Sharm el Sheikh (شرم الشيخ', also transliterated as Sharm Al Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.
Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace[citation needed] referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.
1- Geography and history
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 captured by Israel during the Sinai conflict of 1956 and restored to Egypt in 1957. A United Nations peacekeeping force was subsequently stationed there until the 1967 Six-Day War when it was recaptured by Israel.
Sharm el-Sheikh remained under Israeli control until the Sinai peninsula was returned to Egypt in 1982 after the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979. A prosperous Israeli Settlement had been created there in the 1970s under the name "Ophira", derived from Biblical Ophir. Israeli settlers there had the name of being easy-going, bohemian types and - unlike settlers elsewhere - offered no resistance when evacuated in 1982. Also, unlike the Israeli settlements in North Sinai which were razed to the ground upon evacuation by order of then Defence Minister Ariel Sharon, the Israeli settlement at Sharm el-Sheikh was handed intact to the Egyptians, and some of the buildings erected at the time are still in evidence.
A hierarchical planning approach was adopted for the Gulf of Aqaba, whereby their 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 together with Naama Bay, Hay el Nour, Hadaba, Rowaysat, Montazah and Shark's Bay form a metropolitan area.
The land plan shows that the total area of Sharm El-Sheikh is expected to be about 42 km², in the year 2017. This area is designed to include:
- Tourism resorts 8.4%
- Tourism Facilities 40.9%
- Green & Open areas 12.3%
- Social Services 9.9%
- Roads 12.2%
- Urban Housing 13.7%
- Bedouin Housing 1.6%
- Hand crafts & small industries 1.0%
Before 1967, Sharm el-Sheikh was little more than an occasional base of operations for local fishermen; the nearest permanent settlement was in Nabk, north of Ras el-Nasrani ("The Tiran Straits"). Commercial development of the area began during the Israeli presence in the area. The Israelis built the town of Ofira overlooking Sharm el-Maya Bay, and the Nesima area, and opened the first tourist-oriented establishments in the area six kilometers north at Naama Bay. These included a marina hotel on the southern side of the bay, a nature field school on the northern side, diving clubs, a now well-known promenade, and the Naama Bay Hotel.
After the Sinai was restored to Egypt in 1982, the Egyptian government embarked on an initiative to encourage continued development of the city. Foreign investors - some of whom had discovered the potential of the locality during the Israeli occupation - contributed to a spate of building projects. Environmental zoning laws currently limit the height of buildings in Sharm el-Sheikh so as to avoid obscuring the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The city has played host to a number of important Middle Eastern peace conferences, including the September 4, 1999 agreement to restore Palestinian self-rule over the Gaza Strip. A second summit was held at Sharm on October 17, 2000 following the outbreak of the second Palestinian intifada, but it failed to end the violence. A summit was held on August 3, 2005 in this city on developments in the Arab world such as the situation in Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
On July 23, 2005, the city was struck by the 2005 Sharm el-Sheikh attacks. In total, 88 people were killed, including foreign tourists. The attacks are believed to have been carried out by a militant Wahabbi group.
2- Economy and tourism
Sharm el-Sheikh was formerly a port, but commercial shipping has been greatly reduced as the result of strict environmental laws introduced in the 1990s. Until 1982, there was only a military port in Sharm el-Sheikh, on the northern part of Marsa Bareka. The civilian port development started in the mid 1980s when the Sharem-al-Maya bay became the city's main yacht and service port.
Sharm el-Sheikh's major industry is foreign and domestic tourism, owing to its dramatic landscape, year-round dry and temperate climate and long stretches of natural beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year and have become popular for various watersports, particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkelling which some consider to be among the best in the world. Coral reefs, under water and marine life, unmatched anywhere in the world, offer a spectacular and dazzling time for divers. There is wide room for scientific tourism with diversity in marine life species; 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fish.
