Al Qunfudhah Governorate

Al Qunfudhah Governorate is one of the governorates of Makkah Region, and Wadi Hali lies in its southern part, one of the region's valleys with environmental and agricultural potential.[1] The governorate holds historic and heritage landmarks, among them a mill on its coast that is more than two centuries old, and the Bani Isa popular market in Sabt Al-Jarah, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the governorate.[2][3]

The governorate's economy rests on agriculture, above all mangoes, as it is among the highest-producing governorates for mangoes in the Kingdom, alongside coastal tourism growth that receives cruise passengers on the Red Sea.[4][7]

Al Qunfudhah Governorate lies in Makkah Region, and Wadi Hali runs through its southern part; the valley extends between the mountain highlands to the east and the coastal plains to the west, a setting that brings together farmland, trees and wild plants.[1]

The historic mill on the coast of Al Qunfudhah Governorate is an architectural landmark more than two centuries old, and it reflects the features of traditional architecture in the governorate.[2]

The mill was built with a cylindrical form about seven metres in diameter and nearly seven metres high, with walls around one metre thick, and its construction relied on local sea stone known as "Al-Satayihi sea stone".[2]

The Bani Isa popular market is held in Sabt Al-Jarah, 40 kilometres east of Al Qunfudhah Governorate, and it is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the governorate.[3] The market runs after the Friday prayer until the end of Saturday every week.[3]

Mangoes are the most prominent crop of Al Qunfudhah Governorate: the number of mango farms exceeds 4 thousand farms with an annual production of more than 52,000 tons, and a number of its farmers own more than half a million mango trees, with a harvest season extending over more than three months.[4] The governorate is among the highest-producing governorates for mangoes in the Kingdom, alongside Jazan Region, which leads production at the regional level.[4]

Mango cultivation in Al Qunfudhah goes back more than fifty years, and it developed with government support until it became one of the economically viable seasonal crops.[4] The governorate has held 14 mango festivals since 1431 AH, which have contributed to supporting farmers and marketing their products.[4]

The fifteenth Mango Festival sets off in the public park in the governorate for three days from 02 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (19 April 2026 CE), under the patronage of the Emir of Makkah Region, and its activities were inaugurated on 06 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (23 April 2026 CE).[4][5]

In Kananah Centre, a project to cultivate papaya was carried out in two phases over an area of about 80,000 square metres, its first phase completed by planting more than 20,000 seedlings.[6]

The trial launch of "Saba" Beach was announced on Jabal Al-Sabaya Island, which was developed to become an exclusive destination for receiving tourist ships on the Red Sea; the island began officially receiving cruise passengers in December 2024, and it lies 220 nautical miles from Jeddah.[7]

An investment opportunity was offered to develop and operate Wadi Hali Park in Al Qunfudhah Governorate, over an area exceeding 656,000 square metres and with an investment term of up to 25 years.[8]

Wadi Hali is marked by its geographical diversity, and farms producing grains, vegetables and fruit are spread through it, above all date palms and mangoes.[1]

A dam bearing the valley's name stands on it; the release of the water stored in it began on 1 October 2025 CE, estimated at 40 million cubic metres over a period of 46 days, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the governorate.[9]

The project to develop the Al Qunfudhah-Sabt Al-Jarah road, which links Makkah Region and Asir, was completed over a length of 8 kilometres, and its completion was announced on 04 Rabi' al-Awwal 1446 AH (07 September 2024 CE).[10]

Q: Where is Al Qunfudhah Governorate located? A: In Makkah Region, and Wadi Hali lies in its southern part, extending between the mountain highlands to the east and the coastal plains to the west.[1]

Q: What are the most prominent historic and heritage landmarks in the governorate? A: The historic mill on its coast, more than two centuries old, and the Bani Isa popular market in Sabt Al-Jarah.[2][3]

Q: What are the best-known crops of Al Qunfudhah Governorate? A: Mangoes, with more than 4 thousand farms and an annual production of more than 52,000 tons.[4]

Q: What are the most prominent tourist destinations in the governorate? A: Jabal Al-Sabaya Island and "Saba" Beach on the Red Sea, and Wadi Hali Park.[7][8]

Q: What are the most prominent road and irrigation projects in the governorate? A: The development of the Al Qunfudhah-Sabt Al-Jarah road over a length of 8 kilometres, and the release of water from the Wadi Hali dam at a volume of 40 million cubic metres over 46 days.[9][10]

Al Qunfudhah Governorate combines a heritage legacy led by the Bani Isa popular market and the historic mill, agricultural activity based on mangoes, coastal destinations on the Red Sea, and road and irrigation projects.[1][3][4][7][9][10]

Related topics on the platform include the Agricultural Development Fund.