Auhah Island

Auhah Island (Arabic: أوهه) is a small, uninhabited island belonging to the State of Kuwait. Situated in the northern Persian Gulf, the island forms part of Kuwait’s network of offshore islands and holds modest strategic and navigational significance despite its limited size and lack of permanent population. Its primary features include a lighthouse and a small heliport, reflecting its functional rather than residential role.

Geographic Location and Physical Characteristics

Auhah Island lies approximately southeast of Failaka Island, one of Kuwait’s most historically significant islands, and at a distance of around 20 kilometres from Salmiya on the Kuwaiti mainland. The island is relatively small, measuring about 1 kilometre in length and 0.5 kilometres in width, corresponding to an estimated surface area of roughly 0.5 square kilometres.
The terrain of Auhah Island is generally flat and low-lying, consistent with many of Kuwait’s offshore islands. It is characterised by sandy and rocky coastal features shaped by tidal action and marine erosion. Vegetation is minimal, limited to sparse salt-tolerant plants, and there are no natural freshwater sources on the island.

Administrative Status

Auhah Island is under the sovereignty and administration of Kuwait. Like most of Kuwait’s smaller islands, it does not constitute a separate administrative unit but falls under national jurisdiction, managed directly by the state. The island has no civilian settlements, commercial activity, or local governance structures.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Despite its uninhabited status, Auhah Island hosts limited infrastructure of practical importance. The most notable installation is a lighthouse, which serves maritime navigation in surrounding waters and contributes to the safety of shipping routes in the Gulf. In addition, a small heliport is present, likely intended for maintenance, inspection, and official access rather than regular transport.
There are no residential buildings, utilities, or public services on the island. Access is restricted and typically limited to authorised personnel.

Population and Human Activity

Auhah Island is uninhabited, with no permanent residents. Human presence is occasional and temporary, usually connected to maintenance of the lighthouse, security patrols, or official visits. The absence of habitation reflects both the island’s small size and its lack of natural resources necessary to sustain a population.

Environmental Context

The island forms part of the broader marine and coastal ecosystem of Kuwait. Surrounding waters are home to various marine species typical of the Persian Gulf, although environmental conditions are influenced by high salinity, shallow waters, and seasonal temperature extremes. As with other small Gulf islands, Auhah may serve as a resting or nesting site for seabirds, though it is not widely recognised as a major ecological reserve.