Apart from its desert landscape, Saudi Arabia also has stunning coastal areas. Moreover, these also play an important role in the geography of the kingdom. Besides, they also offer a mixture of natural beauty, economic importance, and cultural experiences. From the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, there is so much for you to know about the coastal areas of Saudi Arabia. And this blog covers all you need to know about them.
What are the Main Coastal Areas of Saudi Arabia?
Most people think that Saudi Arabia just has deserts. But this is not true. In fact, the region is filled with magnificent mountains, greenscapes, and wondrous cities. And this is not all! The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia borders the sea too. This is why it is home to several coasts, beaches, and coasts. The major coasts of Saudi Arabia are situated around:
- Red Sea
- Arabian Gulf
- Gulf of Aqabah
“The total length of the coastal areas of Saudi Arabia is around 3800 km.” – Saudipedia.
Together, these coastal areas significantly contribute to KSA’s diverse geography, cultural richness, and economy. Besides, they also cover several major cities of KSA. You should know that coasts are a significant part of Saudi Arabia for the demographics of the country as well.
Did You Know?
According to the 2022 Saudi census, one-third of the population in the Kingdom resides along the coast.
Based on the above reasons, here is all the significant information you should have about the coastlines of KSA.
1. Arabian Gulf Coast
The Arabian Gulf coast in Saudi Arabia is situated in the east of the Kingdom. In fact, it stretches from Ras as-Saffaniyah in the north to the Jafurah desert in the south. This area includes a diverse region of sandy beaches and coastal wetlands.
Important!
“The approximate length of Saudi Arabian coastline around the Arabian Gulf is around 1200 km.”
You should know that the eastern coast covers all of the Eastern provinces of KSA. Moreover, the Arabian Gulf Coast covers several major cities and islands. Besides, it’s popular among tourists for its rich marine biodiversity and recreational activities like diving and fishing. There are also several recent developments focusing on promoting tourism and environmental conservation in this coastal area.
2. Red Sea Coast
The coastlines of Saudi Arabia border the Red Sea to the west stretching over 2000 km. These are an important destination known for its unique marine life and coral reefs. You should know that this region has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world. In fact, the Red Sea is home to around 1,200 fish species and 250 types of coral, many of which are found only here. Apart from this, the area is also a migration route for marine animals such as whale sharks and dolphins. Because of so many marine attractions and geographical wonders, the coastlines of The Red Sea became a global tourist attraction. The kingdom is currently working on several developmental projects to attract more visitors.
Important!
“ By 2030, the Red Sea plans to develop 50 hotels and approximately 1,000 residential properties spreading across 22 islands and six inland locations.”
3. Gulf of Aqabah Coast
The Gulf of Aqaba is a water body in the Red Sea with its coastlines stretching in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. These coasts are known for their natural beauty and ecological significance. In fact, the region features some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs, which support a variety of marine species, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. The city of Haql serves as a main access point for tourists interested in water sports and exploring underwater wonders.
What are the Major Coastal Plains of Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has two major coastal plains contributing to its geography and ecology. These include:
- Tihama Plain
- Arabian Gulf Plain
One is a narrow strip confined between the Red Sea to the west and the western highlands to the east. On the other hand, the latter is an extensive flat plain primarily covered with sand. Both of these coastal plains have a great impact on the geography and topography of the kingdom. Let’s have a detailed overview of the features and qualities they bring to Saudi Arabia:
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Coastal Plains of Saudi Arabia |
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|
Features |
Tihama Plain (Red Sea Coast) |
Arabian Gulf Coastal Plain |
| Location | Western coast along the Red Sea | Eastern coast along the Arabian Gulf |
| Geographical Boundaries | Bordered by the Red Sea to the west and the Western highlands to the east | Bordered by the Arabian Gulf to the east and the as-Summan Plateau to the west |
| Climate | Hot and humid | Arid, with hot summers and mild winters |
| Topography | Narrow plain with capes | Flat plain covered with sand and sabkhas (salt flats) |
| Key Capes | Karkamah, al-Buraydi, al-Shaaban, al-Tarafah | N/A |
| Economic Activities | Agriculture (e.g., date palm cultivation) | Oil and petrochemical industries |
| Major Cities | Less urbanized | Dammam, Al Jubail |
| Ecological Importance | Diverse ecosystems, including coastal wetlands | Unique salt flats and marine biodiversity |
| Tourism Potential | Opportunities for eco-tourism and agriculture | Industrial tourism and recreational activities |
How Many Islands Does Saudi Arabia Have?
There are around 1,285 islands in Saudi Arabia, all varying in size. Most of these islands, around 1,150, are found in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, which is about 89 percent of the total. The remaining islands, around 135, are located in the Arabian Gulf, making up about 11 percent. Now that you know about how many Saudi islands there are, you should know which ones are the largest based on the area.
|
Largest Islands in Saudi Arabia |
|
| Red Sea | Arabian Gulf |
| Farasan Island | Abu Ali Island |
| 380 km² | 59.3 km² |
Apart from varying in size, these are also home to a variety of plants and animals. Some of these islands are uninhabited as well. Besides, most of these islands have coral formations while others are volcanic, continental, or sandy. You should know that the Farasan Islands are in fact a group of several islands; let’s find out more about it.
