**5.2 The Central coastline**

This part of the coastline includes Jubail and Dammam areas, considered the most populated and developed areas of the Saudi coastline. Since the establishment of the Royal Commission in 1975, the Jubail area has experienced significant coastal development. The population of Jubail has grown from 140,800 in 1992 to 337,800 in 2010. It is expected that this increase will continue as the Industrial City is further developed. Unlike the Dammam area, there appears to be areas of the coastal zone relatively untouched. Map 5 illustrates the developed coastline and regions reclaimed from the marine environment to landfill and development. Much of these data are interpreted from satellite imagery from 1967 to 2010. From no development in 1967 there has been a steady growth to 44,000 Ha in 2010. There has been a small agricultural component of just over 2,500 Ha within this study area. A total of 4,100 Ha of coastal change has occurred. This development is set to continue with recent development announcements for the area. Map 6 clearly shows the development between 1967 and 2010.

Large areas of sabkha, salt marsh and mud flat remain relatively undeveloped to the north of Jubail Industrial City, although coastal recreational activity is apparent from field surveys. Reed (*Phragmitus australis*) growth occurs on the sewage outflows that spread over large areas of sabkha near to the coastline (see figure 2). This area is a haven for wildlife, and large numbers of birds of prey were observed hovering above its margins searching for food. The sewerage outflow, containing fresh water and nutrients, allows a wetland ecosystem to develop where it might not otherwise exist. Early in the development of Dhahran, it was recognized that the "Dhahran Ponds" were a source of food and a resting place for migratory birds (Evans, 1994) and were registered as a significant wetland.

Dredging at Jubail is significant, especially around Gurmah Island where there is a thriving mangrove community of approximately 63 ha. This mangrove community was severely polluted by oil as a result of the 1991 Gulf War, however it has since recovered. Map 7 illustrates the impact of dredging and reclamation in this region. Figure 3 shows the view from the developed shoreline east and north to Gurmah Island and the associated mangroves. The demarcation between the natural shallow water (light blue) and the dredged channel (darker blue) is apparent.

The embayment at Jubail has been largely unaffected by development except for dredging for landfill (Map 7). Mangrove, salt marsh and mudflat habitats are present in this area although they may not be as prolific as in Tarut Bay. There are a number of smaller areas within the Jubail region that are protected from the prevailing northerly winds. Seagrass, coral and salt marsh are all represented in these areas. The leeward side of Abu Ali Island protects 48 ha of mangroves from the incessant northern winds (shamal).

This entire embayment needs to be protected from further development, particularly any large industrial operations on the coastline. The Saudi Wildlife Commission has identified a large portion of this area (see Map 13 Section 6.3) as a proposed protected area. Gurmah Island with its rich mangrove habitats also needs protection, especially given that this island has significant mangrove research potential due to its polluted state during the 1991 Gulf war and its subsequent recovery.

coastal zone. Map 4 geographically illustrates these changes. Coastal infrastructure accounts

This part of the coastline includes Jubail and Dammam areas, considered the most populated and developed areas of the Saudi coastline. Since the establishment of the Royal Commission in 1975, the Jubail area has experienced significant coastal development. The population of Jubail has grown from 140,800 in 1992 to 337,800 in 2010. It is expected that this increase will continue as the Industrial City is further developed. Unlike the Dammam area, there appears to be areas of the coastal zone relatively untouched. Map 5 illustrates the developed coastline and regions reclaimed from the marine environment to landfill and development. Much of these data are interpreted from satellite imagery from 1967 to 2010. From no development in 1967 there has been a steady growth to 44,000 Ha in 2010. There has been a small agricultural component of just over 2,500 Ha within this study area. A total of 4,100 Ha of coastal change has occurred. This development is set to continue with recent development announcements for

Large areas of sabkha, salt marsh and mud flat remain relatively undeveloped to the north of Jubail Industrial City, although coastal recreational activity is apparent from field surveys. Reed (*Phragmitus australis*) growth occurs on the sewage outflows that spread over large areas of sabkha near to the coastline (see figure 2). This area is a haven for wildlife, and large numbers of birds of prey were observed hovering above its margins searching for food. The sewerage outflow, containing fresh water and nutrients, allows a wetland ecosystem to develop where it might not otherwise exist. Early in the development of Dhahran, it was recognized that the "Dhahran Ponds" were a source of food and a resting

place for migratory birds (Evans, 1994) and were registered as a significant wetland.

