A Latin inscription dating from 144 AD has been found on the island which attests to the construction of a Roman garrison.

It is believed that the islands may have been attached to the Roman province of Arabia Felix, before being transferred to Aegyptus some time before 144 AD[4].

The highest rainfall occurs in April and the precipitation is generally unpredictable in the southern part of Red Sea.

[8] Oceanic animals include manta rays,[9] whale sharks,[10] and several species of sea turtles including endangered and critically endangered green and hawksbill turtles, dugongs,[9] and several species of dolphins and whales with occasional visits by others such as orcas.

[11][12][13][14] After a French engineer investigated petroleum seeps on the islands in 1912, a 75-year concession was granted to the Red Sea oilfields.