Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
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“Kunnah” fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 May 2025
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Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth

Kunnah season marks peak of Jazan’s fishing wealth
  • Abundance of the sought-after kingfish and other species
  • Govt supports with finance, boats, official tells Arab News

MAKKAH: Along the warm coastal waters of Jazan, the annual Kunnah fishing season has arrived, marking a period eagerly anticipated by local fishermen for its exceptional marine bounty.

This renowned season, which runs from mid-April to mid-June, is celebrated for the abundance of kingfish, known locally as Al-Dhirak or Tyrak.

In an interview with Arab News, Muhannad bin Abdulaziz Khawaji, director-general of the Fisheries Research Center in Jazan, provided insight into this economically vital season.

“The Kunnah season highlights the valuable marine resources that make Jazan’s coastline so distinctive,” Khawaji explained.

“While officially beginning in late April, we typically see catch volumes increase significantly from mid-April, continuing through mid-June.”

The season is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and initial wind conditions.

“Fishing operations continue uninterrupted except when safety warnings are issued by the National Center for Environmental Compliance or Border Guards,” Khawaji noted.

Market dynamics shift dramatically during this period, with lower prices for kingfish because of the increased supply.

“April through July represents our most diverse and abundant fishing period of the entire year in Jazan,” he said.

Khawaji said anticipation builds in Jazan’s fishing community as the Kunnah season approaches.

The waterfront becomes particularly vibrant as amateur anglers and tourists, permitted to use hook-and-line methods with catch limits, join professional fishermen on the waters.

“The Kunnah season is not a time of scarcity — it is when the sea offers its greatest gifts,” said Mohammed Al-Qurbi, a fisherman from Jazan’s coastal waters.

Al-Qurbi said Kunnah season brings remarkable abundance. The waters teem with prized catches including green snappers, leopard coral groupers, and the coveted kingfish.

“Those who truly understand the rhythms of the sea recognize this as a time of providence, not pause,” Al-Qurbi said, emphasizing the importance of experience to garner the greatest benefit from the season.

Khawaji said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture responds to this seasonal surge by offering specialized permits, with an accompanying sailor license.

Preparations for the season begin well in advance, with authorities noting significant increases in applications for boat preparation, license renewals, and equipment upgrades.

The ministry facilitates these preparations through coordination with the Transport General Authority and Border Guards.

Khawaji pointed to conservation efforts, including a ban on fishing in spawning and other protected marine areas.

He said the ministry organizes periodic workshops to raise awareness and provides support including fully-equipped boats, loans, and direct financial support of up to SR50,000 ($13,330) annually for every active fisherman.

Ibrahim Qassim, another local fisherman, said: “Kunnah marks the annual migration of kingfish through the Red Sea. They travel our waters searching for feeding grounds and eventually spawning areas.”

He noted that these magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes during this migration, with specimens weighing between 10 to 15 kg regularly appearing in catches.

Fishermen employ specialized techniques during this season, including the Al-Majroor method — a weighted line featuring artificial plastic lures called Al-Azm or Al-Labiah specifically designed to attract kingfish.

Others use strategic lighting systems to draw the fish toward their vessels during nighttime expeditions, Qassim explained.

The economic impact on local communities is significant.

“Most fishermen concentrate their annual efforts during Kunnah season due to the exceptional productivity,” Khawaji explained.

“The abundance of catch, particularly kingfish, directly translates to increased income for fishing families.”

Khawaji said the Kunnah season coincides with spawning periods for some marine species including shrimp. There are also temporary bans on harvesting certain species such as Nagel and Taradi fish.

“These measures are essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations,” Khawaji said.


5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs
Updated 01 July 2025
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5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

5m amphetamine pills seized after Saudi authorities tip off Lebanese customs

RIYADH: An attempt to smuggle over 5 million amphetamine pills into Lebanon was thwarted after Saudi authorities provided intel to their Lebanese counterparts who intercepted the container where the pills were concealed inside glass and porcelain tableware.

Talal bin Shalhoub, spokesman of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, said that intel shared with the Lebanese Customs falls within Saudi Arabia’s proactive security follow-up of the activities of drug smuggling criminal networks.

He commended cooperation with relevant authorities in Lebanon in monitoring and seizing narcotic substances, stressing that the Kingdom continues to monitor, confront, and thwart criminal activities targeting the Kingdom's security and youth through narcotics, and to arrest those involved.


Saudi Arabia’s King Salman receives written messages from presidents of Vietnam, Angola

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).
Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Salman receives written messages from presidents of Vietnam, Angola

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the message during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh (L).

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has received written messages from the presidents of Vietnam and Angola, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The message from President Luong Cuong related to Saudi-Vietnamese relations and ways to support and strengthen them in all fields.

The message was received by the Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Public Diplomacy Deputyship, Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, during a meeting with Vietnam’s ambassador to the Kingdom Hoang Huu Anh.

President of Angola Joao Lourenco also sent the king a letter regarding relations between their countries and ways to support and strengthen them in all fields.

That message was received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Angola’s ambassador to the Kingdom Frederico Cardoso.


Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa

Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa
Updated 30 June 2025
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Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa

Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa
  • Harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market
  • Markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa

JEDDAH: As temperatures rise, Al-Ahsa is witnessing the early signs of its annual date harvest, with farmers beginning to reap the season’s first rutab — dates in the soft, early-ripening stage of dates.

The harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market.

This year, markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa, including the highly favored Khalas, Shishi, and Ghar varieties.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has confirmed the 2025 rutab season in Al-Ahsa signals a promising yield, with initial quantities already making their way across the Kingdom. 

Varieties such as Rutab Al-Tayyar, Majnaz, Ghar, Khneizi, Shishi and Khalas are expected to arrive at different stages throughout the harvest period, offering a steady flow of fresh produce. The harvest of the late-season rutab is set to begin in early July and will continue until mid-August, featuring prized varieties like Um Rahim, Zamli, Shahl, and Hilali.

Following the rutab season, Al-Ahsa will move into the full date (tamr) harvest from mid-August to early October, with popular varieties such as Shishi, Khalas and Raziz forming the core of this stage. 

In addition to fresh dates, Al-Ahsa is also known for producing some of the finest varieties for molasses (dibs), including varieties like Marzban, Hatemi and Shahl, highly valued for their rich flavor and syrupy texture.

Al-Ahsa, recognized as the largest palm oasis in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 2 million palm trees. Each year, the region produces over 120,000 tons of dates, making it a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape.

With its unique blend of fertile land, deep-rooted heritage, and diverse produce, it continues to be a global center for date cultivation and a vital contributor to the Kingdom’s cultural and economic identity.


Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 1,493 mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,493 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,448 unexploded ordnances, 27 anti-tank mines, 14 anti-personnel mines and four improvised explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 502,736 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar

Saudi deputy minister receives ambassador of Myanmar
  • The ambassador came to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Myanmar to the Kingdom Tin Yu in Riyadh on Monday.

The ambassador came to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Sati praised the ambassador’s efforts in strengthening and advancing relations between the two countries and wished him continued success in his duties.