Hurghada

Hurghada (Arabic: الغردقة Egyptian Arabic phrasebook|el-ğarda’a) is a resort city on the Red Sea Coast of Egypt.

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Hurghada

Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in Hurghada,

We are excited to announce a peaceful demonstration in support of the People of Palestine, set to take place in Hurghada over the next three days. This event is an opportunity for us to come together and raise our voices and the Palestinian Flag for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

We want to emphasize that this demonstration is intended to be a peaceful and respectful gathering. Our goal is to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict. It is crucial that we maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.

Important Guidelines:

To ensure the success of our demonstration and to maintain a peaceful environment, we kindly ask all participants to adhere to the following guidelines:

Peaceful Protest: This is a non-violent demonstration. We do not condone any form of violence or vandalism.

Respect for Law Enforcement: Please treat law enforcement officers in Hurghada with respect and follow their instructions. Do not engage in confrontations with them.

Leave No Trace: Dispose of any trash responsibly and leave the demonstration area clean.

Thank you for your commitment to our peaceful demonstration in Hurghada, and let us stand together for a better future for all.

In solidarity, eHalal Hurghada

Hurghada Halal Travel Guide

Hurghada was once a fairly small and unimposing fishing village, next to the Red Sea. It has a number of superb beaches. Today and the resort of Hurghada is almost unrecognizable from its past life and has become a major tourist destination in Egypt for budget tourists especially from Europe and Russia. It has more than 100 hotels, many of which line the shoreline, and numerous Flights from and to smaller but affordable airports across Europe.

Famous for its superb diving opportunities, Hurghada is especially appealing to those with little experience of scuba diving, who come to marvel at the underwater reefs and awesome marine life. Tourism is now a huge part of Hurghada and each year, many visitors choose to combine their holiday here with visits to other prominent locations along the Nile Valley, including the relatively nearby city of Luxor.

How is the Climate in Hurghada

See also: Egypt#Climate

The climate is very dry and rainfall is very rare. The weather is very hot in summer days and quite hot in summer nights. In winter the weather is generally warm by day but cool by night. Hurghada can be downright cold when the Shamal wind blows down from the northeast.

Hurghada mean sea temperature]
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
22 °C (72 °F)	21 °C (70 °F)	21 °C (70 °F)	22 °C (72 °F)	24 °C (75 °F)	26 °C (79 °F)	27 °C (81 °F)	28 °C (82 °F)	27 °C (81 °F)	26 °C (79 °F)	25 °C (77 °F)	23 °C (73 °F)

Orientation

The oldest, most Egyptian part of the city is Ad-Dahar GPS 27.25233,33.81475 to the north, with relatively limited tourist facilities. This is separated by a low dusty ridge from Sigala GPS 27.22642,33.83814 4 kilometers south. Sigala is the main downtown strip, with western and traditional restaurants, hotels and general facilities, and has the most buzz about it. Several boat and dive operators run from the marina here. The main drag of Sheraton Road continues south along the coast for 4 kilometers to the disused Sheraton Hotel, a circular 1970s concrete hulk. The road now enters the Village Resort strip, with another rash of hotels.

The coral reefs around Hurghada are several miles offshore, unlike the Sinai resorts and Jordan where they hug the coast, so divers and snorkelers will need to take a boat trip to enjoy them. Arid islands dot the sea. The largest is Big Giftun, which has a beach club and (better still) a telecoms relay mast - so mobile reception is good out on the water, to the benefit of skippers and trippers.

Modern developers have kind of given up on Hurghada, and have built glossy new resorts further away, notably El Gouna 20 kilometers north, and Safaga 50 kilometers south. These all use Hurghada airport as their entry point.

Travel to Hurghada

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hurghada

Hurghada has frequent direct international Flights from Europe including Russia and Istanbul and the Gulf states, and the Far East, e.g. Bangkok. Most of these travellers are on package tours of Egypt - but not all, as the operators also sell flight-only tickets, a affordable and convenient way to get in. Domestic flights link Hurghada frequently to Cairo, and daily to Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, and Sharm el-Sheikh. These are a good way to travel as Hurghada is backed by an awful lot of desert, and road transport to other cities is lengthy, hot, dusty, bumpy and not entirely safe. The main domestic operator is Egyptair, but Nile Air and Al Masria compete on the Cairo route and keep fares low. The package operators (e.g. TUI) also fly domestic legs, but these are to move their own clients around Egypt and are not available to book point-to-point.

