Complete Travel Guide to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh Sharm El Sheikh, alternatively rendered Sharm el-Sheikh, Sharm el Sheikh, or Sharm El-Sheikh, is an Egyptian city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in South Sinai Governorate, on the coastal strip along the Red Sea. Its population is approximately 13,000 as of 2023. Sharm El Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt’s South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai. It was historically a fishing town and military base, and was developed into a commercial and tourist-centric city in 1968 by Israel. After the Camp David Accords, Israel withdrew from Sinai in 1982, and Egypt resumed control. Egypt continued and expanded the development, promoting Sharm El Sheikh as a major international resort city. Positioned at coordinates 27.91582°N, 34.32995°E, Sharm el-Sheikh occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Sharm el-Sheikh place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 1.0 meters above sea level, Sharm el-Sheikh benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Sharm el-Sheikh creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 73000 residents, Sharm el-Sheikh maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Sharm el-Sheikh represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Sharm el-Sheikh reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Egypt, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of South Sinai province, Sharm el-Sheikh contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Egypt’s regional character. The role of Sharm el-Sheikh in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Egypt while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Sharm el-Sheikh

Geography and history Sharm el Sheikh and the Strait of Tiran in the 1840 Kiepert map of the Sinai Peninsula The town of _Shurm_ is shown just north of two bays: Sharm El Sheikh and Sharm El Miya (Arabic: شرم المية) This area forms the southern tip of the modern city.

Sharm El Sheikh is located on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula Sharm El Sheikh is on a promontory overlooking the Straits of Tiran at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba Its strategic importance led to its transformation from a fishing village into a major port and naval base for the Egyptian Navy.

It was conquered by Israel during the Suez Crisis of 1956 and returned to Egypt in 1957 A United Nations peacekeeping force was stationed there until 1967 when it was ordered to leave by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a fact that precipitated the Six-Day War during which it was reoccupied by Israel.

Sharm El Sheikh remained under Israeli control from 1967 until the Sinai Peninsula was returned back to Egypt in 1982, after the Egypt–Israel peace treaty of 1979 that was signed in Washington, D During that time, an Israeli settlement named Ofira was built in the area.

In 1968, Israel opened an air force base there which functions today as the Sharm el- Sheikh International Airport Unlike Sinai’s other well-known settlement, Yamit, Ofira was not demolished after Israel ceded control of Sinai to Egypt following the Camp David Accords, but was returned intact and is today a thriving tourist town and home to local Egyptian residents.

Egypt’s then-president Hosni Mubarak designated Sharm El Sheikh as _The City of Peace_ in 1982 and the Egyptian government began a policy of encouraging further development of the city Egyptian businessmen and investors, along with global investors contributed to building several mega projects, including mosques and churches.

The city is now an international tourist destination, and environmental zoning laws limit the height of buildings to avoid obscuring the natural beauty of the surroundings [_citation needed_] A hierarchical planning approach was adopted for the Gulf of Aqaba, whereby the area’s components were evaluated and subdivided into zones, cities and centers.

In accordance with this approach, the Gulf of Aqaba zone was subdivided into four cities: Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh Sharm El Sheikh city has been subdivided into five homogeneous centers, namely Nabq, Ras Nusrani, Naama Bay, Umm Sid and Sharm El Maya.

Sharm El Sheikh city, with Naama Bay, Hay el Nour, Hadaba, Rowaysat, Montazah and Shark’s Bay [d] form a metropolitan area The site off the shore gun emplacements at Ras Nasrani opposite Tiran Island is now a diving area In 2005, the resort was hit by the Sharm El Sheikh terrorist attacks, which were carried out by an extremist Islamist organisation targeting Egypt’s tourist industry.

Eighty-eight people were killed, the majority of them Egyptians, and over 200 were wounded b.

