Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands offer rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential

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Farasan island mangroves and aquamarine waters are teeming with wildlife. (Reuters)
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Updated 10 June 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands offer rich biodiversity and ecotourism potential

  • Farasan is made up of more than 170 islands and islets off the Kingdom’s coast of Jazan
  • These hidden gems of the Red Sea are host to ancient sites and diverse marine habitats

RIYADH: Located in the pristine turquoise waters of the Red Sea, roughly 50 km west of the Saudi port city of Jazan in the southwest corner of the country, is an archipelago made up of about 170 islands known as the Farasan Islands.

Long the subject of fascination, not least for their natural beauty but also their rich history dating back to the ancient Romans and the time of Ottoman rule over the Arabian Peninsula, the Farasan Islands are considered a rising star by the Kingdom’s tourism industry.

“Saudi has more than 1,300 islands spotted across its coastlines,” a spokesperson for the Saudi Tourism Authority told Arab News. “As part of Vision 2030, Saudi is working on a number of ambitious island projects with sustainability at the heart of preserving these natural wonders.”




An ancient mosque has withstood the test of time in a deserted village in the Farasan islands. (Shutterstock)

A paradise for divers, the archipelago’s coral islands offer precious opportunities for the study and appreciation of marine biodiversity.

The coastlines and islands of the Red Sea are characterized by a variety of ecosystems, including red and black mangroves, seagrass beds, coral, saltmarshes and macroalgal reefs.

The islands are composed of reef limestone, rising to elevations of between 10 to 20 meters above sea level. The highest point among the islands reaches some 75 meters above sea level.




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

The coastlines surrounding the islands are covered in pristine white sand made from powdered coral and seashells, while their waters are home to a variety of fish and other sea creatures, including whales, dolphins, green and hawksbill turtles and manta ray.

On dry land, the local fauna includes the largest population of Idmi gazelle in the Kingdom, sooty falcon, white-eyed gull, osprey and Red Sea Noddy birds, among others. Additionally, the islands are home to numerous rare and endemic species of plant, including endangered red mangrove trees.




Farasan Islands are home to wildlife, such as the Idmi gazelle, numerous birds as well as rare and endemic plant species. (National Center for Wildlife photo)

In 1996, the “Juzur” Farasan, as the islands are also known, were declared a protected area by royal decree, thereby recognizing them as one of the Kingdom’s most treasured natural assets.

The Farasan Islands Protected Area includes more than 84 islands, the largest of which is the Farasan Al-Kabir, or Greater Farasan, followed by the Saqid, or Lesser, Farasan and Qummah — all of which are inhabited by people working in fishing and producing millet and maize.

Officials managing the protected area are building on extensive research and fieldwork to preserve both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as animal and plant species, many of which originate from the Tihamah coastal plain of western Saudi Arabia.




A visitor examines seashells at one of the popular beaches in the Farasan Islands. (Saudi Tourism Authority photo)

Included in the protected area program are educational talks and campaigns to help raise awareness about the importance of preserving the area for fishermen, farmers, schools, local leaders and young people.

The area is part of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the Saudi Wildlife Authority has developed a plan to oversee and maintain the rich biodiversity of the islands. 

In March 2021, the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves welcomed the first nomination dossier from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of “Juzur” Farasan as a biosphere reserve.




Aerial view of a boat circling round the waterways of the Farasan Islands off the coast of Jazan. (SPA file photo)

The nomination was approved by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme on Sept. 15, 2021, during the commission’s session held in Abuja, Nigeria, marking the first time the MAB-ICC had met in Africa.

Underway are several projects to develop the area for ecotourism, including its various natural and cultural heritage sites and numerous archaeological sites that reflect the history of the area. Several civilizations, including the Romans, visited and occupied the islands.

In August 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission announced the discovery of several structures and artifacts from the 2nd and 3rd centuries following extensive excavation work by a joint Saudi-French team.




Several civilizations, including the Romans, visited and occupied the islands. (Shutterstock)

The pieces included Roman folded armor made of copper ingots and armor known as “lorica squamata,” which was frequently used during the Roman era between the 1st and 3rd centuries.

Archaeologists also found an inscription of garnet for “Genos,” a renowned Roman figure in the Eastern Roman Empire, and the head of a small stone statue.

The Saudi-French team has made several exploratory trips since 2005, and has uncovered architectural and archaeological remnants dating as far back as 1400 BC. Such discoveries underline the importance of the ancient ports that once controlled the marine trade routes of the Red Sea.

