Gulf of Aqaba

The Gulf of Aqaba stretches north from the Red Sea between Sinai and the Arabian coast. Steep mountains rise above its shores, while coral reefs grow in the clear water below. At its northern end, Aqaba stood on a route used by pilgrims travelling toward Mecca and Medina. The Strait of Tiran joins the gulf to the open Red Sea, where islands and reefs narrow the passage.