Jizan is the only region in the Kingdom that can boast of having mountains, plains and the sea. Located in the deep western South of Saudi Arabia, the city is part of a massive 3,500 km area along the border with Yemen. Endowed with fertile soil and abundant rains, the area offers a refreshing view of green pastures and farms providing a range of different vegetables and fruits to the rest of the country. It has traditionally been known as “the food basket of the Kingdom” due to the range of produce that grows there, including cereals, mangoes, tomatoes, okra, cane, as well as aromatic flowers and plants like jasmine, kadi, and basil. Due to the diverse climate in Jizan, each province has its own special produce. The Fifa mountains, for instance, where pomegranates and jasmine are found in abundance. Abu Arish, the city famous for mangoes, has a number of farms specializing solely in the harvest of mangoes. In fact, it has become an important source of livelihood for some Saudi families. Mango season starts in April. “Mango trees are a good investment. Mango sells at a good price every single year for 50 riyals per carton and every carton has five kilos of mangoes,” explained Ali Arshi, a resident of the area who grows and harvests mangoes in his farm. Such is the popularity of mangoes as an investment option that Prince Mohammed Bin Naser Bin Abdul Aziz, the Emir of Jizan has ordered to establish a special market during the mango season as both a tourist attraction and an opportunity for traders to get together. Ahad Al-Masarehah has similarly become one of the most important sources for jasmine in the Kingdom. The jasmine is planted widely during summer along with a large variety of roses. The abundance of flowers is mirrored in the culture of Jizan with flowers playing a pivotal role in celebrations and especially weddings. “Jasmine is one of the main adornments that the bride must wear on her wedding day since it is part of our traditions in Jizan,” explained Fatemah Yousef, a resident of Ahad Al-Masarehah. “Not wearing any jasmine adornments gives the message that she does not respect our traditions.” Headdresses and necklaces are made from jasmine and used to cover the bride's hair and neck, as well as earrings made from the buds. In terms of nature, Jizan also has a great deal to offer. Al-Dayer, Bani Malek and the Ayban mountains offer refreshing scenes of greenery and the abundance of rose bushes offer visitors a haven of aromatic peace, particularly because the area is more than 7,000 feet about sea level. “When the holiday comes, I usually take my family to Ayban mountains to enjoy the cool weather and naturally beautiful scenery,” remarked Yousef Al-Hazzazy to Saudi Gazette. He added that the cereal farms in the area are also a treat to visit because of the beautiful atmosphere at the farms where crops grow from seven to 10 feet tall. An English teacher from Ahad Al-Masarehah, Ahmed Hakamey, told Saudi Gazette that he frequented these cereal farms to practice yoga during the holidays because of the relaxing atmosphere there. Jizan's abundance of nature makes it a natural destination for people from all walks of life to derive inspiration and peace. Indeed, we only need nature as flowers need water.
