Exploring Saudi Arabia's marine wonderland

‪Working with the IUCN, we intend to establish the conservation status of species from numerous families, many targeted by local fisheries, in order to determine levels of protection needed to preserve the biodiversity of the region. The connectivity data from the research proposed herein would therefore be especially valuable, as would the goal of identifying previously-unrecognized endemic species. Based on preliminary findings, we believe this project will result in a number of new species descriptions. Further, this research will be the first to address whether the Red Sea reef communities survived glacial salinity crises, or whether they are the product of recent and rapid speciation under diversifying ecological conditions. Are the Red Sea reef communities millions of years old, or thousands of years old? We hope that these expeditions can provide insight to this long-standing evolutionary enigma.

‪If you have taxonomic expertise with a particular group of coral reef organims and would like to discuss potential collaboration or participation in one of the sampling cruises, please contact Prof. Berumen.
Collaborators
Brian Bowen, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
Luiz Rocha, California Academy of Sciences
Andrew Baird, James Cook University
Howard Choat, James Cook University
Joseph DiBattista, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
numerous others to be determined!

Reef Ecology Lab -
Biodiversity of Saudi Arabian Red Sea Coral Reefs

Red Sea coral reefs are the northernmost in the Indian Ocean. Most of the Red Sea coast is rimmed by shallow submarine shelves and extensive fringing reef systems, by far the dominant reef type found here.

Red Sea fringing reef platforms are over 5000 years old, and the entire coastal reef complex extends along some 2,000 km (1,240 miles) of shoreline.

Most such reefs grow directly from the shoreline. The dominant, most actively growing corals include most notably highly branched species of the genera Acropora and Porites.


The Red Sea also contains numerous offshore reefs that defy classic reef type categorization.

Included in this catch-all category are atoll-like rings of coral, elongated coral ridges that rise abruptly from considerable depths on both sides, and peculiar complex reef patterns of odd shapes.

Such Red Sea coral reef formations are almost certainly the result of the active and unusual tectonic forces that have been at work here for millennia and continue today.

There are a few true atolls in the Red Sea (several off the coast of Sudan), but no true barrier reefs.

Characteristics of Red Sea Coral Reefs

The geological history of the Red Sea region is distinctive, and there is only slow and restricted water (and larval) exchange between this sea and the remainder of the Indo-Pacific region as a whole.

Thus, Red Sea reefs have developed a number of features that distinguish them from reefs found throughout most of the rest of this vast oceanic area.

Particularly important in the light of global warming predictions is the fact that Red Sea corals have developed an unusually high tolerance to the extreme temperatures, salinity, and occasional turbidity (caused by huge seasonal dust storms) that occur in the region. Such conditions that would be lethal or highly damaging to most hard corals found elsewhere.

Also, water clarity is exceptional in the Red Sea because of the lack of river discharge and low rainfall. Thus, Red Sea reefs are not heavily impacted by the suspension and dissipation of fine sediments that plague reefs in tropical oceans near large land masses.



Red Sea coral reefs are particularly well developed in the north and central portions (off the coasts of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan), with large sizable offshore reef complexes containing small islands, fringing reefs, and a variety of reef-associated habitats (see photo, above).


Further south, coral growth is somewhat inhibited by the influx of nutrient laden water where the Indian Ocean enters the Red Sea. This surface waters of the more southerly areas are also subject to far greater mixing with deeper water caused by strong winds coming off a high mountainous coast.

In general, the marine biota of Red Sea coral reefs is characterized by high endemism. For example, of the 1200 or so coral reef fishspecies recorded, about 10% are endemic (found nowhere else).

About 300 hard coral species have been recorded from the Red Sea as a whole. The Egyptian coast alone supports about 200 species of reef building corals belonging to almost 50 genera. This represents about four times the hard coral diversity found on Caribbean reefs, and is comparable to the coral diversity found in the Maldives and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

Nonetheless, the biodiversity of Red Sea reefs does not rival that of reefs of the richest parts of the Indo-Pacific region.

