Exploring Saudi Arabia's marine wonderland

[Saif al-Arab]

KSA has a very rich marine life and a long beautiful and largely untouched coastline. For instance the Red Sea is home to the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Al Wadj Bank, Saudi Arabia (NASA, International Space Station Science, 12/30/07) by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, on Flickr


فرسان by Jazan Know, on Flickr

Tabuk area منطقة تبوك by tabuk تبوك, on Flickr

​

There are almost 2000 islands in KSA as well. The vast, vast majority are uninhabited. Most are found in the Red Sea.

In recent years several new volcanic islands have emerged in the Red Sea due to volcanic eruptions. More specifically in the waters close to KSA and Yemen. Most recently last year.

This video is 5 years old.

It's quite amazing really.

KAUST wrote a paper on the subject not long ago.

Plate separation births two volcanic islands | KAUST Discovery

Another article from another source.

Birth of two volcanic islands in the southern Red Sea : Nature Communications : Nature Publishing Group

During his first exploration of the Red Sea the legendary underwater explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau observed about the shorelines of Saudi Arabia and Sudan - "Life abounds in bank after bank of exuberant coral structures, second only to those of the Great Barrier Reef in extent and exceeding it perhaps in splendour. Here there is deep clarity, blazing colour, and active fauna".

For years cloaked in secrecy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has exploded on to the tourist track. International Cultural Tourism has been evident for many years with groups coming from Japan, America and Europe. Saudi Arabia is now realising a national heritage and opening sustained dive tourism. Our Saudi Arabia dive trips are from Liveaboards and proving to be a great success. This is as a result of spectacular diving with newly discovered dive sites and an abundance of large pelagic activity both on our Yanbu and Farasan Banks itineraries, with several species of sharks including silkies, oceanics and tigers, as well as giant mantas.

It has been said that Saudi Arabia is one of diving's last frontiers, and it is a fact that very few westerners have ever been able to dive here. The appeal of diving almost untouched, barely explored reefs is undeniable. With an incredible variety of marine life and some of the most flourishing coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world - it is no wonder that so many famous explorers have dived here.

The Red Sea is rated as one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. Egypt, Sudan and Jordan offer fantastic diving, but how many of you have dived the Saudi Arabian Red Sea? How many of you know anyone who has? Without question, many if not most of the outer reefs in that region have never been dived. The diversity of marine life and fauna along the reefs really are quite exquisite and offer the diver a high quality and extremely memorable diving experience.​

http://www.diving-world.com/saudi.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Cousteau

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Isolated bay in northern Hijaz:

جبل طيب اسم copy by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

كشته بحريه by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

شاطئ الخريبه by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

١على الكورنيش by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

المويلح by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

قارب by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

سياحه by عبدالله العيدي, on Flickr

... by Fahad Almazyad, on Flickr

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

 

[haviZsultan]

Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing...

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Very beautiful. Thanks for sharing...

Welcome.

غابة المانجروف by Tayseer Alabyadh, on Flickr
​

A Hijazi beach:

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

https://twitter.com/x/status/838430146549940224

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Al-Birk: Saudi islands dot the Red Sea with virgin nature
Arab News | Published — Monday 3 April 2017

The islands are characterized by their charming nature and environmental diversity, which is different from other Saudi islands in the Red Sea. (SPA)​

