Mahayil Aseer Governorate
Mahayil Aseer Governorate (Muẖāyil ʻAsīr) is one of the governorates of Aseer Province, southwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is about eighty km away from the city of Abha, the emirate's province headquarters. Extending over an area of more than twenty thousand km, it is home to more than eight hundred villages and towns. It is inhabited by 230,537 people, according to the Saudi Census 2022.
Centers
Based on the level of civil services in the governorate, Mahayil Aseer is classified as a Category (A) governorate. Administratively, ten administrative centers report to it: four are Category "A" and six are Category "B". They are:
| Center | Category |
|---|---|
| Qana | A |
| Bahr Abu Sukaynah | A |
| Tihamat Ballasmar and Ballahmar | A |
| Al-Sa'idah | A |
| Khalal | B |
| Humaid Al-Alaya | B |
| Khaym | B |
| Habtan | B |
| Wadi Tayyah | B |
| Al-Salam | B |
Climate
The governorate is about seventy km away from the Red Sea coast. Its climate is hot in summer, with temperatures reaching forty-five °C, and is moderate in winter. The average annual rainfall is thirty mm, with humidity levels reaching 18 percent.
Mahayil Aseer Governorate is the main winter destination for the residents of Aseer Province, due to its warm climate in winter and its location in the middle of the roads linking it to Abha and Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
Agriculture and valleys
Agriculture is widespread in Mahayil Aseer Governorate. It relies on rainwater, seasonal torrents, and groundwater wells. Historically, it was famous for cultivating grains such as millet, bajida, bayda, and sesame. Today, it excels in growing vegetables, fruits, and citrus, and has become a key supplier for local markets across Saudi Arabia's regions.
The governorate of Mahayil Aseer features several valleys, such as Wadi Hali, Wadi Raala, and Wadi Murrah. Moreover, a number of parks are also located in it, such as: Al-Hilah, Hulwah, Al-Hawiyah, Jabal Hada, and Durm.
Markets
The traditional Saturday market is one of the most prominent markets in Mahayil Aseer Governorate. It is no longer limited to Saturdays, as it is open daily now. Other markets in the governorate include: The Monday market in Qana, the Thursday market in Bahr Abu Sukaynah, and the Khamis Mutair market.