The Hawar Islands is a protected area that is located about 26 kilometers southeast of Ras Al-Bahrain on the island of Bahrain. It consists of a group of 16 desert islands, with the longest island, Hawar, measuring approximately 17 kilometers in length, a maximum width of about 3 kilometers, and a highest elevation of around 19 meters. Hawar Islands are considered one of the few places that have not been significantly affected by urban development, thus preserving their pristine natural environment, beauty, unique geographical distribution, and diverse wildlife.

Due to the remote geographical location of the Hawar Islands and their varying elevations scattered across the islands, they attract various bird species that live and breed at different times. The largest colony of the Socotra cormorant, locally known as "Al Luh," or Socotra cormorant, in the Middle East has been recorded here, with the number of these birds reaching approximately 25,000 pairs. This number represents between 20% to 25% of the total population of this bird on both the local and global levels, underscoring the international significance of Hawar Islands. Some unique and endangered bird species, such as the Osprey, find Hawar Islands a safe haven for breeding and nesting. Additionally, the islands are home to the Osprey and serve as a nesting site. The waters surrounding the Hawar Islands house one of the largest populations of dugongs in the world.

The Prime Minister's Office Resolution No. 16 of the year 1996 was issued regarding the classification of Hawar Islands and the surrounding regional waters as a protected area in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law No. 2 of the year 1995 concerning the protection of wildlife. Subsequently, Ministerial Resolution No. 6 for the same year was issued, establishing a national committee to activate and manage the Hawar Islands Protected Area, covering an approximate area of 340.04 square kilometers.

Hawar Islands were declared a Ramsar-protected natural site, with the Kingdom of Bahrain ratifying the Ramsar Convention in 1997, acknowledging their international importance.