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Socotra
Island One of the largest Yemeni islands, about 510 km from the Yemeni coast on the Arabian sea opposite to Al-Mukalla. Its area is 3650 km with an archipelago of small islands like Al-Akhawain (the two brothers) islands, Darsah island, Samha islands, and Abd Al-Kori island.
The center of Socotra island is Hudaibu in the northeast of the island and kulansiya to the northwest of the island. It is inhabited by 100,000 people, most of them are working in sheep herding grazing and fishing. They speak the old Yemeni language in the dialect of Socotra and Mahra. They also speak the language of the Arabs of Yemen. A diverse geography of mountains running right into the sea, deep gullies, canes, Palm-covered plains and silvery beaches. The plants in the island are uniquely diverse. There are 750 species. Some of them are rare, the others unique. It has 7 species of Frankincense trees, the most famous of which are the Socotra aloe, olibanum, Merrh ,Dragon blood and many rare medicinal plants and trees. Dragon tree grows in the Mumi mountains. The island also abounds with many species of birds, estimated at 105. Some of them nest in the island, others are native to the Island, many of them are endangered species. Socotra is one of the most important homes of rare binds in the Middle East. There are a number of beautiful beaches in the Island, the most important of which is Nawjad beach. There are also many species of marine animals and fish especially shrimps . There are many coral reefs. The island is famous for pearl diving. The Portuguese occupied the island in 1507,and stayed for sometime. The best period to visit the island is from 15 October until 15 May. The winds sweep some parts of the island in the remaining period of the Year. Most important areas of the island Hudaibu, Kulansiya, Nawjid, Mumi. The island can be reached by air in two flights a week from Al-Rayan (Mukalla). It can be also reached by boat in good weather only. It is difficult to reach it by small boats during the windy season. The services of telecommunication to the outside world are available in the island. There is also a rest house providing the necessary services to visitors. In addition, services of transport inside the island are available but costly. |
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