Among the colourful marine life thriving along the coasts of Saudi Arabia, one species holds a special place in both culture and cuisine — the hareed fish. Locally known as the “parrotfish” for its beak-like mouth and vibrant scales, this remarkable species is more than just a seafood delicacy. It’s a living symbol of the Red Sea’s biodiversity, a central part of Farasan Island traditions, and a magnet for both tourists and marine researchers. From its natural behaviour to its cultural celebrations, the story of the hareed fish reflects the deep relationship between the Saudi people and the sea that has sustained them for centuries.
The Identity of Hareed Fish
Hareed fish, belonging to the parrotfish family (Scaridae), is recognised for its distinctive bright colours, which range from turquoise and green to purple and blue. Its strong beak-shaped mouth allows it to scrape algae from coral, playing a vital ecological role in maintaining healthy reef systems. This species, common in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, can often be found swimming in small schools near coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
In Saudi Arabia, especially around the coastal regions of Jazan Province and the Farasan Islands, the hareed fish is considered one of the most prized catches. Its firm white flesh, mild flavour, and versatility in traditional dishes make it highly desirable among both locals and tourists.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
The Red Sea provides ideal conditions for hareed fish, offering warm waters, extensive coral formations, and abundant food sources. Parrotfish species like the hareed are crucial to coral reef ecosystems because they feed on algae that might otherwise suffocate corals. As they graze, they also help create sand through their digestion of coral fragments, contributing to the pristine beaches that define Saudi Arabia’s coastline.
One of the most fascinating behaviours of the hareed fish is its seasonal gathering. Every year, large groups of hareed migrate to the shallow waters near the Farasan Islands. Scientists believe this event is linked to their breeding cycle and the lunar calendar. During this period, hundreds of hareed can be seen moving together, turning the clear Red Sea waters into a breathtaking natural spectacle.
The Hareed Festival – A Cultural Celebration
Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands are famous for hosting the annual Hareed Festival, a traditional event celebrating the arrival of these fish. This gathering is not only a fishing event but also a cultural and social celebration that reflects the community’s connection to the sea.
The festival usually takes place between late March and early April when the hareed fish appear in great numbers near the islands. Local fishermen and families prepare for weeks in advance, repairing nets, decorating boats, and setting up stalls to sell seafood, crafts, and souvenirs. On the festival’s morning, fishermen stand along the cliffs or shallow shores, watching the crystal-clear water for signs of hareed movement. As soon as the fish are spotted, the excitement begins — teams of fishermen rush into the sea to cast their nets in a race to catch as many as possible.
This thrilling moment marks the highlight of the celebration, followed by community feasts, music, traditional dances, and storytelling sessions. The Hareed Festival not only preserves the fishing heritage of the Farasan people but also draws visitors from across the Kingdom and beyond, supporting local tourism and cultural exchange.
Culinary Importance of Hareed Fish
Hareed fish is a staple ingredient in the coastal cuisine of Saudi Arabia. Its meat is firm yet tender, making it ideal for grilling, frying, or baking. Locals often season it with simple ingredients such as lemon, salt, and regional spices, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine.
One of the most popular preparations is grilled hareed served with rice, known locally as “Sayadiyah.” This dish combines caramelised onions, spices, and rice infused with fish stock, creating a hearty meal that captures the essence of coastal Saudi cooking. In some areas, hareed is also marinated in a tangy sauce before being cooked over an open flame, a method that enhances its rich flavour while preserving its soft texture.
Restaurants across Jazan and the Red Sea region proudly feature hareed fish on their menus, and it has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s marine gastronomy. For tourists, tasting freshly caught hareed prepared by local chefs is often one of the most memorable culinary experiences during their visit to the islands.
Economic and Environmental Significance
Beyond its cultural and gastronomic appeal, hareed fish holds economic importance for coastal communities. The fishing and sale of hareed support many local livelihoods, especially in remote island villages where fishing remains a primary source of income. During the Hareed Festival, the surge in tourism also provides an economic boost through hospitality, local markets, and traditional craft sales.
However, with growing demand, sustainability has become a critical issue. Parrotfish species, including hareed, play an essential role in maintaining coral reef ecosystems. Overfishing can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to long-term environmental harm. For this reason, Saudi authorities and local environmental groups are working to promote responsible fishing practices. Awareness campaigns and conservation initiatives during the festival encourage fishermen to limit their catches and protect breeding grounds.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasises environmental sustainability and tourism diversification, has supported such efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has collaborated with local communities to regulate fishing seasons and ensure that natural events like the hareed gathering remain part of the ecosystem’s natural rhythm.
The Science Behind the Hareed Gathering
Researchers have long been fascinated by the hareed fish’s annual migration. Marine biologists studying the phenomenon suggest that these gatherings are triggered by a combination of water temperature, moon phases, and tidal patterns. The synchronised movement of thousands of hareed during their breeding season is an example of nature’s remarkable timing.
The event also provides an opportunity for scientists to monitor reef health, as the abundance of hareed can indicate the state of the marine environment. Healthy coral reefs attract larger schools of fish, while environmental stress such as pollution or coral bleaching tends to reduce their numbers.
This makes the hareed gathering more than a fishing event; it serves as a natural indicator of the Red Sea’s ecological health. Protecting these fish, therefore, aligns directly with the broader goal of preserving Saudi Arabia’s marine biodiversity.
Tourism and the Farasan Islands Experience
The Farasan Islands, located around 40 kilometres offshore from Jazan, are a group of more than 80 islands known for their white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and historical landmarks. The annual Hareed Festival has helped put this region on the map as one of Saudi Arabia’s most unique eco-tourism destinations.
Visitors who attend the festival not only witness the incredible sight of the fish migration but also experience authentic island hospitality. Traditional dhow rides, seafood tasting, and folklore performances provide a glimpse into a way of life deeply rooted in the sea. The Saudi Tourism Authority has been actively promoting the Farasan Islands as a must-visit destination, highlighting the festival as an example of cultural tourism that combines nature, heritage, and entertainment.
Sustainability and Future Challenges
While the hareed fish remains a cherished part of Saudi life, challenges persist in balancing cultural traditions with environmental preservation. Coral reef ecosystems face threats from global warming, pollution, and destructive fishing techniques. Protecting the hareed population means not only managing fishing seasons but also ensuring coral health and water quality.
Local communities, scientists, and government bodies are increasingly working together to create sustainable solutions. Eco-friendly fishing nets, catch limits, and marine-protected areas have been introduced in some regions. Educational programmes aim to teach younger generations about the importance of preserving this heritage responsibly.
By turning cultural events like the Hareed Festival into platforms for environmental education, Saudi Arabia sets an example for how tradition and conservation can coexist harmoniously.
The Symbolism of Hareed Fish
For the people of the Red Sea coast, hareed fish represents more than sustenance — it’s a symbol of harmony between humans and nature. The seasonal migration reminds locals of the importance of respecting natural cycles, while the festival embodies community unity and pride.
Through generations, stories of the hareed have been passed down, linking the past to the present. It symbolises abundance, cooperation, and respect for the sea, all of which lie at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s coastal heritage.
Conclusion
The hareed fish stands as a living bridge between culture, economy, and ecology in Saudi Arabia. From its vibrant presence in the coral reefs to the excitement of the annual Hareed Festival, it connects communities to the natural world in a profound way. As Saudi Arabia continues to balance tradition with modern conservation goals, the hareed fish remains a shining example of how culture and sustainability can work hand in hand.