Farasan Islands, located in the southeast of the Red Sea some 40 km from Jizan City will be a major tourism destination for eco-tourists, as the Saudi authorities in the region have announced plans to develop the area into marine, coastal and spa-health resorts. Jizan Provincial Tourism Office of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is inviting investments for the development of Farasan Islands' 600 sq. km including 264 islands with a coastline of 216 km into marine, coastal and health resorts. The Jizan tourism development strategy's aimed at transforming Jizan into one of the most booming tourist destinations in the area of marine, coastal and spa/health resorts tourism, said Abdul Rahman Abdul Haq, Governor of Fursan Islands, in a SCTA statement. “These islands (Farasan Islands) are virgin and ready for investment,” said Abdul Haq while inviting entrepreneurs to invest in the booming tourism industry in that area. The islands in Jizan include a number of beautiful villages, sweet water lakes, besides more than 9,000 palm trees. Farasan Islands have a wonderful coastline with white sands, and crystal clear blue beaches, Huq further said. Rustom Al-Kubaisi, Executive Director of Jizan PTO said a public bid was recently opened for investment opportunities for the development of Amana Island, a coral island. He said Amana Island, located in the southwest of the Jizan City and 35 km from Farasan Island has an area of 1.14 sq. km for development. The island has a natural bow-shape coastal line that stretches from south to north. The site, located on the eastern edge of the coral reef is considered an ideal fishing spot. Al-Kubaisi said SCTA is cooperating with Jizan Municipality and has already presented the technical specifications as a guide for future investors. The development concept focuses on transforming the area to a distinct tourism resort, “thus providing a model for other tourist islands in the region,” he said. Farasan Islands are considered great tourist destination, especially in winter season for people looking for warm climate. Fursan Islands' white sandy fresh water beaches and its sanctuaries with visibly grazing deer are described as the wonderful sight
