Scientists Discover a Huge Coral Colony Estimated to be 600 Years Old on a Saudi Island

Marine environmental experts from the "Red Sea Development Company" have discovered a massive coral colony south of Al-Wakadi Island in Saudi Arabia. The experts estimate the age of the coral colony to be around 600 years, with a height of over 10 meters. The company stated that this discovery is the first of its kind in the Red Sea region, and the age of the coral reefs was determined by measuring the size and number of growth rings that form annually on the colony's external structure, alongside the presence of giant redwood trees. The report highlighted that this discovery showcases the beauty of marine life in Al-Wakadi Island, located west of the Red Sea Project, which aims to position the Kingdom on the global tourism map. In mid-2017, the Kingdom announced the launch of a global tourism project set to open in the fourth quarter of 2022 on the Red Sea, in collaboration with renowned international companies in the hospitality sector to develop exceptional tourist resorts on more than 50 natural islands between the cities of Umluj and Al-Wajh. This project is part of various initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on oil revenues, in line with the 2030 economic vision.