As the sun rises over , the turquoise waters surrounding Dahab come to life with the rhythm of the morning. Elite kite surfers leap over anchored boats, and the metallic clink of scuba tanks echoes in the air as divers prepare for the water. Across nearby rooftops, freedivers stretch ahead of their sessions, and Bedouin children playfully splash in the shallows of the tranquil bay.
Just one hour’s drive from the touristy , Dahab has long been a hidden oasis for those drawn to the ocean. Over the last few years, this laid-back escape has grown in popularity among travellers seeking a refreshing, no-frills alternative to ’s mainstream tourist destinations. You’ll find few and boujie restaurants here.
Instead, goats roam the streets, and unpretentious cafes lined with Bedouin-style cushions invite you to lounge alongside the warm, clear waters. Framed by sand-coloured mountains on one side and on the other, Dahab (which translates as ‘gold’ in Arabic) for now maintains a unique bohemian charm. Its world-renowned dive sites, unparalleled coral reefs, and glassy turquoise lagoons attract a certain kind of visitor: those drawn to , the ocean, and authentic experiences.
Beyond its reef-filled waters, Dahab is also a melting pot of musicians, artists, yogis, and digital nomads (often struggling to find a strong wifi connection). It’s also a town deeply intertwined with the culture of Bedouin families that have called this place home for decades. Traditions aside, this for.