Status Of Red Sea Reefs

Despite the extreme conditions characteristic of the region, Red Sea coral reefs are generally healthy. Coral reefs range widely in condition and cover, with up to 85% living coral cover at the best sites and over 50% live coral cover at many other locations. There is usually minimal coral bleaching evident, although some localized outbreaks are reported from time to time.


Still, many Red Sea coral reefs situated near urban centers and other developed parts of the coast have been heavily damaged or lost due to the predicatable effects of poorly planned or regulated population expansions and coastal development, along with associated declines in water quality.

In some of the once most pristine reef areas, insufficiently managed dive tourism (damage from anchors and recreational scuba divers) has also taken its predictable toll on the reefs.

Studies of diver effects on reefs suggest that continued dive tourism expansion at some of the more popular tourist destinations would be ill-advised and will inevitably lead to serious reef degradation.

A growing number of marine number of protected areas (MPAs) have been established in the Red Sea to help alleviate some of these problems. Ras Mohammed National Park was established by Egypt in 1983 and includes miles of healthy fringing reefs. The Red Sea Marine Peace Park in the Gulf of Aqaba was founded in 1994 by the governments of Jordan and Israel to preserve and protect the area's coral reefs.

Red Sea Geography and Oceanography
The Red Sea is an extension of the Indian Ocean, lying between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, with a surface are roughly equal to the US state of California.


The only natural connection between the Red Sea and the rest of the Indian Ocean is Bab el Mandeb, a narrow strait that transitions into the Gulf of Aden.

To the north, the Red Sea splits into two narrow branches (the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba) that flank the Sinai Peninsula.

Overall, the Red Sea is a comparatively shallow body of water with an average depth of only about 1600 feet. However, it is in reality a young ocean in the early stage of formation.

As the African and Arabian continents slowly rift apart, new oceanic crust is formed and slowly but surely the Red Sea is gradually widening. The tectonic forces at work are most evident in the deep narrow trench (Rift Valley) that runs most of the length of the sea at its center, reaching a maximum depth of over 8,600 feet (2,600 m) below sea level.

The region surrounding the Red Sea is one of the hottest, driest areas on earth. The extreme air temperatures result in very high levels of evaporation, making this one of the hottest and saltiest bodies of seawater in the world.

The average salinity is 40 parts per thousand (ppt), as compared to about 35-36 (ppt) in the tropical Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Recent measurements found surface water temperatures to be 28 degrees C. (82 degrees F.) in winter and up to 34 degrees C. (93 degrees F.) in summer.

Exploring Red Sea Reefs
Scuba diving and snorkeling on the fringing reefs of the Red Sea became popular soon after the publicity, books, and films of the expeditions of Hans Hass and Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s and 1960s were widely disseminated.


Today, the most popular dive destinations along the northern coast of the Gulf of Aquaba (known as the "Red Sea Riviera") include Eilat in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan. Other popular destinations in the Gulf of Aquaba on the the Egyptian side of Sinai are Dahab and Taba.

Further south, along the western shore of the Red Sea, reef diving is well supported at Marsa Alam, El Gouna, Safaga, and Hurghada.

The very popular Egyptian reef diving center of Sham-el-Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai, has undergone rapid expansion recently.

In the most southerly portions of the Red Sea, recreational diving (or tourism of any kind) is presently considered risky because of the presence of pirates originating from uncontrolled zones of Somalia. The situation is even worse in the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen.

Red Sea Coral Reefs: Types, Characteristics, Biodiversity

Last updated: Saturday, December 13, 2014 10:09 PM

Saudi Gazette report

BURAIDAH — There are over 1,290 islands in the Kingdom that have not been invested in, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Masnad, associate professor of the Geography Department at Al-Qassim University, Al-Jazirah daily reported.

Eighty-nine percent of the islands can be found in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba and the remaining 11 percent in the Arabian Gulf. Farasan Islands, a large coral-island group in the Red Sea, are the largest in the country and their total area is similar to that of Riyadh.

