Why Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands are a haven for flamingos 

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Farasan Islands offer a relatively safe haven for the flamingos, with minimal human disturbance and ample space for the birds to roost and forage. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 August 2024
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Why Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands are a haven for flamingos 

  • Thanks to conservation efforts, the Farasan Islands remain an important migratory waystation for the greater flamingo 
  • From habitat protection to anti-poaching measures, Saudi Arabia is safeguarding the future of this beloved avian species

RIYADH: In the turquoise waters off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast lies a hidden gem that is quickly gaining recognition as a sanctuary for one of the world’s most charismatic birds: The greater flamingo.

The Farasan Islands, an archipelago off the southwestern coast of Saudi Arabia, boast a biodiverse ecosystem that has attracted these elegant creatures for decades.

While the Kingdom is often associated with desert landscapes, the Farasan Islands present a stark contrast — a lush haven that plays host to thousands of migratory birds each year, including the iconic flamingo.




Flamingos are attracted to the shallow, saline lagoons of the Farasan Islands, where they can feed on a diet rich in shrimp, algae and other small organisms. (SPA/File photo)

Saudi Arabia, through its National Center for Wildlife, or NCW, has undertaken efforts to conserve and protect its greater flamingo population as part of a broader commitment to preserve its natural heritage and promote biodiversity in line with Vision 2030.

The NCW, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented environmental regulations and established protected habitats to ensure the safety and sustainability of these migratory birds.

These include a ban on hunting and the designation of wetland areas as protected zones, and measures to prevent collisions with high-voltage power lines.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Flamingos are social birds that live in large colonies often consisting of thousands of birds.

• They have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.

• Flamingos have a distinctive courtship display that involves movements and vocalizations to attract potential mates.

These efforts are seen as crucial in maintaining the delicate balance of the Farasan Islands’ ecosystem, which supports not only flamingos but also a variety of other wildlife species.

The Farasan Islands are one of the largest island groups in the Red Sea, situated about 50 km off the coast of Jazan.

The archipelago consists of more than 170 islands, characterized by their coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds, which provide essential habitats for a diverse range of marine and terrestrial species.




Aerial view of a boat touring the lush mangroves and waterways of the Farasan Islands. (Saudi Tourism Authority photo)

Flamingos are attracted to the shallow, saline lagoons of the Farasan Islands, where they can feed on a diet rich in shrimp, algae and other small organisms. More than 4,000 flamingos have been observed there during the migration season.

“They begin to appear along the coasts of the Kingdom and in the Farasan Islands at the start of winter, by the end of November, and continue until the end of winter,” Mohammed Shobrak, a bird expert and adviser to the NCW, told Arab News.

“Their numbers vary during the migration season in the Farasan Islands. They are more commonly found along the coasts than in the islands.” 

The islands offer a relatively safe haven for the flamingos, with minimal human disturbance and ample space for the birds to roost and forage.




Flamingos are more commonly found along the coasts than in the islands. (Supplied)

The greater flamingo is the largest and most widespread species of flamingo, found across Africa, southern Europe and South Asia. These birds are known for their striking pink plumage, which they acquire from their diet.

“The substance responsible for this color is beta-carotene, which is found in algae and crustaceans,” Shobrak said.

“Variations in the levels of this substance in food across different regions may cause color differences, and the physiology of the species may also contribute to these variations among flamingo birds that share the same types of food.

“Additionally, another behavioral study on groups in the Americas indicates that birds with brighter pink-orange colors tend to be more aggressive while feeding.” 

While flamingos are not permanent residents of the Farasan Islands, they migrate to the region during the winter months, attracted by the warm climate and rich feeding grounds.

Each year, thousands of greater flamingos make the journey from their breeding grounds in Africa and southern Europe to the coasts of Saudi Arabia.

The Farasan Islands, with their extensive wetlands and shallow lagoons, provide an ideal stopover for these birds during their long migration.

While flamingos do not breed on the islands, they spend several months there, feeding and building up their strength before continuing their journey.

The beauty and ecological significance of the Farasan Islands has not gone unnoticed. 

“Horizon,” a new documentary produced by the Konoz Initiative, highlights the rich biodiversity of Saudi Arabia, with a special focus on the Farasan Islands and their flamingo population.

The documentary is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage and the importance of conservation.

“Horizon” provides viewers with a rare glimpse into the lives of flamingos on the Farasan Islands, showcasing their feeding habits, social behaviors and interactions with the environment.




A mesmerizing view of flamingos is shown in this screen grab from the documentary “Horizon,” produced by the Konoz Initiative, and streamed on Netflix.