Hurghada International Airport IATA Flight Code: HRG - Egypt enjoys good flying weather, so the usual problem will be bad weather across Europe and long-delayed turnaround flights. The check-in hall will then become a surly scrummage of outbound passengers sitting on their luggage and the toilets overflowing.

Package tourist arrivals will have their own bus awaiting, everyone else will need a taxi. The airport is about 8 kilometers west of the resort strip and 10 kilometers from downtown Sigala, but fares are high for this short distance. You could easily be paying LE400. Careem to Soma Bay is LE420 (Oct 2022). The regular fare towards the airport is much cheaper. Drivers pay LE35 to enter and wait within the airport: naturally they seek to recover this from both the inbound and the outbound traveller. Otherwise, just head to the highway, about 500 m out of the terminal, and catch a taxi there. There is also an LE50 toll on the highway south to Safaga (Oct 2022) that is included in dates.

Travel on a Bus in Hurghada

Cairo – The trip usually takes roughly 7 hours depending on the operator. Known operators include the Super Jet (ph. 16108) and Go Bus (ph. 19567). There are a number of stations which include one behind Cairo train station Ahmed Helmy. There are many price options starting from LE50 and rising to LE150, every hour you can find bus to Hurghada (avoid MCV Co). In Medan El Giza in northwestern Cairo often extremely crowded, or Almaza Station in the Heliopolis neighborhood in northeastern Cairo. Bus schedules often change, but if you go to the bus station without booking you'll find many options. (February 2024).

Alexandria – There are 2 buses from Alexandria to Hurghada. The first one, Upper Egypt Bus Co., leaves at 6:30PM from the new bus station, and costs LE90. It arrives at Hurghada about 4:30AM. It is not recommended because you'll find all the city in deep sleep and seems like ghost city. The second bus, Super Jet Co., leaves the new bus station at 8:30PM and costs LE95. It arrives in the morning so you can find public transport and the taxis. (February 2022)

Qena and Luxor – About 4-5 hours by bus. Go Bus has two daily buses at 8:15AM and 3:30PM to and from Luxor from LE90. If you're looking at the GoBus site on a mobile device, you may not be able to find listings for Luxor—try a laptop or desktop view.

Upper Egypt Bus Co. runs between Hurghada, Safagah, Luxor and Aswan.

Aswan – There's one transport company to the Red Sea, Upper Egypt Bus Co. The buses are new and the ticket costs LE50 (maybe you pay extra LE5 as a foreigner). There are 2 buses: 3:30PM and 5:30PM. The trip takes 8 hours or more, which means you'll arrive in Hurghada after midnight. (February 2022)

Go Bus Station GPS 27.23818, 33.83195 about 1 kilometers north of High Jet

High Jet Bus Station (to/from Cairo) - It covers travel to/from Cairo (6-7 hr). Reserving tickets is barely necessary, considering the frequency of the buses. The buses are not that comfortable, and they have loud and annoying soap operas running in the bus during the whole journey. So, it is probably not a good idea to take a night bus. From Cairo: every 2 hours between 8AM Monday - 2:30AM. To Cairo: every 2 hours between 7AM Monday - 3AM. Mostly LE110 but sometimes LE150.

Best way to travel in Hurghada by a Taxi

Long-distance "servees" taxis run from Hurghada bus station in El Hegaz Street (which you can reach by bus 4 or 7, or by local taxi). These run to all major cities in Egypt, but consider them especially for the run to Luxor, where the time saved by flying is less compelling.

With 2 or 3 of you, you could negotiate a private long-distance taxi; again and the journey to Luxor works well this way. And unlike a "servees" and the driver will pause at antiquities and photo opportunities on the way.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Hurghada

A fast-cat ferry runs between Safaga, 50 kilometers south of Hurghada, to Diba (or Duba) in Saudi Arabia. As this route carries a lot of pilgrims and trucking, it's not been hit by the tourist downtown.

How to get around in Hurghada

By micro bus

A swarm of white shuttle vanes (Toyota Hiace) called micro bus serve the area, with a flat fare of LE2. They run fixed routes, mostly along the coastal strip, picking up and dropping off anywhere along the way. Ask around for your destination before getting in - if it's not this bus, it's probably the next one already pulling up. They're cramped and crowded, and young women may have to ward off pests.

Slightly larger shuttle vanes or small regular buses run frequently along the coastal highway to El Gouna and Safaga.

Best way to travel in Hurghada by a Taxi

Taxi drivers in Hurghada have astonishing talent for spotting tourists from far, far away; look at the approaching vehicle and it will stop for you - at a price.

