Tourism in the Saudi Maldives.. Farasan Island

Weather of Arabia - Farasan Island is one of the most important tourist sites with strong potential, because of its attractive location and important archaeological sites, and beaches that compete with the most important islands of the world.

Farasan Islands are located in the middle of the waters of the Red Sea, about 50 km west of Jizan city. It is within an archipelago that contains 90 islands, with a total area of more than 600 square kilometers. The shape of the islands tends to be long, with a length of about 70 km, and a width of between 20 and 40 km.

These islands are covered with coral limestone flats that range between 10 and 20 meters above sea level. The maximum height is 75 meters. And there are a number of short valleys that end down to the sea. As for the coasts, they are covered with white calcareous sand as a result of the destruction of coral reefs and seashells.

The Farasan Islands are considered a protectorate of a large habitat of biodiversity, where the tree cover that covers these islands, the most important of which are sage, balsam, arak and mesquite shura, which are interspersed with charming waterways. As for the animals, the human antelope has spread on some islands, the white mongoose, and a number of rodents, turtles, and snails. The presence of birds on those islands varied, especially migratory water and shore birds such as seagulls, herons, sunset falcons, eagles, moths, and several types of gambling.

The archipelago contains three inhabited islands , the most important and largest of which is the Grand Farasan Island , which has an area of about 38,100 hectares, which is equivalent to 45 km. It has a wide range of tourism services such as hotels, furnished apartments, shops, and markets. It also contains administrative services such as the headquarters of the Farasan Governorate, and government departments, in addition to the port of Farasan, whose presence is one of the most important features of this island.

Farasan Lesser Island (Al-Saqid) comes in second place in terms of area, population, and development services available there. Its area was estimated at 14 square kilometres. This area serves the residents and tourists by a road called (Kubri). Implemented in 1406 AH through the Department of Roads and Transport in the region.

As for the third place, Qamah Island is located in the southwest of the island of Farasan Al-Am. A waterway separates them.
Farasan Islands are the focus of attention for tourists, businessmen, and fishermen alike. It is characterized by its location close to the international shipping lane, as well as from Bab al-Mandab, and the countries of the Horn of Africa. In addition to its richness in natural resources, it has been known since ancient times for pearl fisheries, which was one of the most important sources of livelihood for the people of the region, in addition to fishing, which was the main occupation of the islanders, given the wealth of fish and coral reefs in that region. To this day, it has been targeted by fishing obsession during the harem season, and it is a natural phenomenon of the fish of the seas on the shores of Farasan Island.

Mount Luqman is one of the most important monuments in Farasan. It is a huge crumbling stones pointing to the ruins of an ancient castle, and next to it come the ancient tombs. And Bait Al Jarmal and Bait Al Rifai and some of the ancient mosques that were built according to an architectural style that simulates the architecture of the past periods, such as the Najdi Mosque, which dates back to 1347 AH and is rich in ancient scattered inscriptions.

And you can reach that area through a ferry provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was allocated free of charge to serve the visitors, the sons of the kingdom, and the residents of the Knights. Ordered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah - may God have mercy on him. The affiliation of the people of the region, whether individuals, merchants, employees, or small ones, appears from the efforts they make in serving the tourists. It is the only city where there are no beggars.

Author: Aseel Al-Dubaisi