Dahab is a small coastal town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, about 80 km northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh. Famous for the striking contrast between its golden desert and crystal-blue Red Sea waters, Dahab is an international hotspot for windsurfing and other water sports. The town is divided into three main areas: Masbat, including the Bedouin village of Asalah in the north; Mashraba in the south; and Medina in the southwest. With a desert climate, Dahab experiences hot summers and mild, pleasant winters. The region is also notable for its mineral resources, such as rutile, zircon, monazite, leucoxene, and gold.
Dahab sits on the southeastern coast of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, facing the Gulf of Aqaba. This coastal jewel stands 80 kilometers northeast of Sharm el-Sheik and 465 kilometers from the Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel.
You'll find Dahab at 28.509134° N latitude and 34.513634° E longitude. The town spans over 1,130 square kilometers and lies 87 kilometers from Nuweiba city. Majestic mountains rise dramatically from the coast, creating a narrow strip of land between the rugged terrain and the crystal-clear Red Sea waters.
The town naturally divides into three distinct areas. Masbat, which has the Bedouin village of Asalah, occupies the northern part. Mashraba extends south of Masbat, while Medina fills the southwestern region. Each area brings its own unique character and attractions to this charming town.
Dahab's rich history stretches back over 3000 years. The Sinai Peninsula has witnessed many biblical events through time. The name "Dahab" means "gold" in Arabic, reflecting the town's past as a bustling trading hub.
Nabataean navigators built a strategic outpost here during the 1st century BC. Their settlement became vital for trade routes as caravans moved valuable goods across the Gulf of Aqaba. People called it "Dizahab" back then, meaning "the area of abundance". Archeological digs between 1990 and 1993 found a lighthouse inside a great fort with Byzantine foundations at El Mshraba hill, just 5 kilometers north of Dahab.
The land changed hands many times over centuries. Arabs, Romans, Europeans, French, Turks, and British all ruled here at different times. Israel occupied Sinai after the Six-Day War of 1967, renaming Dahab as Di-Zahav. Egypt regained control under the 1982 Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
This once-simple Bedouin fishing village, covered in palm trees, has seen remarkable changes. It became a hippie paradise in the 1960s and grew into a modern tourist spot by the 1990s. The town managed to keep much of its Bedouin culture alive, especially in the northern Assala area.
Dahab has transformed from a quiet Bedouin fishing village into a destination that captivates travelers worldwide. This coastal paradise gives visitors a chance to experience thrilling water sports, breathtaking natural features, and authentic cultural experiences.
Dahab's crystal-clear waters have made it one of the world's top diving spots. The Blue Hole, a natural submarine sinkhole that plunges deeper than 120 meters, stands as one of the planet's most famous dive sites. Recreational divers, free divers, and snorkelers love exploring its steep, vertical walls covered with colorful coral reefs.
The Blue Hole isn't alone. Dahab features amazing diving locations like Lighthouse Reef, Eel Garden, and the Canyon. Divers love the healthy coral formations, rich marine life, and excellent visibility. These conditions work great for beginners and pros alike.
The area has also become a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. High Sinai mountains next to the narrow Gulf of Aqaba create steady winds that draw water sports fans throughout the year. Windsurfers flock here from March to October, while kiteboarders rule the waves from December to February.
Land lovers can find plenty to do. Rock climbing on granite mountains, desert camel rides, and hiking trails await. The sunrise climb of Mount Sinai, one of the world's holiest mountains, tops many visitors' lists. Paddle-boarding, kayaking, quad biking, and mountain biking round out the adventure options.
Bedouin heritage runs deep through Dahab's cultural roots. The local Mezzaina Tribe used to move between mountains in winter and the coast in summer. Tourism has changed their nomadic ways, but many traditions live on.
Traditional clothing plays a big role in Bedouin culture. Women wear long-sleeved "abayas" with head scarves showing just their eyes. Men prefer "jalabeyas" - long, white garments with head scarves.
The annual camel race each January brings excitement to the valley between mountains. Tribes from all over the peninsula send their best racers while spectators follow in cars. The Mezzaina Tribe's victory in 2023 sparked huge celebrations.
Food tells another story of Bedouin life. "Mendi" stands out as a special treat - goat cooked slowly underground and served with rice and salad. Visitors often search for real Bedouin meals served in traditional settings complete with fire and music.
Dahab's landscape creates a breathtaking contrast between rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. This coastal haven sits along the southeastern edge of the Sinai Peninsula and showcases nature's remarkable diversity.
Golden mountains tower high above Dahab and create a dramatic backdrop against the azure sea. Narrow gullies and valleys cut through Precambrian basement rocks that consist mainly of granitic formations with smaller amounts of volcanics and gabbros.
Dahab holds significant geological value with its precious mineral deposits including rutile, zircon, monazite, leucoxene, and gold. These resources exist in Neoproterozoic rocks such as schist. Recent studies show that Dahab's stream sediments have substantial heavy mineral content, with Fe-Ti oxides making up to 25.94%. The area around Umm Zureik and Al-Kid near Dahab reveals high concentrations of lead and zinc.
Dahab has a hot desert climate (Köppen classification: BWh). Summer temperatures soar above 35°C during daytime, with July reaching the highest average of 34.9°C. Winter brings milder weather as daytime temperatures range between 20-25°C. Rain rarely falls throughout the year, with annual rainfall reaching just 9mm. January sees the most rain at about 7mm, while summer months stay completely dry.
Sunshine bathes the area generously with roughly 3,959 hours annually. Humidity levels change moderately from 29.83% in June to 44.37% in January. Visitors find the most comfortable conditions during spring and autumn. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and almost no rainfall.
Dahab has grown from its roots as a fishing village into a bustling community with unique neighborhoods. The town strikes a perfect balance between development and its relaxed charm. This balance makes it an attractive destination for tourists and digital nomads.
Dahab is made up of several distinct areas, each offering a unique atmosphere. The Lighthouse area is the town’s hub with restaurants, shops, and diving centers. Assala, in the north, preserves Bedouin traditions and offers budget accommodation. Mashraba, to the south, attracts Egyptian and Israeli visitors with souvenir shops and affordable dining. The Lagoon area in the southwest is popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, while Eel Garden provides a quieter beachfront setting. Recent infrastructure projects, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, include upgrades to diving sites, green transport systems, solar energy on public buildings, and improvements in El Assala.
Recent data puts Dahab's population at 3,169 residents, though some estimates suggest it could be closer to 15,000. The community is youthful, with a median age of 25.2 years, and men slightly outnumber women at 1,648 to 1,521. Dahab’s population has grown steadily—rising 56.5% between 1975 and 2015, and 19.2% from 2000 to 2015—averaging a yearly change of 1.2%.
Dahab has become a favorite among digital nomads and remote workers since their foreign earnings stretch further here. Living costs are affordable, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from 5,000–10,000 EGP ($200–370) per month. Tourism continues to fuel the economy, and many visitors include Dahab in their Egypt Tours itineraries for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Ongoing development projects also aim to boost investment opportunities and provide more jobs for the town’s young population.