“If 25 million Saudis decided to move to live on the Red Sea islands, they would discover that the islands can accommodate all of them,” Dr. Al-Masnad said.

Al-Baghla Island, part of the Farasan Islands archipelago, is the farthest from the coast. It is located 104 kilometers away while Al-Arabiya Island in the middle of the Arabian Gulf is the farthest island from the east coast.

Jabal Hassan Island, opposite to Umluj, is the best choice for any investor as it is close to the Gulf of Aqaba and enjoys a mild climate.

“Dubai government had to bury coral reefs and oyster beds to make tourist islands that were sold even before completion. We have more than 1,290 islands with untapped potential,” Dr. Al-Masnad said.

“Maritime tourism is important. None of our islands have a single palm tree or any tree for that matter. The Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities does not provide much information about the islands nor any photographs or maps of them,” he added.

1,290 islands in the Kingdom untapped | Front Page | Saudi Gazette
KSA has endless potential for tourism and the "Muslim market" (2 billon big almost and increasingly becoming more wealthy for each year) alone could give billion big revenues on a yearly basis.

We have the longest coastline (and least explored) along the Red Sea which is one of the most beautiful seas in the world with coral reefs only rivaled by those in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Makkah and Madinah are just nearby the Red Sea as is Hijaz in its entirety.

It's sad and criminal that this can first become a reality the day the laws in KSA change when this should have happened a long time ago. But that has been the story of KSA. Wasting potential, negativity and self-harm.

The leaderships have failed on many aspects in the GCC. We should be in a much better position overall although we are very privileged already but had we had leaders of a Western European standard we would be so much better.

Visiting the islands is very interesting thing to do, where you can enjoy diving in the buried secrets, and stretch on the charming beaches, swim in the clear waters.

Saudi Arabia includes a large number of islands estimated at 1300, including the 1150 Island in the Red Sea, 150 Island in the Arabian Gulf

Such islands enjoy fascinating tourism attractions. They have different areas, terrain and environments, ranging from coral reefs, sandy, continental, and volcanic islands. The beaches are surrounded by soft sand highlands, gathering plants, as well as various coral reefs; this positioned them to be tourist destinations for fishing and diving in most of the seasons.

Here are some of the most prominent islands scattered near the coast of the Kingdom:

Red Sea islands:

The number of islands in the Red Sea about 1150 of them constituting 88% of the total Saudi islands, characterized by sandy beaches and coastal reefs. They are divided into four main groups:

The 1st Group: These islands exist in the northern tip of the Saudi coast between the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba in the west and Al-Kharibah Bay in the east. For instance, there are Tiran, Sanafeer, Shoushah, Um Al-Hasani ( ), Sindalah, Al-Thaqba, Al-Farsha, Barqan, and Um Qusour islands.

The 2nd Group: These islands are located in the middle of the northern half of the Saudi coast in the area between Al-Wajh and Umluj towns. They include Rikha, Quwar, Um Roqah, Shibarah, Suwaihel, and Jabal Hassan (Al-Hassani) ( ) islands.

The 3rd Group: These islands lie in the middle of the southern half of the Saudi coast in the area between Al-Laith and Al-Qunfudah towns. For example, there are Jabal Al-Laith, Jabal Doqah, Thara Al-Tawilah, Um Al-Qamari, and Jabal Al-Sabaya islands.

The 4th Group: These islands are situated in the southern tip of the Saudi coast west of Jazan. They are represented in Farasan archipelago, which contains the richest environmental and biological diversity. For instance, there are different types of birds, coral reefs, and aquaculture of mussels and snails. Also, Farasan Islands are rich in crude amber that is a source of livelihood for some residents of the Farasan islands.

Farasan Islands are the richest areas of coastal mangrove forests, and their water has several groups of rare coral reefs. Besides, there is a rich growth of red algae and sea grass, as well as there are nesting sea turtles and seabirds on the beaches.

