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.
 

 


Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years

Updated 11 June 2025
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Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years

  • Over the next two decades, the Islamic lunar calendar will bring Hajj progressively into cooler seasons

MAKKAH: Hajj this year will be remembered not only for its spiritual significance but also for its climatic turning point. According to the National Center of Meteorology, the 1446 Hajj season officially marks the end of the pilgrimage coinciding with the peak summer months, a pattern that will not return for another 25 years.

Over the next two decades, the Islamic lunar calendar will bring Hajj progressively into cooler seasons. Eight upcoming pilgrimages will take place in spring, followed by another eight in winter. After that, the dates will fall in autumn, gradually warming again until Hajj re-enters the summer cycle around the year 2050.

This shift is part of the natural lunar cycle, which causes the Islamic calendar to shift backward by about 10 to 11 days each Gregorian year. For Saudi authorities, climate experts, and pilgrims alike, the change provides relief from one of the most challenging aspects of performing Hajj: having to endure blistering desert temperatures.

For decades, the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and expand services during Hajj have often had to work around the burden of extreme heat. From providing cooling mist fans and shaded walkways to using emergency teams trained in heatstroke response, the challenge of keeping millions of pilgrims safe during peak summer has been central to planning.

“This marks a pivotal moment,” said Hamza Al-Dosari, a Riyadh-based geographer and climate researcher. “The summer pilgrimage has always brought with it additional risks — dehydration, heat exhaustion, and logistical pressures. Moving into spring and winter seasons means significantly reduced heat exposure for the pilgrims, and this will have both health and operational implications.”

Al-Dosari said the coming years will offer a rare opportunity to rethink how the Hajj experience is managed. “We’ll be seeing pilgrimages that occur in temperatures often 10 to 15 degrees lower than what we’ve dealt with in recent years. This changes everything, from the energy load on cooling systems to how fast emergency response teams can work. It also makes the pilgrimage more accessible to the elderly and those with chronic conditions.”

He also noted that this shift does not remove the need for continued environmental preparation. “Spring and winter bring their own weather patterns — rain, wind, occasional cold snaps. The planning doesn’t get easier; it just changes. But it will be a welcome adjustment for many.”

For pilgrims such as Sarah Al-Abdulmohsen, who performed Hajj this year, the news that future seasons will be cooler came with mixed emotions.

“I’m incredibly grateful I made it this year, but the heat was truly overwhelming,” said the 32-year-old Saudi from Dhahran. “At one point in Mina, I checked my phone and it said 47°C. You try to focus on your prayers, but your body is screaming for shade and water.”

Al-Abdulmohsen said she was thrilled to hear that future pilgrims will perform their rituals under gentler weather. “It’s good news. This will make a huge difference for the elderly and for families who’ve always worried about how the heat might affect their loved ones.”

She added that the intense conditions only strengthened her admiration for the logistics of the pilgrimage. “Despite the temperature, I saw volunteers helping people constantly — giving out water, spraying cooling mist. But you can’t deny that cooler seasons will make Hajj more comfortable, even emotionally. You’ll have more clarity of mind, more presence in your prayers.”

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques have not yet released public statements on how this seasonal shift will influence future planning, but the long-term outlook is promising.

“This could be a historic period for rethinking pilgrim services,” Al-Dosari said. “Think about transportation, food distribution, energy consumption — all of these improve in moderate weather. Even spiritual engagement may deepen, as pilgrims won’t be fighting against their physical limits to complete the rituals.”

With temperatures expected to be in the 20s and 30s Celsius in future seasons, planners may also be able to expand the use of outdoor spaces and reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, helping to align Hajj services with Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals under Vision 2030.

While many are welcoming the change, some seasoned pilgrims may find themselves nostalgic. Summer Hajj has been the norm for most Saudis under 40, with its own rhythm, expectations, and sense of trial. The struggle against heat has long been part of the journey’s narrative, testing faith and endurance.

Yet, for many others, especially those who delayed Hajj because of health concerns, this shift will finally open the door. With temperatures easing, the coming years could mean an increase in the number of pilgrims who were previously unable to perform the rituals due to medical or age-related reasons.

As the lunar calendar resets the course of one of Islam’s most important rituals, this transition may redefine what Hajj looks and feels like for an entire generation, not just spiritually, but physically and emotionally as well.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief delivers food to needy

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief delivers food to needy

  • The distribution is a part of the 2025 emergency food and clothing aid project in Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 360 food packages to vulnerable individuals in Lebanon’s cities of Tripoli and Jbeil, benefiting 1,800 people.