Dredging at Jubail is significant, especially around Gurmah Island where there is a thriving mangrove community of approximately 63 ha. This mangrove community was severely polluted by oil as a result of the 1991 Gulf War, however it has since recovered. Map 7 illustrates the impact of dredging and reclamation in this region. Figure 3 shows the view from the developed shoreline east and north to Gurmah Island and the associated mangroves. The demarcation between the natural shallow water (light blue) and the

The embayment at Jubail has been largely unaffected by development except for dredging for landfill (Map 7). Mangrove, salt marsh and mudflat habitats are present in this area although they may not be as prolific as in Tarut Bay. There are a number of smaller areas within the Jubail region that are protected from the prevailing northerly winds. Seagrass, coral and salt marsh are all represented in these areas. The leeward side of Abu Ali Island

This entire embayment needs to be protected from further development, particularly any large industrial operations on the coastline. The Saudi Wildlife Commission has identified a large portion of this area (see Map 13 Section 6.3) as a proposed protected area. Gurmah Island with its rich mangrove habitats also needs protection, especially given that this island has significant mangrove research potential due to its polluted state during the 1991 Gulf

protects 48 ha of mangroves from the incessant northern winds (shamal).

for 1,100 Ha of environmentally sensitive causeways and drilling pads.

the area. Map 6 clearly shows the development between 1967 and 2010.

dredged channel (darker blue) is apparent.

war and its subsequent recovery.

**5.2 The Central coastline** 

Map 5. Developed Coastline at Jubail from 1967 until 2010 (Corona Imagery 1967)

Anthropogenic Induced Geomorphological Change Along the Western Arabian Gulf Coast 203

Map 7. Dredging and Reclamation at Jubail Area (Image Global Land Cover Landsat circa

2000)

Map 6. Change in Land Use and Coastline for Jubail from 1967 until 2010

Fig. 2. Reed Bed Sustained by Sewage Outflow Near Jubail.

Map 6. Change in Land Use and Coastline for Jubail from 1967 until 2010

Fig. 2. Reed Bed Sustained by Sewage Outflow Near Jubail.

Map 7. Dredging and Reclamation at Jubail Area (Image Global Land Cover Landsat circa 2000)

Anthropogenic Induced Geomorphological Change Along the Western Arabian Gulf Coast 205

**Dammam Regional Population Growth**

Population

Fig. 3. Dammam Regional Population Growth from 1930 until 2010 (Data Source: Brinkhoff,

1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020

**Year**

Tarut Bay is adjacent to the ancient Qatif Oasis, a natural fossil groundwater aquifer close to the surface that appears as a number of surface water pools, springs and small lakes. The development of the Oasis into a highly productive agricultural area to supply the needs of the growing population in the 1970 - 1990 period resulted in the use of chemical fertilizers, altered irrigation methods, and wetland drainage. Basson et. al. (1977) recognized that the high productivity of Tarut Bay was attributed to the influence of agricultural activity in the Qatif Oasis. The abundance of fish could be implied by the number of traditional fish traps (297) in the 1967 Corona satellite imagery. During this period there were still many hectares of healthy mangrove stands ideal as a protective nursery for many species of fish and crustaceans. It is estimated some 485 Ha (equivalent to 700 football fields (ff)) of mangrove have been lost and that 3,810 Ha (5450 football fields) of landfill development has encroached into the marine environment of Tarut Bay. Table 2 indicates the areal extent of