The Arabian Gulf Islands:

There are 150 islands in the Arabian Gulf constituting (11%) of the total Saudi islands. They are divided into three groups:

The Northern Group: These islands are concentrated in the north and northwest of Al Jubail city. For example, there are Abu Ali, Al-Batinah, Al-Qarmah, Qannah (Jannah), Al-Maslamiyah, Al-Jareed and Al-Daginah, Karan, and Harqous islands. Harqous Island is one of the most important one since it has many types of sea birds and turtles.

The Central Group: These are located opposite to Dammam. They include Al-Heeza, Al-Binah Al-Kabirah, and Tarout islands. In Tarout Island many Phoenician, Sassanid, and Islamic antiquities were found as well as pottery shreds, which are displayed in the National Museum. In addition, there is the Tarout castles situated in the center of Tarout Island.

The Southern Group: These islands lie near the entrance of Khor Al-Adeed, which is located to the north of Ras Abu Qamis. They include Al-Huwaisat, Hathbah, and Sayyad islands.

http://sauditourism.sa/en/About/Pages/l-Islands.aspx

HAIDER said:

If Hasani don't invite us in his marriage ban him permanent...hehehe

Click to expand...

LOL, bro, rather than speculate about my potential future wedding (if I live that long) you should rather visit this thread. Visit the Arab section of the forum and I will happily reply to all your questions about KSA or the Arab world (those I can answer).

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Published — Sunday 21 December 2014

Last update 21 December 2014 12:07 am

Secretary-General of the Regional Organization of the Environment of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Dr. Ziad Haza Abu Gharara said that 12 offshore reserves have now been established to protect the ecology of the Read Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
He said that these reserves were established across a number of parts of the Red Sea and Gulf with the objective of developing the regional ecologies of the areas, and ensuring the sustainable use of marine life from here on.
Abu Gharara said that the organization achieved good results thanks to joint projects with international organizations through their signing of agreements related to financing strategic marine projects through the World Bank, and applying an organized methodology to create environmental stability for the precious areas.
He added that the Regional Organization increased its projects to over 35 in total, including sessions and workshops at a national and regional level. Indeed, 25 workshops were held during this year, along with the activation of the joint actions among regional parties.
Within the regional program, the Environmental Monitoring Program has occurred to protect marine life, and to provide information to the public to ensure the water quality of the Red Sea and Gulf. There has also been much discussion of the different trends occurring within the local and regional environments, resulting in the drafting of management plans to tackle the issues identified.
Abu Gharara noted that the program continually tracks the physical and chemical changes in the water of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and works to increase the countries capabilities in the technological and human resources fields. Part of the program is also to educate people of the surrounding marine life environment.

12 reserves to protect Red Sea ecology | Arab News

Wonderful news! Please continue the good work as the nature must be protected appropriately. People polluting and damaging the nature must also be severely punished either by significant jail sentences or huge fines otherwise the vandals will continue. No garbage or leftovers thrown directly in the sea either.

Nice country hope to visit it once it my life at least to perform Haj,

raptor22 said:

Nice country hope to visit it once it my life at least to perform Haj,

Click to expand...

The problem with KSA is that there is no real tourism industry for foreigners. People going for Hajj or Umrah to Makkah and Madinah do not see anything of the country otherwise although there is a lot to see just in that area of Hijaz. Be it if you like old historical towns and villages, mountains, tropical sea (Red Sea), islands, desert, steppe, volcanic areas, forests, some semi-tropical areas (Southern Hijaz) etc.
They are just confined to hotels and the usual trips. It is very sad. KSA is a closed off country and the biggest problem is that nobody has enforced this but this is just how it is due to moronic laws. Hajj and Umrah visitors cannot travel freely in KSA either.

I hoped that the regime would make real tourism visas like they spoke about and promised 1 year ago but to my disappointment 1-2 weeks ago they canceled this.

Then they again say that there might be real tourism visas.

Saudi Arabia could issue tourism visas | Arab News

Saudi tourism visa could be big news for the Kingdom | Global News | WTTC

In reality this will probably be nonsense and not true.

