Farasan Island is one of the tourists and natural attractions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the largest Saudi island and the second-largest island in the Red Sea after the Eritrean island of Dahlak.
Farasan Island is located in the far southwest of the Kingdom and is part of Jazan region. It is surrounded by an archipelago known as the Farasan Islands, consisting of approximately two hundred islands of various sizes, making up 15.6 percent of the total number of islands in the Kingdom, which are 1,285.
Farasan Island area
Farasan Island is considered the largest island in Saudi Arabia, with a length of about fifty-seven km and a width of twenty-seven km. Its total area is estimated to be 380 km2. It is located approximately thirty-eight km from the coast of Jazan, and can be reached through a maritime crossing from the ports of Jazan and Farasan, which provide daily transportation services to and from the island.
Farasan Island formation
The formation of Farasan Island dates back to the Pleistocene epoch, which is commonly known as the Ice Age. The island is known for its coral reefs and also contains limestone, gypsum, and anhydrite (calcium sulfate). The Farasan Islands Marine Reserve was established in 1989 within the island's boundaries to protect the coral reefs and marine life from pollution and damage.
Farasan Island is covered with vast areas of vegetation, including plants like Samr, Balsam, Sidr, and Arak. It is also adorned with various trees such as Mesquite, Shura (Rhizophora mucronata), and Qandal (Avicennia marina).
The islands in the Red Sea are categorized into four groups depending on their origin. Atolls are formed by coral growth above the continental shelf. Continental islands are separated from the land. Sandy islands are made up of sandbars created by waves in low-tide zones. Volcanic islands result from volcanic eruptions from the seabed.
The most important archaeological sites on Farasan Island
The island includes several sites of archaeological and touristic importance, including the Castle, al-Rifai House, al-Zaylai Maritime Museum, and al-Najdi Historic Mosque.
Farasan Island population
The population of Farasan Island province is 13,529 people, according to the population census results of 2022. The island provides various facilities and services, including basic infrastructure, medical, recreational, and educational services, among others.
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