JEDDAH: The islands belonging to the province of Al-Birk on the Red Sea coast west of Asir region have a virgin nature that attracts lovers of marine tourism and fishing.
The islands are characterized by their charming nature and environmental diversity, which is different from other Saudi islands in the Red Sea.
Photos by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) captured during a tour of Al-Birk showed the natural elements of the islands that qualify it to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the near future. Moreover, it is characterized by the white sand of its beaches, the coral reefs that permeate its depths, next to a variety of trees that are no more than a meter high and are called “mangroves,” and rocky islands where elements of erosion and sea waves have painted beautiful portraits.
These islands are Hasr, Muqt, Marka, Qutoa, Mount Dhahban and Umm Al-Qusha. Muhammad Al-Hilali is part of the governorate of Al-Birk and specializes in the profession of sea fishing. The distances traveled by tourists to the islands vary, and the nearest one to the beaches of the governorate is the island of Hasr, which covers an area of about 3 square kilometers and is about 1 nautical mile off the coast. Many species of seabirds and wild pigeons live in the mangrove trees.
He told the SPA that some of the most famous birds on the island are the Hilali, Nawras, Flamingo and Al-Bahtha.
The island of Mount Dhahban, which is about 10 miles from the coast, is famous for the existence of many old buildings in its eastern side. It is said that it was inhabited for a period and is surrounded by mangroves.
The island of Hadara, or what fishermen know as Moqt Island, is about 15 nautical miles northwest of Al-Birk. It is a sandy island containing multiple species of sea birds such as seagulls and swans, in addition to groups of dolphins. It is surrounded by coral reefs rich with fish including coral trout. It is also considered one of the most popular places for fishermen.
The Marka sandy island lies west of Al-Birk province and is 12 nautical miles from the coast. It was one of the first islands frequented by foreign tourists. It is famous for its large number of seagulls. Northwest of Al-Birk stands the island of Qutoa, which is about 29 nautical miles from the province. It is a large island with an area of more than 20 million square meters.
It is characterized by harboring a small lake. The island is surrounded by eight rocky islands that abound with coral reefs.
One of the highlights of the island is the presence of rocks carved by the waves in an attractive manner.
Like other islands, Al-Birk contains various species of animals and plants, especially birds, of which swans are the most popular.
There are several other smaller islands off the shores of Al-Birk including Mount Douka, Mount Kadembel, Jasim, Jana, Jannah, Hattebah, Halet Za’al, Habar, Doama, Damsak, Dushak and Zolraka.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Simply amazing.

The day KSA opens up for wide-scale tourism (the country with the largest potential for tourism due to Hajj and Umrah alone and the fact that there is virtually no real tourism sector in KSA - still KSA is the 13th most visited country in the world out of almost 200 countries) such and many other places can be visited by foreigners in KSA (a country the size of Western Europe).

 

[waz]

Simply amazing.

The day KSA opens up for wide-scale tourism (the country with the largest potential for tourism due to Hajj and Umrah alone and the fact that there is virtually no real tourism sector in KSA - still KSA is the 13th most visited country in the world out of almost 200 countries) such and many other places can be visited by foreigners in KSA (a country the size of Western Europe).

Uninhabited right bro?

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Uninhabited right bro?

Yes, most of the 2000 or so Saudi Arabian islands are uninhabited although many are not.

Fish and shrimp farming:

Very nice.

The giant whale sharks:

Italian divers in KSA:

Hijazi fish kabsa:



Saudi Arabian fish curry (Samak Quwarmah):



Saudi dough with king fish:

Hijazi sayyadiyah:

There are so many delicious seafood dishes in KSA, in particular Hijaz.

 

[waz]

Yes, most of the 2000 or so Saudi Arabian islands are uninhabited although many are not.

Fish and shrimp farming:

Very nice.

The giant whale sharks:

Italian divers in KSA:

Hijazi fish kabsa:



Saudi Arabian fish curry (Samak Quwarmah):



Saudi dough with king fish:

Hijazi sayyadiyah:

There are so many delicious seafood dishes in KSA, in particular Hijaz.

I'd like to go these islands, the issue is of infrastructure. I don't think there would be anything there. I hope SA goes beyond the typical Haj/umrah tourist, there is so much diversity there.
As for the food, I'm so upset I couldn't find these dishes when I visited the holy cities.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

I'd like to go these islands, the issue is of infrastructure. I don't think there would be anything there. I hope SA goes beyond the typical Haj/umrah tourist, there is so much diversity there.
As for the food, I'm so upset I couldn't find these dishes when I visited the holy cities.

No, there is nothing to find on those uninhabited islands in terms of infrastructure other than nature at its finest, beautiful and exotic marine life and a rich animal life. When it comes to the inhabited islands there is infrastructure but it is only geared partially for tourism and mostly local one.

Insha'Allah bro. This is also the stated goal by the government and things have been moving in a positive direction in this regard in KSA and others in the past 1 year. Basically since the Saudi Vision 2030 was announced.

http://vision2030.gov.sa/en

Part of this vision is also to highlight the cultural diversity in KSA and focus on not only the Islamic but also pre-Islamic heritage which is amongst the richest in the world.

