The Saudi Tourism Authority announced new tourism packages that allow visitors during the “Saudi Arabian Winter Season” to enjoy the Uruq Bani Maarid, Saja and Umm Al Ramth and Farasan Islands nature reserves. The packages are being organized in cooperation with the National Center for Wildlife and offer tourists the opportunity to discover the Kingdom’s rich and diverse environment, climate, nature, vegetation and rare wildlife. The packages offer visits to landmarks, as well as safaris, stargazing, hiking, camping and other activities. The Uruq Bani Maarid reserve lies on the southwestern coast of the Empty Quarter and boasts the largest sand desert in the world. It is home to diverse wildlife and offers breathtaking desert views. Temperatures in winter are moderate between 10 and 25 degree Celsius. The reserve is home to rare animals, such as the Arabian gazelle, ostriches, mountain gazelles and others. The Saja and Umm Al Ramth reserve lies in central Saudi Arabia and boasts sandy hills. It was known for the resettlement of the houbara bustard, Arabian oryx and ostriches. Temperatures vary between 9 and 23 degrees Celsius in winter. The Farasan Islands reserve lies off the southeastern Red Sea coast. It is an archipelago of over 170 islands some 40 to 90 kms off Jazan city. It is home to the Farsan deer, over 180 plant species that are unique to the area, 50 species of coral reefs and 230 species of fish.