These natural resources, together with its proximity to European tourism markets, have stimulated the rapid growth of tourism that the region is currently experiencing. Guest nights also increased in that period of time from 16 thousands to 5.1 million. The total number of resorts increased from 3 in 1982 to 91 in 2000. Highly reputable management companies have been attracted to invest in this city such as Hyatt Regency, Accor, Marriott, Le Méridien, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and others, with categories from three to five stars. Franchises like Hard Rock Cafe, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken can be found in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Sharm is also the home of a state of the art congress center, where many political meetings have been held of international tenure. Peace conferences, ministerial meetings, world bank meetings, Arab league conferences for mentioning a few. It is rightly located along peace road and have been lately re-branded to be a Maritim outlet. The Maritim Sharm el Sheikh International Congress Centre can host events and congresses for up to 4,700 participants.
The night life of Sharm El-Sheikh is also quite attractive. In 2005, Little Buddha, a sushi bar, nightclub, and bar, took the title of having the longest continuous bar in the Middle East. Other popular bars include: Camel Bar, The Tavern, Pirate's Bar, Movenpick Beach, and The Mexican. If dancing is appealing to you, then Sharm has much to offer. Clubs such as world renowned Pacha throw parties almost every night of the year. These nightclubs and restaurants contribute greatly to the lifestyle led by Sharm el-Sheikh's visitors each year.
The colorful handicraft stands of the local Bedouin culture are a popular attraction. Ras Mohammed, at the southern-most tip of the peninsula, has been designated a national park, serving to protect the area's wildlife as well as its natural landscape, shoreline and coral reef. A number of international hotels and noted restaurants are clustered around the centre of Sharm, known as Naama Bay, with golf courses and other leisure facilities further up the coast.
3- Transportation
Sharm's marina has been redeveloped for private yachts and sailboats, with a passenger terminal for cruise ships and scheduled ferry service to Hurghada and Aqaba.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is the second busiest airport in Egypt after Cairo International Airport and is well served predominantly by charter flights to mainland Europe and the United Kingdom, as well as some domestic and international scheduled services. A second terminal was opened in 2007, giving the airport a much-needed capacity boost.
Sharm has frequent good quality coach services to Cairo leaving from the Delta Sharm bus station. There are three companies on the route charging between 70 and 100 LE in 2008 for the 6 hour journey.
4- SCUBA and Water Sports
Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.
Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.
The Sharm el-Sheikh Hyperbaric Medical Center was founded in 1993 with a grant from USAID by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, represented by Dr Adel Taher to assist with diving related illnesses and complete the area's reputation as a full-service dive destination.
5- Neighbourhoods
5.1 Naama Bay
Naama Bay is the central resort area of Sharm el Sheikh and comprises a stylish strip of hotels, with an attractive pedestrian promenade along the sandy beachfront. At the south-western corner of Naama Bay are shops, restaurants, small hotels and a wide choice of dive centres. Naama Bay is 7 km from Sharm El Sheikh Airport. It comprises a number of international clubs, dinners and night attractions like Pacha, Buddha Bar, Hard Rock Café…etc
Properties in Naama Bay are famous for their high rental yields. A number of exclusive high quality compounds; stretched across the street (Peace Road: Sharm's main road) from the main shopping area and within a number of luxury hotels; offer a range of 1, 2 and 3BR apartments for short term or long term lease. Due to the surrounding facilities and location is it the most expensive area yet maintains a high demand. Available Services: Supermarkets Malls Cafés Pharmacies Hotels Banks Schools Church Mosque Public transportation
5.2 Hay el Nour
The first residential area in Sharm El Sheikh and a nature extension of Naama Bay residential area is located about 2.5 km away from Naama Bay with both old and new buildings. Hay el Nour has been recently expanded to include the brand new extension located next to the largest church in Sharm. Although a residential area, a lot of businesses are starting to open up there, as well as new malls that offer office space. Available Services include: Malls, Pharmacies, Nurseries & Schools, and Public Transportation. There is also a El Sama-eyeen (The Heavenly) Cathedral of the Coptic Orthodox Church
5.3 Hadaba
Hadaba is a quiet, sun soaked resort on the outskirts of Sharm el Sheikh. Hadaba's wide range of hotels and holiday villas are situated in beautiful locations on the Ras Om Sid promontory. Staying at Hadaba, holiday residents are a five minute taxi or bus ride to Naama Bay, the bustling heart of beach and dive hotspot Sharm el Sheikh.
