In the South Sinaï and located on the Gulf of Aqaba lies Dahab: a guarantee for a great vacation in an idyllic environment! From the coast you can see across the sea to Saudi Arabia, while behind you the rugged mountains of the Sinaï form dramatic scenery.
The word ‘Dahab’ in Arabic means ‘gold’, possibly a reference to the geographical location where gold was washed out of the desert sand. The name may also be a reference to the color of the sand to the south of Dahab. Some locals say it’s because of the color of the sky just after sunset.
The Gulf of Aqaba is an offshoot of the Red Sea and the underwater world contains more beauty and surprises. For divers, snorkelers and swimmers life under water comes to you with its bright, beautiful colors and amazes you within the first few meters. From various locations in and just outside Dahab, you can walk into the sea and can immediately enjoy the beautiful underwater world. For the windsurfer, Dahab is also a paradise. Never dived before? In Dahab you will find a wide choice of diving schools.
If you are looking for nature, adventure, sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere then Dahab is the place for you to spend your vacation. No mass tourism, no huge buildings.
There is variety of restaurants and bars, often situated near the sea along the boulevard that runs from Masbat to Mashraba. Furthermore, there are many shops for souvenirs such as a typical Egyptian water pipe (shisha), papyrus, spices, perfume bottles, etc. You can’t take any antiques out of Egypt, so whatever the merchants have for sale and however authentic it looks, it’s fake! There are also several supermarkets in Dahab, sometimes open 20 hours a day, not to mention the various shops in Assalah (Bedouin area) where you pay far less for vegetables, meat and the like.
Transportation in Dahab is by bike, walking or taking a taxi, usually a ‘jeep.’ Taxi prices are cheap, but you can also rent a bike in many places: always convenient!
Do you see a taxi, raise your hand and the rest is easy.
Health
As in all of Egypt, in Dahab you will find many pharmacies offering a wide range of medicines and other things, usually much cheaper than in Europe. Pharmacists are often ‘half’ doctors. Till late in the evening they are mostly open.
In Dahab is also a number of doctors, including Dr. Ahmed Sadek, employed in and founder of Dahab Medical Care Hospital, +20 122 348 62 09.
And dr. Heikal in Heikal Medical Centre, closed on Friday, other days open from 09.30-12.00 en 17.00-21.00, +20 069 364 0535.
And, if you need them, there are also physiotherapists and dentists.