Umm al Maradim (Arabic: جزيرة ام المرادم)(Translation: Mother of boulders) is an island located at the extreme south of Kuwait's marine borders near the junction with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Jazirat Umm al Maradim Lighthouse
Map
LocationUmm al Maradim Island, Kuwait Edit this at Wikidata
Coordinates28°40′45″N 48°39′05″E / 28.67917°N 48.65139°E / 28.67917; 48.65139
Tower
Foundationconcrete base
Constructionmetal skeletal tower
Height22 m (72 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
Shapesquare pyramidal tower with balcony and lantern[1][2]
Markingsred and white horizontal bands tower
Power sourcesolar power Edit this on Wikidata
OperatorMiddle East Navigation Aids Service Edit this on Wikidata
Light
Focal height23 m (75 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
Range10 nmi (19 km; 12 mi) Edit this on Wikidata
CharacteristicFl(2) W 15s Edit this on Wikidata

Umm Al-Maradim is surrounded by deep waters which enable ships to land directly at its shores - an advantage which is not available on most Kuwaiti islands. It is 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) in length and 540 metres (1,770 feet) in width, which represents an area of approximately 65 hectares (160 acres). It is an oval-shaped island with a sand cape. Pearl oysters breed around the island's seabed.

In the past, ships sailed for pearl diving in the morning and returned by night to the island. So the island was crowded with the ships' crews, divers and pearl traders who flocked to purchase the pearl harvest from the ships' captains.

Umm Al-Maradim was the first Kuwaiti land to be liberated from the Invasion of Kuwait in 1991. On its territory the Kuwaiti flag was hoisted again proclaiming the defeat of aggression and the restoration of legality.

The island is usually full of migratory and sedentary birds, notably seagulls and flamingoes. During the rainy season, it is covered with greenery. It is uninhabited except for some public buildings such as a lighthouse and a police station.[3]

Umm Al-Maradim is the rainiest place in Kuwait.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Kuwait". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2016-10-08.
  2. ^ NGA List of Lights – Pub.112 Retrieved 8 October 2016
  3. ^ "Umm Al-Maradim".

28°40′50″N 48°39′06″E / 28.68056°N 48.65167°E / 28.68056; 48.65167