Zahranites or zahrani community is (Arabic: زهران) a tribe known for its courageousness and generosity among the Arabs. Along with other Arabian tribes, it is regarded to be of the very few original inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. Along with other few tribes, it's regarded to be one of the five largest tribes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with Ghamid, Otaibah, Harb, and Qahtan.
Al Baha, (known historically as the 'garden of Hijaz') is the absolute home land of two big tribes: Ghamid and Zahran. Large numbers however, currently live in western Saudi Arabia (mainly in Mecca and Jeddah) due to large migration from villages and small cities during the 1960s and 70's in search of a better life. The Kingdom saw mass migration from villages to urban areas in those years, mainly because of the large oil revenues the Kingdom was benefiting from which created infinite job opportunities.
Although the vast majority of the Zahrani tribe are of Saudi nationals, according to the American Heritage Dictionary Zahranites can be found in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. In fact, a large area in southern Lebanon is known as 'Deir Al-zahrani' meaning 'the homes of zahranites - (Arabic: ديار الزهراني).
It is believed that the migration to "Greater Syria" traditional Arabic term Bilad al-Sham (Arabic: بلاد الشام, also transliterated bilad-ush-sham etc.) occurred because of harsh weather conditions and very little food resources.
Zahran families are also found throughout Egypt in Alexandria, Menoufia, Cairo, Menia, Assiut and other cities of Egypt. Zahranis have a reputation for perseverance and diligence in their work.
The first of the Zahranites to settle in Egypt came around 1300 years ago and his name was Jandal Al Zahrani and he was the Admiral of the 1st Caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty.