Saudi Arabia’s Southern Coasts: A Pristine Coral Reef Haven

The southern coastal region of Makkah, stretching from south of Jeddah to Al-Qunfudhah, boasts some of the most stunning and unique coral reefs in the Red Sea. These expansive reef areas, often found more than 50 nautical miles from the shore, form a series of coral islands surrounded by barriers and rings submerged beneath the continental shelf. Renowned for their biodiversity, these southern sea areas are home to over 310 species of coral reef, including 270 species of hard coral and 40 species of soft coral. The pristine waters, free from pollutants and ideal for coral growth due to their location in the tropical zone, contribute to the exceptional density and diversity of these coral reefs. This unique environment features a variety of coral formations, including coral margins attached to island shores, coral heads emerging from islands, and offshore coral rings with shallow lakes. Head of Environmental Protection and Regeneration, Red Sea Global, Dr. Omar Al Attas highlighted the company's commitment to environmental preservation and development. Since its establishment, the company has strived to ensure that all its projects are in harmony with nature. Through extensive baseline studies, the group has identified key marine environmental components and developed corresponding development plans. One such initiative is the establishment of a marine coral reserve spanning over 4,900 square kilometers. Source: Saudi Press Agency