Sanafr Island, Coral reef island in Strait of Tiran, Saudi Arabia.
Sanafir Island is a coral reef island at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba, covering roughly 33 square kilometers and rising to 49 meters (161 feet) above sea level at its highest point. The island forms a natural boundary between two sea basins together with the surrounding waters.
Egyptian forces used the area during World War II to defend shipping routes to the Suez Canal. In the following decades, military control shifted several times between different regional powers.
The name comes from the Coptic language and points to early Egyptian trade routes in this sea region. The island still carries traces of these old connections to the Mediterranean world.
The island is unpopulated and access requires special permits because of military importance in this border area. Visitors should be aware of restricted movement and the presence of closed zones.
Naval mines from past conflicts still lie on the beaches, making certain coastal sections inaccessible to visitors. These remnants recall the strategic role of the island in regional disputes.
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