Egyptian authorities have begun work on a project to upgrade the entrance to Dahab, a popular Red Sea resort known for its diving sites, desert landscapes and laid-back atmosphere.
South Sinai Governor Ismail Kamal laid the foundation stone for the project on Thursday, which will cover a six-kilometre stretch from the town’s security checkpoint to the entrance to its tourist villages.
The development will include road construction and resurfacing, street lighting and traffic improvements. The road will be nine metres wide in each direction, with a three-metre central median, according to the governor’s office.
The project is intended to improve access to Dahab and give the town an entrance more in keeping with its status as one of South Sinai’s major tourist destinations.
Dahab, located on the Gulf of Aqaba, attracts visitors from around the world with its coral reefs, windsurfing and diving opportunities, including the famed Blue Hole, as well as its nearby mountains and Bedouin communities.
Speaking at a meeting in the town after the ceremony, Kamal said the government was preparing a broader development plan for Dahab, including upgrades to electricity, drinking water, sewage networks and roads.
Funding has also been allocated to improve roads and modernise the town’s wastewater treatment plant, he said, without giving a timetable or cost for the projects.
The plan also includes improvements to tourist areas and natural attractions, particularly the Blue Hole, in coordination with the environment ministry.
Officials said the aim was to improve services while protecting the site’s marine environment and natural character. The Blue Hole is considered one of the world’s most renowned diving locations and is a major draw for international visitors to Dahab.
Authorities also said the development would take into account the interests of local residents, Bedouin communities and people working in tourism, with local participation presented as a key element of the projects.
The governor said the upgrades were part of Egypt’s wider strategy to develop tourist cities and improve infrastructure under the country’s Vision 2030 programme.
Dahab’s residents and community leaders welcomed the planned projects, saying they could improve daily life, strengthen tourism and raise the quality of services for both locals and visitors.
