The Farasan Islands comprise 84 coral islands that form an archipelago in the Red Sea, about 50 kilometers off the shore of Jazan in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Although lacking in vegetation and greenery, the islands are beautiful nonetheless. Originally inhabited by fisherman and pearl divers, they are now a protected area that serves as a natural reserve for Arabian Gazelles.
With its historical sites, remote, unspoiled beaches and rich marine fauna, the Farasan Islands are now a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In particular, they are often described as a divers’ paradise, as the Red Sea is home to some of the most beautiful aquatic life on the planet, and the islands offer the best diving locations in Saudi Arabia.
For those who prefer to remain on dry land, the islands offer not only a beautiful landscape but also a historically rich site to explore. They contain, for example, beautiful Turkish artifacts carved out of stone, including the doors of mosques and other remnants.
Another reason the islands are so popular with tourists is the weather, which is moderate all year long. The serenity of the peace and quiet, meanwhile, makes it easy for visitors to relax and forget about their normal busy lives in polluted and noisy cities, at least for a while.
The Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary, supervised by the Saudi Wildlife Authority, is home to the Arabian gazelle. The islands are also important breeding sites for seabirds, migratory birds and shorebirds. All the islands are low lying, though the two largest islands have a broken terrain of small hills, gullies and craggy coastal cliffs.
Whether you go diving or snorkeling, or just explore the rich history and wildlife of the islands on foot, you are sure to make some wonderful memories. Other fun activities include boating and fishing, making the islands a must-visit destination for everyone, whatever their interests.
ThePlace: The Farasan Islands in southwestern Saudi Arabia
ThePlace: The Farasan Islands in southwestern Saudi Arabia
- The Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary, supervised by the Saudi Wildlife Authority, is home to the Arabian gazelle
Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage
- The project aims to preserve its historical significance and secure its legacy for future generations
RIYADH: The historic Al-Abbasa Mosque in Jazan’s Abu Arish governorate is undergoing restoration as part of a national project, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to preserve its historical significance and secure its legacy for future generations.
The mosque, dating to 1846, is one of the region’s oldest and most significant heritage structures, the SPA reported on Tuesday.
The Al-Abbasa Mosque will be restored to its original architectural grandeur, including its distinctive three domes, with natural building materials.
The renovation will maintain the mosque’s unique features, including the mihrab adorned with Qur’anic verses and the engraved panel indicating its construction date.
The mosque’s stone and brick construction will be preserved to uphold its historical and architectural significance, the SPA added.
Upon completion, the mosque will cover an area of 435 sq. meters, accommodating 165 worshippers.
It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, which features six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.
Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.
Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.
KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
- Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district, 100 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.
In Djibouti, 900 parcels supported 5,400 people in Balbala, while 581 parcels were distributed in Western Beqaa, Lebanon, benefiting 2,900 individuals.
Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of over SR67 million ($17.8 million).
Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 1,200 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan, benefiting 8,670 people. The project will also distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning home in several Sudanese states.
In Somalia, 600 clothing kits were provided to vulnerable families in Hargeisa, benefiting 3,600 individuals. This is part of the shelter assistance project for displaced and affected people in the country.
New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance
- The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an awareness platform on its website, offering 180 educational topics for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.
The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It focuses on essential topics, addresses pilgrims’ needs and enhances their spiritual journey at Islam’s holiest sites, the SPA added.
The platform includes 580 minutes of videos, 365 presentations and 220 educational designs. It is organized into four learning tracks and 12 educational journeys for a comprehensive experience.
Content is available in eight languages, including English, French, Persian, Indonesian and Hausa, the SPA reported.
The platform allows users to progress through learning stages in a structured way, with progress statistics to motivate further learning. It can be accessed at learn.haj.gov.sa.
Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement
- Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living
RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.
Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.
The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.
Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan
- Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.
The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.
The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.
In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.
