Al Dayer
Governorate in Jizan, Saudi Arabia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Al Dayer (Arabic: الدائر), also known locally as Ad-Dayer Bani Malik, is one of the governorates in the Jizan Province of southwestern Saudi Arabia.[1][2] It is known for its rugged mountainous terrain and is considered a significant tourist and heritage destination in the region, famous for its ancient stone castles and agricultural terraces that produce Khawlani coffee.
Saudi ArabiaAl Dayer Governorate
محافظة الدائر Ad-Dayer Bani Malik | |
|---|---|
The mountainous nature of Al Dayer Governorate | |
  Al Dayer Governorate Location in Saudi Arabia | |
| Coordinates: 17°18′41″N 43°07′37″E | |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Region | Jizan |
| Population (2022) | |
• Total | 47,424 |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (AST) |
Geography
Al Dayer is located in the eastern part of the Jazan region, situated within the Sarawat Mountains. It is bordered to the north by Wadi Al-Hayat in the Asir Region and the Harub mountains, to the east by the Al-Rabu'ah center, to the west and southwest by the Al Idabi and Faifa governorates, and to the south by the Saudi-Yemeni border.
The governorate includes several high peaks, most notably Mount Tallan (Jabal Tallan), which is one of the highest peaks in the Jazan region with an elevation exceeding 2,200 meters above sea level. Al Dayer's climate is hot in summer and cold in winter. The summer temperature reaches 40 Celsius, while in the winter it drops to 10 Celsius in the highlands.
Demographics
According to the 2022 Saudi census, the population of Al Dayer governorate is approximately 47,424. The governorate is predominantly inhabited by the Khawlani Bani Malik tribes, who have settled in these mountains for centuries, traditionally working in agriculture, herding, and the construction of stone forts.
History and heritage
Al Dayer governorate holds a significant historical legacy, featuring one of the largest concentrations of stone castles and forts in the world. It contains over 400 ancient villages and forts, some of which are hundreds of years old.
These castles are characterized by their unique geometric designs, typically circular or square, and reach heights of up to seven or ten stories. Built from mountain rocks and perennial trees, they were historically used for residential, security, and agricultural storage purposes. Some of the most notable villages and forts include:
- Qayar Village
- Al-Thahir Fort (Husaybah)
- Al-Mawfa Castle
- Al-Musayjid Village
- Al-Walajah Village
Agriculture and economy
Historically, Al Dayer has relied on terrace agriculture, where residents adapted the steep mountains into fertile agricultural terraces. The governorate is considered the "Coffee Capital" of Saudi Arabia, leading the production of high-quality Khawlani coffee, which has been registered on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In addition to coffee, other crops such as corn, millet, bananas, and aromatic plants are grown in the governorate.
Tourism
The governorate possesses diverse tourism potential, combining heritage and nature:
- Al-Ain Al-Harah: Located in Wadi Damad, it is a flowing hot spring with water temperatures reaching around 90 degrees Celsius, featuring pools equipped for therapeutic bathing.
- Wadi Dafa: A valley known for its permanent greenery and flowing waters.
- Muhad: A volcanic formation and mountain gorge intersecting the course of Wadi Damad, featuring large waterfalls and unique rock formations.
- Mount Tallan Peak: The primary viewpoint in the governorate, offering a panoramic view of the entire region.