Before stepping in, find out if driver speaks any English, and show the wanted destination on the map. There are only few streets with names, so the destination is specified with nearby places, a hotel for example. Discuss and agree the total price (not per person) with the driver: the price should be LE5-10 inside the same part of the town and LE20 when downtown to Senzo mall, for example. Do not travel with the meter on, driverd can control it. After the driver agrees on a price, jump in. Get out in front of the hotel.

To avoid confrontation with the drivers ensure you have the correct amount of money you agreed at first, hand over the money on at destination, get out and walk away.

If you pay with a LE5 or LE50 notes drivers may try to switch it for a 50-piastre note, and then they request the original note that you have already paid. Piastres notes are smaller than pounds. Sometimes the driver agrees on LE15 fare, and when you arrive tells you he said LE50 and his accent worsens.

By ride-sharing

Uber and Careem both have presences in Hurghada. They are reasonably priced and convenient, sparing you the incessant haggling required for taxi rides.

However, some locations (e.g. the bus station) within Hurghada have been "blocked" on Uber. You will see a message that Uber "does not operate in this location". Simply walk about 2-3 blocks/5 minutes away from the building (avoiding the taxi agents along the way) , and you will be able to use Uber again.

What to see in Hurghada

Hurghada does not have many spectacular sights except for the Red Sea. However, daily one or two day trips are available into both Luxor and Cairo. The Nile at Luxor is popular, as are the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza, Cairo.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hurghada

Hurghada offers many activities not to be found anywhere else on Earth. If you were to choose to stay in your hotel complex for the duration of your break, you would miss out on much more than you bargained for.

The main reason to visit Hurghada is the Red Sea, which is excellent for diving or snorkeling. Due to the recent drop in tourists coming to Egypt, it can be enjoyed at a bargain rate like almost nowhere else around the world, except for maybe Koh Tao in Thailand. See incredible coral reefs and hundreds of varieties of tropical fish just 10 m from the beach or with boat trips. Either your hotel will have dive escorts on site, or it can arrange a scuba diving expedition with guides. The divers are local residents and generally excellent in handling beginners. You don't need to know how to swim to scuba dive. In late March and the water may be a bit cold, so a wet suit might be necessary. Most hotels have dives tours (2 regular dives) for €20 on offer, but if you are staying at one of the more posh lodgings, you will end up paying up to US$65. So better to step out of your comfort zone (aka hotel) and ask around for prices.

Ashraf Divers - Ashraf Asheaf | Reliable, relaxed and friendly dive master. His dives include everything; travel, boat, equipment, food, drinks. Though, do not rely on him for booking your lodging—read Egypt#Cope. WhatsApp: see phone number. WeChat: ashraf diver.

Dive Red Sea | They have one of the nicer boats in the harbour.

Cruise across the Red Sea to the uninhabited island of Giftun surrounded by magical coral gardens. Enjoy a lazy day on the white sand or swim among the coral reefs. This great day trip is hard to skip when you are in Hurghada.
Quad-biking hundreds of miles into the Sahara desert for Tea with a Bedoin tribe and then camel-riding across Biblical plains to see remote and ancient wonders. For a desert adventure, you can also ride motorbikes or beach buggies into the desert.
You can also ride a glass bottom boat on which you can see the amazing coral reefs and underwater scenery.
Furthermore, swimming in the warm sea, windsurfing, para sailing, jetski, good shopping, excellent and varied cuisine from around the world, etc.
Beach. It might also be windy in late March (or not). You may want to check if your beach resort hotel provides windscreens on the beach.
In the evening, you can go for a walk in the promenade area for some traditional cafes, shopping, or dining. There is a bowling and family entertainment center close by as well as a few malls and restaurants. Night life usually begins quite late, and you can find some clubs in close proximity to the promenade.
The whole Red Sea coast has superb conditions for kitesurfing. Hurghada is no exception. Here you can find a lot of kite-spots with kite-schools and kite-stations. Here some of them:
PlayKite. Located in the next bay from Nubia hotel. This kite spot has a lot of space for beginning and advanced riders
Kite4Fun. Located near AMC Azur, Hawaii Le Jardin hotels. This place has shallow lagoon with flat water.
Masters Surf School. Located in Panorama Bungalows Aqua Park Hurghada hotel. Small area of shallow water, so it is a good spot for intermediate riders
Aeros School. Located near Play Kite station. There is also a shallow lagoon where any level rider can ride.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hurghada

See also: Egypt#Buy

You can buy many souvenirs from the shops that are spread inside the main town (Sekalla high street) and along the beach areas, also the old town (el Dahar) has a wide selection of bazaars with cheaper prices than Sigala. There is a new shopping mall now open about a 10-minutes taxi ride from the town, on Senzo Mall towards the airport road. It has a large Spinneys Hypermarket and many other shops, fast food outlets and a 5-screen cinema as well as a moderate sized childrens play area.

