Farasan Islands: Saudi Arabia's Hidden Gem in the Red Sea

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [atharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'ya alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأرغب في الدفع، من فضلك
  [urghab fi alduf', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisal bialsurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallu']
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bi kam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk kaff alsi'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahida]
• Half past (10)نصف العاشرة
  [nisf al'ashira]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsaabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [alzuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamanya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'ainan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخارطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tureenii (ala alkharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkira (ila ....)]

The Farasan Islands have historically been an important waypoint on ancient maritime routes. Situated in the Red Sea, they served as a crucial stopover for traders and sailors navigating between the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The islands provided fresh water, supplies, and a place for rest, making them indispensable for maritime trade during ancient times.

In the late 19th century, the Farasan Islands came under Ottoman control. The Ottomans recognized the strategic importance of the islands and established a presence to protect their maritime interests in the Red Sea. Fortifications and military outposts were built during this period, some remnants of which can still be seen today. The Ottoman influence left a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of the islands, evident in the local architecture and historical landmarks.

The Farasan Islands were once renowned for their pearl diving industry. Local divers, known for their exceptional skills, would embark on perilous underwater adventures to harvest pearls from the depths of the Red Sea. This trade flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting merchants and traders from far and wide. The legacy of pearl diving is a significant aspect of the islands' cultural heritage, celebrated through stories, artifacts, and traditional practices.

Beyond pearl diving, the economy of the Farasan Islands has long been tied to the sea. Fishing has been a primary livelihood for the local population, with the islands' waters teeming with marine life. Traditional fishing techniques, handed down through generations, are still practiced today. The maritime economy has shaped the daily lives of the islanders, influencing their cuisine, festivals, and community structure.

In the early 20th century, the Farasan Islands became a part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This integration brought about significant changes, including the development of infrastructure and public services. The Saudi government has invested in preserving the islands' natural beauty and cultural heritage, promoting them as a tourist destination. Efforts to balance modernization with conservation are evident in the careful planning and sustainable development initiatives implemented across the islands.

In recent years, the establishment of the Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area has highlighted the region's commitment to environmental conservation. This protected area aims to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the islands' marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and diverse marine species. The initiative not only preserves the natural environment but also supports sustainable tourism and educational programs, ensuring that the islands' natural and cultural heritage can be appreciated by future generations.

The Farasan Islands are located in the Red Sea, off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The nearest major city is Jizan, which has an airport (Jizan Regional Airport) connecting to various domestic destinations. From Jizan, you can take a ferry to the Farasan Islands. The ferry ride takes about 3 hours and is the most common way to reach the islands. It is advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance as it can vary.

Once on the Farasan Islands, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and boats. Taxis are widely available and are a convenient way to get around. Rental cars can be arranged in advance or through local providers. For exploring the smaller islands and remote areas, boats can be hired from local operators. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands.

The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops on the Farasan Islands, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before leaving Jizan.

The Farasan Islands are generally safe for tourists. However, it is always best to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 997 for medical emergencies and 999 for police assistance. Medical facilities are available on the islands, but for serious health issues, you may need to be transported to Jizan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in public places and religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). A handshake may follow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience the Farasan Islands like a local, visit the local fish market early in the morning to see the fresh catch of the day. Engage with the local fishermen and learn about their traditional fishing methods. Take a boat tour to explore the smaller, less-visited islands and enjoy the pristine beaches and coral reefs. Don't miss visiting the Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of marine life including dugongs and sea turtles.