Visiting it in the holy month can give a first-time visitor numerous questions to consider. Ramadan in Sharm el Sheikh is a rather enriching and hospitable experience which is not only expected by the tourists, but they are well aware of it. The city combines the resort lifestyle with strong cultural roots and forms a unique and memorable atmosphere. This guide discusses everything that you need to know prior to going.
Ramadan in Sharm el Sheikh Egypt.
Muslims fast and pray and reflect from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan, which is their ninth month of Islamic lunar calendar. The day holds great spiritual significance for Egyptians because it stands as one of their most important yearly celebrations.
Sharm el Sheikh functions as an international resort city which successfully maintains religious practices for local residents and provides facilities for its tourist visitors. The streets become alive after sundown because people illuminate their paths with lanterns and decorations while they engage in community events.
The atmosphere of the Red Sea vacation provides tourists with an exceptional chance to discover authentic Egyptian hospitality which includes their customary practice of welcoming guests. You can find a complete Ramadan trips packages that experienced tour operators will organize for you when you need planning assistance.
Is It Worth Traveling to Sharm el-Sheikh during Ramadan?
Absolutely, yes. That is why it is liked by a lot of experienced travelers:
The reduced number of people at the well-visited diving places and beaches will guarantee a more relaxed stay.
Prices of hotels and flights are significantly lower compared to peak season.
Ramadan at night is an experience to be felt, celebratory, and nothing like it anywhere.
You have a chance to see one of the most significant cultural practices in the Arab world yourself.
The people are also extremely hospitable and kind to strangers during this holy month.
The downside of it is that not all restaurants and shops will have the same hours. These small inconveniences are easy to maneuver with a little planning, however, and have little ability to derail a properly planned trip.
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt tourism during Ramadan.
Ramadan does not put tourism to a halt in Sharm el Sheikh. It is one of the most internationally oriented resorts in Egypt and as such it has been able to continue with the services of tourists even during the holy month.
Large hotels still provide food and beverages 24 hours a day in designated sections of the hotel. There are diving centers, snorkeling tours, and excursion operators who carry on their activities mostly as usual.
Naama Bay promenade is still lively particularly following the sunset when the locals and visitors freely socialize. The international restaurants are usually located in the resort complexes and maintain regular hours. What is altered is the pace of life - the day is made slower, followed by a tremendous burst of life after the fast after the sun sets (iftar, the meal of breaking fast).
Should You Observe Ramadan As A Traveler?
You are not expected to fast, but basic cultural respect will go a long way and it will be an enriching experience. Here are the key guidelines:
During the daylight hours, one should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the open places since there are people who are fasting.
There should be minimum displays of affection between people in the open as they are not tolerated during any period of the year but mainly during Ramadan.
Wear decently when going to markets, mosques or even local neighborhoods, covered shoulders and knees are welcome.
Playing loud music in the open places should be avoided during the day.
If you get invitations to eat iftar with a local family, go with the grace of Allah, it is a very generous offering.
Tourists who come to Ramadan as inquiring and respectful individuals will always attest it as the best part of their Egypt tour.
Activities to perform in Sharm el Sheikh during Ramadan.
The activities to enjoy are numerous. Ramadan does not even have a break at the Red Sea, and neither do the largest attractions in the city. Here is what you can do:
Diving and snorkeling the legendary Ras Mohammed National Park, some of the most excellent coral reefs in the world.
Quad biking and jeep safari in and through the Sinai Desert, which operates around the clock at any time of the year.
Going to the Old Market (Sharm el-Qadim) in the evening, to shop spices, jewels and handicrafts.
Riding camel tours to Bedouin villages where the warmest Ramadan hospitality is received.
Eating suhoor dinner at the hotel restaurants, which prepare special Ramadan menus.
Spending time in less crowded beaches that are calm as opposed to those we have during high season.
Field trips to St. Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai, which are usually open during Ramadan.
The Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh during Ramadan.
The time of Ramadan varies annually since the festival is based on the Islamic lunar calendar; it shifts about 10 to 11 days earlier every year in Gregorian calendar. When to visit Sharm el Sheikh during Ramadan is always best with regard to which time of the month one wishes to visit.
The initial week is generally a quieter one with locals getting into the routine of fasting. The festive mood is at its highest during the mid-month as the markets are busy, Ramadan tents are being set up, and there are community celebrations going on.
These days before Eid al-Fitr, which are the last days of Ramadan, are especially wonderful, as the cheerful masses gather, along with decorations and a festive atmosphere fill the whole city. It is highly suggested that you book your travel packages to Sharm el Sheikh long before these last days, as availability fills up fast around Eid..
Sharm El Sheikh Ramadan Events.
There are also several things to look forward to in the city during Ramadan:
Hotels and restaurants with tents that serve traditional live music, shisha and desserts after the iftar.
Sufi music shows and folk Egyptian shows in cultural facilities.
Eid al-Fitr end-of-the-month celebrations, including fireworks, outdoor parties and special menus.
Night markets at Naama Bay and the Old Market, where shopping is prolonged.
