The Prince of Jizan Province today received Jibril Busaili, whom the Saudi government described as the “Fatwa Commissioner for the Jizan region”.

Jizan is not known to have an indigenous Wahhabi population. Its local communities have historically followed Sunni and Zaidi traditions, while the few Wahhabis present in the region are largely believed to have been brought in from outside Jizan to serve in state institutions.

The appointment has raised questions over whether Riyadh is using official religious authority to promote Wahhabism in a region where the doctrine has no local roots.

Saudi state media said the Prince received a report from Busaili on his activities in “spreading religious awareness” across the region — language critics may view as part of a wider effort to introduce and impose Wahhabi teachings through the machinery of government.