The Sanai Peninsula resembles an arrowhead wedged between the southwest Asian continent and Northeast Africa. The region is of great strategic and economic importance, not in the least part due to the Suez Canal – the narrowest shipping route from the Red Sea in Africa through the Sanai to the Mediterranean Sea and Europe. The sparsely-populated Sanai is largely comprised of desert habitat. However, its coastline supports an abundance of marine life and vegetation.
Sharm El Sheikh History
The Sanai was the centre of conflict between Israel and Egypt for the latter half of the 20th century. Successful negotiations in 1979 led to the longest period of peace between the two countries in modern history, and was a boon for Sharm El Sheikh. The city earned its moniker the ‘land of peace’ as host of several political negotiations involving the Arab States, Israel, and nations with strategic interests in the stability of the Middle East.
Sharm El Sheikh Today
Today, Sharm El Sheikh is best known for its miles of sandy beaches, desert adventures and stunning marine life and boasts arguably the best dive waters in the world. Artisan jewellery and semi-precious stones are highlights of the visitor shopping experience. The city is a holiday destination for celebrities worldwide – some popular, others infamous. News reports suggest that ousted long-time Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is resolute in his intent to die here.
History enthusiasts will find no shortage of ancient sites in the region. The Christian Monastery of St. Catherine’s and the Chapel of the Burning Bush are part of the oldest working monastery in the world; claims are that the site was visited by the prophet Mohammed in 625 A.D. The monastery is also a base for sunrise tours up ‘Moses Mountain’ , where it is believed that Moses accepted the tablets containing the Ten Commandments.
Local guides also offer treks to the spectacular Seven Elders of Israel amphitheatre, located halfway up Mount Sanai.
The world’s leading luxury hotel brands including the Savoy, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons and Novitel offer exclusive vacations and excursions to travellers seeking to explore this unusual and intoxicating getaway.