The film also explores the broader ecosystem of the islands, highlighting the coral reefs, mangroves and other critical habitats that support a wide range of species.

Through stunning visuals and expert commentary, “Horizon” brings the beauty of the Farasan Islands to a global audience, emphasizing the need for continued conservation efforts in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect the greater flamingo and other wildlife on the Farasan Islands are part of a larger commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Kingdom has made significant strides in recent years to enhance its conservation policies, including the establishment of protected areas and the enforcement of strict environmental regulations.




Farasan Islands is also some endangered species, including gazelles and green turtles.

These measures are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification agenda, which seeks to promote sustainable development and preserve the nation’s natural resources for future generations.

In addition to protecting flamingos, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to conserve other endangered species on the Farasan Islands, including gazelles and green turtles.

The islands are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, dugongs and a wide range of fish species, all of which benefit from the Kingdom’s conservation initiatives.

Conservation efforts, coupled with increased awareness and education, are helping to ensure that flamingoes and other species will continue to grace the shores of the islands for years to come.
 

 


Saudi surgeons separate Syrian conjoined twins in 8-hour operation

Saudi surgeons on Sunday separated Syrian conjoined twins Celine and Eline in an eight-hour operation in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 27 July 2025
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Saudi surgeons separate Syrian conjoined twins in 8-hour operation

  • Celine and Eline, who are 17 months old, were conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen
  • The operation was the 66th procedure under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program

RIYADH: Saudi surgeons on Sunday separated Syrian conjoined twins Celine and Eline in an eight-hour operation at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital.

“It’s an indescribable feeling. Truly, it’s a feeling beyond words,” said Abdulnaeim Al-Shubli the twins’ father.

“Thanks to Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and the specialized medical team. I am deeply thankful. From now on, we will move from better to even better," he added.

"Saudi Arabia is our second home. It’s like we came to be with our own family and daughters.”

Celine and Eline, who are 17 months old, were conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen.

They were born in Februaty 2024 at Rafik Hariri Hospital in Beirut as part of a triplet birth. Their brother, Sanad, was born healthy and unjoined.

The family fled Aleppo in 2013 after their home was destroyed during the war and have lived in Lebanon since.

The twins were medically evacuated to Riyadh in December 2024 to receive specialized care. Al-Shubli said they underwent four months of preparation before surgery.

“They were under 24-hour supervision by a consulting medical team. The girls received complete care throughout that period, and after that they told me the surgery would proceed.”

The operation was the 66th procedure under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

It is also the fourth separation of Syrian conjoined twins to be performed as part of the initiative, which has treated cases from 27 countries since its launch in 1990.

Hussein Abdulaziz, charge d’affaires at the Syrian Embassy in Riyadh, said the procedure was part of the Kingdom’s broader humanitarian efforts to assist Syrian families in need of medical care.

He said: “Cases like these are medically complex and difficult, and they require thorough study. From a humanitarian angle, such surgeries come with very high financial costs, but the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian and charitable work, lifts this burden entirely off the shoulders of the children’s families.”

Abdulaziz also highlighted the work of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Syria.

“It’s well known that KSrelief has been working in Syria for the past 14 years. After the liberation, the center expanded its operations to cover all Syrian provinces, most recently providing support to families affected by the wildfires in Latakia province on the Syrian coast,” he said.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s volunteer medical program has carried out nearly 1,300 surgeries in Syria in recent years, alongside the wide-ranging provision of food and medical aid.


Hail festival honors Saudi craft, culture

The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offered a mix of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences.
Updated 27 July 2025
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Hail festival honors Saudi craft, culture

  • More than 95,000 visitors explore rich traditions, Thamudic art, handmade treasures, folk performances at Aja Park

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia, has concluded after attracting more than 95,000 visitors from across the Kingdom, Gulf region, and other international destinations.

The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offered a mix of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, running daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The event celebrated cultural heritage through handicrafts, traditional dishes, and Thamudic inscriptions, the SPA added.

It featured an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, folk theater, heritage-inspired residential models, and performances reflecting the culture of Asir province.

Exhibits gave younger generations insight into how ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, highlighting the ingenuity of Saudi heritage.

More than 40 activities allowed visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and Najdi and Hail-style door making.

Other highlights included traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making. The festival also served as a platform for local artisans to present their work directly to the public.

Several government leaders visited the event, praising its efforts to revive memories of traditional life and showcase historical methods of meeting daily needs.

Mauritanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mokhtar Ould Dahi also toured the festival, exploring stands and pavilions featuring local craftsmanship.

He expressed admiration for the crafts on display, including wickerwork, sadu weaving, hand-woven textiles, and fiber arts, and commended the cultural performances for reflecting Saudi heritage.

