Seismic activity in Saudi Arabia 2025: 5 tremors recorded in the Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia experienced significant seismic activity during 2025, as recorded by the National Seismic Monitoring Network. Most of these events were concentrated in the Eastern Province and the Arabian Gulf, with additional activity in the Jazan region of the southern Red Sea. This ongoing monitoring is part of the Saudi Geological Survey's efforts to track ground movements and ensure the safety of the population and infrastructure.
Details of the recent Haradh earthquake
In the latest geological development, stations of the National Seismic Network recorded a new earthquake in the Eastern Province early this morning, Wednesday, December 17, 2025. According to the official statement issued by the Authority via the “X” platform, the earthquake occurred at 1:11:23 AM and measured 4 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was located approximately 9 kilometers east of Haradh, at a depth of 34.3 kilometers, with no reported casualties or significant material damage.
Earthquake record in the Eastern Province and the Arabian Gulf
The Haradh earthquake was not an isolated event; it was preceded by a series of tremors throughout the year, indicating tectonic activity in the Arabian Gulf basin. On the morning of Friday, April 4th, a magnitude 4 earthquake was recorded 55 km east of Jubail. This was followed by another tremor on the evening of April 22nd, measuring 4.36 on the Richter scale, which occurred 66 km east of Jubail.
Seismic activity continued with a minor tremor measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale on the evening of Friday, June 13, 2025. Activity resurfaced on October 19, when the official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, announced the detection of a 4.34 magnitude earthquake 160 km northeast of Khafji. The Survey confirmed that in all these instances, the epicenters were located within the waters of the Arabian Gulf and did not negatively impact coastal areas.
Seismic activity in the Red Sea and Jazan
On the western side of the Kingdom, specifically in the southern Red Sea, the National Seismic Network recorded an earthquake measuring 4.68 on the Richter scale on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2025. The earthquake occurred 150 kilometers west of the city of Jazan, reflecting the geological nature of the Red Sea as a region of divergent tectonic plates.
Geological context and the importance of monitoring
This data is of paramount importance for understanding the geological dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula. It is scientifically established that the Arabian Plate is moving northeastward, colliding with the Eurasian Plate (causing activity in the Gulf and Zagros Mountains) and diverging in the Red Sea. Although several tremors were recorded in 2025, they fall within the moderate range and do not typically pose a significant risk to buildings constructed according to the Saudi Building Code. However, accurate monitoring of these tremors helps in updating seismic hazard maps and strengthening national emergency plans.
