazan. Additionally, there is Haqo-Fayfa Road. 

The abundance of mountainous sites in Fayfa Governorate has earned it the reputation of being the land of hanging gardens. Like other mountainous provinces in the Jazan Province, Fayfa experiences cool weather during winter and a moderate climate in summer, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors. 

The majority of the terrain in Fayfa Governorate consists of mountainous areas known for their parks and high peaks. The most famous ones include al-Absiyah, al-Laghthah, al-Kidrah, Buqat al-Washl, al-Sarah, Qarda, and al-Samaa', one of the most beautiful sites in the Fayfa Mountains. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque al-Adhr area, as well as Nufay‘ah, Wadi al-Hajuri, and Al-Dafrah, while also witnessing the neighboring mountains, plains, and cities such as Jazan, Sabya, Abu Arish, Wadi Jazan dam, al-Ardah, and others.    

Another notable mountain in the province is Jabal al-Abasiyah, the highest peak in Fayfa Mountains, offering breathtaking views and vibrant green slopes in all directions. The Khutam site, located in the Hidan area, provides a vantage point to observe the Balghazi Mountains, terraces, and farms. 

The history of Fayfa Governorate dates back to ancient times, and the governorate has long been known for its distinct architectural style, characterized by cylindrical stone houses. These houses varied between regular houses, castles, and fortresses, with over five hundred stone houses still standing today, bearing witness to the history and civilization built by ancestors.  

Fayfa Museum houses numerous historical artifacts from the governorate and other mountainous governorates in Jazan Province. The museum's owner, Hussein bin Yahya al-Fifi, spent nearly thirty years collecting over two thousand heritage pieces depicting the lives of the ancient inhabitants. These artifacts include farming tools, harvesting and cooking utensils, coffee preparation equipment, leather crafts, ancient weapons, weighing instruments, traditional clothing, and ancient women's jewelry.    

Tourists and visitors to Fayfa Governorate can witness its heritage in al-Nufay'ah Market, one of the oldest markets in the governorate, which still maintains its traditional character and simplicity with its ancient mountainous heritage exhibits. There is also the Haqo Fayfa Market, constructed by the governorate's commune, showcasing a modern architectural and service style, providing municipal services to market-goers and the spacious popular squares where the governorate's events and celebrations take place on festive occasions.