The historical trajectory of Sharm el-Sheikh demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Sharm el-Sheikh reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Sharm el-Sheikh remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography and history Sharm el Sheikh and the Strait of Tiran in the 1840 Kiepert map of the Sinai Peninsula. The town of _Shurm_ is shown just north of two bays: Sharm El Sheikh and Sharm El Miya (Arabic: شرم المية). This area forms the southern tip of the modern city. Sharm El Sheikh is located on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula Sharm El Sheikh is on a promontory overlooking the Straits of Tiran at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its strategic importance led to its transformation from a fishing village into a major port and naval base for the Egyptian Navy. It was conquered by Israel during the Suez Crisis of 1956 and returned to Egypt in 1957. A United Nations peacekeeping force was stationed there until 1967 when it was ordered to leave by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a fact that precipitated the Six-Day War during which it was reoccupied by Israel. Sharm El Sheikh remained under Israeli control from 1967 until the Sinai Peninsula was returned back to Egypt in 1982, after the Egypt–Israel peace treaty of 1979 that was signed in Washington, D. During that time, an Israeli settlement named Ofira was built in the area. In 1968, Israel opened an air force base there which functions today as the Sharm el- Sheikh International Airport. Unlike Sinai’s other well-known settlement, Yamit, Ofira was not demolished after Israel ceded control of Sinai to Egypt following the Camp David Accords, but was returned intact and is today a thriving tourist town and home to local Egyptian residents. Egypt’s then-president Hosni Mubarak designated Sharm El Sheikh as _The City of Peace_ in 1982 and the Egyptian government began a policy of encouraging further development of the city. Egyptian businessmen and investors, along with global investors contributed to building several mega projects, including mosques and churches. The city is now an international tourist destination, and environmental zoning laws limit the height of buildings to avoid obscuring the natural beauty of the surroundings. [_citation needed_] A hierarchical planning approach was adopted for the Gulf of Aqaba, whereby the area’s components were evaluated and subdivided into zones, cities and centers. In accordance with this approach, the Gulf of Aqaba zone was subdivided into four cities: Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh. Sharm El Sheikh city has been subdivided into five homogeneous centers, namely Nabq, Ras Nusrani, Naama Bay, Umm Sid and Sharm El Maya. Sharm El Sheikh city, with Naama Bay, Hay el Nour, Hadaba, Rowaysat, Montazah and Shark’s Bay [d] form a metropolitan area. The site off the shore gun emplacements at Ras Nasrani opposite Tiran Island is now a diving area. In 2005, the resort was hit by the Sharm El Sheikh terrorist attacks, which were carried out by an extremist Islamist organisation targeting Egypt’s tourist industry. Eighty-eight people were killed, the majority of them Egyptians, and over 200 were wounded b.

The topographic characteristics of Sharm el-Sheikh result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Sharm el-Sheikh region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Sharm el-Sheikh area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Sharm el-Sheikh has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Sharm el-Sheikh demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Sharm el-Sheikh create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

