2023

Facts about Suez Gulf, Egypt

The Gulf of Suez is a bay on the northern tip of the Red Sea, west of the Sinai Peninsula. The smaller bay to the east of the Sinai Peninsula is the Gulf of Aqaba. The gulf was created within the relatively small but long-inactive Gulf of Suez Fault Basin, approximately 26 million years old.

The Gulf of Suez extends 300 kilometres north-northwestwards, ending at the Egyptian city of Suez and the entrance to the Suez Canal. Along the centre line of the Gulf is the border between Africa and Asia. The entrance to the Gulf is located above the Jamsha oil and gas field. Since the Suez Canal is located at the top of the Red Sea Gulf of Suez is considered one of the most significant bodies of water in the world.

The Gulf forms part of the northwestern arm of the Red Sea located between the continent of Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. This is the third in a series of rift arms in a triple-junction rift system, while the second arm is the Gulf of Aqaba. The length of the Gulf, from its mouth at the Jebel Strait to its head at Suez, is 314 kilometres, and its width ranges from 19-32 kilometres.

The Gulf of Suez is a source of fisheries resources in Egypt, where various types of fish are extracted: ‘shrimp, hart, bourbon, squid.’ The state is making great efforts to improve the conditions of fishermen, facilitate the issuance of licences and control fishing equipment in order to maintain the sustainability of fish wealth.

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What is the Suez Gulf, and where is it located in Egypt?

The Suez Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Suez, is a relatively narrow body of water that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It is a crucial maritime route, and one of the world's most significant artificial waterways, the Suez Canal, runs through it. Here is more information about the Suez Gulf and its location in Egypt:

Location: The Suez Gulf is located in northeastern Egypt and is part of the larger Suez Canal system. It forms the northern branch of the canal. The southern branch is called the Gulf of Suez, which leads to the Red Sea proper.

Geography: The Suez Gulf is a relatively long and narrow body of water, extending approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) in length. It varies in width but is generally narrower than the Gulf of Suez to the south.

Suez Canal: The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, runs through the Suez Gulf. This man-made canal allows ships to bypass the lengthy and treacherous journey around the southern tip of Africa (the Cape of Good Hope) and significantly shortens the travel distance between Europe and the countries bordering the Red Sea and beyond.

Cities and Ports: Several cities and ports are located along the shores of the Suez Gulf, including Port Said at the northern entrance and Suez (El-Suweis in Arabic) at the southern entrance. These cities play a crucial role in the logistics and maritime trade facilitated by the Suez Canal.

Economic Importance: The Suez Gulf and the Suez Canal are of immense economic importance to Egypt and global trade. The canal is a vital artery for international shipping, allowing goods to move more efficiently between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Strategic Significance: The Suez Canal and the Suez Gulf have also held significant strategic importance due to their location at the crossroads of major international shipping routes. The control of this waterway has been a matter of geopolitical interest throughout history.

Historical Significance: The idea of connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas dates back to ancient times, with various attempts made by different civilizations. The modern Suez Canal was completed in the 19th century.

About Suez Gulf, Egypt 16 / 5 / 2023