1. Overview
The Red Sea Governorate (Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar) stretches for over 1,000 km along Egypt's eastern coastline, bordered by the Red Sea to the east and the rugged mountains of the Eastern Desert to the west. It is a world-renowned destination for sun, sea, and sand, celebrated globally for its pristine coral reefs and diving spots. Capitalized by Hurghada, the governorate includes eco-tourism havens like Marsa Alam, modern resorts like El Gouna, and historic ports like El Quseir. It is a land of contrasts: vibrant marine life underwater and silent, majestic deserts above.
• Location: Eastern Egypt, Red Sea Coast.
• Capital: Hurghada.
• Key Cities: Marsa Alam, Safaga, El Quseir, El Gouna, Ras Gharib.
• Famous For: Scuba Diving, Kite Surfing, Coral Reefs, Desert Safaris.
• Population: Approx. 400,000.
2. Name & Origin of the Red Sea
The governorate is named after the body of water it borders. The name "Red Sea" (Erythraean Sea in Greek) has been used since antiquity. Theories for the name include the seasonal blooms of red-colored algae (Trichodesmium erythraeum), the red-hued mineral mountains bordering the coast (like the mountains of Edom), or the ancient direction-color association where "red" signified "south."
3. Historical Timeline
This region was the "Gateway to Punt." Pharaohs launched expeditions from ports like Wadi Gawasis (Saww) to trade with the Land of Punt (East Africa) for incense, gold, and exotic animals. The Eastern Desert was crisscrossed by mining roads leading to gold and emerald mines (like Wadi Sikait).
The Romans developed ports like Myos Hormos (near El Quseir) and Berenice to facilitate the spice trade with India. They built a network of roads and fortified stations (hydreuma) across the Eastern Desert to transport goods to the Nile Valley.
The Eastern Desert of the Red Sea governorate is the birthplace of organized monasticism. Saint Anthony the Great, the father of all monks, retreated to a cave in the Galala mountains here. Today, the Monastery of Saint Anthony and the Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite are the oldest functioning monasteries in the world, standing as fortresses of faith in the rugged desert terrain.
The port of El Quseir became a vital link for the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims from North Africa and Egypt would travel up the Nile to Qus, then cross the desert to El Quseir to sail to Jeddah. The Ottoman fortress in El Quseir stands as a testament to its strategic importance for securing the Red Sea.
Until the late 20th century, the region was mostly inhabited by Bedouin tribes and oil workers (Ras Gharib). In the 1980s, Hurghada transformed from a small fishing village into a global tourism hub, followed by the development of El Gouna, Safaga, and Marsa Alam, reshaping the economy and demography of the coast.
4. Geography & Climate
The governorate is a long coastal strip sandwiched between the sea and the Red Sea Mountain range, which contains high peaks like Gebel Shayib El Banat (2,187m). The coast is fringed by coral reefs. The climate is hot desert; summers are very hot but dry, while winters are mild and sunny, making it a year-round destination.
5. Population & Society
The population is a unique mix. The indigenous inhabitants are the Ababda and Ma'aza Bedouin tribes, who know the secrets of the desert and mountains. The modern cities are populated by Egyptians from the Nile Valley working in tourism and oil. Additionally, there is a significant community of foreign residents (expats) who have settled in Hurghada and El Gouna.
6. Administrative Divisions
- Hurghada: The capital and tourism metropolis.
- Ras Gharib: The center of the oil industry.
- Safaga: A major commercial port and therapeutic tourism center.
- El Quseir: A historic city with Ottoman architecture.
- Marsa Alam: The eco-tourism destination in the south.
- Shalateen & Halayeb: The southern border triangle, rich in tribal culture and trade.
7. Hurghada – Capital City
Hurghada stretches for 40km along the coast. It is divided into:
El Dahar: The old town with traditional markets (souqs).
Sekalla: The city center with the marina and nightlife.
El Mamsha: The touristic promenade lined with luxury hotels.
It is the main hub for diving trips, desert safaris, and island hopping.