The dramatic changes along the coast are clearly illustrated in Map 9a & 9b where land use and the actual coastline of 1967 have been extensively modified. The 2010 map shows the expansion of development. While some agriculture has been lost, the most significant modification has been to the natural coastline (Map 8). Map 10 shows successive landfill operations around Tarut Island. The result of such development is the loss of 134 Ha of mangrove forest (190 ff), an estimate of 440 Ha of salt marsh (630 ff) and 752 Ha of subtidal

What remnant mangrove habitats that remain in Tarut Bay are in urgent need of protection. In early 2011 the estimate of mangroves within this area was 325 Ha of varying density. This number included newly established mangrove plantation sites whose coverage is still very small at the present time. The mangrove habitat areas in immediate risk are estimated to be

89 Ha. These are at risk due to continued landfill and infrastructure development.

the mangrove habitats at risk and the current ongoing threats.

habitat (1075 ff) on Tarut Island alone.

0

500000

1000000

**Number of People**

1500000

2000000

2011).

Fig. 3. View across the Dredged Channel to Gurmah Island and its Mangrove Habitat

#### **5.3 Tarut Bay**

The lower part of the Central Coastline is the Dammam area, which includes the highly productive Tarut Bay. The Saudi Wildlife Commission has identified Tarut Bay as a Resource Use Reserve. This is equivalent to the IUCNR classification for reserves as V – Protected Landscape or Seascape and VI – Managed Resource Reserve (Convention on Biodiversity, 2004; Sulayem and Joubert, 1994). The reserve category chosen is an attempt to prevent further deterioration of the Bay's environmental values while continuing to encourage its traditional exploitation. It does not seek to prevent development, but to have it occur with environmental values included in the development plan. It allows the traditional uses of the landscape or seascape to continue while discouraging massively destructive development.

The population growth of the Dammam area is illustrated in figure 3 with a rapid increase occurring from the 1970s. This growth was undoubtedly fuelled by the ongoing exploitation of oil and gas resources in the Gulf and subsequent significant global rises in oil prices with the Eastern Province being the center of this economic activity. Development has impacted the coastline at many locations as illustrated in Map 8. Landfill continues to expand into Tarut Bay and new canal projects are becoming a development trend in the Half Moon Bay area. Analysis of aerial photography and satellite imagery reveal that development in the Dammam region has increased from 5,000 Ha in 1967 to 70,000 Ha by 2010, while agriculture increased from about 8,500 Ha to 10,000 Ha mostly in the Tarut Bay area (however, the spatial context changes dramatically). Within the Tarut Bay area development has increased from 2,500 Ha to 28,000 Ha. There have been nearly 8,000 Ha of landfill expansion operations since 1955 for the Dammam area, while the Tarut Bay area totals 6,600 Ha. Each of the coastlines shows an ever increasing encroachment into the marine environment.

Fig. 3. View across the Dredged Channel to Gurmah Island and its Mangrove Habitat

The lower part of the Central Coastline is the Dammam area, which includes the highly productive Tarut Bay. The Saudi Wildlife Commission has identified Tarut Bay as a Resource Use Reserve. This is equivalent to the IUCNR classification for reserves as V – Protected Landscape or Seascape and VI – Managed Resource Reserve (Convention on Biodiversity, 2004; Sulayem and Joubert, 1994). The reserve category chosen is an attempt to prevent further deterioration of the Bay's environmental values while continuing to encourage its traditional exploitation. It does not seek to prevent development, but to have it occur with environmental values included in the development plan. It allows the traditional uses of the landscape or seascape to continue while discouraging massively destructive

