People at the pier at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort in the Sinai in Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh is a very famous tourist resort in the Sinai area of Egypt, a tourist destination different from the other historical places that highlight the structures (or temples) of ancient Egypt. Sharm el-Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, along the Red Sea (and it is the Red Sea that provides much of the attraction of the area). From time to time, there are a number of international conferences that have taken place here geared towards some sort of peace settlement or the other (for example, there was a lessening of tension between the Indian and Pakistani Governments at a conference held here a few years back). Sharl e-Sheikh is located at a strategic position with respect to the Gulf of Aqaba, and hence it became a major naval base for the Egyptian navy. During the 1956 war, the Israeli army captured it, and it was returned in 1957. Again, in the 1967 war, it was recaptured and then returned back to Egypt as part of the 1979 peace settlement. Now, there are strict environmental laws in place in the city and in the waters around, aimed to increase its attraction as tourist potential, and the coral reefs and others nearby ensure that a number of people come here for the sun, and for snorkeling and scuba diving. The photo shows people heading towards the boats and ship that take them for diving and for snorkeling.

Sharm El Sheikh (New Millennium Collection: North Africa)	View Larger Map