By Nadia Al-Fawaz

JAZAN — The beautiful Saudi island of Daraka where many migratory birds hover over has no people living there. The island, with its pristine beaches, is inhabited by seagulls and swans, among other migratory birds.

At the start of winter, the island is quiet and visitors can enjoy its purity and nature, and also the sound of the birds.

Daraka is located off the southern Saudi province of Jazan. Many visitors have testified that it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island has thus become a popular destination for photographers to document the charming scenes between the shores, and even to dive in its sea.

Hassan Al-Ghazwai, a photographer who visited Daraka Island to take photos and capture its beauty, told Al-Arabiya English: “Many fishing enthusiasts I know spoke about the beauty of this island, which they use as a place to rest during fishing trips. This made me want to go there and take photos.”

He said the island has pure untouched nature and beautiful rock formations overlooking the beach. “It is a suitable location for those who like trips, tranquility, relaxation and enjoy the sea breeze. In addition to the beauty of the birds and their sounds that do not stop all day long, Daraka Island is considered as a main stop for birds like seagulls and swans.” Al-Ghazawi said.

Daraka is about 15 km away from Farasan Island, and about 9 km away from Ahbar Island. “Its beaches are among the purest beaches, with coral reefs, snails and fossilized sea creatures.” Al-Ghazawi said.

There are 286 islands in the Jazan region awaiting the national transformation initiative, including Daraka, to increase the state’s income and invest in tourism. The Farasan Islands are considered one of the largest group of islands in the southern Red Sea, and one of the most important tourist and investment locations, as it possesses promising investment opportunities in the tourism and economic fields, and several service sectors. — Al-Arabiya English