Sharm El Sheikh | Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort city, situated at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. In January 2026, the city is characterized by its transition into a "Green Sustainable City," a legacy of hosting COP27 and the October 2025 Peace Summit that marked the end of regional hostilities.

2026 Strategic Status

Green Sharm El Sheikh Project: As of January 2026, over 55% of public investments in the South Sinai governorate are allocated to green projects. This includes a shift toward 100% electric public transport and the mandatory integration of solar energy in all luxury resorts.

Sharm El Sheikh Sustainable Development Strategy (SESSDS): Officially launched in December 2025, this 2026 framework integrates marine conservation with urban growth, focusing on preserving the carbon-sequestering coral reefs of the Red Sea.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Naama Bay: The traditional commercial heart, featuring a seaside promenade, cafes, and nightlife.

Nabq Bay: A rapidly expanding upscale district to the north, known for large luxury resorts and proximity to the Nabq Managed Resource Area.

Sharks Bay: A quieter zone favored for its direct access to high-quality "house reefs" for snorkeling.

Old Market (Sharm al-Maya): The cultural center featuring the Sahaba Mosque and traditional Egyptian bazaars.

Soho Square: A modern, high-end entertainment complex in the White Knight Bay area.

Top Landmarks & Sites

Ras Mohammed National Park: Located 20 km south; world-renowned for "Shark" and "Yolanda" reefs.

St. Catherine’s Monastery: A 3-hour inland drive; one of the world's oldest working Christian monasteries at the foot of Mount Sinai.

The Heavenly Cathedral: Voted one of the most beautiful churches globally, featuring massive, intricate frescoes.

Sahaba Mosque: An architectural landmark in the Old Market blending Ottoman and Mamluk styles.

Sharm Bay (Talaat Moustafa Project): A new 2026 flagship development featuring a 320-yacht marina and smart-city infrastructure overlooking Ras Mohammed.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Air: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) remains the primary gateway. In 2025, a new terminal expansion was completed to handle increased 2026 arrivals (projected at 18.6 million tourists nationwide).

Road: The Sharm/Dahab Road has undergone a full efficiency upgrade as of January 2026 to facilitate safer eco-tourism between Sinai hubs.

Internal: The city is a pilot zone for Egypt's EV (Electric Vehicle) initiative; most "Blue Taxis" and shuttle buses are now fully electric.

Safety & Health (Jan 22, 2026)

Security: A 36 km concrete perimeter fence with high-tech surveillance surrounds the city. Access points are strictly controlled by the Egyptian military and Tourist Police.

Regional Context: While the city is very safe, international advisories (NZ/US/UK) maintain an "Exercise Increased Caution" level for the Sinai Peninsula generally due to the proximity of the North Sinai governorate.

Health: Tap water is not potable (desalinated). Use bottled or filtered water provided by resorts.

Climate & Environment

Current Status (Jan 22, 2026): Peak Winter Season.

Temperature: Highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 14°C (57°F).

Water: Sea temperature is a comfortable 23°C–24°C, though a 3mm wetsuit is recommended for long dives.

Air Quality: Exceptional. The "Green Sharm" initiative has significantly reduced local carbon emissions compared to 2022 levels.

Local Cost Index (Jan 2026)

1 Espresso (Resort): 110–160 EGP ($2.25–$3.25 USD)

1 Daily Diving Boat Trip (2 dives): 3,200–4,500 EGP ($65–$92 USD)

1 National Park Entry (Ras Mohammed): ~250 EGP ($5.10 USD)

1 USD to EGP: ~49 EGP

Facts & Legends

Sharm El Sheikh is known as the "City of Peace" for its role in hosting international diplomatic summits. A local legend at the Burning Bush in St. Catherine's claims the plant is the only one of its kind in the world and cannot be transplanted. A verified 2026 fact is that the city now hosts the Southern Water Accumulation Reservoir, a critical piece of the 2026 infrastructure plan designed to secure the city's water supply against climate-driven drought.