The coast of the southern region of Makkah, especially those of Al-Lith Governorate, is adorned by several islands scattered like a pearl necklace to the north and to the south. This archipelago of untouched natural islands with their diverse terrain makes for a luxurious tourist destination with a wealth of natural treasures.

The islands' marine ecosystems, among the most resilient in the Red Sea, boast attractive coral reefs in bright colors; they are a rich marine nature reserve of great fauna and flora diversity.

Marmar Island epitomizes the ecological diversity of the southern islands of the Makkah Region. It is a nature reserve where several species of migratory birds and marine organisms find refuge. The sea around the island teems with dolphins, which attract large numbers of tourists and diving fans who like to play with them.

The beaches of Marmar Island are natural areas for nesting for various types of Red Sea turtles, so it plays an important role in preserving marine biodiversity.

According to Saudi Geological Survey Spokesperson Tariq Aba Al-Khail, Marmar, with its unique natural elements, is one of the islands of the Mahraqat group, which also includes Al-Dhahrah, Al-Jadil and Matat. It is a small island, he said, that runs from the northeast to southwest and lies on a coral reef that surrounds it from all directions; the sea water reaches over 350 meters in depth around it.

Aba Al-Khail said that the island, on whose white sandy beach grow some sea shrubs, is surrounded by turquoise seawater and captivating coral reefs.

He added that Marmar Island is located on the top of a steep coral mountain and is known for having coral reef formations that look like a flooded skyscraper. This island, of about one square kilometer area, is located 25.4 nautical miles southwest of Al-Lith City.

Source: Saudi Press Agency