As the sun rises over Egypt’s Red Sea, the turquoise waters surrounding Dahab come to life with the rhythm of the morning.
Elite kite surfers leap over anchored boats, and the metallic clink of scuba tanks echoes in the air as divers prepare for the water. Across nearby rooftops, freedivers stretch ahead of their sessions, and Bedouin children playfully splash in the shallows of the tranquil bay.
Just one hour’s drive from the touristy resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab has long been a hidden oasis for those drawn to the ocean.
Over the last few years, this laid-back escape has grown in popularity among travellers seeking a refreshing, no-frills alternative to Egypt’s mainstream tourist destinations.
You’ll find few five-star resorts and boujie restaurants here. Instead, goats roam the streets, and unpretentious cafes lined with Bedouin-style cushions invite you to lounge alongside the warm, clear waters.
Framed by sand-coloured mountains on one side and Saudi Arabia on the other, Dahab (which translates as ‘gold’ in Arabic) for now maintains a unique bohemian charm. Its world-renowned dive sites, unparalleled coral reefs, and glassy turquoise lagoons attract a certain kind of visitor: those drawn to adventure, the ocean, and authentic experiences.
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Beyond its reef-filled waters, Dahab is also a melting pot of musicians, artists, yogis, and digital nomads (often struggling to find a strong wifi connection). It’s also a town deeply intertwined with the culture of Bedouin families that have called this place home for decades. Traditions aside, this former fishing village is also evolving. The newly built promenade and a recent surge of hotels suggest the allure of Dahab is no longer a secret.
What to do
Get in the water
The Red Sea offers spectacular visibility and is cool enough for a refreshing dip when temperatures soar above 40 degrees. Whether snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, freediving, windsurfing, or kite surfing, Dahab has an option for everyone and the perfect location for each.
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