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.


From ‘What If?’ to ‘Wow!’ at Ithra children’s festival

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)
Updated 14 July 2025
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From ‘What If?’ to ‘Wow!’ at Ithra children’s festival

  • The festival at Ithra offers shared space for children and parents to express curiosity, creativity

DHAHRAN: The inaugural Children’s Festival being held under the theme “What if?” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is designed to “inspire imagination, encourage connection, and make space for discovery,” an official told Arab News recently.

Nouf Al-Jama, the head of learning at Ithra, added: “The program invites children to express themselves, engage with their surroundings, and experience culture in new and exciting ways.”

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)

The event, which began on July 7 and runs until July 26 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., blends creativity, learning, play and discovery.

The festival features 50 diverse activities including live performances, interactive stations, creative zones, workshops and a book fair, to encourage critical and creative thinking.

FASTFACTS

• The Children’s Festival’s artistic zones invite kids and their families to explore color, motion, and self-expression.

• The five-day Children’s Book Fair runs until July 19 and includes 20 local and international publishing houses.

• South Korea is this year’s guest of honor, offering a window into its culture through stories and illustrations.

The artistic zones invite children and their families to explore color, motion, and self-expression.

One such experience combines rhythm and culinary arts, transforming everyday kitchen utensils into instruments of sound and joy.

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)

“(The festival) gives children the freedom to express themselves and feel heard — whether through painting in the interactive art space, uncovering clues in the museum adventure, or stepping onto the open mic stage,” said Al-Jama.

The sessions have experts from local and regional institutions including the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, House of Wisdom in Sharjah, and King Abdulaziz Public Library.

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)

Parents and guardians are invited to join workshops, engage in conversations with other parents and build memories.

“It is this sense of togetherness, where children and families learn and grow side by side, that makes the festival so special,” Al-Jama added.

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)

With schools closed and summertime in full swing, local children are immersing themselves in the festival.

“The response so far has been incredibly encouraging. From the very first day, we have seen families arriving early and staying for hours, moving from one experience to the next.

The Children’s Festival, which runs until July 26 at Ithra, blends creativity, learning, play and discovery. (Supplied)

“Children have embraced the festival with curiosity and confidence,” she said of the opening week.

Additionally, the five-day Children’s Book Fair at Ithra runs until July 19, and includes 20 local and international publishing houses specializing in literature for children and young adults.

South Korea is this year’s guest of honor, offering a window into its culture through stories and illustrations.

“It is part of Ithra’s ongoing efforts to support the next generation by using culture as a tool for exploration, growth, and shared experience,” Al-Jama said.

 


From Nigeria to Makkah, sereh finds a home on Saudi tables

Updated 14 July 2025
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From Nigeria to Makkah, sereh finds a home on Saudi tables

  • The introduction of sereh to Saudi Arabia is believed to be linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, when people from across the world brought with them their cultural traditions, including food

RIYADH: Sereh, a beloved African dish rooted in Nigerian tradition, has carved out a place for itself in the culinary landscape of Saudi Arabia.

Once popular as a street food in Makkah’s older neighborhoods such as Al-Mansour, Al-Hafayer, and Al-Barno, sereh has grown beyond its origins to reflect a story of migration, cultural exchange, and shared taste.

Traditionally, sereh consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Traditionally, sereh — also known as tsire or suya — consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices, then roasted over an open flame. This method creates not only a flavorful dish but an aromatic experience that draws people in.

“Tamiz, or Afghani bread, was also a street food, so they were often enjoyed together,” said Rodwan Fallatah, owner of the African restaurant AfriQ in Riyadh.

FASTFACT

Sereh’s journey from West African street stalls to Saudi dinner tables captures the essence of Makkah’s openness.

“You roast the sereh until it’s hot, and with tamiz nearby, you simply grab some hot bread to enjoy with it.”

The dish originates from the Hausa tribe, an ethnic group with a strong presence in northern Nigeria, southern Niger, and beyond.

Traditionally, sereh consists of skewered beef seasoned with a bold blend of African spices. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“As a proud member of the Hausa tribe, I take great pride in seeing our traditional dish being enjoyed far beyond Hausa land, reaching communities across Africa and even here in Saudi Arabia,” said Zainab Hawsawi, a Saudi writer and businesswoman.

She noted that the typical Hausa kitchen is a treasure trove of rich and diverse flavors, featuring meat dishes like dambu nama, delicately shredded and seasoned dried beef; kilishi, thinly sliced, spiced, and sun-dried meat; and balangu, famous for its juicy, freshly grilled pieces.

“But nothing compares to the explosion of flavors you experience when eating suya, especially as you dip each piece into yaji, the signature blend of spicy suya dipping spices,” she added.

The introduction of sereh to Saudi Arabia is believed to be linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, when people from across the world brought with them their cultural traditions, including food.

Sereh gradually integrated into the local food scene, creating a fusion of flavors that captivated the taste buds of residents.

“I think the logical answer would be migration,” said Fallatah, emphasizing how pilgrims helped introduce the dish into Makkah’s multicultural food scene.

Makkah, long regarded as a cultural crossroads, provided fertile ground for this culinary exchange. As locals encountered new dishes, they began to experiment and adapt.

Originally from Madinah, Fallatah moved to Riyadh in 1997 and opened AfriQ, where he serves sereh among other dishes.

His passion for African cuisine has made his restaurant a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

“The spices are unique, and the preparation of sereh is different. Locals observe and learn, and soon they want to try it themselves,” he explained, noting that demand is especially strong in hotels catering to pilgrims and tourists.

