Al-Hijarah Governorate

Al-Hijarah Governorate is one of the governorates in al-Bahah Province, located in the southwestern of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the least populated governorate in the province, home to only 3.6 percent of al-Bahah Province population, with an estimated 12,136 residents according to the 2022 Saudi census.

Situated about forty-five km from al-Bahah City, the seat of the emirate, it is bordered to the north and west by the administrative boundaries of Makkah al-Mukarramah Province, to the east by al-Mandaq Governorate, and to the south by Qilwah Governorate. The terrain varies from mountains and valleys to flat lands leading to the Red Sea coast.

The total area of al-Hijarah Governorate, including its administrative centers, is approximately 35,000 km. The governorate comprises four administrative centers: Jarda'a Bani Ali Center, established in 1979, is located in the eastern part of the governorate and connects al-Hijarah Governorate with al-Bahah Province via Aqabat Dhi Mana'a road. It includes forty-three villages. Al-Jareen Center, established in 1985, serves as the western gateway to the governorate and marks the end of al-Bahah Province's boundaries with Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. It encompasses forty-six villages. Wadi Rama Center, established in 2008, is located between Jarda'a Bani Ali and al-Shu’ara Center and comprises fifty-three villages. Al-Jareen Center, established in 1985, is the western gateway to the governorate and marks the end of al-Bahah Province's borders with the administrative boundaries of Makkah al-Mukarramah Province. It encompasses forty-six villages.

The governorate hosts the Sunday Local Market, a commercial gathering point for the Tihama sector within and outside the province. Tourist attractions and historical sites include: Al-Hijarah General Park, Fadalah Historical Village, al-Kaff Village, Mutair al-Eish Heritage Village in Jarda'a Bani Ali Center, and al-Hijarah Old Market.

Al-Hijarah is known for its fertile agricultural land, relying on rainwater for irrigation. Crops grown include: corn, millet, sesame, watermelon, and melon.

The secondary road 4030 passes through al-Hijarah Governorate, serving as the main transport link for access and mobility. The residents and visitors of the governorate use King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport in al-Bahah, the nearest airport located 134 km away. This local airport is undergoing development to increase its capacity to about one million passengers annually.