Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s Geographical Location
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are located in the northeastern region of Africa and southwestern region of Asia, respectively. In terms of population, Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world with over 100 million inhabitants, while Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East with a population of approximately 34 million people. Despite their differences in terms of geography, politics, and culture, these two countries share a border, which is about 1,254 kilometers long. This border is mostly characterized by vast desert landscapes and rocky mountains, making it one of the least hospitable regions in the world.
The Importance of Bodies of Water in the Region
In the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, water has always been a precious and scarce resource. This has led to the historical development of various water management techniques, such as irrigation systems, aqueducts, and cisterns. However, bodies of water, such as seas, oceans, and rivers, have played a crucial role in shaping the geography, economy, and culture of this region. Bodies of water have been used for transportation, fishing, trade, and tourism, among others. Moreover, they have also been a source of conflicts, as the control of water resources has often been a cause of tensions and even wars in this region. Therefore, the study of bodies of water in the Middle East and North Africa is of great importance for understanding its history, politics, and environment.
Overview of the Body of Water between Egypt and Saudi Arabia
The body of water that lies between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is one of the most significant maritime regions in the world. It is located in the northeastern part of the Red Sea, which is an inlet of the Indian Ocean. This body of water is about 2,250 kilometers long and 355 kilometers wide at its widest point. It connects the Suez Canal in Egypt to the Bab el-Mandab Strait in Yemen, which is an important shipping route between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Therefore, this body of water is of great strategic importance for the transportation of goods and oil from the Middle East to Europe and Asia.
What is the Name of the Body of Water?
The body of water between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is known by several names, depending on the context and the culture. In Arabic, it is called "Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar," which means "The Red Sea." In Hebrew, it is called "Yam Soof," which means "Sea of Reeds." In Greek, it is called "Erythra Thalassa," which means "Red Sea." In English, it is also called the Red Sea, which is derived from the reddish hue of the seawater caused by algae and minerals.
History of the Body of Water
The Red Sea has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was an important route for maritime trade between the Mediterranean and India, China, and East Africa. It was also the site of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Ptolemaic and Roman empires, the Aksumite kingdom, and the Islamic caliphate. Moreover, it was a hub for cultural and religious exchange, as it was a meeting point between the civilizations of the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia. Today, the Red Sea is still a vital region for international trade, tourism, and resource extraction.
Physical Characteristics of the Body of Water
The Red Sea is a unique marine ecosystem due to its geographical location, climate, and topography. It is a long, narrow, and shallow sea that is bordered by arid deserts and rugged mountains. It has a maximum depth of 2,211 meters and an average depth of 490 meters. It is also one of the warmest and saltiest seas in the world, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C and salinity levels of up to 40 parts per thousand. The Red Sea is also home to several coral reefs, which are among the most diverse and colorful in the world.
Climate and Weather of the Body of Water
The Red Sea region has a desert climate, which is characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and strong winds. The sea itself is affected by two main wind systems: the northerly winds that blow from Egypt to Sudan, and the southerly monsoon winds that blow from the Indian Ocean to Yemen. These winds create seasonal variations in the temperature, salinity, and circulation of the sea. Moreover, the Red Sea is prone to storms, such as cyclones and tropical depressions, which can cause waves, floods, and damage to coastal infrastructure.
Marine Life in the Body of Water
The Red Sea is a biodiverse region that supports a wide range of marine life, such as fishes, corals, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. The coral reefs are the most notable feature of the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem, as they cover an area of about 2,000 kilometers and host over 1,200 species of fish and 1,000 species of invertebrates. Moreover, the Red Sea is home to several endemic species, which means that they are found nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem is threatened by overfishing, pollution, climate change, and coastal development.
Human Activities in the Body of Water
The Red Sea is a region of great economic and cultural significance, as it is a major route for international trade, energy, and tourism. The Suez Canal, which opened in 1869, is a vital waterway that connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is also one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with over 19,000 vessels passing through it every year. Moreover, the Red Sea region has significant reserves of oil and gas, which are extracted by several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Finally, the Red Sea is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy its beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites.
Challenges and Threats to the Body of Water
The Red Sea region is facing several challenges and threats, which are affecting its environment, economy, and security. One of the main challenges is the increasing demand for water resources, which is putting pressure on the limited freshwater sources in the region. Moreover, the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem is threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which are causing the loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, and coral bleaching. Additionally, the Red Sea region is prone to conflicts and instability, which can disrupt the flow of trade, oil, and tourism.
Conclusion: The Vital Role of the Body of Water
In conclusion, the body of water between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, also known as the Red Sea, is a region of great importance and complexity. It is a vital route for international trade, energy, and tourism, as well as a unique marine ecosystem that supports a diverse range of species. However, it is also facing several challenges and threats, which require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address them. Therefore, the study and conservation of the Red Sea is a crucial task for ensuring the sustainable development and stability of the Middle East and North Africa region.
References and Further Reading
- UNESCO. (2018). Red Sea. In United Nations Atlas of the Oceans. Retrieved from
- Saleh, F., El-Kassas, H. Y., & Hassan, M. A. (2017). Climate and environmental changes in the Red Sea ecosystem: A review. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 17, 107-119.
- Al-Hasanat, A. (2019). The Red Sea: Geopolitics, security and conflicts. In A. Al-Hasanat (Ed.), The Red Sea: The Formation, Morphology, Oceanography and Environment of a Young Ocean Basin (pp. 613-622). Cham: Springer.
- El-Sayed, S. Z. (2015). The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Basins: Tectonics, sedimentation and petroleum systems. New York: Springer.
- Susskind, L. E., & Shalowitz, A. L. (1994). The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: International Straits of the World. New York: Martinus Nijhoff.
