Why Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands are a haven for flamingos 

Special 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 

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.
 

 


Saudi foreign minister discusses ties with American counterpart ahead of Trump’s visit

Saudi foreign minister discusses ties with American counterpart ahead of Trump’s visit
Updated 07 May 2025
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Saudi foreign minister discusses ties with American counterpart ahead of Trump’s visit

Saudi foreign minister discusses ties with American counterpart ahead of Trump’s visit
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Marco Rubio held a phone call on Wednesday
  • Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji spoke with his American counterpart Christopher Landau

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan reviewed ties and strategic partnership with the US during a phone call with Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, on Wednesday.

The officials discussed the latest regional and international developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a separate phone call, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji discussed issues of common interest with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

Saudi Arabia is set to receive President Donald Trump on his trip to the Middle East next week.


Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Houthi ceasefire deal

Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Houthi ceasefire deal
Updated 07 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Houthi ceasefire deal

Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Houthi ceasefire deal
  • The Kingdom reiterated its support for all efforts toward a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia welcomed the statement from the Sultanate of Oman announcing a ceasefire agreement in Yemen aimed at safeguarding international navigation and trade.

The Kingdom reiterated its support for all efforts toward a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis that ensures security and stability for Yemen and the wider region.

The US and the Houthis agreed a ceasefire, mediators announced, saying the deal would ensure "freedom of navigation" in the Red Sea where the Houthis have attacked shipping for months.
The agreement comes after President Donald Trump announced that the US would end attacks against the Houthis after they agreed to stop harassing ships, though he made no direct mention of recent attacks on ally Israel.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi on Tuesday said that "following recent discussions and contacts... with the aim of de-escalation, efforts have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides".


Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives
The library houses a vast collection of religious texts, rare manuscripts, and resources in multiple languages across various fi
Updated 07 May 2025
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Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

Grand Mosque Library launches new Hajj initiatives

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched initiatives to enhance the pilgrim experience during Hajj at the Grand Mosque Library, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

The library, one of the most significant in the Islamic world, houses a vast collection of religious texts, rare manuscripts, and resources in multiple languages across various fields of knowledge. 

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, highlighted that the library was a cultural and educational platform for spreading religious knowledge, promoting Islamic culture, and fostering moderate thought globally. 

It remains a valuable resource for both students of knowledge and visitors to the two holy mosques, Al-Sudais said.

“The presidency is committed to advancing the library’s scientific and intellectual mission during Hajj and sharing it worldwide,” he added. 

The presidency has begun expanding the library’s role in scientific, intellectual and cultural areas during Hajj, with specialized programs and initiatives designed to serve visitors and researchers.


New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts

New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts
Updated 07 May 2025
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New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts

New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts
  • National Center for Vegetation Cover publishes official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas
  • It supports goal of planting 10 billion trees, the equivalent of rehabilitating 40m hectares of degraded land

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has taken another step toward its ambitious afforestation goals with the publication of the official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas.

The guide is a comprehensive manual that will serve as a unified reference to direct environmental restoration projects across the Kingdom.

It aims to ensure sustainable land management practices and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, one of which is to plant 10 billion trees — the equivalent of rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification announced its publication on Wednesday with an event titled “The Road to Restoring 40 Million Hectares.”

Organized under the national afforestation program, the event brought together a range of experts to align on best practices and scientific approaches to land rehabilitation.

Sameer Maleakah, director of the center’s afforestation department, highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitious environmental restoration goals.

“So far, we’ve restored over 313,000 hectares across various regions of the Kingdom,” Maleakah told Arab News. “But it’s not just about planting. Restoration begins with protecting the degraded areas — those affected by overgrazing, illegal logging, or desertification caused by human activities.

“We return these areas to their natural state, and once restored, they foster biodiversity, richer vegetation and denser tree cover. These sites then serve as natural parks or forests — whether mountainous or valley-based,” he added.

Maleakah also highlighted the importance of inclusive action. “It’s crucial to involve local communities, civil society organizations and take full advantage of existing legislation, rainfall and cloud-seeding technologies to ensure success.”

The center’s CEO, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulkader, echoed the importance of the program in his opening remarks, saying that land restoration is not only vital for environmental sustainability, but also plays a major role in food security, combating climate change and supporting rural livelihoods.

With more than 141 million trees planted to date and restoration efforts underway using rainfall and treated water, the center continues to position the afforestation program as a long-term investment in Saudi Arabia’s ecological and developmental future.


Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration
Saudi Arabia's culture. (File/AFP)
Updated 07 May 2025
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Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

Saudi Museums Commission, German Heritage Foundation launch program to deepen collaboration

RIYADH: The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation of Germany have taken a step forward in their cultural partnership by activating an executive program focused on long-term collaboration in the museum sector.

Central to this initiative is the development of a loan index, outlining a selection of artworks and artefacts from the foundation’s various Berlin-based museums to be shared with the Museums Commission over a five-year period.

This loan program forms part of the broader executive program signed by both parties.

The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including joint exhibitions in art and archaeology, long-term loans, strategic cultural projects, and capacity-building through training and residencies.

Two dedicated training programs have been agreed upon as part of this collaboration, said the Ministry of Culture in a press release.

One of the flagship initiatives, Museums in Motion, will bring together up to 80 cultural and museum professionals from both countries over five years through four interdisciplinary training sessions. 

Participants will engage in joint learning activities in both countries, fostering sustained dialogue, professional exchange, deeper cross-cultural understanding, and long-term institutional partnerships.

In a parallel initiative with the Hamburger Bahnhof — Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (National Gallery of Contemporary Art) in Berlin, a professional program will support talent development in the museum field. 

Over the next five years, experts from Hamburger Bahnhof will contribute to training and mentorship, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices in museum management and curation.

This executive program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening international cultural dialogue and advancing professional exchange in the global museum community.