The distribution is a part of the 2025 emergency food and clothing aid project in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the charity distributed 1,780 sacrificial animals in the Al-Madinah and Al-Wadi districts of Yemen’s Marib governorate on Sunday.

The initiative benefited 3,560 families under an Eid Al-Adha project in Yemen.


Newly appointed Saudi ambassador to Mexico presents his credentials

Updated 11 June 2025
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Newly appointed Saudi ambassador to Mexico presents his credentials

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed ambassador to Mexico has presented his credentials to the North American state’s foreign ministry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Fahad bin Ali Al-Manawer handed over a copy of his credentials to Ambassador Jonathan Chait Auerbach, the director general of protocol at the ministry, at a reception held on Tuesday. 
The diplomats also reviewed relations between their nations at the meeting.
Al-Manawer took his oath of office in from to the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March, in a ceremony attended by the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.


Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

Updated 10 June 2025
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Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

  • Forum hosts global leaders and conflict mediators
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan will meet foreign officials

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday to take part in the Oslo Forum.

The annual event, organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in Switzerland, hosts global leaders and conflict mediators.

Prince Faisal will meet foreign officials to strengthen relations with the Kingdom and discuss various regional and international issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

Updated 10 June 2025
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What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

  • Worshippers take to social media to share profound experiences with loved ones
  • Posting online becomes a way to process the weight of Hajj for many

RIYADH: For many pilgrims, the spiritual journey of Hajj does not end when they leave the holy sites. It continues — quietly, intentionally — in the days and weeks that follow.

Across Saudi Arabia, young pilgrims are using social media to process the weight of Hajj and share the experience with loved ones.

Noor Ahmad, 21, did not plan to post during her pilgrimage. But after she returned, the urge to share came naturally.

After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments. But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?

Noor Ahmad

“After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments,” she said. “But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?”

She described how people responded in varied ways. “Those who had gone before felt nostalgic and started sharing their own stories. Others — those who hadn’t been yet — expressed their longing. It became this moment of connection.”

For Noor, the decision to post was not about aesthetics. “It’s a monumental event. Maybe I could inspire someone who’s hesitant to go. Maybe they’ll see what I saw — and want to experience it for themselves.

“It was my way of saying thank you”

Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, took a different approach to sharing, after taking a digital detox.

I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.

Shatha Al-Jadaan

“During Hajj, I decided to partially fast from social media. I used only the essentials,” she said. “After I returned, I posted a thread to my close friends explaining where I’d been and shared some of the most meaningful moments.”

The response was full of prayers and warmth. “People were kind, supportive, and curious. But what mattered most to me was that I used the thread to say thank you — to the organizers, to the volunteers, and to Allah.”

She spoke about how she found value in using digital platforms to document something greater than herself.

“I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.”

Salem Al-Khudair, 28, recorded a voice note to his family group chat while performing the rites.

“I just couldn’t find the words to write. So I recorded myself speaking right after standing in Arafat. I sent it to my family WhatsApp group. My mom was emotional. My dad said, ‘May God accept from you.’ That was enough.”

In an age of curated content, Hajj posts tend to stand out for their sincerity. Pilgrims often strip away the filters, metaphors and trend-driven formats, and just speak from the heart.

Noura Al-Dosari, 23, uploaded a private Instagram story highlight with no captions. “Just visuals. No filters. No hashtags,” she said. “It wasn’t for followers. It was for me. For reflection. A digital bookmark of who I became.”

Some write long captions, others simply post a photo of their ihram folded neatly back into a drawer.

But all of them carry a silent message: I went. I came back different.

Many pilgrims use their posts to recall moments of physical hardship that brought emotional breakthroughs — the heat, the long walks, the brief but powerful connections with strangers.

Others use it to highlight the seamless organization of the pilgrimage as a reminder of how far the experience has evolved.

Amani Al-Saad, 26, used X to share a short story about a volunteer who helped her carry her bag in Muzdalifah. “She didn’t speak much, but she smiled at me and said, ‘This is what we’re here for.’ That stuck with me. I wrote about it as a reminder to myself — that sometimes the smallest moments hold the most meaning.”

While digital connections are increasingly common, most pilgrims emphasize that the real processing happens offline — in quiet conversations with family, in their prayer rooms, or on long drives home.

“I didn’t post to perform,” said Al-Jadaan. “I posted to remember.”