Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Island celebrates its annual fishing season

Kunnah season in Jazan region witnesses an abundance of fish of different types, including the kingfish and parrotfish or Hipposcarus harid. (Supplied)
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Updated 04 May 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Island celebrates its annual fishing season

  • The festive fishing season called Kunnah continues until the end of June

JEDDAH: Every year around this time, fishermen from the Jazan region, specifically Farasan Island, prepare for a festive fishing season called Kunnah, derived from the Arabic word for kingfish, kana’ad.

Kunnah season indicates the beginning of summer and continues until the end of June.

It witnesses an abundance of fish of different types, including the kingfish and parrotfish or Hipposcarus harid.

Farasan Island is located 50 km offshore from Jazan, the far southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, and is among the largest islands in the Red Sea.

The fishing seasons in the region vary across its territorial waters, extending over the Red Sea, representing about 35 percent of fish production in the Red Sea and about 20 percent of the Kingdom’s fish production. 




Kunnah season in Jazan region witnesses an abundance of fish of different types, including the kingfish and parrotfish or Hipposcarus harid. (Supplied)

One of Farasan’s most experienced fishermen, Madani Hunaishi, said people linked the Kunnah season with kingfish because it passed through the islands during its annual migration season from the north side of the Red Sea in Jazan to its southern area, bearing eggs to begin its breeding cycle.

Kingfish are often caught with large nets. But in Jazan they have special fishing rituals. Fishing trips begin at night and the fish are attracted by lighting.

They are caught in huge quantities by Jazan fishermen, then distributed around the Kingdom, including Jeddah and Riyadh, where the larger size of this fish is in high demand.

“Kingfish auctions begin in the central fish markets for the larger sizes, as huge ones are sold at a price ranging between SR600 to SR1,500 ($150 to $400),” Hunaishi told Arab News.

Kunnah season is also known to be the season of the parrotfish. The people of Jazan receive it annually with singing, drums, dancing, and more because of all the bounties that come with it.

In a phenomenon particular to Jazan, Hipposcarus harid gather in shoals swimming in synchronicity to form a giant ball of over a thousand fish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• One of Farasan’s most experienced fishermen, Madani Hunaishi, said people linked the Kunnah season with kingfish because it passed through the islands during its annual migration season from the north side of the Red Sea in Jazan to its southern area, bearing eggs to begin its breeding cycle.

• Kingfish are often caught with large nets. But in Jazan they have special fishing rituals. Fishing trips begin at night and the fish are attracted by lighting.

This year marked the 18th annual Harid fishing festival, which is held in the region to celebrate the fishing of Hipposcarus harid.

This type of fish features bright colors and different sizes. They change color as they grow, and the color varies between males and females. They are considered parrotlike as they have teeth that they use to scrape food off coral reefs.

The National Center for Wildlife tweeted an infographic saying that this group of coral reef fish inhabited coastal areas of tropical oceans such as the Western Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the waters around Mozambique, Madagascar, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Jazani people have been familiar with this annual phenomenon for generations, and this knowledge is how the Harid Festival emerged.

Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser said during the inauguration of this year’s festival that studies were being conducted on the phenomenon of Hipposcarus harid appearing at this time of the year on the Farasan Islands.

He also said the study would clarify the method of Hipposcarus harid migration, from where it originated to where it arrived, adding that while there was preliminary information, there was a desire to provide in-depth studies on this phenomenon.

Jazan resembles a floating city during the festival due to the large number of fishing boats present and the sea becoming illuminated at night. The activity and events attract visitors from outside Jazan and the Kingdom.

As a result of the many fishing seasons during the year, the Jazan region produces about 11,000 metric tons of fish annually, with over 3,200 fishermen working along the coasts and benefiting from 17 fishing ports.

They sail daily during the season on 1,657 boats, contributing to the investment in fisheries and preserving the fishing profession.

To protect the marine environment from pollution and the water resources in the region, the Fisheries Research Center supervises the sector through inspection tours to control and regulate fishing and stop those who violate the system.


Riyadh to host second edition of Model of Care Forum

Updated 6 sec ago
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Riyadh to host second edition of Model of Care Forum

  • Forum aims to introduce the Saudi healthcare model locally and internationally, highlight success stories, and outline future goals and ambitions
  • Forum represents the second phase in a four-part strategic process in the healthcare sector’s transformation

RIYADH: Riyadh will host the second edition of the Model of Care Forum under the patronage of Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel.

Organised by the Health Holding Co. on Jan. 28-29, the forum will be held at Malfa Hall in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.

The forum aims to introduce the Saudi healthcare model locally and internationally, highlight success stories, and outline future goals and ambitions in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

It also promotes partnership in healthcare among individuals and their families by taking necessary measures to maintain their health, ensuring the provision of healthcare that meets societal needs according to the highest quality standards.

