Dahab

Dahab is an Egyptian city in the South Sinai Governorate, located on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is approximately 100 km from Sharm El Sheikh and 87 km from Nuweiba. It was named after the golden color of its sand. The city is divided into two parts: the southern part, known as Al-Asala village, is famous for its simple Bedouin lifestyle; the northern part is considered the heart and soul of the city, containing commercial markets and entertainment venues. Dahab is renowned for its pristine beaches and natural diving sites rich in coral reefs.

The Old City:
Dahab originated as a small fishing village and gained prominence in the 1990s after the Egyptian government paid special attention to it, establishing hotels and tourist resorts in its heart. Some Bedouin still reside there today. The city was historically renowned as a seaport on the Gulf of Aqaba, used by the Nabatean Arabs from the 2nd century BC until 106 AD to store their goods before transporting them overland through the Sinai valleys to the port of Suez. In doing so, they controlled the trade route between East and West via Sinai and the port of Dahab.

Tourist and Natural Attractions:
Laguna Bay:
The city boasts several prominent tourist sites, including Ras Abu Galum, a nature reserve and diving area; the Blue Hole, a world-renowned diving spot; the Canyon, an excellent diving area; Asala, home to approximately 75% of the city’s population and divided into three districts: Mubarak City, Zarnouq, and Asala; Coral Island, near the Palestinian border, containing the remains of a historical Crusader castle; Al-Malil, a road parallel to the coast lined with small hotels, cafes, and houses; Al-Masbat, the city’s main commercial and tourist area, beginning with Al-Fanar Street and extending to Al-Masbat Bay, featuring numerous shops, diving clubs, cafes, campsites, and hotels; Al-Mashraba, with its many cafes and diving centers, and the only archaeological site there, Tell Al-Mashraba, which contained warehouses belonging to an ancient port; Dahab City, home to government offices and major hotels; and Wadi Qani, representing the city’s future urban expansion, with its numerous hotels and service complexes. The residential areas include Lighthouse, Elephant Garden, and Oasis. Dahab boasts two bays: Laguna (or Ghazala), which features the only sandy beach in the city, and Qura, located in the city center. Resorts stretch along its beaches, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature, offering accommodations for tourists in kiosks constructed from wood and palm fronds.

Abu Galum Nature Reserve:
Located on the Gulf of Aqaba in an area called Wadi Rasasa, the Abu Galum Nature Reserve was declared a protected area in 1992. It is distinguished by its unique natural features and integrated ecosystem, encompassing desert and mountainous environments, a network of valleys, and a rich marine environment teeming with coral reefs and colorful fish. The reserve also supports a diverse array of wildlife, including animals, rodents, and reptiles.

Nabq Nature Reserve:
Located on the Gulf of Aqaba south of Dahab, the Nabq Nature Reserve is characterized by its flat coral reefs, some sea caves, and mangrove forests. Three Bedouin tribes participate in environmental protection and tourism development within the reserve. The reserve is distinguished by its diverse ecosystems, valleys rich in rare plants, expansive sand dunes, beaches, coral reefs, and a large number of animals and birds.

The Blue Hole: The Blue Hole, also known as the Blue Sea, is a very deep sinkhole in the Red Sea. It is a popular tourist destination in the city, attracting adventurers and professional divers who attempt to break diving records by penetrating a small archway at a depth of 100 meters. However, many deaths occur in this area due to divers suffering from hypothermia and oxygen depletion while trying to find the archway and emerge from the deep, dark waters. The name of the deceased adventurer, the date of their dive, and their country are inscribed on a marble plaque on the mountain facing the Blue Hole. Tourists visit this plaque to commemorate their loved ones who perished in this area due to their love of adventure. Dahab City Hospital has a specialized hyperbaric medicine unit to treat emergency cases of health problems that may arise while diving in that area.
Nuweiba/Dahab/Sharm El Sheikh Road

The Jewish Hill: is a memorial located on the international highway about 25 km from Dahab. It stands over 16 meters tall and is named for its location on a steep hill. It was erected by the Israeli occupation forces during their occupation of the Sinai Peninsula from 1967 to 1973 to commemorate an Israeli engineer named Shreza Labas, whose task was to pave the Sharm El Sheikh road. He died after completing his project when his car overturned while testing the road and plunged down the hill adjacent to the memorial. Following the Egyptians’ recapture of Sinai, the monument was not removed from its location. Instead, an Egyptian flag was raised on a flagpole atop a nearby mountain. Several rest areas were also established for Israeli tourists wishing to visit the monument, as part of efforts to promote tourism in the area. Sailing is another popular activity.
The city is known for its unique tourist attractions, particularly for surfers and sailors. The winds, resulting from the surrounding mountains, create varying pressure zones, creating low pressure in some areas and high pressure in others. The city also attracts skydivers, mountain climbers, and safari enthusiasts who come to enjoy its mountainous and desert landscapes and its mild climate.

Dahab Waves Festival: The Dahab Waves Festival took place from January 25th to 31st, 2015, with the aim of boosting tourism in the city through international and Arab participation. During the festival, Bedouin communities presented exhibitions of Bedouin heritage, camel races, and safari trips deep into the mountains. Diving and underwater search competitions were also organized, with prizes awarded by the festival.