Remember to negotiate, haggle and haggle everywhere except in restaurants and pharmacies. You should be able to get 75% off from the price that seller asks at first. This might vary with different products, so remember to check few shops for correct prices. There are souvenir shops that have fixed prices, mostly in New Hurghada area although these maye be higher than if you haggle in the souks. The well known "Cleopatra" shops, in Hurghada city Mamsha and Sheraton road, have a wide range of souvenirs such as shirts, woodwork and silver.

For brand-names and higher quality products, go to 'New Marina' and Sheraton road for Adidas (currently on the BDS List so for the time don't purchase any Adidas products), Timberland, Dockers and Levi's. Clothes for sale in the traditional bazaar (souq in Arabic) are often fake, although the banners show the well-known brand names.

About the perfume shops the milligram for LE1 that means the best perfume for LE25 because all the perfume are on oil base and rarely that you can find natural or original perfume. Be careful when they drag you inside and they will invite you to drink something often tea. If they feel you are rich they will buy cola, while they are chatting with you and let you smell some strong perfumes, it is advisable to refuse because if you drink you then have to buy.

Halal Restaurants in Hurghada

Hurghada offers a variety of cuisine, including fast food, Halal restaurants, oriental food, and many others. KFC and McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), and local fast food GAD, are present.

At "Sherry St." branches from Sheraton St. you can get Chicken meal in "Brost eldik" for LE14, popular among backpackers and young people.

Oriental Dish - Arabic, grill, shawarma, falafel. Has delicious and affordable falafel sandwiches.

Al Mustafa Fish Restaurant Delicious meals, variety of fish, fair prices, welcoming host.

Om Ammar Small restaurant next to the street, sitting on couches, staff speaks hardly English, many local dishes available including BBQ, very local experience and prices.

Those new to Egypt will find karkaday (a drink made from an infusion of hibiscus, served hot or cold and reputed to have many health benefits) and chi (local version of tea, usually served in a glass) offered everywhere. Both are delicious and will usually come replete with a smoke on a sheesha pipe.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hurghada

Hurghada - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hurghada, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hurghada. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hurghada and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hurghada. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hurghada. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inHurghada: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hurghada.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hurghada: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hurghada, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hurghada.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hurghada, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hurghada, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hurghada and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hurghada, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hurghada, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hurghada without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hurghada is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hurghada.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hurghada is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hurghada, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hurghada Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hurghada

eHalal Group Hurghada is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hurghada. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hurghada.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hurghada ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hurghada. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hurghada, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hurghada are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Hurghada

Cope in Hurghada

Hurghada Clinic – Medical clinic with doctors who can speak English and Polish. International travel insurance policies are accepted.
El Gouna Hospital – Professional medical service across the red Sea. Various departments with staff who can speak English, French Russian and (German). International insurance policies are often accepted. Tel. 0122 744 5700

February 2024

Stay safe as a Muslim in Hurghada

In 2018 and there have been complaints of guests falling ill at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel due to feasible food safety issues, including undercooked food and lapses in cleanliness. Two British travellers died; the Al Jazeera reports travel agency Thomas Cook has been removing its clients from that hotel and in some cases arranging to fly them home.

Shark attacks are common. Please follow instructions

Travel Next from Hurghada

Luxor – The obvious and popular next destination.
Aswan – Reached via Luxor but less hassle then it. Once a week there's a ferry across Lake Nasser to Wadi Halfa in Sudan and the only surface route between the two countries.

Hurghada

From Halal Explorer

Contents

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Hurghada

Hurghada Halal Travel Guide

How is the Climate in Hurghada

Orientation

Travel to Hurghada

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hurghada

Travel on a Bus in Hurghada

Best way to travel in Hurghada by a Taxi

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Hurghada

How to get around in Hurghada

By micro bus

Best way to travel in Hurghada by a Taxi

By ride-sharing

What to see in Hurghada

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hurghada

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hurghada

Halal Restaurants in Hurghada

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hurghada

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hurghada

Muslim Friendly hotels in Hurghada

Cope in Hurghada

Stay safe as a Muslim in Hurghada

Travel Next from Hurghada