The difference between a governorate and a province in Saudi Arabia comes down to rank. The Kingdom is divided administratively into provinces, and governorates sit beneath them. A province is the supreme administrative authority in its area; a governorate is a smaller unit linked to the province’s governor.
What a province is
Each province has an administrative capital that acts as the basic unit of government and hosts the seat of the emirate. The Kingdom administers thirteen provinces, each operating within a defined geographical scope.
The full list runs: Riyadh, Makkah al-Mukarramah, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Qassim, Eastern Province, Aseer, al-Bahah, Jazan, Najran, Hail, al-Jawf, Tabuk, and the Northern Borders Province. Detailed profiles are available for Makkah al-Mukarramah Province and al-Jawf Province.
The difference between a governorate and a province in practice
Governorates are administrative units smaller than provinces and tied to the province governor. They are classified into categories A and B, and they are administered by Royal Decree following a recommendation from the Minister of Interior.
In total the Kingdom includes 135 governorates. Riyadh holds the largest number at twenty-two, while al-Jawf has only three. That spread reflects population and geography rather than any difference in legal status.
Examples of governorates
Individual governorates vary widely in character. Diriyah carries deep historical weight in the Riyadh region, Khamis Mushait is a major urban center in Aseer, Ras Tanura is central to the energy sector in the Eastern Province, and Afif sits along the route west from Riyadh.
Why the distinction matters
Knowing which level you are dealing with helps when reading official announcements, addresses, and service coverage. Provincial emirates handle regional coordination; governorates deliver administration closer to residents. Postal and address systems follow the same hierarchy, which is why our postal code list is organized by region and city.
Key takeaways
- Saudi Arabia has thirteen provinces and 135 governorates.
- Provinces are the supreme administrative authority; governorates sit under the province governor.
- Governorates are classified as category A or B and established by Royal Decree.
- Riyadh has the most governorates at twenty-two; al-Jawf has three.
Frequently asked questions
How many provinces does Saudi Arabia have?
Thirteen, each with an administrative capital that hosts the seat of the emirate.
How many governorates are there?
135 in total, spread unevenly across the provinces.
Who recommends creating a governorate?
The Minister of Interior, with the governorate then established by Royal Decree.
What are categories A and B?
They are the two classifications used for governorates, reflecting their administrative weight within the province.
The bottom line
Province first, governorate second, with the Minister of Interior recommending how the map is drawn. Administrative references are published by the Ministry of Interior.