Climate Sharm El Sheikh Climate chart (explanation) J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 21 10 1 22 11 1 25 14 0 28 17 0 31 20 0 34 23 0 34 25 0 35 25 0 33 23 1 30 20 0 26 16 1 22 12 █ Average max. temperatures in °C █ Precipitation totals in mm Source: _Climate-Data. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. org_ Imperial conversion JFMAMJJASOND 0 70 50 0 72 51 0 77 57 0 82 62 0 89 68 0 93 74 0 94 76 0 94 76 0 91 74 0 86 67 0 79 60 0 72 53 █ Average max. temperatures in °F █ Precipitation totals in inches The city experiences a subtropical arid climate, classified by the Köppen–Geiger system as hot desert (BWh). Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Temperatures are just short of a tropical climate. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Typical temperatures range from 18 to 23 °C (64 to 73 °F) in January and 33 to 37 °C (91 to 99 °F) in August. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The temperature of the Red Sea in this region ranges from 21 to 28 °C (70 to 82 °F) over the course of the year. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Marsa Alam, Kosseir and Sharm El Sheikh have the warmest winter night temperatures of cities and resorts in Egypt. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The highest recorded temperature was 46 °C (115 °F) on 3 June 2013, and the lowest recorded temperature was 5 °C (41 °F) on 23 February 2000. Temperature patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Climate data for Sharm El Sheikh Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 31 (88) 34 (93) 37 (99) 41 (106) 44 (111) 46 (115) 46 (115) 45 (113) 43 (109) 41 (106) 37 (99) 32 (90) 46 (115) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 21. 4) Daily mean °C (°F) 15. 6) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13. 8) Record low °C (°F) 7 (45) 5 (41) 10 (50) 12 (54) 17 (63) 23 (73) 20 (68) 23 (73) 22 (72) 17 (63) 14 (57) 8 (46) 5 (41) Average precipitation mm (inches) 0. Rainfall patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 02) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0. 29) Average precipitation days (≥ 0. Rainfall patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 2 Average relative humidity (%) (daily average) 42 40 35 31 29 27 31 32 39 42 41 40 36 Average dew point °C (°F) 5 (41) 5 (41) 6 (43) 7 (45) 9 (48) 10 (50) 14 (57) 14 (57) 15 (59) 14 (57) 10 (50) 6 (43) 10 (49) Mean monthly sunshine hours 279 251 310 300 341 390 403 372 330 310 270 248 3,804 Mean daily sunshine hours 8 9 10 10 11 13 13 12 11 10 9 8 10 Source 1.

The climatic regime of Sharm el-Sheikh reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Sharm el-Sheikh create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Sharm el-Sheikh create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Sharm el-Sheikh demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

The cultural landscape of Sharm el-Sheikh represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Sharm el-Sheikh reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Sharm el-Sheikh continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Sharm el-Sheikh provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Sharm el-Sheikh demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Sharm el-Sheikh provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy and tourism Soho Square Sharm El Sheikh Naama Bay Casino Naama Bay mall Sharm El Sheikh is known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. A wide range of excursions and activities, including desert safaris, snorkelling tours, and cultural experiences, are available in the region. Sharm El Sheikh’s major industry is foreign and domestic tourism, owing to its landscape, year-round dry climate with long hot summers and warm winters and its long beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year[_citation needed_] and have become popular for various water sports, particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkelling. There is scope for scientific tourism due to the diversity of marine life: 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fishes. [_citation needed_] Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of activities for tourists, including desert safaris, diving, snorkelling, and cultural experiences. These natural resources, together with its proximity to tourist markets in Europe, have stimulated rapid growth in tourism in the region. The number of resorts has increased from three in 1982 to ninety-one in 2000. Guest nights also increased in that period from sixteen thousand to 5. International hotel companies that currently operate in the city include Accor (Mövenpick, Novotel, Rixos), Deutsche Hospitality (Steigenberger), Four Seasons, Hilton (DoubleTree), Marriott (Renaissance, Sheraton), and Rotana, with categories of three to five stars. In 2007, the first aqua park hotel resort opened in the area. The four-star Aqua Blu Sharm Resort was built on the Ras Om El Seid, with an area of 133,905 square metres (1,441,340 sq ft). Sharm is also home to a congress center, located along Peace Road, where international political and economic meetings have been held, including peace conferences, ministerial meetings, world bank meetings, and Arab League meetings. [_citation needed_] The Maritim Sharm El Sheikh International Congress Centre can host events and congresses for up to 4,700 participants. There is nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh. The colourful handicraft stands of the local Bedouin culture are a popular attraction. [_citation needed_] Ras Muhammad National Park, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, has been designated a national park, protecting the area’s wildlife, natural landscape, shoreline and coral reef. There are a number of international hotels and restaurants in the centre of Sharm, in the area known as Naama Bay, with golf courses and other leisure facilities further up the coast. The Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area is a 600-square-kilometre (230 sq mi) area of mangroves, coral reefs, fertile dunes, birds and wildlife. As of 2012, nationals from the EU and the US do not require a visa for travel to Sharm El Sheikh if the visit is for fourteen days or less, although those travelling outside the Sinai area may still require a visa, which is purchasable for a small fee o.

