Jeddah, September 17, 2023, Several islands are dotted around the southern coast of Makkah, particularly those in the Al-Lith Governorate, like a pearl necklace to the north and south. This group of undeveloped, all-natural islands, with their varied topography, offers an opulent tourism destination with a plethora of undiscovered natural wonders. They are a rich marine nature reserve with tremendous animal and flora diversity, and the islands' marine ecosystems are among the most robust in the Red Sea, with stunning coral reefs in vibrant colors. The natural diversity of the southern islands of the Makkah Region is best exemplified by Marmar Island. It is a wildlife preserve where several migrating bird species and marine life can find safety. Numerous visitors and diving enthusiasts who enjoy playing with dolphins flock to the island because of the abundance of dolphins in the surrounding waters.
Marmara Island's beaches provide natural locations for Red Sea turtles to deposit their eggs, making them crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity.
According to Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, Marmar is one of the islands in the Mahraqat group, along with Al-Dhahrah, Al-Jadil, and Matat, and has distinctive natural features. He described it as a little island that stretches from the northeast to the southwest and is surrounded by a coral reef that extends more than 350 meters beneath the surface of the water.
According to Aba Al-Khail, the island has a white sandy beach with few sea plants growing on it, is encircled by blue water, and has fascinating coral reefs.
He continued by mentioning Marmar Island, which is famous for having coral reef formations that resemble a flooded skyscraper and is situated at the top of a steep coral mountain. Approximately one square kilometer in size, this island is situated 25.4 nautical miles southwest of Al-Lith City.
