A rocky island in the Guardafui Channel, Abd al Kuri sits remote within Yemen’s Socotra Archipelago, shaped by granite geology and isolation.
At a glance
Abd al Kuri is a small rocky island situated approximately 65 miles southwest of Socotra, the archipelago’s main landmass. It belongs to the Socotra Archipelago Governorate of Yemen and occupies a position in the Guardafui Channel, a strategic waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
History
The island’s recorded history remains limited in available sources. As part of the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, Abd al Kuri shares the broader geopolitical and cultural context of Yemen’s remote island territories.
What you see
The island’s landscape is defined by its geological composition. Granite and diorite bedrock form the foundation, overlaid with limestone formations that shape the rocky terrain visible to visitors.
Cultural significance
Abd al Kuri remains part of the ecologically significant Socotra Archipelago, one of the world’s most isolated island groups. Its geological character reflects the broader tectonic and mineral wealth of the region.
Key facts
- Country: Yemen
- Region: Socotra Archipelago Governorate
- Location: Guardafui Channel, approximately 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Socotra
- Coordinates: 12.18580556°N, 52.23833333°E
- Primary geology: Granite, diorite, and limestone
Practical information & getting there
Abd al Kuri is accessible only by sea. You will need to arrange boat transport from Socotra or other regional ports. Given Yemen’s current geopolitical situation, verify travel advisories and security conditions before planning a visit.
Sources & resources
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