Dahab
This pearl of the gulf actually consists of two
villages, the Bedouin village of Assalah is the southern half,
with the business and administrative center of Dahab to the
north. There are
 clusters
of holiday villages that cater to affluent visitors.
Assalah is the most developed part of Dahab, 2,5 miles up the
coat from downtown. Historically, most visitors to Dahab have
been backpackers traveling independently and staying in the
hostels in this area. It is a sprawling conglomeration of palm
trees, shops, campgrounds, hotels, bars and restaurants that
lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. Assalah has a distictly
bohemian feel. Less laid back, but still relaxed, is the area
just south along El-Qura Bay. Here, upscale luxury holiday villages
and dive centers attract a very different clientele.
Dahab means 'gold' in Arabic. In Sinai it means golden sands,
turquoise sea and off-beat cafe life. It is a focus of tourism
development, with swaying palms, fine sand and wonderful snorkeling
opportunities. Dahab has excellent hotel accommodations, but
also affords less expensive housing in the village, or camping.
About 5 miles from town is the famous Blue Hole, for diving.
Towards the Israeli border is the Island of Coral, where the
Crusaders built a fort. The remains can still be seen.
Dahab was originally a Bedouin fishing village that today is
world-renowned for its windsurfing, because of the reliable
winds that provide outstanding flat water conditions. However,
there are many reefs immediately adjacent to the waterfront
hotels, so scuba diving and snorkeling are also very popular
sports, especially considering the nearby Blue Hole.
One of the main attractions of Dahab are the unique
on-the-ground restaurants, a mixture of Hippie and Bedouin styles
developed over several decades. Large cushions and low tables
are placed next to the sea, and decorated with colorful cloths.
Most of these restaurants have fish stalls in front, where one
can pick the fish of one's choice and have it prepared according
to one's wishes. The menus are delicious, quite affordable,
but a bit above the price level of the average Egyptian restaurant.
After finishing one's food, onejust lean back in the cushions
and rest for as long as you wish.
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