Definition
Sanafir Island (Arabic: جزيرة صنافر, romanized: Jazīrat Ṣanafir) is a Saudi Arabian island located in the Red Sea at the entrance to the Straits of Tiran, which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the main body of the Red Sea.
Overview
The island covers an area of approximately 33 km² (13 sq mi) and lies about 2.5 km east of Tiran Island. It is uninhabited and was administered by Egypt until a series of bilateral agreements transferred sovereignty to Saudi Arabia, a process completed in 2017. The United Nations was notified of the transfer in accordance with Article 102 of the UN Charter.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Sanafir” derives from the Coptic term ⲥⲉⲛⲛⲟⲩϥⲣⲓ Sanufri, which in turn originates from the ancient Egyptian phrase s.t‑n‑nfr.t, meaning “place of good profit.”
Characteristics
- Geography: Situated at coordinates 27°55′48″ N 34°42′36″ E, the island rises to a maximum elevation of 49 m (161 ft) above sea level.
- Environment: The island is characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy terrain, and surrounding floating coral reefs, typical of desert islands in the Red Sea region. Vegetation is sparse.
- Demographics: The island has no permanent population.
- Strategic Importance: Its position at the mouth of the Straits of Tiran gives it significance for maritime navigation into the Gulf of Aqaba, affecting access to the ports of Aqaba (Jordan) and Eilat (Israel).
- Historical Context: During World II, Egyptian forces used Sanafir (along with Tiran) as part of the defensive system protecting the Suez Canal and Allied shipping in the Red Sea. The islands remained under Egyptian administration from 1906 until the 2016‑2017 transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Related Topics
- Tiran Island – neighboring island with a similar transfer history.
- Straits of Tiran – the narrow waterway whose control is influenced by the islands.
- Saudi–Egypt Causeway – a proposed bridge project that would link the two countries across the Red Sea, potentially involving the islands.
- Red Sea maritime boundaries – the broader context of territorial waters and navigation rights in the region.
- Coral reef ecosystems of the Red Sea – the marine environment surrounding the island.