What are the Regions of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 regions (manatiq), such as Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah and the Eastern Province. Each region is governed by an emir, often a member of the royal family, who is appointed by the king, and is divided into governorates. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 when Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the territories of Najd, Hejaz and surrounding areas. The current regional system was set up in 1992 by the Law of the Provinces, issued by King Fahd. It defined the 13 regions and their governing councils. Many regions follow historical areas, such as Asir in the southwest and Al-Jawf in the north.