8. El Gouna – The Lagoon City
Located 25km north of Hurghada, El Gouna is a privately developed, self-sufficient town. Built on a series of islands and lagoons, it is a marvel of modern sustainable engineering and Nubian-inspired architecture. It hosts an annual film festival and is a model for green tourism in Egypt.
9. Marsa Alam – Southern Eco-Paradise
Located nearly 300km south of Hurghada, Marsa Alam is the destination for serious divers and nature lovers. It is less developed, quieter, and closer to untouched reefs. It is famous for Abu Dabbab bay, one of the few places in the world where you can swim with the endangered Dugong (Sea Cow) and giant Green Turtles.
10. Marine Life & Coral Reefs
The Red Sea Governorate's coastline is a biodiversity hotspot. It hosts over 1,200 species of fish (10% endemic) and 300 species of hard and soft coral. The reefs are vibrant and healthy compared to many other parts of the world. Frequent sightings include spinner dolphins, reef sharks, manta rays, and Napoleon wrasse.
11. Diving & Kite Surfing Excellence
This region is the diving capital of the Middle East.
The Brothers Islands (El Akhawein): Two small islands offering spectacular wall diving and shark encounters (Hammerheads, Oceanic Whitetips).
Elphinstone Reef: A legendary cigar-shaped reef famous for drift diving and shark sightings.
Kite Surfing: Thanks to consistent wind speeds, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga have become global hubs for kite surfing, hosting international competitions.
12. Protected Areas & Conservation
Giftun Islands National Park: Located off Hurghada, famous for Mahmyra and Orange Bay beaches.
Wadi El Gemal National Park: "Valley of the Camels," south of Marsa Alam. It protects terrestrial wildlife (Dorcas gazelle, Nubian ibex) and marine habitats (mangroves, seagrass beds).
Dolphin House (Samadai Reef): A protected sanctuary for spinner dolphins.
13. Economy of the Red Sea Governorate
Tourism: The absolute lifeblood, employing the majority of the population.
Oil & Gas: Ras Gharib and the Gulf of Suez are Egypt's oldest oil-producing regions.
Mining: The Eastern Desert is rich in phosphates (exported via Safaga/Hamrawein) and gold (Sukari Gold Mine near Marsa Alam).
14. Trade, Ports & Camel Markets
Safaga Port: A strategic commercial hub handling bulk imports and exports. It is a key gateway for Upper Egypt imports.
Shalateen Camel Market (Souq El-Gamal): Located in the far south, this is the largest camel market in Africa. It is a vital trade link where camels brought from Sudan are traded, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional tribal commerce.
15. Transportation & Connectivity
The governorate is served by two international airports: Hurghada (HRG) and Marsa Alam (RMF), receiving direct flights from Europe. The coastal highway runs the entire length of the governorate. New roads connect the coast to the Nile Valley (Qena, Sohag, Assiut) through the mountain passes.
16. Culture, Traditions & Daily Life
The Bedouin culture of the Ababda tribe is distinct. They are known for their camel herding, charcoal making from acacia trees, and distinctive cuisine like Gaburi (bread baked in hot sand). In the cities, a cosmopolitan culture has emerged, blending Egyptian hospitality with international influences.
17. Environmental Challenges
Protecting the coral reefs from damage caused by mass tourism (anchors, over-diving) and climate change is the top priority. Organizations like HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) work tirelessly to install mooring buoys and educate divers.
18. Red Sea Governorate’s Role in Egypt
It is the engine of Egypt's beach tourism industry. It also serves as the mineral treasury of the country due to its gold and phosphate reserves. It represents a model for sustainable development in arid regions (like El Gouna).
19. Fun Facts About the Red Sea
20. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Red Sea so rich in marine life?
Is it suitable for beginner divers?
What is the best time to visit?
21. References & Sources
- Red Sea Governorate Official Portal.
- HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection).
- "Red Sea Reef Guide" - Marine Biology References.
- St. Anthony's Monastery Historical Archives.