Farasan Islands are an archipelago of 84 islands made of coral reefs located about 40 kilometers offshore from the city of Jizan. This stunning destination breaks all stereotypes about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich land and underwater wildlife, Farasan is miles away from the typical images of sand dunes one might associate with Saudi Arabia.

A Long-Coveted Place

Since the first millennium BCE, the unique location of today’s Jizan Province has attracted people from Arabia, Africa, Europe, and now from all around the world. The Farasan Islands were first sought for the control they offered over the northern access to the Strait of Bab Al-Mandeb and the maritime route between the ancient African kingdoms of Aksum and the Arabian kingdoms of Sheba (Saba’) and Himyar.

The Sabean people occupied the archipelago as early as the beginning of the 1st millennium BCE, leaving behind remains of their constructions and inscriptions in their Sabean script in Wadi Matar on the eastern side of the main island. In the 2nd century BCE, the Romans, needing to secure the maritime road to India, sent a permanent military detachment to Farasan, leaving a famous Latin inscription. Over the centuries, many people, including the Aksumites, Arabs, and Ottomans, left evidence of their presence in Farasan.

Architectural Marvels

One particularly spectacular house on the main island dates back to the journey through Farasan to Al-Rifa’ai. Built with coral stones covered with plaster on both interior and exterior walls, it is adorned with decorative arabesque-like patterns. The main gate is decorated with colored glass known as Kamaryat, and the wooden ceilings are painted with a natural blue color.

Strategic Importance

The strategic location of Jizan Province and especially the Farasan Islands continued to be of interest in the 20th century. During World War II, the Germans built a fort on one of the islands of the archipelago.

The latest inhabitants of Farasan are Arabs who have built several traditional villages, such as Al-Qassar, which has been restored and can be visited. This village still has a palm tree oasis and is located close to a much older site, Al-Kedmi, where ancient stone structures can be found.

In the early 20th century, European adventurers like the French sailor Henry de Monfreid explored Farasan, with some even settling on Dumsuq Island. The strategic location of Farasan played a role in World War II, with the Germans building a fort to control access to the Red Sea.

A Modern-Day Paradise

Nowadays, invaders have been replaced by tourists who take the daily shuttle or one of the speed boats departing from Jizan seaport to the harbor on the main island of the archipelago. Every year, more visitors make the journey to Farasan to sail on its clear blue seas from one desert island to another, relax on its countless white beaches, swim in its pristine waters, admire its abundant submarine and land life, or discover the archipelago’s historical sites.

Farasan Islands truly are the jewel of the Red Sea, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Farasan Islands: A Unique Wildlife Diversity in Saudi Arabia

Thanks to its exceptionally rich wildlife for a small territory in the Arabian Peninsula, the Saudi Wildlife Authority declared the Farasan Islands a protected area in 1996, especially for its seabird life.

Avian Haven

The uninhabited islands serve as breeding sites for large numbers of birds, and the adjacent marine feeding grounds attract a variety of species such as:

  • Osprey
  • Sooty Falcon
  • Pink-Backed Pelican
  • Red-Billed Tropic Bird
  • White-Eyed Gull
  • Saunders’s Little Tern
  • Crab Plover
  • Flamingos

Marine Marvels

The waters surrounding the islands are equally important for marine life, thanks to the incredible density and variety of corals. The first striking aspect when diving in Farasan waters is the profusion of colors and shapes covering the seabed. These vibrant corals attract thousands of fish, enhancing the richness of the crystal-clear waters.

Farasan is particularly famous for its Parrotfish (locally known as ‘hareed’), celebrated by a festival every year in April-May when schools of this pretty fish appear in the shallow waters of the Al-Hasis Gulf. During the same period, impressive but harmless whale sharks from the Indian Ocean can be spotted at the mouth of the archipelago.

Farasan waters also host many kinds of marine life, including:

  • Dugongs
  • Sea Turtles
  • Lobsters
  • Manta Rays
  • Lionfish
  • Eels

Terrestrial Treasures

The land reserve has a very special feature with the Farasan Islands Gazelle, whose elegant silhouettes can be seen furtively within the bushes of the main island. According to the Saudi Wildlife Authority, Farasan’s gazelle population may possibly be the largest one left in Saudi Arabia.

Farasan Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant underwater world or spotting the graceful gazelles on land, Farasan promises an unforgettable experience.