Farasan Islands Reserved Area

The Farasan Islands Reserved Area is a nature reserve made up of many islands and islets in the Red Sea, off the coast of Jazan in Saudi Arabia. People come for clear water, coral reefs, mangrove stands and quiet shorelines, and for the chance to see wildlife in places that feel far from the mainland. On a visit you can look for dolphins, sea turtles and migratory birds, and notice the rare plants that grow across the islands. Divers and snorkellers are drawn to the reefs, while walkers can explore the low hills where the Farasan Idmi Gazelle shelters. Beyond the nature, there are historic villages and ancient ruins to wander through. The reserve is open from 06:00 to 18:00, and there is no minimum age, so families can plan a day here together. The islands matter for more than their scenery. They were the first place in the Kingdom to be recognised as a natural reserve under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, a title given to areas where people and nature are meant to sit side by side. That idea shows in the setting itself, where marine life, island wildlife and old settlements share the same small stretch of sea, and where the stories of past communities are still visible on land.