Such archaeological discoveries also demonstrate the importance of the Farasan Islands and the mainland in ancient times as a crucial meeting point for trade and cross-cultural exchange.

Now, with the Kingdom’s borders open to global investment and visitors and with numerous giga-projects underway, the Farasan Islands have the potential to become one of Saudi Arabia’s top tourism destinations.




Riyadh-based British expatriate Ciara Philips vacationed in Farasan last year. Supplied

While upscale hotels and resorts are still under construction as part of the Red Sea Project, a trip to the Farasan Islands can be an enriching journey of leisure and discovery in a still largely untouched region of Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi is something of the last frontier in terms of tourism and I certainly felt that last year when I went and wanted to take a weekend trip outside of Riyadh,” Ciara Philips, a British expatriate, told Arab News.

“I chose the Farasan Islands and booked FlyNas flights to Jazan, leaving after work on Thursday and arriving back early evening on Saturday. The flight schedules worked perfectly.”

Philips, who moved to Riyadh at the end of 2020 to accept a job in cultural strategy, said that she found it difficult to find “concrete information about the islands, other than what is on VisitSaudi and blog posts from other intrepid expats.”




Several projects are underway to develop Farasan Islands for ecotourism. (National Center for Wildlife)

At the last minute, just a day before setting off, she found a weekend trip with Masarat Tours. In Jazan she met a local guide and spent two days with him and two girlfriends who had traveled from Jeddah.

Together they went to a small fishing harbor where they explored the mangroves by boat and various tiny islands inhabited by birds, crabs and other native species.

“It was magical,” said Philips. “Totally Robinson Crusoe. I had bought a snorkel and mask the day before and explored the warm, still waters, finding all sorts of brightly colored shoals of fish. There were pelicans swimming in the sea and the shells on the beach were enormous.”




Several projects are underway to develop Farasan Islands for ecotourism. (National Center for Wildlife)

Over the course of her two-day trip, Philips says that she saw barely anyone besides her friends and their guide — an ideal break from the busy, sweltering and dusty streets of Riyadh during July.

“I learned a few more words of Arabic, but better still was the truly contemplative time exploring the seas and the many uninhabited islands of Farasan,” she said.

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy, these pristine islands, so sparsely populated and so rich in nature and wildlife, constitute an ideal resource in the Kingdom’s quest to become a global hub for sustainable tourism.

 


Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

  • The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange

LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.

The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

 


Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

Updated 02 April 2025
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Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

  • It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.

The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.

It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.

As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister

Updated 03 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister

  • Foreign Ministry criticizes attacks on sanctity of the holy site
  • Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security, statement says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemns “the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli national security minister under the protection of occupation police.”

The ministry reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also condemned Israeli forces for targeting an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza, and denounced attacks on UN and relief organizations and their staff, the SPA added.

The ministry said: “The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.”

It added that Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security.

The ministry highlighted the importance of protecting UN and relief organizations, as well as their staff, and called for holding Israeli authorities accountable for all violations.

Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday prompted strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Rejoining the Israeli government

The minister, leader of the Israeli anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit party, visited the site after rejoining the government last month following the resumption of the war in Gaza.

Ben Gvir had quit the cabinet in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.

Since the formation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government at the end of 2022, Ben Gvir has made several trips to the Al-Aqsa compound, each time triggering international outcry.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned Wednesday's visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation."

Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation," saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people."

"We call on our Palestinian people and our youth in the West Bank to escalate their confrontation... in defense of our land and our sanctities, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque," it said in a statement.

The site is Islam's third-holiest and a symbol of Palestinian national identity.

Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, it is also Judaism's holiest place, revered as the site of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.

Ben Gvir's spokesperson told AFP the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days," during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid Al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In recent years, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists have defied the rules, including Ben Gvir, who publicly prayed there in 2023 and 2024.

The Israeli government has said repeatedly that it intends to uphold the status quo at the compound but Palestinian fears about its future have made it a flashpoint for violence.

*Additional reporting from AFP


Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

  • Nawal Al-Anazi’s ‘ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally’
  • Al-Anazi believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility

MAKKAH: In the world of equestrianism, where courage and endurance reign supreme, Saudi rider Nawal Al-Anazi has established herself as a rising star. 

