Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands: From ‘habitat hotspot’ to Red Sea sanctuary

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The UNESCO listing will help the Saudi Ministry of Culture achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals as well as improve the quality of life on the islands. (SPA)
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Updated 22 September 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands: From ‘habitat hotspot’ to Red Sea sanctuary

  • Farasan Islands’ listing as a UNESCO biosphere reserve adds to the wildlife haven’s enduring global appeal

JEDDAH/MAKKAH: With their spectacular coral reefs, pristine beaches and rare wildlife species, the Farasan Islands, located off the port city of Jazan in southwest Saudi Arabia, have long been a focus for investment in marine tourism as the Kingdom seeks to highlight its wealth of natural and heritage attractions.

The Farasan Islands Marine Sanctuary was established in the late 1980s and covers an area of about 350 square kilometers, its administrative supervisor, Issa Shuailan, told Arab News.
“It was established with the aim of preserving the biodiversity, especially Farasan’s antelopes, sea turtles, shura trees and mangroves, in addition to rationalizing the exploitation of its marine resources,” Shuailan added.
Now the Red Sea archipelago’s future as a key tourist destination and wildlife sanctuary has been given a major boost with its inclusion in a world network of biosphere reserves as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program.

FASTFACTS

● Now the Red Sea archipelago’s future as a key tourist destination and wildlife sanctuary has been given a major boost with its inclusion in a world network of biosphere reserves as part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program.

● The islands — described as a “habitat hotspot” and the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed as a biosphere reserve — were among 20 new locations in 21 countries registered to ensure biodiversity conservation, environmental education, research and sustainable development.

The islands — described as a “habitat hotspot” and the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed as a biosphere reserve — were among 20 new locations in 21 countries registered to ensure biodiversity conservation, environmental education, research and sustainable development.
Listing of the Farasan Islands under the UNESCO program follows extensive efforts by Saudi authorities to ensure the Kingdom’s cultural and heritage sites are recognized in regional and international forums. Inclusion in the UNESCO list will also ensure the islands’ natural and archaeological treasures receive global protection.
The archipelago includes 90 of the Jazan region’s 200 islands and islets with a total area of more than 600 square kilometers.
Three of the islands are inhabited: Farasan Al-Kubra, which houses government and services departments, along with a number of hotels and apartments that welcome visitors, and the islands of Sajid and Qummah, which make up Farasan Al-Soghra, or small Farasan. The islands are up to 70 km long and 20-40 km wide.
In the past, pearl-rich fisheries were among the primary sources of livelihood for the people of Farasan, in addition to fishing, which is still the main occupation.
The archipelago’s location near international shipping routes and its proximity to the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Horn of Africa have given it added significance.
A wealth of natural and archaeological resources, coral reefs and fish stocks has attracted the attention of visitors, tourists, financers, businessmen and fishermen.
Archaeological tourist sites include Wadi Matar, located in the south of Farasan Al-Kubra, which has large rocks with Himyaritic inscriptions dating back to the 10th century, and Al-Qassar village, where the much older site of Al-Kedmi includes stone remnants that resemble Roman columns. Another site, Mount Luqman, holds the ruins of an old fortress.
Saudi historian and journalist Ibrahim Muftah told Arab News that some people assume Farasan was uninhabited until very recently, but the historical evidence shows otherwise.

What attracts visitors the most to Farasan is the diversity of the 262 islands, and each island has its natural splendor and something that makes it special from the other.