The population growth of the Dammam area is illustrated in figure 3 with a rapid increase occurring from the 1970s. This growth was undoubtedly fuelled by the ongoing exploitation of oil and gas resources in the Gulf and subsequent significant global rises in oil prices with the Eastern Province being the center of this economic activity. Development has impacted the coastline at many locations as illustrated in Map 8. Landfill continues to expand into Tarut Bay and new canal projects are becoming a development trend in the Half Moon Bay area. Analysis of aerial photography and satellite imagery reveal that development in the Dammam region has increased from 5,000 Ha in 1967 to 70,000 Ha by 2010, while agriculture increased from about 8,500 Ha to 10,000 Ha mostly in the Tarut Bay area (however, the spatial context changes dramatically). Within the Tarut Bay area development has increased from 2,500 Ha to 28,000 Ha. There have been nearly 8,000 Ha of landfill expansion operations since 1955 for the Dammam area, while the Tarut Bay area totals 6,600 Ha. Each of the coastlines shows an ever increasing encroachment into the marine

**5.3 Tarut Bay** 

development.

environment.

Fig. 3. Dammam Regional Population Growth from 1930 until 2010 (Data Source: Brinkhoff, 2011).

Tarut Bay is adjacent to the ancient Qatif Oasis, a natural fossil groundwater aquifer close to the surface that appears as a number of surface water pools, springs and small lakes. The development of the Oasis into a highly productive agricultural area to supply the needs of the growing population in the 1970 - 1990 period resulted in the use of chemical fertilizers, altered irrigation methods, and wetland drainage. Basson et. al. (1977) recognized that the high productivity of Tarut Bay was attributed to the influence of agricultural activity in the Qatif Oasis. The abundance of fish could be implied by the number of traditional fish traps (297) in the 1967 Corona satellite imagery. During this period there were still many hectares of healthy mangrove stands ideal as a protective nursery for many species of fish and crustaceans. It is estimated some 485 Ha (equivalent to 700 football fields (ff)) of mangrove have been lost and that 3,810 Ha (5450 football fields) of landfill development has encroached into the marine environment of Tarut Bay. Table 2 indicates the areal extent of the mangrove habitats at risk and the current ongoing threats.

The dramatic changes along the coast are clearly illustrated in Map 9a & 9b where land use and the actual coastline of 1967 have been extensively modified. The 2010 map shows the expansion of development. While some agriculture has been lost, the most significant modification has been to the natural coastline (Map 8). Map 10 shows successive landfill operations around Tarut Island. The result of such development is the loss of 134 Ha of mangrove forest (190 ff), an estimate of 440 Ha of salt marsh (630 ff) and 752 Ha of subtidal habitat (1075 ff) on Tarut Island alone.

What remnant mangrove habitats that remain in Tarut Bay are in urgent need of protection. In early 2011 the estimate of mangroves within this area was 325 Ha of varying density. This number included newly established mangrove plantation sites whose coverage is still very small at the present time. The mangrove habitat areas in immediate risk are estimated to be 89 Ha. These are at risk due to continued landfill and infrastructure development.

Anthropogenic Induced Geomorphological Change Along the Western Arabian Gulf Coast 207

Road construction Road widening for port traffic

Landfill Further expansion of landfill

mangrove

Landfill Already closed from tidal

stress

Road construction Direct landfilling and the

(\*See below)

that will impact large areas of

flushing and remaining mangroves are under extreme

resulting restricted water circulation following recent construction of a causeway

**Location Ha of Mangrove Current Threats Comments** 

\*If circulation within Raheema Bay is unaffected by the construction of a new causeway then the risk to

a. b.

Map 11 illustrates a satellite image with the dredged marine environment overlaid. This dredging was initially undertaken for access to Port but became a source of material for the extensive landfill developments along the coastline over successive decades. Landfill material today is usually building rubble and other construction waste. Illegal dumping still occurs and a concerted effort is required to prevent this practice continuing. Map 11 also shows that only about 15% of the coastline of Tarut Bay remains undeveloped. Map 14 in

Map 9. a. Development in Tarut Bay in 1967; b. Development in Tarut Bay in 2010

1 (1.5 football fields)

(17 football fields)

(6 football fields)

(107 football fields)

**(131.5 football fields)**

**Dammam Port** 

**Tarut Island** 12

**Qatif** 4

**Safwa** 72

**Total 89** 

mangroves decreases to 2 Ha.