What are the Farasan Islands (Farasan Archipelago)?
The Farasan Islands or Farasan Archipelago are a group of around 176 islands and islets located in the Red Sea. Talking about the exact location, they are around 40 km off the coast of Jizan, Saudi Arabia. This stunning group is well-known for its rich marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The islands are a popular tourist destination. And the visitors are always spellbound by their beautiful beaches and wondrous underwater life.
Island Fact!
“Farasan Island is the largest in all of the Farasan Archipelago. It is home to various endangered species, including turtles and dolphins”
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Important Coastal Governorates & Cities of the Kingdom
You should know that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to around twenty-eight coastal governorates that are spread across six administrative provinces. Out of these, there are nine governorates in the Eastern Province along the Arabian Gulf coast. The other nineteen governorates are found in five different provinces, including Tabuk, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Aseer, and Jazan, which are located along the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
Apart from this, the region also houses many important cities of the kingdom. These do not just hold economic or geographical significance. In fact, many of these are of tourism importance (culture and maritime activities) as well. Here are the major coastal cities across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqabah:
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Important Coastal Cities of KSA |
|
|
City |
Key Features |
| Jeddah | The largest city on the Red Sea coast, a gateway for pilgrims to Mecca and Medina, King Fahd Fountain, vibrant corniche, major commercial hub with a bustling port. |
| Dammam | Capital of the Eastern Province, a significant center for the oil industry, modern waterfront, home to King Abdulaziz Seaport, supports commercial and industrial activities. |
| Al Jubail | Known for petrochemical industries, strategically located along the Arabian Gulf, well-developed port, and key economic player. |
| Yanbu | Important for oil refining and petrochemicals, deep-water port supports shipping and tourism, vital economic center. |
| Khobar | Modern infrastructure, vibrant lifestyle, beautiful beaches, a popular destination for residents and tourists. |
| Tabuk | Known for historical significance and natural beauty, gateway to stunning Red Sea beaches and tourist attractions. |
What are the Important Ports in the Kingdom?
Because of its significant coasts, the kingdom is also home to several important ports that play a crucial role in its economy and trade. These ports serve as a significant hub for shipping organizations and logistics companies:
- King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam
- Jeddah Islamic Port
- Yanbu Commercial Port
- King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail
Sea Port Fact!
“King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is the largest in the Arabian Gulf. It is well-known for facilitating significant commercial activities.”
Each of these serves actively to enhance the Kingdom’s maritime trade and economic growth. For instance, Jeddah Islamic Port is known as a key entry point for goods and pilgrims. Besides, it is the busiest port on the Red Sea. Other than this, Yanbu Commercial Port supports the petrochemical industry. And King Fahd Industrial Port majorly caters to industrial shipping needs.
What is the Climate of Saudi Coastal Areas?
Generally, the climate of the Saudi coastal areas is characterized as hot and arid year-round. However, the climate and weather do vary between the Red Sea Coast and the Arabian Gulf Coast. For instance, the climate of the Red Sea coastline is hot, and dry, with very little rainfall. The Arabian Gulf climate is hot, and arid, with transitions between tropical and subtropical.
Coastal Environment in Saudi Arabia
The coastal environment of KSA is more diverse than you think. Most people focus the deserts of Saudi Arabia and their features. But you should know that the coastal areas are equally wondrous with its flora and fauna. Here is the significance of the coastlines, islands, and islets:
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Coral Reefs
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast are home to beautiful coral reefs. These reefs are full of life and support many different types of fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures. Undoubtedly, they create a lively underwater environment and play a very important role in the marine biodiversity.
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Marine Life
The waters around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are rich in marine life. Surely, this include beautiful and colorful fish found in coral reefs. However, there are many other species, including crabs, shrimp, and various types of mollusks. This variety of marine life is essential for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
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Coastal Trees
Mangroves are the highlights of this region. These trees grow in the areas where land meets the sea. Moreover, they provide important homes and breeding grounds for many marine birds and animals. Mangroves also help protect the coastline from erosion and improve water quality.
Conclusion
Whether you are a resident, pilgrim, or a tourist, this blog is your guide to the coastal regions. The coastlines are divided over three main water bodies: the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba. These cover around twenty nine governorates and many important cities of the Kingdom. Also, it is home to so many sea ports that contribute to the economy as well as the tourism of the country. These coastal areas also bring a large number of tourists every year. Visitors are very much interested in exploring the marine life and water sports of the country. All the coastal plants, coral reefs, and marine animals elevate the attraction of Saudi Coastal areas.
