The waterway that connects the Arabian Sea to the Red Sea is known as the Bab el Mandeb, which translates to ‘Gate of Tears’ in Arabic. This strait lies between the southern tip of Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
The Bab el Mandeb is a crucial maritime passage, allowing ships to navigate from the Indian Ocean, through the Arabian Sea, and into the Red Sea. This connection is significant for international trade, as it serves as a shortcut for vessels traveling to and from the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.
Furthermore, the strait also plays a vital role in the ecological and economic systems of the region, supporting varied marine life while facilitating shipping and navigation for multiple countries. The strategic importance of the Bab el Mandeb has made it a focal point of geopolitical interest throughout history.