Iftar buffets organized by the hotel and open to non-guests, a good chance to taste the traditional Egyptian food.
Local Gatherings at Ramadan.
Ramadan in Egypt is known to have one of the most beautiful features that is the community spirit that replaces the public life of the people upon the setting of the sun. At Sharm el Sheikh, you will find families and friends sitting in the corniche, parks and open-air cafes long after the midnight hour.
In residential neighborhoods, it is sometimes possible to hear the misaharaty, the drummers who take a walk through the streets to wake people to the pre-dawn suhoor meal. Iftar tables and Community iftar are occasionally held in public areas where anyone, including visitors, can come and eat a free meal. It is a very emotional cultural experience which can never be purchased with money since everyone shared one of these communal iftars.
Sharm El Sheikh Nightlife in Ramadan.
Ramadan does not stop nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh, rather it changes it. The bars and clubs of international resorts remain operational during the day serving the guests, but with reduced energy than normal.
The city really comes into life after iftar. Restaurants are crowded, cafes are busy until 2 or 3 in the morning and the waterside of Naama Bay have become very active. Part of the nightclubs might reduce operations or have their events later in the night in order to observe the fasting period during the day.
Even the Ramadan culture of the night is a type of festive party, except that it is focused on food, family, music and society instead of alcohol. This air is pleasantly natural to most old-time travellers.
Ramadan Foods in Sharm el Sheikh Egypt.
In Sharm el Sheikh, food is central to Ramadan and the cuisine that is served in this month is outstanding. Following are the common dishes and foods that you should not miss:
Ful medames-slow-cooked fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon and olive oil, which is a traditional Ramadan breakfast food.
Konafa -shredded pastry stuffed with cheese or cream and soaked in rose water syrup and toasted to a golden brown.
Qatayef : Sweet stuffed pancakes made with nuts, or cream only served during Ramadan.
Khoshaf - cold beverage comprising dried fruits that have been soaked such as apricots, prunes, raisins, etc., which is customarily taken to break the fast.
Harira - a delicious lentil, tomatoes, chickpeas, and spices soup, which was served as the opening iftar.
Om Ali - Egyptian bread dumplings, nuts, coconuts, raisins, baked in warm milk, a typical Egyptian dessert of Ramadan.
Will the Ramadan Affect my Visit to Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt?
To the majority of the tourists, the effect is insignificant. The city of Sharma el Sheikh is among the most tourist friendly cities in Egypt, and this is precisely because it has established its economy directly on the international tourists. This is what one can do without expecting:
Hotel restaurants and resorts facilities are operational all day through.
The daytime: some of the local restaurants that are not located in the resorts are closed and open after iftar.
Government offices and banks can have reduced hours, this does not often apply to the tourists.
Fasting taxi drivers and service people might not be very energetic in the late afternoon - patience and gentleness is welcome.
They usually have shopping malls and markets that remain late and even up to 2 or 3 AM.
Tours and dive centres usually keep regular work hours.
To sum it up, the visit to Sharm el Sheikh during Ramadan will be running flawlessly by a large majority of visitors. To get inspired and ready-made trip, visit Egypt site to get the latest travel advice and destination details.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of visiting Sharm el sheik, Egypt during Ramadan.
Pros:
Reduced cost of hotels, flights and excursions as opposed to peak season.
Reduced numbers of tourists in diving sites, beach, and attractions.
Distinctive experience of festivals and culture, which is impossible to experience during another time of the year.
Most hospitable and warm locals.
Yummy Ramadan food and delicacies that you can just not get any other time.
Cons:
Some local restaurants and cafes are not open during the day, which reduces the possibility of eating out of the complexes.
Nighttime is also highly active and noisy and this could disturb early sleepers.
Alcohol is not so conspicuously sold in social places, but it is available in resorts.
The level of cultural sensitivity is also more demanding whereas certain travelers will feel confined.
Some local businesses might fail to deliver their services faster because employees have to balance fasting and work.
Conclusion
Ramadan in Sharm el Sheikh is a truly rewarding travel experience, provided that the person who comes to the region does so with an open mind and a respectful attitude. Quite on the contrary, it is a great season to visit because it is a great place to be in terms of natural beauty as well as cultural richness and partying spirit which the city offers just not anywhere during the whole year.
You will still be going to the same beautiful reefs, basking in the same sunshine, and getting the same Egyptian warmth- but in a veneer of tradition and community that will make the experience really count. Ramadan in Sharm el Sheikh is a serious thing on your travel list whether it is the first time or you are a regular traveler.
FAQ
Is it appropriate to visit Sharm el Sheikh during Ramadan?
Yes. Reduced number of visitors, reduced costs and distinctive cultural interest make it a wonderful time to visit.
Can tourists eat during Ramadan during the day?
Within hotels and resorts, yes. When in the marketplace, eat low profile out of respect for the fasting people.
Are tourist attraction places shut during Ramadan?
Most stay open. Dive centers, beaches and significant attractions such as Ras Mohammed are open.
What are the attire requirements of the tourists in Egypt during Ramadan?
T-shirts are suggested beyond the resorts. Local areas and markets cover shoulders and knees.