<P> The Marine Twilight Zone Research and Exploration program (MTRX) was set up in 2003 by the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat to conduct research on the deep coral reef systems of the northern Red Sea . </P> <P> The gulf is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world . About 250,000 dives are performed annually in Eilat's 11 km coastline, and diving represents 10% of the tourism income of this area . </P> <P> The Landscape of Wadi Rum to the east of the northern edge of the gulf is a popular destination . Other destinations are the ruins of the iron - age civilization of Ayla in the city of Aqaba, the site of the World War I Battle of Aqaba, led by Lawrence of Arabia . </P> <P> Whales, orcas, dolphins, dugongs, and whale sharks live in the gulf as well . </P>

Peninsula between the gulf of suez and the gulf of aqaba