Regions of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is divided into thirteen administrative regions, from the vast Eastern Province to the mountainous south-west, each with its own capital and governor.
Overview
Saudi Arabia is divided into thirteen administrative regions (Arabic: مناطق, manatiq). Each region is headed by a governor appointed by the King and is further divided into governorates.
The regions
The regions are Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, the Eastern Province, Asir, Tabuk, Al-Qassim, Hail, Jazan, Najran, the Northern Borders, Al-Bahah and Al-Jawf.
Largest and smallest
The Eastern Province is the largest by area, covering the Gulf coast and its hinterland, while Jazan is the smallest. Riyadh Province is the most populous, containing the national capital.
Administration
Each region has a capital city and is administered by a governor and a regional council. The system was established in its modern form in the 1990s.
References
- Administrative divisions of Saudi Arabia \u2014 Encyclopaedia Britannica (accessed 5 October 2026)
- Regions of the Kingdom \u2014 Saudi Ministry of Interior (accessed 5 October 2026)
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