The forum represents the second phase in a four-part strategic process in the healthcare sector’s transformation, aimed at developing the healthcare model in the Kingdom.

The Health Holding Co. is playing a key role in enabling healthcare delivery through 20 health clusters across Saudi Arabia.


Directorate imposes new exit visa requirement

Updated 09 January 2025
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Directorate imposes new exit visa requirement

  • Directorate addressed employers, stating that if a resident identity is valid for fewer than 30 days, the final exit visa may not be issued
  • Resident identity must be renewed for the issuance of the final exit visa

RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has said that resident identities must be valid for at least 30 days when applying for a final exit visa.

The directorate addressed employers, stating that if a resident identity is valid for fewer than 30 days, the final exit visa may not be issued. In that case, the resident identity must be renewed for the issuance of the final exit visa.

It noted that if a resident identity is valid for more than 30 days and fewer than 60 days, a final exit visa may be issued for the resident identity’s remaining period.

If the resident identity is valid for 60 days or more, the final exit visa may be issued for 60 days only.

The directorate noted that employers may issue final exit visas for their sponsored workers or affiliated family members through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher Business platform, and the Muqeem portal.


Saudi king and crown prince congratulate Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 09 January 2025
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Saudi king and crown prince congratulate Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon

  • In a congratulatory cable, King Salman wished Aoun success and the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Joseph Aoun on being elected president of Lebanon on Thursday.

In a congratulatory cable, King Salman wished Aoun success and the Lebanese people further progress and prosperity.The crown prince sent a similar cable.

Lebanon’s parliament voted Thursday to elect the country’s army commander, Joseph Aoun, as head of state, filling a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum.

Thursday’s session was the 13th attempt to elect a successor to Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022.


King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

The Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives are launched at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 09 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz Public Library launches Thara Saudi, Athar initiatives

  • Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism
  • Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

RIYADH: General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar launched the Thara Saudi and Athar initiatives at the third Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh.

Through Thara Saudi the KAPL offers a number of programs that contribute to highlighting cultural tourism, while Athar is an interactive platform inspired by one of the pioneering national documentation projects, “The Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Speaking at the launch, Muammar said: “The Thara Saudi Arabia is the initiative through which the library seeks to provide a distinctive cultural tourism experience that reflects the rich and diverse history and culture of the Kingdom and aims to present a sustainable vision that contributes to enhancing local culture in global languages.

“It comes as an expression of the efforts of 40 years of cultural and cognitive work, which created a national legacy and a sustainable impact,” added Muammar.

He said the KAPL also launched the Athar initiative, which represents the historical monuments and landmarks mentioned in the encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia, enabling tourists to discover the Kingdom in an unprecedented way.

This project is designed to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for cultural tourism, and reflects the great diversity Saudi Arabia enjoys.

Through its pavilion at the Saudi Tourism Forum, which was held from Jan. 7-9 at the Riyadh Front, the KAPL seeks to enhance cultural awareness and provide knowledge content that contributes to highlighting the Saudi national heritage, and encourages the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique cultural destinations.

In November the KAPL launched an initiative to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination for cultural tourism by attracting visitors worldwide to explore the library’s diverse branches.

This project aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by strengthening national identity, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development.

Through its efforts, the KAPL seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, folk arts, and traditions, while deepening citizens’ connections to their cultural roots and contributing to economic diversification.


Al-Baha almond season flourishes with vibrant blooms

Updated 09 January 2025
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Al-Baha almond season flourishes with vibrant blooms

AL-BAHA: Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Al-Baha transforms into a stunning landscape in winter, with gardens and parks adorned in shades of white and pink blossoms of almond trees. 

This year, the almond blossom season in the region is remarkable amid ideal weather conditions fostering dense, vibrant flowers. Local farmers are optimistic about the upcoming harvest, carefully tending to the trees to ensure optimal yield. 

Almond farming is a longstanding tradition in Al-Baha, playing a vital role in the local economy. (SPA)

Almond cultivation is a longstanding tradition in Al-Baha, playing a vital role in the local economy by creating job opportunities for farmers and promoting agricultural trade. The exquisite almond blossoms also attract tourists, advancing the growth of ecotourism in the region. 

The cultivation of almond trees is prevalent throughout the Sarawat Mountains in Al-Baha, as well as in the governorates of Baljurashi, Al Mandaq, and Bani Hassan. 


READ MORE: Saudis are still nuts about almonds amid revival in cultivation


A single almond tree can yield about 200 kilograms of nuts each season, farmers say. 

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha has been instrumental in promoting almond tree cultivation by introducing investment opportunities and enhancing farmers' expertise through a range of informative workshops.