The economic structure of Sharm el-Sheikh reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Sharm el-Sheikh often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Sharm el-Sheikh serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Sharm el-Sheikh demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Sharm el-Sheikh has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Sharm el-Sheikh focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Lampposts on El Salaam Street use solar power. Taxis and buses are numbered for safety. Sharm’s marina has been redeveloped for private yachts and sailing boats, with a passenger terminal for cruise ships. The city is served by Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, the third largest airport in Egypt. Sharm has frequent coach services to Cairo leaving from the Delta Sharm bus station. * Sharm El Sheikh International Airport * Departure Hall.

Transportation infrastructure serving Sharm el-Sheikh reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Egypt. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Sharm el-Sheikh.

Regional connectivity from Sharm el-Sheikh provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education * St. Joseph Schools * L’école française de Sharm el Sheikh EFSSH (FRENCH SCHOOL) * Fayroz Experimental School * Geel October School * Sharm College * Sharm British School * King Salman International University, Sharm El Sheikh campus

Educational institutions in Sharm el-Sheikh serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

Economy and tourism Soho Square Sharm El Sheikh Naama Bay Casino Naama Bay mall Sharm El Sheikh is known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. A wide range of excursions and activities, including desert safaris, snorkelling tours, and cultural experiences, are available in the region. Sharm El Sheikh’s major industry is foreign and domestic tourism, owing to its landscape, year-round dry climate with long hot summers and warm winters and its long beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year[_citation needed_] and have become popular for various water sports, particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkelling. There is scope for scientific tourism due to the diversity of marine life: 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fishes.[_citation needed_] Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of activities for tourists, including desert safaris, diving, snorkelling, and cultural experiences. These natural resources, together with its proximity to tourist markets in Europe, have stimulated rapid growth in tourism in the region. The number of resorts has increased from three in 1982 to ninety-one in 2000. Guest nights also increased in that period from sixteen thousand to 5.1 million. International hotel companies that currently operate in the city include Accor (Mövenpick, Novotel, Rixos), Deutsche Hospitality (Steigenberger), Four Seasons, Hilton (DoubleTree), Marriott (Renaissance, Sheraton), and Rotana, with categories of three to five stars. In 2007, the first aqua park hotel resort opened in the area. The four-star Aqua Blu Sharm Resort was built on the Ras Om El Seid, with an area of 133,905 square metres (1,441,340 sq ft). Sharm is also home to a congress center, located along Peace Road, where international political and economic meetings have been held, including peace conferences, ministerial meetings, world bank meetings, and Arab League meetings.[_citation needed_] The Maritim Sharm El Sheikh International Congress Centre can host events and congresses for up to 4,700 participants. There is nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh. The colourful handicraft stands of the local Bedouin culture are a popular attraction.[_citation needed_] Ras Muhammad National Park, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, has been designated a national park, protecting the area’s wildlife, natural landscape, shoreline and coral reef. There are a number of international hotels and restaurants in the centre of Sharm, in the area known as Naama Bay, with golf courses and other leisure facilities further up the coast. The Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area is a 600-square-kilometre (230 sq mi) area of mangroves, coral reefs, fertile dunes, birds and wildlife. As of 2012, nationals from the EU and the US do not require a visa for travel to Sharm El Sheikh if the visit is for fourteen days or less, although those travelling outside the Sinai area may still require a visa, which is purchasable for a small fee o

Tourism opportunities in Sharm el-Sheikh emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Sharm el-Sheikh

Successful visits to Sharm el-Sheikh require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Sharm el-Sheikh often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Sharm el-Sheikh include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Sharm el-Sheikh extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

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Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Sharm El Sheikh”.