Saudi Arabia continues to evolve and refine its tourism ventures with 66 islands ready for investment, according to an announcement by Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), said a report.

Rustom Al-Kubaisi, head of the SCTNH’s branch in Jazan, said the uninhabited islands saw a large number of visitors each year, particularly Farasan Island, which alone receives more than SR2 million ($533,134), with thousands of people arriving from different parts of the world during the Hareed fishing festival and winter season, a report in Arab News stated.

Farasan Island, located some 50 km offshore from Jazan, was considered a major part of the trade in pearls in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea in ancient times. Moreover, the number of uninhabited islands serve as breeding sites for a large number of birds and Arabian gazelles, it said.