Farasan Islands, 21 April 2025 (23 Shawwal 1446H)

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jazan region, launched this evening the 21st edition of the Al-Hareed Festival at Al-Hussais Bay in Farasan Islands governorate, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, along with a number of officials, visitors and tourists from across the Kingdom.

The Al-Hareed Festival is one of the most prominent heritage and tourism events celebrated annually in the Farasan Islands, embodying an authentic maritime heritage tied to the tradition of catching Hareed fish, which appears during a unique seasonal window. The festival forms a distinctive social and cultural gathering that brings together Farasan residents and visitors in a celebration of the island's rich marine environment.

A Maritime Heritage That Reinforces Cultural Identity

The Prince of the region affirmed that the Al-Hareed Festival is an important pillar in strengthening the Farasan Islands' standing as a distinctive tourism and cultural destination, highlighting the festival's role in supporting local tourism and raising awareness of the islands' natural and environmental heritage, as well as its contribution to boosting economic and tourism activity in the governorate.

He also expressed his pleasure at the participation of residents and visitors in this unique occasion, affirming that Farasan governorate is witnessing broad development momentum as part of the comprehensive growth taking place across the Jazan region in various sectors.

Awards and Recognition for Participants

The closing of the event featured the presentation of awards to winners of the Hareed fishing competition, attended by a number of officials including Deputy Governor Dr. Issa Al-Banawi, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch director Eng. Mohammed Al-Atif, region secretary Eng. Yahya Al-Ghazwani, and Farasan governor Abdullah Al-Dhafiri.

Festival activities continue amid a festive community atmosphere, with a range of events highlighting the beauty of the marine environment and local culture of the Farasan Islands.