I made a thread about this issue 1 year ago actually.

Tourist visas to be introduced in KSA

Oh, you like any other person is very welcome. Hospitality plays a very big role in Arabian and Arab culture and most people still follow this especially when it comes to foreigners. The most friendly people in Hijaz are found in the coastal villages or mountain villages. City people are like city people everywhere. Although you have exceptions.

Also I suggest that you avoid visiting during June, July and August if you do not like hot weather. Average daily temperatures in most areas are around 30-35 degrees Celsius. I know that the summer temperatures in Iran are not much different so maybe this is not a problem but for non-ME/South Asia/South America/Central America/Africa/South East Asia tourists this is a problem probably. Here I mean mostly Westerners unless they like hot weather.

The good thing is that the summer days are not that long and the sun is rising early so by 17.00-18-00 the temperatures are not that bad in the summer. Most people stay indoors during the summer in the warm areas of KSA (non-mountainious areas) between 12.00-17.00.

Is this similar to Iran during that time (summer) and time period?

Apologizes for the long post.

To see more of KSA and the Arabian Peninsula and Arab world then I can recommend those two threads below;

The Arabian Peninsula and Arab world in photos | Page 35

Saudi Arabia in Pictures | Page 78

Also if you are from Eastern Iran (the 3 Khorasan provinces) I want to ask some questions if you do not mind. We can find another thread.

@raptor22

al-Hasani said:

The problem with KSA is that there is no real tourism industry for foreigners. People going for Hajj or Umrah to Makkah and Madinah do not see anything of the country otherwise although there is a lot to see just in that area of Hijaz. Be it if you like old historical towns and villages, mountains, tropical sea (Red Sea), islands, desert, steppe, volcanic areas, forests, some semi-tropical areas (Southern Hijaz) etc.
They are just confined to hotels and the usual trips. It is very sad. KSA is a closed off country and the biggest problem is that nobody has enforced this but this is just how it is due to moronic laws. Hajj and Umrah visitors cannot travel freely in KSA either.

I hoped that the regime would make real tourism visas like they spoke about and promised 1 year ago but to my disappointment 1-2 weeks ago they canceled this.

Then they again say that there might be real tourism visas.

Saudi Arabia could issue tourism visas | Arab News

Saudi tourism visa could be big news for the Kingdom | Global News | WTTC

In reality this will probably be nonsense and not true.

I made a thread about this issue 1 year ago actually.

Tourist visas to be introduced in KSA

Oh, you like any other person is very welcome. Hospitality plays a very big role in Arabian and Arab culture and most people still follow this especially when it comes to foreigners. The most friendly people in Hijaz are found in the coastal villages or mountain villages. City people are like city people everywhere. Although you have exceptions.

Also I suggest that you avoid visiting during June, July and August if you do not like hot weather. Average daily temperatures in most areas are around 30-35 degrees Celsius. I know that the summer temperatures in Iran are not much different so maybe this is not a problem but for non-ME/South Asia/South America/Central America/Africa/South East Asia tourists this is a problem probably. Here I mean mostly Westerners unless they like hot weather.

The good thing is that the summer days are not that long and the sun is rising early so by 17.00-18-00 the temperatures are not that bad in the summer. Most people stay indoors during the summer in the warm areas of KSA (non-mountainious areas) between 12.00-17.00.

Is this similar to Iran during that time (summer) and time period?

Apologizes for the long post.

To see more of KSA and the Arabian Peninsula and Arab world then I can recommend those two threads below;

The Arabian Peninsula and Arab world in photos | Page 35

Saudi Arabia in Pictures | Page 78

Also if you are from Eastern Iran (the 3 Khorasan provinces) I want to ask some questions if you do not mind. We can find another thread.

@raptor22

Click to expand...

