Farasan

Welcome to Farasan, a Dry island in the Red Sea, part of the majestic Indian Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Farasan unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Farasan
Size: 396.7 km²
Coastline: 220.8 km
Ocean: Indian Ocean
Sea: Red Sea
Continent: Asia
Farasan is a Large Island spanning 397 km² with a coastline of 221 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: Arabia – A major tectonic plate covering the Arabian Peninsula and parts of the Middle East. The plate is primarily continental and known for its collision with the Eurasian Plate, leading to the uplift of the Zagros Mountains.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 16.72962584 / Longitude: 42.01069666
Climate and weather of Farasan
Climate Zone: Dry
Climate Details: Hot Deserts Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: Dominated by extremely hot temperatures, this climate is marked by minimal rainfall and barren landscapes. Nights often experience drastic temperature drops.
Topography and nature of Farasan
Timezone: UTC+03:00
Timezone places: Asia/Riyadh
Max. Elevation: 40 m
Mean Elevation: 12 m
Vegetation: Rocky Terrain
Tree Coverage: 0%
The mean elevation is 12 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 40 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Rocky Terrain
Landscapes dominated by gravel, rock, and stone, with little to no vegetation. These areas are often found in mountainous regions or deserts. Farasan has a tree cover of 0 %.
Vegetation: 5 vegetation zones – Highly Diverse Island
With five different vegetation zones, these islands offer a rich tapestry of ecosystems. The variety could include dense forests, open meadows, wetlands, coastal zones, and more. This level of diversity supports an intricate web of life, with each zone playing a vital role in the overall ecological health and balance of the island.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Farasan
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Farasan. The nearest airport is Jizan Regional Airport / King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport, located 49 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Farasan. The closest major port is JIZAN, approximately 39 km away.
The mean population of Farasan is 28 per km². Farasan is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Saudi Arabia.
Continuing your journey, Qummah is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Farasan Islands: Saudi Arabia’s little-known gem



Saudi Arabia is classified as Developed region: nonG7: Developed economies outside of the Group of Seven, characterized by high income and advanced economic structures. The level of income is High income: nonOECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Farasan
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Farasan. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- What Makes the Farasan Islands a Global Model for Nature Conservation? - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 21 August 2026
What Makes the Farasan Islands a Global Model for Nature Conservation? وكالة الأنباء السعودية
- Ranyah, Haql, Farasan Lead Saudi Arabia's Cleanest Air Rankings in Q2 2026 - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 30 July 2026
Ranyah, Haql, Farasan Lead Saudi Arabia's Cleanest Air Rankings in Q2 2026 وكالة الأنباء السعودية
- Saudi parrotfish festival stretches scientific & traditional ecological knowledge (commentary) - Mongabay Newson 18 June 2026
Saudi parrotfish festival stretches scientific & traditional ecological knowledge (commentary) Mongabay News
- Mangrove forest highlights Farasan Islands’ growing appeal as Eid ecotourism destination - arabnews.comon 30 May 2026
Mangrove forest highlights Farasan Islands’ growing appeal as Eid ecotourism destination arabnews.com
- Abu Shurayah Island Emerges as a Tranquil Red Sea Coastal Destination - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 19 May 2026
Abu Shurayah Island Emerges as a Tranquil Red Sea Coastal Destination وكالة الأنباء السعودية
- Survey campaign wraps up at Saudi subsea cable link - Offshore Energyon 18 May 2026
Survey campaign wraps up at Saudi subsea cable link Offshore Energy
- Farasan, the literature of the sea, and the poetics of place - Al Majallaon 14 April 2026
Farasan, the literature of the sea, and the poetics of place Al Majalla
- Farasan Islands' Ancient Architecture: A Living Testament to History and Heritage - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 12 April 2026
Farasan Islands' Ancient Architecture: A Living Testament to History and Heritage وكالة الأنباء السعودية
- Farasan Fish Market: A Vital Economic Pillar for the Islands - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 10 April 2026
Farasan Fish Market: A Vital Economic Pillar for the Islands وكالة الأنباء السعودية
- Farasan Maritime Museum Preserves Red Sea Heritage for Two Decades - وكالة الأنباء السعوديةon 10 April 2026
Farasan Maritime Museum Preserves Red Sea Heritage for Two Decades وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