Sereh’s journey from West African street stalls to Saudi dinner tables captures the essence of Makkah’s openness and the Kingdom’s growing embrace of cultural diversity through food.

As it continues to evolve, sereh stands as a flavorful reminder of how Saudi kitchens are becoming more globally inspired — one skewer at a time.

 


Hungary’s ambassador bids farewell to Saudi Arabia after a decade of diplomacy

Updated 14 July 2025
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Hungary’s ambassador bids farewell to Saudi Arabia after a decade of diplomacy

  • Balazs Selmeci hails Vision 2030 reforms, societal change, stronger bilateral ties

RIYADH: Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci bid farewell to the Kingdom as he concluded his decade-long tenure.

Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, where he met with Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.

The envoy said his goals were to strengthen political and diplomatic relations, expand economic ties and promote a positive image of Hungary in Saudi Arabia.

Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

At the same time, Selmeci sought to highlight Saudi Arabia’s changes and opportunities in Hungary, as well as the hospitality and kindness of the Saudi people.

“I believe I achieved good results in both areas, thanks to the support of Saudi institutions, the people and my colleagues at the embassy,” Selmeci told Arab News.

Reflecting on his time in the Kingdom, Selmeci highlighted the significant changes he witnessed over the years. He singled out the closing ceremony of Riyadh Season at King Fahd Stadium as a moment that symbolized Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation.

Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country.

Balazs Selmeci, Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

He recalled that the stadium was full of men and women together, and Saudi ballet dancers performed on stage — something that would have been unimaginable earlier.

“At that moment, I realized how much Saudi Arabia had changed. I saw many talented Saudis and felt their happiness, both on stage and in the audience,” the envoy said.

Over more than 10 years in Saudi Arabia, Selmeci observed the transformative impact of Vision 2030, including societal reforms and economic diversification.

He added that social reforms — such as involving women in the workforce, increasing their participation across sectors, welcoming international visitors and events, and balancing tradition with modernization — laid the foundation for economic progress.

“Vision 2030 itself required great courage from the leadership and strong support from the Saudi people,” Selmeci said.

From the outset, Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country, he added.

“These social and ongoing economic reforms have increased Saudi Arabia’s international presence and influence,” Selmeci said.

He added that the reforms have allowed foreigners to better understand the Kingdom and build trust, and that the dedication of both the government and the people provides a strong foundation for success.

Selmeci began his tenure as ambassador on Nov. 14, 2019, presenting his credentials to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Dec. 12, and to King Salman on Jan. 8, 2020.

Before then, he served in Riyadh as deputy head of mission from March 2014 to June 2018, marking more than a decade since he first began working to strengthen Saudi-Hungarian relations.

During his tenure, he oversaw the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers in the Kingdom, as well as the first bilateral meeting between their defense ministers.

Selmeci said that among the economic cooperation projects during his tenure, his favorites were the reestablishment of the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, the launch of the Saudi-Hungarian Digitalization Cluster and the creation of the first Saudi-Hungarian joint venture in the Kingdom.

He also extended his best wishes to the Saudi people, encouraging them to continue working with determination toward a better life, making the country more prosperous while preserving its traditions and heritage.

Asked what message he would leave for his successor, Selmeci expressed hope that they would build on these achievements and accomplish even greater successes, while creating as many memorable experiences as he did.

He added that his successor could count on the full support of the Saudi leadership, officials, the people, the diplomatic corps and embassy staff.

In his closing remarks, the ambassador said he planned to return to the Kingdom in the future — “even as a simple tourist, to walk in King Salman Park, visit Qiddiya or attend Expo 2030.”


Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah

Updated 14 July 2025
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Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah

  • Museums, heritage commissions invite experts to submit proposals for 2026 event
  • Grants available to successful bidders

JEDDAH: Experts in the fields of archaeology, history, anthropology, environmental studies and museum curation are being invited to apply to take part in the 2026 edition of the Red Sea International Conference.

The event, which will run from April 9-12, will be held at the Bab Al-Bunt building, which sits within Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Historic District and is the future home of the Red Sea Museum.

Launched in 2002, the conference is regarded as a key platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the Red Sea’s historical significance. Previous editions have been held in partnership with the British Museum, University of Southampton, University of Warsaw and University of Crete, among others.

The open call for the 2026 event was issued by Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission and Heritage Commission. Participants will explore a broad range of themes, from ancient maritime trade and the archaeology of coastal cities and ports, to environmental history, underwater heritage and the Red Sea’s legacy as a crossroads of cultures linking Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean.

Anyone interested in taking part should submit an abstract, limited to 300 words and written in English, to rsm.info@moc.gov.sa by Oct. 15. Poster proposals are also welcomed and will be reviewed by a scientific committee.

To support broad participation in the conference, the commissions will provide five grants to cover the cost of travel, accommodation and registration to researchers whose papers are accepted.

Priority will be given to applicants from the Red Sea region and developing countries.

By hosting the conference in Jeddah, the commissions aim to bolster Saudi Arabia’s academic and cultural standing, while reaffirming the Red Sea’s enduring significance as a living archive of human history, exchange and civilization.


MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

Updated 14 July 2025
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MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

  • Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes
  • Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing

MAKKAH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently received Firdavs Abdukhalikov, president of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and his delegation in Makkah.

Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing.

He also praised Al-Issa’s representation of Muslims during his speech at the UN’s inaugural International Day to Combat Islamophobia, held at the General Assembly’s invitation.

Also in Makkah, Al-Issa met Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, Iraq’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his term.