A sizeable part of the Mahrah population does not speak Arabic as their primary language. Non-Arabic-speakers primarily speak Mehri or Mahri, which is a Modern South Arabian language, similar to the adjacent Dhofar Governorate of Oman. The people that speak Mahri call themselves 'Mahris', and are presumed to be descendants of the ancient people of 'Ad.
Geography
The geography of Al-Mahrah is similar to that of neighboring Dhofar in Oman. Rigid peaks rising to around, and the Empty Quarter Desert lies to the north. Along its coast near the border with Oman, Al Mahrah is affected by the seasonal monsoon, or Khareef. The mountains become water-soaked and the atmosphere becomes moist and foggy as vegetation turns the barren coast into lush valleys and forests. Hauf National Park is located in Al-Mahrah.
The governorate has remained out of sight of the civil war in Yemen which began in 2014. On 10 September 2016, Three militants in the Al Mahrah governorate declared the formation of a new wilayat belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant via Social Media. Official ISIL media did not acknowledge the declaration. From 2015 to late 2017, Al Mahrah was under the control of the Yemeni 123rd and 137th Mechanized Brigades. From mid-November 2017 onwards, Saudi Arabia began increasing its presence in the governorate, taking control of facilities, Nishtun port, the Sarfit, and Shehen border crossings, and al-Gaydah Airport while establishing military outposts around key infrastructure and coastal areas. On 27 November 2017, Mohammed Abdullah Kuddah, the Governor of Mahra, was replaced by Rajeh Said Bakrit, following his objections against Saudi influence. In 2018, protests erupted in Mahra due to the perceived Saudi occupation. Protests turned into violence in February 2020, as the Saudi forces tried to enforce their control of a seaport in the governate, triggering the anger of local tribes. Saudi airstrikes against the tribes were reported by Yemeni al-Masirah News.
Districts
The Al Mahrah Governorate is divided into ten separate districts. These districts are further divided into sub-districts and then into villages.
