It was declared as a natural reserve in 2006, its area reaches 1991 km². 

The reserve includes sensitive ecosystems such as sea grass and coral reefs in the form of scattered clusters. Red Sea Northern Islands is an area of great strategic importance due to its geographical location which overlooks the Strait of Gubal, the southern entrance of the Gulf of Suez Canal. 

Red Sea Northern Islands is an important natural reserve due to its biodiversity and scientific and aesthetic resources which qualified it to be a priority for the conservation of the natural heritage in Egypt. 

It is considered a station for migrant birds, as it is has a rare environment for growth of mangrove plants. 

How to get to the reserve:

By land:

-  From the Nile Valley through the road that connects Qena governorate with the Red Sea, Safaga and Hurghada.

By Air through any of these airports:

-Hurghada Airport
- El Gouna Village Airport in Hurghada
- Marsa Allam Airport.

 -Hurghada International Port

-Hurghada Touristic Port

-Safaga International Port