Separately, EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud visited the festival, praising the displays of palm frond weaving, sadu weaving, handmade textiles, traditional wooden doors, resin art, crochet, Thamudic embroidery, woodcraft, and leatherwork.

Both ambassadors attended traditional folk performances, including the Saudi Ardah (sword dance), the Hail Samri (drum-accompanied poetry), and various artistic presentations from Asir region.


Manga Productions empowers Saudi voice actors with dubbing contest

Manga Productions has launched a dubbing competition to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity.
Updated 27 July 2025
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Manga Productions empowers Saudi voice actors with dubbing contest

  • The initiative aims to create audio content that reflects Saudi society by celebrating its rich regional dialects
  • Contest features scenes from the hit animated series “Asateer2: Future’s Folktales,” which has gained international acclaim

JEDDAH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, has launched the Saudi Dialects Dubbing Contest to empower local voice talent and highlight the Kingdom’s linguistic diversity.

The initiative aims to create audio content that reflects Saudi society by celebrating its rich regional dialects, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The contest features scenes from the hit animated series “Asateer2: Future’s Folktales,” which has gained international acclaim with more than 150 million views across five continents and eight platforms.

Participants are invited to dub using dialects from regions such as AlUla, Hail, Makkah, Jeddah, the Eastern Province, Qassim, Asir, Tabuk, and Jazan.

The four-week contest will run through digital challenges, with active public participation on social media. The company aims to train aspiring voice actors under the guidance of its professional team.

Outstanding contestants will be invited to join future Manga Productions projects, further boosting local creative talent.

Sara Waldaddah, head of the creative department at Manga Productions, said the initiative aligns with the company’s mission to support national talent and highlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural and linguistic richness.

She said that scenes from “Asateer2: Future’s Folktales” are ideal for the contest, as the series celebrates Saudi heritage through stories that reflect national values and encourage voice acting in native dialects.

Waldaddah added that the goal is to transform this linguistic diversity into a creative force that reinforces the Kingdom’s cultural identity and shares it with regional and global audiences.

Abdulaziz Al-Muaina, head of marketing and communications at Manga Productions, highlighted the Kingdom’s rich geographical and cultural diversity reflected in its many dialects.

He said that the contest aims to showcase this diversity by providing a platform for Saudi voice talents to creatively celebrate the Kingdom’s beauty and generosity.

Participants are invited to submit voice recordings in local Saudi dialects by choosing a scene and uploading entries at saudidubbing.com. Use of AI tools for voice generation or editing is strictly prohibited to ensure authentic submissions.


Saudi authorities crack down on tourism violations

Updated 27 July 2025
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Saudi authorities crack down on tourism violations

  • Over the past month, inspection teams carried out around 2,750 field visits

RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism intensified inspections targeting tourism service providers across key summer destinations in cities and regions throughout the Kingdom.

Over the past month, inspection teams carried out around 2,750 field visits, detecting some 170 violations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

These visits aimed to ensure that tourism entities are licensed by the ministry, safeguarding the rights of both domestic and international tourists as part of the Saudi Summer program.

In Asir, more than 420 inspections uncovered over 25 violations. In Taif, more than 360 visits revealed around 25 violations.

Jeddah recorded over 1,680 visits, revealing more than 110 violations. In the Baha region, more than 280 inspections resulted in five violations.

The ministry emphasized that all tourism service providers — including travel agencies, consultancy offices, and event organizers — must comply with tourism regulations and bylaws to protect tourists’ rights. It also urged the public to report any concerns about tourism services via the unified call center at 930.


Saudi scouts explore culture, skills in Portugal

Updated 27 July 2025
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Saudi scouts explore culture, skills in Portugal

  • The global event brings together more than 7,100 scouts from 118 scout associations

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scout Association delegation is participating in the 16th World Scout Moot, taking place in Portugal until Aug. 3.

The global event brings together more than 7,100 scouts from 118 scout associations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The Saudi delegation took part in the Paths program — an initiative featuring exploratory journeys across various regions of Portugal, designed to enrich participants’ cultural awareness and knowledge.

It also participated in several training workshops focused on building both individual and team-based skills, the SPA added.

In the coming days, the delegation will move to the main camp near the city of Porto, where the Saudi scouts will engage in five days of activities celebrating Portuguese heritage.

This participation reflects the association’s commitment to empowering Saudi scouts to represent the Kingdom on the international stage, expand their global presence, and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

The World Scout Moot is held every four years and is designed for young people aged 18 to 25, while those aged 26 and above can participate as members of the International Service Team.