Thanks for long informative comment , you're really a fast typist ...
Actually my parents performed Haj last year and as they described their journey it was tremendous , I wanna do it too but due to the number of people standing in line to perform I am pretty sure it's gonna be a heck of long time to my turn ....
On temperature, we experienced 40-41 C in previous summer and it's normal for me .... actually I originated from Semnan province (but I've lived my entire life in Tehran) which is a dry and hot place in middle of desert with a breathtaking spectacular scenery esp in night .... hence I am accustomed to such a climate ...
But as far as Iran is a 4 seasons, temperature would be variable from -10 C to 53 C in some areas .. it mostly depends on your destination ....

As I said I am not from Khorasan province , but if you've got any question it would my pleasure to answer.

@al-Hasani

If you have any questions, raise it in the chill thread in Iran's section and some members may help you, including myself, if we know the answer.

raptor22 said:

Thanks for long informative comment , you're really a fast typist ...
Actually my parents performed Haj last year and as they described their journey it was tremendous , I wanna do it too but due to the number of people standing in line to perform I am pretty sure it's gonna be a heck of long time to my turn ....
On temperature, we experienced 40-41 C in previous summer and it's normal for me .... actually I originated from Semnan province (but I've lived my entire life in Tehran) which is a dry and hot place in middle of desert with a breathtaking spectacular scenery esp in night .... hence I am accustomed to such a climate ...
But as far as Iran is a 4 seasons, temperature would be variable from -10 C to 53 C in some areas .. it mostly depends on your destination ....

As I said I am not from Khorasan province , but if you've got any question it would my pleasure to answer.

Click to expand...

You are very welcome. Yes, the typing is correct.

Oh, that sounds good. I am happy for them. Yes, unfortunately this is due to limitations and due to expansion work in both Makkah and Madinah. I have actually tried to cover this in a separate thread here on PDF.

"Makkah and Madinah News and Updates"

That sounds very interesting. I very much like open spaces and nature too. Although I like city life as well. From what I have seen of Iran then you guys also have this mix of mountains and desert that become one. I mean that "meet each other". Don't know how to explain it.
At night such places are very beautiful. Especially the skyline (stars) and also the chilly weather. Bonfires etc. is great fun in such a environment.

Actually I wrote to you about daily temperature in the June, July and August being between 30-35 degrees celsius during the time period of 12.00-17.00. I must correct myself. In quite a few historical regions, provinces, cities this is actually rather 35-45 degrees celsius. But obviously this also depends on the country. For instance there is in general 10-15 degrees celsius of difference overall in daily average temperature all year around between Makkah (hottest city in KSA) and nearby Ta'if. Let alone other areas of KSA.

The good thing is at least that the humidity is generally low outside of coastal areas so it does not feel as hot when not in the sun. Hence even early hours in the morning and late evening being manageable during the hottest days even. I have been to Thailand once (Bangkok and elsewhere) and although the temperature is almost always "only" between 30-33 degrees celsius day in and day out the humidity levels are so insane that it feels like being in a sauna. I hear that the same is the case in many areas of South Asia and most of South East Asia. So in a way our summers are "better" although people really get tired of the hot weather during the summer.

Winter, spring and autumn are really nice periods to visit the Arabian Peninsula, Arab world and I imagine Iran as well and most of the ME.

Yes, I will. Sadly the relations between Arab-Iranian users are not the best so I fear trolling if I venture inside "enemy territory" so this is why I usually ask @ResurgentIran because we have good ties and he also lives in Denmark.

Although I ventured into the "Iran photo thread" when the user @New wanted to show me olive trees and olive production (I have a slight interest in agriculture) in Iran which was very nice. I had made a thread about olives and olive production in Northern KSA.

Olive and olive oil production in KSA

This paradise is called Iran | Page 77

Serpentine said:

@al-Hasani

If you have any questions, raise it in the chill thread in Iran's section and some members may help you, including myself, if we know the answer.

Click to expand...

Yes, I will try if I want to ask about something. Although I know Iranians in private none of them live in Iran so locals are always better to ask IMO.

al-Hasani said:

Yes, I will try if I want to ask about something. Although I know Iranians in private none of them live in Iran so locals are always better to ask IMO.

