Arab News: RIYADH: Umluj governorate is redefining its status on the global tourism map, leveraging its natural wealth and maritime heritage to create a sustainable, inclusive destination.

Historically known as the “white city” for its pristine sands, Umluj’s modern identity is being shaped by national transformation projects and the Saudi Red Sea Authority, which aim to enhance the region’s appeal for tourism and investment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The archipelago features more than 100 untouched islands with flourishing coral reefs that support green and hawksbill turtles, dolphins, dugongs and migratory birds.

This environmental richness is deeply intertwined with a history of maritime trade, where the port of Umluj once served as a vital link between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.

Inland, the historic town features a restored traditional souk and a museum housing thousands of artifacts. Landmarks such as the Umluj castle, constructed from volcanic rock, highlight the area’s architectural significance, while the eastern landscape is dominated by Harrat Lunayyir, a vast volcanic field of black lava.