From Fishing Village to Tourism: A Brief History of Hurghada
From humble beginnings as a quiet fishing settlement to becoming Egypt’s most popular coastal resort, a brief history of Hurghada reads like a fascinating tale of reinvention.
This Red Sea gem has weathered the winds of change through oil discoveries, political upheavals, and tourism booms, now welcoming millions of visitors every year.
Hurghada’s journey through the 20th century mirrors Egypt’s own evolution from traditional maritime culture to modern tourist destination.
Its crystal-clear waters now attract visitors from across the globe, whilst still preserving glimpses of its authentic past in the winding streets of its old town.
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Local Geography
Nestled along Egypt’s eastern coast, Hurghada sits 400 kilometres southeast of Cairo on the stunning Red Sea shores.
The area enjoys a subtropical desert climate, with summers reaching 35°C and mild winters dipping to 14°C. There’s barely 1mm of rainfall yearly, making it an ideal year-round destination.
The surrounding Red Sea waters hold remarkable natural wealth, with more than 1,200 fish species swimming among 250 varieties of coral.
These crystal-clear waters attract visitors from across the globe, who come to witness the vibrant marine life.
The pristine conditions and gentle currents make Hurghada’s waters perfect for swimming and water activities throughout the year.
Origins as a Small Fishing Village
At the start of the 20th century, Hurghada was a modest fishing village, where local fishermen worked their small boats with hand-crafted nets along the Red Sea coast.
The village’s daily rhythm centred on maritime activities, with families following time-honoured fishing methods passed down through generations.
The original settlers lived simply, blending fishing with small-scale farming to sustain their community. Their way of life reflected the rich cultural mix of Bedouin traditions and seafaring customs, creating a unique identity shaped by both the desert and the sea.
Small wooden vessels dotted the shoreline, while the sound of fishermen mending their nets filled the narrow streets of the growing settlement.
Discovery of Oil in 1913
The year 1913 marked a turning point in Hurghada’s story when British oil companies found petroleum deposits in the area. This finding changed the quiet fishing village into a budding industrial centre.
During the 1920s, Anglo-Egyptian Oilfields Ltd set up operations, bringing new work opportunities to the region.
As oil extraction grew, many local fishermen traded their nets for jobs in the oil industry. The village began to change as basic infrastructure appeared – roads were laid, simple housing built, and support facilities established.
This steady growth brought more workers to the area, slowly expanding the small coastal settlement into a larger community.
Hurghada During King Farouk’s Reign (1936-1952)
King Farouk’s time brought fresh attention to the Red Sea coast, as the monarchy looked to build up Egypt’s coastal regions.
The once-simple settlement saw its first modern conveniences arrive, with electricity lighting up homes and clean water flowing through new pipes. The government added a small port, supporting the growing trade between coastal towns.
During this period, Hurghada formed close ties with nearby Red Sea settlements like El Quseir and Safaga. These links helped create a network of coastal communities, each playing its part in the region’s growth.
While still modest in size, the foundations laid during these years set the stage for Egyptian Leader Gamal Nasser’s future developments.
Impact of Nationalisation Policies
The 1956 Suez Canal nationalisation marked the beginning of significant changes for Hurghada. By 1962, Gamal Abdel Nasser brought the oil industry under state control, shifting the economic structure of the coastal region.
This period saw many international companies leaving the area, while Egyptian state-owned enterprises took their place.
During the War of Attrition (1967-1970), Hurghada took on a new role as a naval base, with its harbour supporting military vessels patrolling the Red Sea waters.
The city’s strategic position proved vital during the October War of 1973, when its coastal lookouts kept watch over maritime movements. Local fishing boats aided the war effort by gathering information about shipping activities along the coast.
Becoming a Tourist Destination
The late 1970s saw Hurghada shift from its oil industry roots as the Egyptian government began promoting Red Sea tourism.
The opening of the Sheraton Hurghada in 1979 marked the start of the city’s transformation into a holiday destination. Throughout the 1980s, new hotels appeared along the coastline, turning quiet beaches into welcoming spots for international visitors.
The area’s clear waters and rich marine life drew attention from water sports enthusiasts, leading to the growth of boat trips and water activities.
Small family-run establishments gave way to modern facilities, while local fishing boats began offering trips to nearby reefs and islands. This period laid the groundwork for Hurghada’s future as a prominent Red Sea resort town.
the 1990s and Early 2000s
The 1990s brought remarkable growth to Hurghada’s hospitality sector, with hotel capacity rising from 18,000 to over 35,000 rooms.
The introduction of all-inclusive resorts changed the local tourism landscape, bringing package holiday visitors in greater numbers. The town grew beyond its beachfront, adding attractions like water parks and golf courses to keep guests busy.
Desert safaris became popular choices for visitors wanting to see the Eastern Desert’s striking landscapes.
European tour operators played a key role in shaping local tourism, bringing their knowledge of Western holiday preferences.
This period saw Hurghada grow from a simple beach destination into a full-service holiday spot, with activities and amenities for all types of travellers.
Modern-Day Developments and Attractions
Today’s Hurghada welcomes visitors through its expanded international airport, which handles 13 million passengers yearly since its 2015 enhancement.
A new road connecting the city to Luxor opened in 2014, making inland journeys smoother for visitors wanting to see Egypt’s ancient sites.
The city now houses more than 170 hotels and resorts along its sun-kissed shores.
Visitors flock to the beautiful Giftun Islands, with their white sandy beaches and clear waters.
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium offers close-up views of Red Sea marine life, while El Dahar’s old town keeps the spirit of the original fishing village alive with its traditional markets and local eateries.
Beyond the beaches, guests enjoy kitesurfing, boat trips, and ventures into the Eastern Desert’s golden landscape.
History of Hurghada FAQs
Hurghada was a small fishing village until the 1980s when it became a major Red Sea tourist destination.
Yes, Hurghada is generally safe, but stay cautious in crowded areas and avoid isolated places at night.
Hurghada offers stunning Red Sea beaches, vibrant marine life, world-class diving, and lively nightlife.
Hurghada is affordable due to a favorable exchange rate, competitive tourism market, and lower local costs.
History Of Hurghada – Final Thoughts
Today’s Hurghada stands as a testament to how thoughtful development can transform a modest fishing village into an international resort whilst retaining its cultural essence.
The city has masterfully balanced its rich maritime heritage with modern amenities, creating an environment where traditional markets exist alongside luxury resorts.
As Hurghada continues to evolve, it serves as a model for sustainable tourism development along the Red Sea coast.