This table is graphically presented in Map 12.

Table 2. Mangrove at Risk in Tarut Bay

Map 8. Changes in the Coastline from 1955 until 2010 (Image modified from ARAMCO Aerial Photography Mosaic 1955)


**(131.5 football fields)**

206 Studies on Environmental and Applied Geomorphology

Map 8. Changes in the Coastline from 1955 until 2010 (Image modified from ARAMCO

Aerial Photography Mosaic 1955)

This table is graphically presented in Map 12. \*If circulation within Raheema Bay is unaffected by the construction of a new causeway then the risk to mangroves decreases to 2 Ha.

Table 2. Mangrove at Risk in Tarut Bay

Map 9. a. Development in Tarut Bay in 1967; b. Development in Tarut Bay in 2010

Map 11 illustrates a satellite image with the dredged marine environment overlaid. This dredging was initially undertaken for access to Port but became a source of material for the extensive landfill developments along the coastline over successive decades. Landfill material today is usually building rubble and other construction waste. Illegal dumping still occurs and a concerted effort is required to prevent this practice continuing. Map 11 also shows that only about 15% of the coastline of Tarut Bay remains undeveloped. Map 14 in

Anthropogenic Induced Geomorphological Change Along the Western Arabian Gulf Coast 209

Map 11. Dredging Activities in Tarut Bay (Background image is Global Land Cover Landsat

circa 2000)

Section 6.3 illustrates the extent of a proposed reservation by the Saudi Wildlife Commission and the IUCNR (Saudi Wildlife Commission, 2010).

Within Tarut Bay there are very few undeveloped coastal landscapes. Maps 9a and 11 highlight these areas. This region is the major population center for the Eastern Province and as such has suffered the greatest anthropogenic induced change on the coastal environment. Map 12 illustrates the location and density of remnant, transplanted and new mangroves plantations within Tarut Bay. These maps also indicate those mangrove areas that are at immediate risk due to continuing impacts. There is a real possibility that the Raheema Bay mangroves could be seriously impacted if circulation is restricted by the new causeway presently under construction across the mouth of the Bay (Safwa – Raheema). For this reason all of the mangroves in Raheema Bay have been designated as at potential risk. Confidence is expressed in the environmental legislation and good environmental engineering design that should prevent such an occurrence. This prospective loss of mangrove habitat in Tarut Bay is indicated on Map 12 by a red outline to the icon representing the actual areal extent (Ha) of mangrove habitat at the different locations. It must also be noted that the self-propagation of mangroves indicates the resilience of the environment despite large scale developments. For example mangrove has shown resilience by self-sowing where none have existed before (e.g. Dammam Port). There are also concerted efforts within the Kingdom to recover and replace lost mangrove habitat. Design considerations for infrastructure in coastal areas are now also promoting environmental awareness and protection of habitats.

Map 10. Changes along Tarut Island and the adjacent coastline since 1934.

Section 6.3 illustrates the extent of a proposed reservation by the Saudi Wildlife Commission

Within Tarut Bay there are very few undeveloped coastal landscapes. Maps 9a and 11 highlight these areas. This region is the major population center for the Eastern Province and as such has suffered the greatest anthropogenic induced change on the coastal environment. Map 12 illustrates the location and density of remnant, transplanted and new mangroves plantations within Tarut Bay. These maps also indicate those mangrove areas that are at immediate risk due to continuing impacts. There is a real possibility that the Raheema Bay mangroves could be seriously impacted if circulation is restricted by the new causeway presently under construction across the mouth of the Bay (Safwa – Raheema). For this reason all of the mangroves in Raheema Bay have been designated as at potential risk. Confidence is expressed in the environmental legislation and good environmental engineering design that should prevent such an occurrence. This prospective loss of mangrove habitat in Tarut Bay is indicated on Map 12 by a red outline to the icon representing the actual areal extent (Ha) of mangrove habitat at the different locations. It must also be noted that the self-propagation of mangroves indicates the resilience of the environment despite large scale developments. For example mangrove has shown resilience by self-sowing where none have existed before (e.g. Dammam Port). There are also concerted efforts within the Kingdom to recover and replace lost mangrove habitat. Design considerations for infrastructure in coastal areas are now also promoting environmental