Click to expand...

Anytime. Most of Iranians on this forum including myself are living inside Iran, so we can help you for any questions if we can. I don't want to derail your thread anymore, that's why I asked to have your questions in the other thread.

al-Hasani said:

You are very welcome. Yes, the typing is correct.

Oh, that sounds good. I am happy for them. Yes, unfortunately this is due to limitations and due to expansion work in both Makkah and Madinah. I have actually tried to cover this in a separate thread here on PDF.

"Makkah and Madinah News and Updates"

That sounds very interesting. I very much like open spaces and nature too. Although I like city life as well. From what I have seen of Iran then you guys also have this mix of mountains and desert that become one. I mean that "meet each other". Don't know how to explain it.
At night such places are very beautiful. Especially the skyline (stars) and also the chilly weather. Bonfires etc. is great fun in such a environment.

Actually I wrote to you about daily temperature in the June, July and August being between 30-35 degrees celsius during the time period of 12.00-17.00. I must correct myself. In quite a few historical regions, provinces, cities this is actually rather 35-45 degrees celsius. But obviously this also depends on the country. For instance there is in general 10-15 degrees celsius of difference overall in daily average temperature all year around between Makkah (hottest city in KSA) and nearby Ta'if. Let alone other areas of KSA.

The good thing is at least that the humidity is generally low outside of coastal areas so it does not feel as hot when not in the sun. Hence even early hours in the morning and late evening being manageable during the hottest days even. I have been to Thailand once (Bangkok and elsewhere) and although the temperature is almost always "only" between 30-33 degrees celsius day in and day out the humidity levels are so insane that it feels like being in a sauna. I hear that the same is the case in many areas of South Asia and most of South East Asia. So in a way our summers are "better" although people really get tired of the hot weather during the summer.

Winter, spring and autumn are really nice periods to visit the Arabian Peninsula, Arab world and I imagine Iran as well and most of the ME.

Yes, I will. Sadly the relations between Arab-Iranian users are not the best so I fear trolling if I venture inside "enemy territory" so this is why I usually ask @ResurgentIran because we have good ties and he also lives in Denmark.

Although I ventured into the "Iran photo thread" when the user @New wanted to show me olive trees and olive production (I have a slight interest in agriculture) in Iran which was very nice. I had made a thread about olives and olive production in Northern KSA.

Olive and olive oil production in KSA

This paradise is called Iran | Page 77



Yes, I will try if I want to ask about something. Although I know Iranians in private none of them live in Iran so locals are always better to ask IMO.

Click to expand...

As Serpentine said you are welcomed to ask your Qs in Iranian thread , let this thread remains clean and on topic ...
If you have any plan to visit Iran I recommend you to visit Shiraz and Azarbaejan Gharbe( west azarbayejan) in spring ... the scent of Bitter orange in Shiraz would make you crazy ...

@raptor22 @Serpentine

I sure will. Thanks for the discussion guys.

Oranges? That's a great fruit. In KSA oranges are also grown but mostly in the Western and Southwestern parts of the country. Shiraz seems like a interesting city and it also lies quite close to KSA (Eastern Province). I mean compared to other areas of Iran.

You lived in Yanbu @Imran Khan or am I wrong? It seems that Yanbu has some of the most beautiful coral reefs and sea life that I have seen. So tranquil and beautiful. I would be shitting myself a bit though and looking back frequently because of all the sharks in the Red Sea. It's really infested with them but apparently they are harmless as long as one does not threaten them. I guess like any other predator. Despite this I still hear about occasional deadly shark attacks in the Red Sea. Mainly in nearby Egypt due to the popularity of the Red Sea resorts there.

@Aegis DDG

This thread might interest you. Also can you tell me how the Red Sea coastline is in Eritrea? Thanks.

@Ahmed Jo @Gasoline

See this thread.

@al-Hasani

You did such a wonderful job bro !

Very nice medias & infos.

I appreciate your effort masha' Allah nice .

Thanks a lot .