Umm al-Qamari islands in Saudi Arabia

The Umm al-Qamari Islands Reserve protects two distinct islands in the Red Sea, each with coral limestone surfaces and white sandy shores. The site covers a large protected area with different zones designated for varying levels of wildlife and environmental protection.

Saudi Arabia established this protected area in 1988 as part of a broader conservation initiative that created multiple reserves. This period marked a turning point in how the country approached environmental protection and wildlife preservation.

The islands take their name from the European turtle doves that pass through during migration seasons, reflecting how local people understood and named the natural world around them. Today, visitors can observe these birds alongside other wildlife that makes the area their temporary home.

Visitors need special permits to enter the reserve and should arrange access through the responsible authorities in advance. The location is most accessible during certain seasons when travel conditions are favorable and wildlife viewing is easier.

The coral reefs surrounding the islands shelter numerous marine invertebrates and form intricate underwater ecosystems that visitors often overlook. This rich marine life represents one of the most important ecological features of the entire reserve.