With unwavering determination and limitless ambition, she has transformed her childhood passion into a professional pursuit, becoming a certified equestrienne with the Saudi Federation and a proud horse owner who dreams of representing her nation on the international stage. 

“I have been riding since childhood, but I decided to pursue it seriously about five years ago,” Al-Anazi explained. “What began as a hobby evolved into a lifestyle after I committed to intensive training under professional guidance.” 

The road to professionalism was not without challenges, but Al-Anazi’s passion drove her forward. Through rigorous training and acquiring her own horses, she achieved a significant milestone by competing in the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.

“Participating in that championship fulfilled one dream, but I am setting my sights higher,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism transcends sport; it is about forming profound connections with these animals. “Each horse has its unique personality,” she said. 

“They are not just racing vehicles but true partners who understand their riders and respond accordingly. The relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.”

The equestrienne emphasized that Saudi society has become increasingly supportive of women in this traditionally male-dominated sport. “I have received tremendous encouragement from my family, friends, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate,” she said. “This is a sport for everyone with the passion to pursue it.”

To aspiring equestriennes, she offers straightforward advice. “Follow your passion, train diligently, and embrace challenges. Equestrianism builds confidence and strength of character.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism is a lifestyle that demands commitment and enduring passion. She said that successful horsemanship requires patience and an intuitive understanding of each animal’s distinct character.

“The essence of true horsemanship is not about domination,” she explained. “It is about cultivating a partnership founded on mutual trust and respect.”

She believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility — qualities that extend beyond the riding arena into daily life. Her ambitions are not solely personal; she hopes to inspire other Saudi women to enter the field. 

The rider said that contemporary Saudi women are empowered to fulfill their aspirations across all domains, with equestrianism now receiving substantial backing throughout the Kingdom.

“The journey toward any ambition begins with a single step forward. When you truly believe in your vision and pursue it with unwavering resolve, no obstacle can ultimately prevent your success,” she said. 

As Al-Anazi continues her journey toward international competition, she remains grounded in her philosophy: “The horse is a magnificent creature that deserves our utmost respect. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and reach the top.”


Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

Updated 02 April 2025
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Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

  • Superbund Alpha Project allows students to create virtual avatars and teach others about their culture
  • Young founder aims to host a student trip to Saudi Arabia for her peers

RIYADH: At just 13 years old, Chinese student Alia Kong is spearheading an initiative that utilizes the power of technology to introduce Saudi culture to her peers in Hong Kong.

With a vision of creating an open space for international students to connect with each other, the Superbund Alpha Project allows users to create virtual avatars in the metaverse.

Students in both countries will be able to create a personalized space and promote their culture through a virtual workshop and the young visionary hopes it will help forge strong links between them.

“I (would) like to create that connection between Riyadh and Hong Kong,” Kong told Arab News. “Imagine if can create your own cultural heritage and enhance it with spatial computing, with just prompting and images.”

Additionally, as a part of the project, she has set up an immersive experience to present Saudi culture to her classmates.

Kong’s story began five years ago when, aged eight, she and 25 friends decided to start a non-profit organization called Kids Power Society. The group’s aims were to educate students about different cultures, enhance mental wellness and promote positivity.

The teenager now plans to host Superbund Event Day, to be held simultaneously in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia virtually and in reality.

Kong highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies, saying Generation Alpha could envision a desired lifestyle through the metaverse.

Her admiration for Saudi Arabia stems from stories she has heard from her godfather, Alaudeen Alaskary, former consul-general of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong. He is now honorary advisor to the Superbund Virtual Exchange Program.

Kong, who has visited the Kingdom previously, said she planned to host a student trip dedicated to teaching her peers about Saudi’s cultural history.

“He (Alaskary) showed me the culture and lifestyle of Saudi Arabians. I love attending his Saturday gatherings and parties. (They are) very warm, loving and we all enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

In July 2024, the group will host a virtual event, Superbund Virtual Society, with more than 100 attendees expected from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

“This new ecosystem with blockchain technology will let us register our digital assets with our avatar identities ... things can be created in virtual and make impact on reality,” said Kong.

“I have a concept where the older generation creates the hardware of technology, or the hardware we need in order to access the software that could be created by younger generations, and with the content and software and hardware finalized, we can come together and bridge that generation gap.”

Over the past five years, Kids Power Society has published four science fiction books, with contributions from 125 children around the world. The proceeds were donated to British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and Hong Kong’s Sowers Action.