Juraid Island

Juraid Island

Native name: جزيرة الجريد
Juraid Island in the 1970s
Juraid Island Location of Juraid Island in Saudi Arabia Juraid Island Location of Juraid Island in the Persian Gulf
Geography
Location	Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates	27°11′54″N 49°57′24″E
Area	0.077 sq mi (0.20 km2)
Administration
Saudi Arabia

Juraid Island (Arabic: جزيرة الجريد) is a Saudi Arabian island located in the Persian Gulf, approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) northeast of the city of Jubail. The low-lying, sandy island spans approximately 0.2 square kilometres (0.077 sq mi) and is characterized by its rich biodiversity, featuring coral reefs, diverse marine life, and significant bird populations. The island is surrounded by extensive coral reefs that extend more than a quarter of a mile into the Gulf. These reef systems are primarily composed of brain coral (Meandra) and Acropora palmata, creating intricate mazes of canyons, tunnels, and plateaus that support a diverse marine ecosystem. The island's location is near "THE RIG," an adventure tourism project announced in 2021.

Wildlife

Marine Life

The coral reefs support numerous fish species, including Arabian angelfish, butterfly fish, and parrot fish, which display vibrant colors ranging from yellows and pinks to greens and blacks. The reefs also harbor more dangerous species such as the zebra fish (Scorpaenidae pterois), moray eels (family Muraedinae), and various species of sharks, including the hammerhead shark (Sphyna sygaena).

The island is a significant nesting ground for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), which visit the island during their breeding season from June to October. Female turtles, weighing up to 300 pounds, come ashore at night to lay between 75 and 100 eggs in carefully constructed nests. The hatching period occurs between August and late November, though many hatchlings face predation from both terrestrial and marine predators.

Birds

The island serves as an important habitat for various bird species, with three distinct tern species maintaining separate territories:

• Yellow-billed (Lesser Crested) Tern (Sterna bengalensis) - occupies the northern shore for nesting
• Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) - inhabits the island's shrubland
• White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa) - populates the remaining beach areas

The Hoopoe (Upupa epops), locally known as "hud-hud," is also occasionally observed on the island and is considered a good omen in Arab culture.

Gallery

Jurayd Island in the 1970s

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