via istockphoto
Dahab has always been the place to be, right? It’s the number one town to go to if you want to relax and feel like you’re at home, even if it’s your first time there—it’s just that welcoming!
Recently, some people have taken to saying that the Dahab of today is nothing like the Dahab everyone knew back in the day. Sure, the animals are still as friendly, the beach is still inviting, and the weather is still amazing, but the town itself has become more commercialised over time.
Because of the changing Dahab vibe and everyone saying that commercialisation will end up killing the Sinai beach town, it’s only fitting that we discuss the differences between the town now and the town then.
Dahab, In The Eyes of Egyptians
A small beach town on the southeast coast of Egypt’s Sinai governorate, Dahab has had quite the journey. It began as a Bedouin fishing village before hippies discovered it in the ‘60s and laid the groundwork for the image the town would later be known for.
All activity in Dahab paused for the 6th of October War, only resuming in the ‘80s with the founding of the town’s first hotels. Gradually, the town went from being known as a remote Sinai destination to a spiritual, fun-loving, independent haven for all locals and travellers from all around the world. It’s also an ideal place for snorkelling, which isn’t surprising with its crystal clear waters.
via myholidays
Then VS Now
The Blue Hole
One of the only things that remained the same about Dahab is its Blue Hole. As the town’s most touristic (as well as deadliest) diving location, the Blue Hole continuously attracts visitors and cautious divers from around the world. So far, nothing about it has changed except for the prices.
via tripadvisor
Vibes and overall energy
Reborn and reimagined as a haven for hippies (and hipsters, later on), Dahab has always had a very recognisable energy. Perpetually calm, the beach town possessed an air that many people claim to be magical. Naturally, that helped craft its image as a stress-free place.
As of today, this whimsical energy hasn’t totally changed, though a lot of people claim that it has shifted considerably. Currently, Dahab’s self-sufficient ambience doesn’t feel the same, with many long-time residents moving away and some independent businesses closing in favour of more commercial ones.
via propertyfinder
Crowds
Although Dahab doesn’t discriminate against families, the town was long known as a beach town that predominantly hosted Egyptian and international hippies, Egyptian college students, and Bedouins. With all three factions living in harmony, Dahab gave off a very specific vibe that can be seen in the unique way the town presents itself and how un-judgemental it is.
Currently, however, Dahab is experiencing a rise in popularity with Egyptian families due to its reputation for being extremely affordable, unlike the North Coast, for example. This factor led many families to switch their vacation spots, which has significantly altered the vibe of the beach town.
via tripadvisor
Commercialisation
A couple of years back, Dahab wasn’t as commercial as it is today. Most of the town’s businesses came from first-time or native business owners, and everyone who set foot in Dahab was there to unplug. The community had prided itself on being judgment-free, affordable, and insanely pet-friendly.
Fast forward to now, and you’ll see that things are a little different. Dahab is no longer as relaxing as it was back in the day, with its shops rapidly changing and its prices gradually hiking up. But, as sad as that is, it’s very predictable—we can’t help if the fact that Sahel prices are going through the roof is accelerating our favourite Sinai beach town’s commercialisation.