Adel Al-Awani, Tour guide

“Recent studies have proven that it was inhabited thousands of years ago, since the Stone Age, as Zahi Hawass (an Egyptian archaeologist and former minister of state for antiquities affairs) wrote,” he said.
The residents of the islands were civilized, he added, and the archaeological evidence reveals they were adept at sailing and traveled by sea, east and west, to several other countries.
Ancient tombs are located near Jarmal House on Qamah island, along with historical buildings designed according to the unique architectural style of the time.
Al-Najdi Mosque, built in 1928, is among several historic buildings scattered across the archipelago.
The palatial Al-Rifai houses, built in 1922 at the height of the pearl trade, are considered major attractions because of the technical and architectural skills that went into their construction.
The houses were built using the island’s rocks and limestone from the coral reefs. Raw gypsum was also used, and gypsum mines can still be found on the islands today.
However, the Farasan Islands are best known for their extensive and unique biodiversity, which distinguishes them from other reserves in the Kingdom.
The islands are home to more than 230 species of fish, numerous endangered marine species and 50 types of coral reef. Rhizophora and mangrove forests are important incubators for young fish and crustaceans.
The archipelago is also a sanctuary for the Kingdom’s largest gathering of edmi gazelles and an important bird migration corridor, with about 165 bird species. It also has the largest concentration of pink-backed pelicans on the Red Sea and the largest concentration of ospreys in the Middle East.
A wildlife reserve offers shelter to deer and numerous bird species, in addition to parrotfish, which migrate to the islands once a year.
The archipelago contains more than 180 species of plants, four of which are found nowhere else in the Kingdom.
The islands’ unique appeal also stems from its historical significance and natural attractions — all of which qualifies it to be a world heritage site.
Tourists, visitors and those seeking natural beauty, sandy beaches, sea cruises, diving and fishing have turned the archipelago into one of Jazan’s most prominent tourist destinations as investment opportunities continue to grow.
“What attracts visitors the most to Farasan is the diversity of the 262 islands, and each island has its natural splendor and something that makes it special from the other,”Adel Al-Awani, who has been a Farasan Islands tour guide for more than seven years, told Arab News.
“Most importantly, there is the calmness of the islands, clear sea, coral reefs, wonderful diving areas, fishing, and joyous beaches that are approximately 200 km long.”
But there is much more to Farasan than its beautiful beaches, he added. Among other things it was a center of the pearl trade 200 years ago, he explained, and is rich in archaeological treasures with a history dating back more than 3,000 years.
“Farasan is meant to be a tourist attraction by its very nature; it attracts visitors from all over the world,” said Al-Awani. “When the Saudi tourism visa was launched (in 2019), we hosted many international tourists. “The approximate number of tourists during one month can reach 3,000, and it reaches 30,000 to 40,000 during the year.”
During the pandemic, he said, the islands proved to be a popular destination for people from within Saudi Arabia when lockdown restrictions allowed. Even while international flights were suspended, three ferries a day, each carrying about 600 visitors, would arrive, he added.
“Despite some shortage in hotels, resorts, and transportation, the number of tourists was outstanding,” said Al-Awani.
Major developments in terms of tourism-related projects and investments, infrastructure and services are planned in coming years, as the islands become a key tourist destination.
Muftah noted that the islands require investment in terms of infrastructure, in particular a fast and convenient transportation system instead of the existing ferries that no longer fit the spirit of the modern age.
Listing of the Farasan Islands in the Man and the Biosphere program was announced this month during a meeting of the 33rd session of the program’s coordinating committee, and follows three years of work by the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society to fulfill all criteria required for registration.
The UNESCO listing will help the Saudi Ministry of Culture achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals as well as improve the quality of life on the islands.


Saudi and Jordanian foreign ministers discuss developments in Gaza

Updated 12 August 2025
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Saudi and Jordanian foreign ministers discuss developments in Gaza

  • Ministers also discussed international developments

RIYADH: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed the situation in Gaza with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, on Tuesday evening.
During the call, the ministers discussed the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as recent regional and international developments, particularly those occurring in Gaza and the efforts made regarding these issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
On Monday, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed developments in Gaza and the occupied West Bank at Neom Palace.


Saudi crown prince, Italian PM discuss Gaza

Updated 12 August 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Italian PM discuss Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday spoke by phone with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They reviewed developments in the Gaza Strip, including security and humanitarian repercussions, and stressed the need for international efforts to halt the escalation, end the effects of the conflict, and protect civilians.

They also discussed Saudi-Italian ties and ways to develop them, SPA added.


Wearing a thobe on stage, Saudi artist ZezO redefines what global rap can sound and look like

Saudi rapper Zeyad Al-Saadi wears a thobe not just to represent his roots but to challenge stereotypes. (Supplied)
Updated 12 August 2025
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Wearing a thobe on stage, Saudi artist ZezO redefines what global rap can sound and look like

  • Saudi Arabia has a voice, and we’re just getting started, says rap artist

RIYADH: Zeyad Al-Saadi, better known as ZezO, is not just a name in the Saudi music scene. A molecular and cellular biologist by training, he is an artist whose work blends culture, creativity and determination.

“Music has always been my escape,” he told Arab News. “It’s a way to express what I can’t put into words.”

Born in Saudi Arabia, Al-Saadi moved to Arizona at 15. “Living in America helped me see the world through a different lens, but my Saudi roots have always grounded me,” he said.

Saudi rapper Zeyad Al-Saadi wears a thobe not just to represent his roots but to challenge stereotypes. (Supplied)

Over the next 12 years, he immersed himself in American culture while holding tight to his heritage.

His life changed in 2005. After finishing a biology exam early, a classmate from Iraq invited him to a recording studio.

