Gulf of Aqaba Coastal Areas

خليج العقبة

The scenic northern coastline featuring pristine beaches and clear blue waters ideal for diving and snorkeling. This area showcases some of Saudi Arabia's most beautiful marine ecosystems and coral reefs.

Things to do

• Coral Reef Diving — Explore the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life in the clear warm waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, one of the world's northernmost coral ecosystems.
• Snorkeling at Al-Qura'iyah Beach — Snorkel in shallow crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and healthy coral formations just offshore from the sandy beach.
• Beach Camping and Sunset Viewing — Camp along the pristine shoreline under the stars and witness spectacular sunsets reflecting off the calm Gulf waters with views toward Egypt and Israel.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours — Observe coral reefs and marine creatures from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat without needing diving certification or getting wet.
• Wadis Exploration — Hike through nearby mountain wadis like Wadi Tayeb and discover natural pools, scenic rock formations, and desert flora unique to the northern Red Sea region.
• Underwater Photography — Capture stunning images of the Gulf's exceptional marine biodiversity including endemic fish species and pristine coral formations found nowhere else.

Food to try

• Grilled Hamour (Grouper) — Fresh locally-caught grouper seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and grilled whole, served with lemon and served at beachfront restaurants throughout Aqaba.
• Sayadiyah (Fisherman's Rice) — A traditional Gulf coastal dish of fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced fried fish, topped with crispy onions and served with tomato sauce.
• Shrimp Kabsa — Gulf prawns cooked with fragrant long-grain rice, cardamom, and saffron, reflecting the maritime culture and fresh seafood abundance of the region.
• Stuffed Squid (Calamari Mahshi) — Fresh squid caught from the Gulf, stuffed with rice and spices, then grilled or fried and served with tahini sauce at local seafood establishments.
• Umm Ali with Date and Nuts — A warm layered dessert of pastry, milk, and coconut topped with dates and regional nuts, traditionally served as a sweet ending to coastal meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully — While beach areas are more relaxed, visitors should wear modest swimwear and cover up when not swimming, particularly women should wear loose clothing away from the beach.
• Respect Prayer Times — Businesses and restaurants may close during the five daily prayer times, especially Dhuhr and Asr in afternoon hours, so plan activities and meal times accordingly.
• Local Fishing Traditions — The Gulf of Aqaba's Bedouin and fishing communities have centuries-old maritime traditions; visitors should show respect when photographing locals or their boats and always ask permission first.
• Environmental Consciousness — The coral reef ecosystem is fragile and protected; visitors must not touch coral, take shells, or disturb marine life, and should use reef-safe sunscreen to preserve this natural heritage.