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.
 

 


King Salman appoints Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

Updated 09 July 2025
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King Salman appoints Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

  • Al-Fayyad has been executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre since 2017
  • He graduated in 1990 from King Saud University’s medical school and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience

JEDDAH: In a royal order issued on Wednesday, King Salman appointed Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as an advisor to the Saudi Royal Court.

Al-Fayyad is the executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, which has facilities in Riyadh, Madinah and Jeddah. He graduated in 1990 from the medical school at King Saud University in Riyadh, and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience.

In the US, he undertook specialized training in pediatrics at Tufts University, and in pediatric cardiology at Columbia University. He holds several certifications and degrees, including a master’s in medical administration awarded by the University of Southern California in 2015.

He was appointed in 2017 to his current position at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, where he has helped spearhead key reforms to the Saudi healthcare sector. He has also played important roles in national healthcare committees and initiatives, earning recognition for his contributions to research and administration.


Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 09 July 2025
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Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi was visited by UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The ambassador visited to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Rassi praised the ambassador’s efforts in strengthening and advancing relations between the two countries.


Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids

Updated 09 July 2025
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Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids

JEDDAH: The National Museum in Riyadh will launch its third interactive summer camp, themed “Made in the Museum,” for children aged 10 to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative is part of the “Year of Handicrafts,” celebrating Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity and intergenerational bonds.

The camp has two sessions: July 21-31 and Aug. 4-14, running daily from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., both inside the museum and outdoors.

Designed as an educational and immersive experience, the camp invites participants to explore and revive traditional Saudi crafts, the SPA added.

Children will engage in hands-on activities in four core tracks: clay crafts, textiles, woodworking, and supportive crafts, blending play, learning, and exploration.

This year’s camp strengthens the museum’s role as a community hub, providing children with opportunities to develop critical thinking and design skills while inspiring their imagination and showing the cultural and economic importance of handicrafts.

The camp encourages children to make and show their projects at the end of each session, helping them feel confident and encouraging new ideas and creativity.


Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment

Updated 09 July 2025
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Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment

  • The hospital has provided 22 years of care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, culminating in a successful liver transplant — the first worldwide for this condition

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has provided 22 years of care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, culminating in a successful liver transplant — the first worldwide for this condition.

Diagnosed in infancy with congenital plasminogen deficiency, the patient required ongoing treatment to manage fibrous deposits affecting her tissues and organs, according to a press release.

Over the two decades, a multidisciplinary team including hematology, transplant specialists, nursing, nutrition and IT supported her care, the report said.

The patient’s father said: “She suffered from birth and couldn’t nurse. We had no clear answers until we found hope through the care provided by the Saudi government. After 22 years of struggle, we witness our daughter’s recovery.”

The treatment involved regular plasminogen infusions and eyedrops to reduce the disease’s effect on her vision, with annual costs exceeding SR6 million ($1.6 million), fully covered by the government.

Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, director of the adult hematology and stem-cell transplant division at the center and supervising physician, said that managing the case required a precise and long-term approach to prevent complications and ensure stability.

He said that the decision to proceed with a liver transplant came after careful consideration as an extraordinary therapeutic option for this exceptionally rare case.

The procedure’s success marked a turning point in her medical journey and was a beacon of hope for patients with similar conditions worldwide, Al-Zahrani added.


Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy

Updated 09 July 2025
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Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy

RIYADH: The Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Guarantee Program, known as Kafalah, in collaboration with the Riyadh Chamber, will hold interactive sessions on July 15 to mark World Youth Skills Day.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and develop entrepreneurial skills among youth, entrepreneurs and SMEs, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The sessions will cover key topics to boost youth contributions to national economic development, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan.

Focus areas include access to finance, building administrative and financial capabilities, enhancing SME sustainability, and turning ideas into viable projects.

These sessions highlight the collaboration between entities supporting the SME sector in the Kingdom, the SPA added.

The Kafalah program and Riyadh Chamber aim to foster youth growth and strengthen their role in the national economy.

Kafalah supports micro, small and medium enterprises by providing financial guarantees, improving their access to financing and reducing lending risks for banks.