For all the nature-lovers of the world, we’re letting you into a wonderful secret.
The small coastal town of Umluj boasts one of the most beautiful and serene beaches not just in Saudi Arabia, but around the globe.
In the northern Tabuk province of Saudi, Umluj has fittingly been nicknamed the ‘Saudi Arabia Maldives’ for very good reason – with beaches of pure white sand, turquoise waters so clear you can see it teeming with beautiful marine life, and more than 100 hundred small islands that have barely been touched.
In fact, as part of the Red Sea Project, large ships and ferries are prohibited from travelling in the area, all to keep Umluj an untouched beauty.
While not island-hopping, soaking up the sun and exploring the coral reefs of Saudi, Umluj also boasts plenty of laid-back restaurants, a beachside town to explore and surrounded by a sense of history and nature. Though, most importantly, this is the dream spot with year-round sun to make all your friends and family jealous.
Keep it on the down-low –the less people know of it, the more you get to enjoy it.
Attractions and activities
Umluj Beach
The star attraction. A serene stretch of white sand that’s the perfect spot for swimming, lounging and for beach sports. Set right next to the town, sit back and soak up the sun.
Island-hopping
Hire a boat from one of the local service, with prices from SAR400 for three hours, and starting exploring some of the 100 islands spread across the 150km to the north of Yanbu. Popular islands include Libana Islet (Libanah) and neighboring Um Sahar (Umm Sihr), with Libanah being one of the 50 islands in the Red Sea Project.
Coral reefs
Explore the coral reefs of the Red Sea by heading out to one of the islands, including Jabal Hassan, and check out more than 300 different types of colourful coral.
Harrat Lunayyir
Towards the north-western region of Saudi Arabia, inland from Umluj, there’s a vast space of black sand dunes, lava fields and Harrat Lunayyir, a dormant volcano that’s perfect for those looking for a thrilling hiking trip along the mountains.
Snorkelling
There’s an absolute abundance of marine life under the sea, which includes 1,200 species of fish, gree and hawksbill turtles and even dugong marine mammals.
Hire a boat, find a spot to explore and snorkel away.
Dining
Fish Leader Restaurant
Perfect for groups, expect a massive feast of fish, rice dishes, seafood delights and plenty more.
As Salam, Umluj (+966 50 658 0583).
Hasan Al Bukhari Restaurant and Kitchen
It’s all about the chicken at this spot, and makes for a quick bite before heading back to the beach.
King Abdullah Road, Umlaj (+966 50 984 0543).
Khalifa Al Bukhari Umloj Restaurant
For authentic dishes, including a variety of sweets and bakery items to gobble up. Grab some pastries for the road if you’re driving along the coast. You won’t regret it…
King Abdulaziz Road, As Salam, Umluj (+966 53 652 5439).
Modern Hadhramout Restaurant & Kitchen
Fancy massive crab dishes, lamb biriyani or even some camel? Head here.
Al Balad, Umluj (+966 53 059 7050).
Umluj Fish restaurant
Plenty of seafood and traditional dishes at this no-frills eatery, which delivers exactly what it says.
King Faisal Road, As Salam, Umluj (+966 50 658 0583).
Umluj Star Pizza
Affordable, filling pizza offered in all shapes and sizes, including Turkish-style pide, along with local toppings for an authentic bite. Ideal if you’re on the go.
King Saud, Al Ulaya, Umluj (+966 14 382 2299).
Hotels
HP Red Sea Hotel
We’ll give you one guess how this hotel got its name. Set right next to the Umluj coast, this hotel makes for a great pit stop for the beach-lovers, as it leads straight onto the sand. It also boasts fantastic views of the turquoise sea. Nice and affordable.
Al Rawdhah, Umluj.
Juman Hotel
With views of the sea from each room, modern interior designs and a breakfast room with spectacular scenes of the beach to put a skip in your step, the four-star Juman Hotel is a top pick ‘aparthotel’ for couples and families.
King Abdullah Road, Umm Lajj, Umluj.
Royal Tours Permanent Camp
For those looking for a more outdoorsy stay, this one’s for you. The Royal Tours Permanent Camp boasts luxury tents, grills for cooking and a set up only a stone’s throw away from the beach.
Umm Lajj, Umluj.
Shada Collection Mina Hotel
This hotel has a list of suites, from a studio apartment to an executive suite, with traditional arabesque designs with a modern touch.
King Abdullah Road, Al Balad, Umluj.
Wissam Al-Hawra Hotel
Close to the beach, this hotel offers breakfast at the restaurant, an outdoor pool and barbecue and even claims a private beach area. For those after a hotel equipped with essential needs and only a quick walk away from exploring Umluj’s beach, you can’t go wrong here.
King Faisal Road, Umm Lajj, Umluj.