and the IUCNR (Saudi Wildlife Commission, 2010).

awareness and protection of habitats.

Map 10. Changes along Tarut Island and the adjacent coastline since 1934.

Map 11. Dredging Activities in Tarut Bay (Background image is Global Land Cover Landsat circa 2000)

Anthropogenic Induced Geomorphological Change Along the Western Arabian Gulf Coast 211

Unlike the northern and central coastlines, the southern coastline is mostly undeveloped and has less anthropogenic impacts. As such, the southern part of the Saudi coastline has been recommended as a nature reserve by the Saudi Wildlife Commission (Map 15). There has been some limited development at the northern end of this area such as at Qurayyah and Half Moon Bay consisting of salt water injection plants, power stations, desalination plants and recreation facilities. These facilities are relatively small in scale and scattered along the coast. They are required to support existing infrastructure within the central

As a result of the areas relative pristine condition, wildlife extensively utilizes the coastal and marine areas of the southern region, with large bird populations inhabiting Zakhnuniyah and Judhaym Islands. These islands are of international significance as breeding sites for Socotra cormorant *(Phalacrocorax nigrogularis*), and it is important that these islands be given protection from development or disturbance. The Gulf of Salwa is known as one of the most important sites in the world for the endangered dugong (*Dugong dugon*), with this area containing significant seagrass habitat that enables the largest known single congregation of dugongs ever observed to exist in this area. Map 15 illustrates the reservation proposals from the Saudi Wildlife Commission for the Eastern Province

Al Uqair is a unique coastal port occurring on the coast of the Gulf of Salwa. The area has significant heritage sites of regional importance, consisting of an old trading fort and customs house area. This Port was once the major trading point from the Eastern Province to the then known world. In contrast to the high salinity of the Gulf of Salwa, the area contains fresh water springs with associated freshwater vegetation and fish inhabiting these areas. The area is also surrounded by sand dunes and has been recently proposed as a major tourist development site by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. In keeping with the Commission's philosophy the area's cultural and natural heritage should also be

Ras Abu Qameess is the most isolated Gulf coastline of the Kingdom located between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar borders along the southern Gulf coastline. This rocky headland is in pristine natural condition and contains rich intertidal coastal rocky habitats, a large breeding population of Osprey (*Pandion haliaetus*) and Sooty Falcons (*Falco concolor*) and significant numbers of dugong (*Dugong dugon*). There has been little development along this coastline. There are no major coastal encroachments and it has been recommended by the Saudi Wildlife Commission that a conservation reserve be established to protect this

Mangrove habitats have been the main focus for coastal restoration programs along the Gulf coast because they are an important intertidal habitat that is under threat from land development. It is estimated that 90% of the original mangrove ecosystems along the Gulf coast have been lost mostly as a result of coastal urban development. The current estimate of

unique coastline in its natural condition (see Map 15 in Section 6.3).

**5.3 The Southern coastline** 

coastline areas around Dammam.

including this important part of the Gulf coastline.

conserved as part of this development.

**6. Remediation programs** 

**6.1 Coastal habitat restoration programs** 

Tarut Bay has been recognized as a landscape that requires protection, but still allows access for public use (IUCNR/MEPA, 1987).

Map 12. Mangrove Areas in Tarut Bay with Mangrove at Risk in Red
