A name from an inscription
Jazan is the administrative capital of Jazan region, on the Red Sea coast in its west, with Sabya to the north, Ahad Al-Masarihah to the south and Abu Arish to the east. Its name refers to a valley, and its earliest known mention, "Jzan", appears in a Musnad inscription. Under the Idrisids the name became tied to the coastal city, which began as a regional port.
The 2022 census counted 200,911 residents. On 21 October 1926 the Treaty of Makkah was signed between King Abdulaziz and Al-Hassan Al-Idrisi, and in 1930 Al-Idrisi ceded rule.
Port and corniche
The Port of Jazan opened in 1976 and has 12 berths; it is the Kingdom's largest port for cattle imports from the Horn of Africa. The city is also the crossing point for the Farasan Islands.
The North Corniche Park covers about one million square metres, with a 450 m Cultural Street, footpaths, cafés and event spaces. In winter the Jazan Winter Festival brings folk shows and the crafts of farming, fishing, diving and pearl trading, and the city also holds festivals for mango and for jasmine and aromatic plants.
Above the old town
On a hill in the city centre, about 250 m above sea level, Al-Dosariyah Castle looks over the port. On the southern corniche, the Jazan Heritage Village recreates mountain, mud-hut and Farasani houses across 22,000 m².