Jizan Dam, Gravity dam in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Jizan Dam, also known as Wadi Jizan Dam, is a gravity dam built from concrete in the Jazan Region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. It retains water flowing down from the surrounding mountains and shields the lowland areas from seasonal flooding.
The dam was built in the early 1970s to provide water to the growing population in southern Saudi Arabia. It was one of the first large water infrastructure projects completed in the Jazan Region.
The reservoir behind the dam draws migratory birds that stop along its shores during seasonal passages. Visitors who time their trip with migration season can watch many species gathering near the water.
Access to the site can be restricted, so it is worth checking local conditions before heading out. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon gives the best light over the dam and the surrounding valley.
The wadi that the dam holds back dries out almost completely for much of the year. After heavy rain in the mountains, the reservoir can fill very quickly, changing the look of the whole valley within just a few hours.
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