Egypt enforces tourism limits at Dahab’s popular Abu Galoum reserve

At a Glance

• Egypt limits tourism at Dahab’s Abu Galoum to protect fragile coral reefs.
• Patrol boats, reef monitoring, and eco-education campaigns form the core of new measures.
• Officials push sustainable tourism to safeguard jobs, growth, and marine heritage.

Egypt is stepping up controls on tourism at South Sinai’s Abu Galoum Nature Reserve and the Blue Hole in Dahab, one of the world’s most famous dive sites, to protect fragile coral reefs and marine biodiversity from rising visitor pressure.

The measures were announced by Acting Environment Minister and Local Development Minister Manal Awad during an inspection tour with South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak.

Awad described Abu Galoum as a “national treasure” that must be safeguarded for future generations, underscoring the government’s push toward sustainable tourism in Egypt.

Authorities plan to deploy patrol boats, strengthen coral reef monitoring, and expand scientific research programs to track ecosystem health. Visitor education campaigns will also be scaled up to encourage responsible diving and eco-friendly tourism practices.

Egypt puts sustainable tourism at the core

The government is rolling out a waste management system in Dahab and Abu Galoum, supported by regular clean-up drives with civil society groups. Rangers will be equipped to clamp down on harmful activities such as unregulated diving, coral damage, and littering.

Awad emphasized that investing in eco-conscious services is central to Egypt’s ambition of delivering a world-class tourism experience while preserving natural assets.

She encouraged private investors to back sustainable tourism infrastructure, including green accommodations that meet international eco-travel standards.

The Blue Hole in Dahab, ranked among the most challenging dive sites globally, draws thousands of divers each year. Awad said urgent protection of its coral ecosystems is critical if Egypt is to stay competitive in global diving tourism.

Jobs, growth, and heritage

The plan also prioritizes community engagement in Dahab, with Awad noting that sustainable tourism can create jobs while protecting resources for decades to come. Egypt’s tourism sector remains a major economic driver, fueled by its ancient pyramids, temples, Red Sea resorts, Nile cruises, and cultural festivals.

Egypt welcomed record-breaking tourist arrivals and spending in 2024 and 2025, according to government data, highlighting the sector’s resilience.

With its blend of heritage tourism and eco-tourism, Egypt aims to balance growth with preservation, ensuring that destinations like Abu Galoum and Dahab remain among the top attractions for travelers worldwide.