Farasan Islands
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The Farasan Islands (Arabic: جزر فرسان; transliterated: Juzur Farasān) are a large coral-island group in the Red Sea, belonging to Saudi Arabia. The islands are located some 40 km offshore from Jizan, in the far southwestern part of the country, at 16°48′N 41°54′E / 16.800°N 41.900°ECoordinates: 16°48′N 41°54′E / 16.800°N 41.900°E. The "Farasan island marine sanctuary" is a protected area and were home to the extinct Arabian gazelle and, in winter, migratory birds from Europe. The largest island of the archipelago is Farasan Island; others include Sajid Island and Zufaf Island.
Economy
In 1919, the French discovered petroleum on the islands. For 75 years the Red Sea Oilfields Company maintained a refinery on the islands.[1] As of 1920, the Farasan Islands supported a small fishing industry.[2]
Tourism and fishing also play a role in the economy. Farasan Island is connected to Jezan port by ferry.
See also
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Farasan. |
- Saudi Aramco World: Dreaming of Farasan
- Farasan Island, a diver's paradise, Splendid Arabia: A travel site with photos and routes