Sanafir Island

Sanafir Island is an uninhabited island located in the Gulf of Aqaba, at the entrance to the Straits of Tiran. It is one of two islands, the other being Tiran Island, that control maritime access to the Israeli port of Eilat and the Jordanian port of Aqaba. The island is of strategic importance due to its location.

Historically, the island was administered by Egypt. In 1950, Saudi Arabia entrusted the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Egypt for protection, fearing Israeli expansion. This transfer was done with the understanding that Egyptian sovereignty would not be established.

In 2016, Egypt and Saudi Arabia signed a maritime border agreement that formally transferred sovereignty of Sanafir Island and Tiran Island to Saudi Arabia. This agreement was met with some legal challenges in Egypt, but was ultimately ratified. The transfer was contingent upon maintaining the islands as demilitarized zones and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Straits of Tiran, consistent with international law.

The island itself is primarily composed of rocky terrain and desert landscape. There are no significant natural resources or permanent settlements on Sanafir Island. Its strategic value derives almost entirely from its geographical position.