This relatively small area of the Mediterranean coastal desert is characterized by the richest and most diverse flora in Egypt except for that of Gebel Elba. The dunes of white sand by the sea are followed further inland by limestone ridges separated by depressions, in some of which salt marshes are found. Inland of these is a relatively flat strip of hamada (sand and clay interspersed with exposed rocky surfaces). The people graze their livestock and practice small-scale agriculture growing dates, olives and figs among other crops. It is the only protected area that includes this habitat type.
There is a high degree of floral diversity with species such as Thymus capitatus and Plantago albicans. In the saline depressions between ridges there is halophytic vegetation. A number of endemic plants are found in this area.
The endemic Pallid Gerbil, Gerbillus perpallidus, and the endangered Four-toed Jerboa, Allactaga tetradactyla, are characteristic species. The extremely endangered Egyptian tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni, may still be extant here. Many birds migrate through in spring and autumn including Quail, Coturnix coturnix. The Desert Snail, Eremina desertorum, is common and the shells of dead individuals litter the ground.