As for Makkah and Madinah they have been huge building sites for years. This will be the case for at 5 years more. Once this is done and accomplished necessary changes will occur and more focus will be given to introduce tourists, pilgrims etc. to local culture. The problem is that unless you are an local, an Arabic-speaker or know locals/residents it is difficult to find the places that locals attend. For instance restaurants. This is due to the fact that Makkah (especially) and Madinah are some of the most cosmopolitan cities not only in the Muslim world but the entire world. So naturally those cities gather for people from every corner of the world. This is why you can restaurants and other cultural elements that make various people feel more at home. It was differently in earlier times. For instance pre-WW2 the average pilgrim had more exposure to local culture. Also due to pilgrims coming in much smaller numbers.

Anyway there are tons of local traditions that pre-date the birth of modern-day KSA (naturally) such as for instance local Hijazi women having a tradition of inviting female pilgrims into their homes and introducing them to the cuisine, culture, welcoming them, having them stay overnight, showing them the historical areas, interesting areas etc. However this is nowadays only done by a few 100 families and not on a big scale so very, very few pilgrims get to experience this. In earlier times pilgrims used to stay at locals homes mostly. That was how it was. In short it was a very different world.

 

[waz]

No, there is nothing to find on those uninhabited islands in terms of infrastructure other than nature at its finest, beautiful and exotic marine life and a rich animal life. When it comes to the inhabited islands there is infrastructure but it is only geared partially for tourism and mostly local one.

Insha'Allah bro. This is also the stated goal by the government and things have been moving in a positive direction in this regard in KSA and others in the past 1 year. Basically since the Saudi Vision 2030 was announced.

http://vision2030.gov.sa/en

Part of this vision is also to highlight the cultural diversity in KSA and focus on not only the Islamic but also pre-Islamic heritage which is amongst the richest in the world.

As for Makkah and Madinah they have been huge building sites for years. This will be the case for at 5 years more. Once this is done and accomplished necessary changes will occur and more focus will be given to introduce tourists, pilgrims etc. to local culture. The problem is that unless you are an local, an Arabic-speaker or know locals/residents it is difficult to find the places that locals attend. For instance restaurants. This is due to the fact that Makkah (especially) and Madinah are some of the most cosmopolitan cities not only in the Muslim world but the entire world. So naturally those cities gather for people from every corner of the world. This is why you can restaurants and other cultural elements that make various people feel more at home. It was differently in earlier times. For instance pre-WW2 the average pilgrim had more exposure to local culture. Also due to pilgrims coming in much smaller numbers.

Anyway there are tons of local traditions that pre-date the birth of modern-day KSA (naturally) such as for instance local Hijazi women having a tradition of inviting female pilgrims into their homes and introducing them to the cuisine, culture, welcoming them, having them stay overnight, showing them the historical areas, interesting areas etc. However this is nowadays only done by a few 100 families and not on a big scale so very, very few pilgrims get to experience this. In earlier times pilgrims used to stay at locals homes mostly. That was how it was. In short it was a very different world.

Thank you for the informative post my brother.
Yes I'm greatly looking forward to the Hijaz diversity drive. By the way where is the pre-Islamic heritage to be found?
You are right about the difficulties of being non-native, or being unable to speak Arabic. It would have been so much easier to find the local Hijazi cuisine. Are you currently in Saudi? If you are, you will have to be my guide haha.
I really do like the local custom you spoke of, ah the days Rasool Allah(saws). I mean that's what it feels like.

 

[MultaniGuy]

lovely pictures of the marine life.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/d...saudi-arabia-to-develop-island-beach-resorts/

Sebastian Farmborough, An Emerging Mystery

https://www.thesolutionsjournal.com...of-saudi-arabia-through-a-photographers-lens/







http://blog.radissonblu.com/9-attractions-you-need-to-see-when-in-jizan/

A beach in Jeddah:



Ras Tanura beach in the Eastern Province:

Ras Tanura Beach by Andrew A. Shenouda, on Flickr

Beaches of Saudi Arabia - Ras Tanura by Justin Scott, on Flickr

Neighborhoods nearby: