A recent Saudi-French archaeological excavation on the Farasan Islands has concluded, revealing significant insights into the region's ancient human settlements and its crucial role in Red Sea maritime trade. The collaborative effort involved the Saudi Heritage Commission, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).
The fieldwork concentrated on archaeological sites at Al-Qassar, Al-Ghureen, and Wadi Shami. The mission focused on studying burial sites and mapping settlement phases to better understand the historical context of human activity in this southern Red Sea archipelago.
Excavations from 2011 to 2024 uncovered remains dating back to the Bronze Age, along with evidence of South Arabian kingdoms. Watchtowers and industrial installations, believed to be remnants of a 2nd-century BCE military camp used for monitoring maritime trade routes, were also found. These discoveries highlight Farasan's vital role in connecting ancient civilizations in South Arabia and the Mediterranean.