AL-HAWRA is an old name for the Saudi region of Umluj, which has picturesque islands and charming beaches.

Umluj has great archaeological and historical treasures, stretching 147 km north of Yanbu in western Saudi Arabia.

Photographer Nasser Abdullah Al-Kathiri documented its aesthetic views in photos that promise a lot of potential as a touristic destination worthy of calling it the “Saudi Maldives."

"Despite its small size, Umluj is on the list of the most prominent tourist sites in the Kingdom for its white and smooth sand," he says.

The sites in Umluj are characterized by a varied, beautiful tropical ambience, which has made it part of the Red Sea project. It combines beaches that varies in the colors of sands, as well as mountainous and sandy islands, which number more than 104.

Umluj can be toured by boat, and during the ride, the colorful fish beneath can be spotted. The area is also a habitat to dolphins as they emerge at the beginning of the summer season.

Its islands are packed with coral reefs, and there are some nature reserves visited by beautiful and migratory birds.

Al-Kathiri pointed out that Umluj is considered a pathway for migrating birds and marine creatures, for its temperate atmosphere and the beauty of its “Daqm” beach.

The region is also characterized by its ancient tall and leaning palm trees, which are watered from the springs that flow beneath it and pour directly into the sea.

Its sunset views are enchanting and are framed to the east by the delicious mango farms, and from the east, golden sand dunes, high mountains and inactive volcanoes can also be spotted.

Al-Kathiri added: "To the northeast of Umluj, fresh springs flow, like 'Koff' spring that lies between the mountains and the sands."

Umluj Sea embraces a group of natural islands in the form of an archipelago that extends to the far north of the coast of the city of Wajh. The islands of Umluj are also home to bird nests, and the beaches of these islands are great for swimming, diving and recreational activities.

In the historical area, near the city's port, shipbuilders and craftsmen can be found.

Umluj is known as an attractive destination for those wishing to spend a quiet family holiday on the beaches in an environment surrounded by scenic valleys and mountains. Its famous beaches, like Ras Al-Shaaban Beach and Doqm Beach, are covered with palm trees. A number of sandy and rocky islands including the island of Jabal Hassan are very popular in the region.

The island is 10 miles away from the beaches of Umluj, and it is surrounded by attractive sandy beaches and a range of small islands. The islands of Libana and Um Sahar are great attractions for tourists and bird watching enthusiasts.

Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Public Investment Fund, announced that the launch of a global tourism project called the "Red Sea Project." It is planned to be one of the world's most beautiful and diverse natural resort and touristic sites.

The project will be launched in collaboration with major international companies in the hospitality and hotel industry to develop exceptional tourist resorts on more than 50 natural islands between the cities of Umluj and Al-Wajh.

The project sits on a number of pristine islands in the Red Sea, stretching opposite Madain Saleh, which is famous for its urban beauty and great historical significance. — Al-Arabiya English