The Kingdom's largest island
Farasan, in Jazan Region, is the largest Saudi island at about 380 km², and its archipelago also includes Sajid and Qamah. Formed in the Pleistocene, the islands are built of coral reef, limestone, gypsum and anhydrite, with terrain that is typically 10 to 20 m high and reaches 75 m at its highest point.
Daily boats link the ports of Jazan and Farasan. The island's 13,529 residents (2022 census) live among heritage sites such as al-Rifai House, the al-Najdi mosque and the al-Zaylai maritime museum, and islanders have long lived by fishing and by growing millet and maize.
A marine reserve since 1989
The Farasan Islands Marine Reserve was established in 1989 to protect coral reefs and marine life from damage and pollution, and it is the only reserve in Jazan Region. Dense thickets of Avicennia and Rhizophora mangroves line its shores.
An indigenous Arabian gazelle lives on some of the islands, alongside the white-tailed mongoose. Ospreys, pelicans, grey-headed gulls, herons and sooty falcons are among its birds.