“That day changed everything for me,” Al-Saadi recalled. “I walked into a recording studio for the first time and felt a rush like never before.”

HIGHLIGHT

Zeyad Al-Saadi sees huge potential in the Kingdom’s emerging music scene.

By nightfall, he had recorded his first song, rushed to buy basic gear, and started teaching himself rap and audio engineering.

The spark had been there for years. “Since 1998, I’ve been captivated by the lyrical brilliance of legends like Rakim, Eminem and Nas,” he said. “They shaped my style and pushed me to find my voice.”

His sound now fuses traditional influences with modern beats.

Saudi rapper Zeyad Al-Saadi wears a thobe not just to represent his roots but to challenge stereotypes. (Supplied)

As a Saudi artist in a predominantly Western rap scene, he is sometimes underestimated: “When people hear ‘Saudi,’ they often put me in a box. They don’t expect someone from here to rap, let alone be good at it.”

This assumption— that if it’s not coming from the West, it can’t be real hip-hop— fuels his passion. He wears a thobe not just to represent his roots but to challenge stereotypes and prove that talent has no borders.

“Saudi Arabia has a voice, and we’re just getting started.”

Saudi Arabia has a voice, and we’re just getting started.

Zeyad Al-Saadi, Saudi rap artist

Al-Saadi sees huge potential in the Kingdom’s emerging music scene. “There’s a hunger and creativity everywhere. I’m always open to collaborating with artists who bring something fresh to the table,” he added.

For the rap artist, music is about learning from each other and growing the scene together. He actively seeks out new artists, keen to explore how their styles can complement his own.

Staying connected with his audience is crucial for Al-Saadi, especially given cultural differences.

“Music cuts through everything — language, background, nationality. When you’re honest in your lyrics, people connect,” he explained.

His commitment to staying true to his roots deepens that connection, allowing him to resonate with fans from diverse backgrounds. “I think my authenticity is what draws people in.”

Social media plays a significant role in promoting his music and message: “It’s changed the game for artists like me. I can drop a verse today, and someone in Brazil might hear it tomorrow.”

The global reach has led to unexpected moments, such as being recognized by American fans at Riyadh airport.

“They had been listening to my music and wanted to know more about my culture. We ended up having a meaningful conversation that turned into a lasting friendship,” he said.

It’s no surprise that for Al-Saadi, music isn’t just personal expression. It’s a bridge.

As he pushes forward, he is determined to open doors for the next generation of Saudi artists.

“Being Saudi is not a limitation; it’s a strength ... We have so much to share, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”

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Saudi team competes in science olympiad

Updated 12 August 2025
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Saudi team competes in science olympiad

  • Saudi Arabia participated for the first time last year and won three bronze medals

RIYADH: A Saudi team is participating in this year’s International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, which is being held in Mumbai, India. 

The competition, which runs until Aug. 21, sees the participation of hundreds of students from more than 60 countries.

The olympiad is an annual international science competition for high school students under the age of 20. It was first launched in 2007 in Thailand and tests the skills of participants. Each country is represented by a team of three to five students.

The Kingdom is being represented in this edition by five talented students who were nominated after participating in a series of intensive forums and training sessions held under the supervision of Mawhiba, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Space Agency, and sponsored by Neo Space Group.

Saudi Arabia participated for the first time last year and won three bronze medals.

The team’s participation is part of the Kingdom’s journey in international scientific competitions to enhance the presence of talented men and women on the global stage.

Saudi Arabia’s presence in this global scientific forum is a continuation of its distinguished journey in international forums in the fields of science, and a consolidation of its role in building a knowledge-enabled generation that contributes to national development and embodies an honorable image of the Kingdom’s students on the global stage.

 


Saudi forces crack down on drug offenders

Updated 12 August 2025
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Saudi forces crack down on drug offenders

  • Security forces called on citizens and residents to report all available information about drug smuggling or promotion by calling the numbers 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 and 994 elsewhere in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi authorities this week arrested foreign nationals across the Kingdom for various drug offenses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Security patrols in Madinah arrested two Pakistani residents for possessing 1.7 kg of methamphetamine, also known as shabu. 

Border Guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan region arrested 14 Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 340 kg of qat.

Security patrols in Jazan also thwarted the smuggling of 60,279 unregulated medical tablets and 33 kg of hashish in Fifa governorate. 

Initial legal procedures were completed against the violators and the seized items were handed over to the competent authorities. 

Security forces called on citizens and residents to report all available information about drug smuggling or promotion by calling the numbers 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 and 994 elsewhere in the Kingdom. 

All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.