Draft:Abu Arish

Main article: Jazan Province

Abu Arish
Abu Arish
Coordinates: 16°58′08″N 42°49′57″E
Country	Saudi Arabia
Governorate	Abu ʽArish
Province	Jazan Province
Government
• Governor	Mohammed bin Hadi Alshamrani:
• Prince	Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Time zone	UTC+3
Geocode	110619

Abu Arish is the capital and center of the Abu Arish Governorate in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It is situated to the east of the city of Jizan at the intersection of longitude 42.30 and latitude 16.30. The city of Abu Arish has been known since ancient times under the name Darb al-Naja. In the early seventh century AH, it served as the capital of Al-Mekhlaf Al-Sulaymani.

History

An 1866 map of the Arabian Peninsula by Alvin Johnson, showing the city of Abu Arish

Abu Arish is one of the historical cities known since the fourth century AH, as it is located on the pilgrims' route, and its origins and history can be recognized from the study of Al-Mekhlaf Al-Sulaymani by historian and writer Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Aqili. He stated that the area was initially inhabited by the Al-Hakami and Al-Jibril families and that it had been in existence for a much longer period of time, previously known as "Darb al-Naja." The city is of strategic location due to its role as a transportation hub, connecting numerous governorates via a network of regional roads. It is situated at a pivotal point between Ahad al Masarihah Governorate in the south, Damad Governorate in the north, Al Aridhah Governorate in the east, and Jazan Emirate in the west.

Name

Abu Arish was previously known as Darb al-Naja. The name Abu Arish was derived from a man who came for pilgrimage and passed through the village of Abu Arish at that time. Upon his return, he again passed through the village. He built a pergola (Arish in Arabic) made of wood and straw to educate the village's sons in the sciences of religion and jurisprudence. When visiting this jurist, one might say, "I am going to Abu Arish," meaning the owner of the arish which is how the village got its name.

Geography and demographics

Abu Arish is situated in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, to the east of Jizan, which serves as the administrative capital of the area.

Climate

The climate of Abu Arish is similar to that of the southwestern region of the Kingdom, as it is situated within this area. The climate is characterized by mild winters, with temperatures reaching 18 degrees Celsius, and a hot, humid summer, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. During the summer, monsoon winds and sandstorms are common, particularly in the afternoon and evening, and are called by the locals (Ghubra). On some days, the intensity of the winds increases, resulting in decreased visibility for several hours. This can lead to the formation of sand dunes, as well as irregular local winds that blow with great force for brief periods. These winds are characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and the presence of sand and dust clouds.

Humidity

The humidity level is 50% in the area west of the Jizan Valley Dam and decreases as we head east.

Precipitation

The precipitation occurs during the late summer and early fall months and is characterized by irregular patterns. In some years, there are heavy rainfall events that support agricultural activities, and the dam captures a significant portion of these precipitation levels. Conversely, in other years, there are minimal rainfall events that are insufficient for agricultural production.

Economy

The city of Abu Arish is distinguished by its geographical positioning, situated at the nexus of the region's principal urban centers. The local population is predominantly engaged in agricultural and commercial activities, with the city market serving as a pivotal economic hub within the region. The weekly market day occurs on Wednesdays, during which traders engage in commercial activities involving both regional and external markets. These activities encompass the import and export of various products. Each profession had its own market, with a sheikh responsible for the affairs of its affiliates. As the region developed, traditional trade methods underwent a transformation, with the advent of new professions and the decline of older ones. Many individuals sought employment with the government or pursued non-manual self-employment, while commercial complexes and integrated markets emerged.

Monuments and tourist attractions

• Dar al-Nasr Castle.
• Al Qubbab Mosque (Abu Arish).
• Wednesday Market (Souq al-Samil).
• Al-Asha roundabout.
• Al-Zahir.
• Al-Khazan Alshamly.
• Najran is a site of archaeological significance that has been largely overlooked and is now the location of the Al-Hassan ibn Al-Haytham School.

Local market

The Abu Arish popular market is a significant commercial hub within the city. It is also known as the Robua Market and the Samil Market. It is a traditional market that has been in operation for an extended period, attracting a considerable number of individuals from various villages within the Abu Arish Governorate on a weekly basis to engage in commercial activities. The market displays a variety of traditional household items, including crockery, tools crafted from palm fronds, textiles utilized for clothing, agricultural implements, and animals. The market, which still exists today every Wednesday, is an ancient gathering place for the people of Abu Arish and its surroundings.

Neighborhoods of Abu Arish

• King Fahd
• Al-Khalidiya
• Al-Andalus
• Al-Naseem
• Al-Rawda
• Al-Salam
• Al-Quds
• Al-Nahda
• Al-Safa
• Al-Ward
• Al-Zuhur
• Al-Nuzha
• Qanborah
• Al-Rabea
• Al-Bahakla

Infrastructure

Education

The city of Abu Arish has been known for study circles since old times, as circles were held in the city's mosques to teach the Qur'an and Hadith. From it's notable scholars include Abdullah ibn Ali al-Amoudi and his son, Saleh ibn Abdullah al-Amoudi, as well as Abdullah Adam, Muhammad Zakri, and Musa al-Manqari. Subsequently, Abdullah Al-Qaraawi's educational institutions were established, and over time, conventional schools proliferated, reaching a total of 65 schools for girls and approximately 66 schools for boys.

Faculties and institutes

• The College of Shari'ah and Law is affiliated with Jazan University.
• The College of Arts and Humanities is affiliated with Jazan University.
• Community College for Girls is affiliated with Jazan University.
• Technical College for Girls in Jazan.
• Manahil Knowledge Institute for Women's Education and Training.
• Maharat Institute - Jazan Contractors Alliance for Training and Employment.

Healthcare

Abu Arish City is home to a 150-bed public hospital that offers a range of medical specialties, in addition to two primary care centers. Among the most prominent hospitals located within the city:

• Abu Arish General Hospital.
• Chest Diseases Hospital.
• Jarash Medical Hospital.
• Safwa Dental Clinic.
• Al-Salama dispensary.
• Almariya Medical Center.
• Al-Hakami Medical Complex.
• Dr. Daifallah Daqdaki Center.
• Al-Hayat Specialty Center.
• Al-Hayat Medical Center.

Sports

Abu Arish is the hometown of the Saudi Yarmouk Club, a third-division club that was established in 1390 AH. The city's stadiums include the Yarmouk Club Stadium and the Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Stadium, which is under the administration of the Ministry of Education.

Popular mosques

Abu Arish is home to numerous mosques, the most notable of which are

• Al-Qebab Mosque.
• Al-Hokair Mosque.
• Al-Qaraawi Mosque.
• Al Taqwa Mosque.
• Mirabi Mosque.
• Rifaiya Mosque.