Hadaba is not only an appealing relaxed destination for tourists, but also famous with Sharm's prime residential area the Marine Club Villas. Buildings are 2 or 3 storey individually owned villas, studios and apartments by various nationalities and mostly let on long term agreements for residents in Sharm. Prices in Hadaba are affordable yet some properties are more exclusive with outstanding design and breathtaking sea views. Most businesses outside the hotels and diving fields are located in Hadaba
This neighbourhood is completely self-sufficient and also has public transportation, which makes it very easy to move around.
5.4 Shark's Bay
Shark's Bay (also known as the White Night) is an elite touristic area, with a wonderful combination of sea, gulf, and mountain scenery. It encompasses a number of high end 5star hotels and resorts (such as The Hilton Shark's Bay Resort) with a few residential properties that have marvellous views and beach access. The area is originally very famous as a diving destination. Available services: Supermarkets Pharmacies Hotels
5.5 Montazah
One of the upscale neighbourhoods in Sharm, Montaza consists of residential compounds that include everything from studios to big villas with individual gardens overlooking Tiran Island. Located 10 km away from Naama Bay and close to the airport and the 5 stars hotels. Properties in this area are luxurious secluded privately owned plots with apartments and villas that have beach access unlike other neighbourhoods in Sharm el-Sheikh, therefore prices tend to be more expensive. Available services: Supermarkets Pharmacies Hotels
5.6 Rowaysat
This charming area used to be a Bedouin settlement, but is gradually becoming a residential neighbourhood. Located on the mountain side about 7 km away from Naama Bay, houses there are usually quite spacious with a garden and a beautiful view complete with camels and sheep surrounding them, adding a touch of authenticity to the neighbourhood. It is also very famous for the workshops and craftsmanship available for almost any need.
6- Shopping
There are two types of shopping options in the Sinai and Red Sea area and visitors can enjoy each of them for the distinctly different opportunities which they present. The first type of shopping is the kind of mall shopping which visitors frequently engage in during vacation. The other type of shopping for visitors to enjoy in the area is the traditional market shopping at the local bazaars or souks. This shopping takes places with local shopkeepers and is more than just a buying and spending experience.
Naama Bay Naama Bay, also down as the centre of Sharm El Sheikh, this place has an enormous variety of stores selling almost any product you are looking for. Not only that, Naama Bay has endless choices of restaurants and coffee shops that you can stop at for a break during your shopping escapade.
Old Market Once you step into the old market, all you will see is shop after shop after shop, narrow streets and alleyways with more and more shops, usually selling Sinai and Egypt related souvenirs. The Old Market is the cradle of the local fish stores, where you can indulge in a fish and seafood meal at its best, and in its simplest form.
Il Mercato The latest sensation in Sharm el Sheikh, Il Mercato has come to add pizzazz to Sinai, exclusively bringing in the biggest international brands of apparel, food chains, cafés and more. Located in Hadaba, Il Mercato is the open air version of Dubai's Il Mercato, designed by the same architect. They also have special arrangements on Mondays and Fridays for a women's day and children's day consecutively.
Al Khan An outdoor shopping area, Al Khan is a long alleyway with two-storey high bungalows with hatched roofs lined up on both sides creating a nice exotic ambiance.
La Strada It is the new entertainment centre of Nabq, Sharm El Sheikh's new hot spot. With a number of international brands, coffee shops as well as business offices and an upcoming hypermarket across the street. Every Saturday entertainment and activities are arranged for children and families.
7- Image gallery
