Hurghada: The Red Sea Jewel

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'iinjlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad 'an 'ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uriid 'an 'udfi', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [idhab ba'idan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itasil bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itasil batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [liqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uriid 'an 'ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatalla]
• How much is it?بكم ثمنها؟
  [bikam thamanha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsi'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة والنصف (10)
  [alssaa'ah walnisf (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [alssabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldduhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniyah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayn...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'eanan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tureeni (ealaa alkhari'Tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yati alhafila alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirah (ealaa ....)]

Hurghada's history stretches back to ancient times. While the area wasn't a major player in ancient Egyptian civilization, it still saw activity from ancient nomadic tribes and served as a minor fishing village along the Red Sea coast. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the region was used by traders and seafarers as a stopover point.

During the Ottoman Empire's control over Egypt, Hurghada was a modest settlement. It was primarily known for its strategic location along the Red Sea, serving as a waypoint for ships. The Ottomans recognized its potential but invested minimally, leaving it as a quiet outpost.

Hurghada saw more significant development during World War II. The British forces established a small base in the area due to its strategic location. This period marked the beginning of modern infrastructure development in Hurghada, laying the groundwork for future growth.

The late 20th century marked a transformative era for Hurghada. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Egyptian government began to recognize the tourism potential of its Red Sea coastline. Investments were made to develop Hurghada into a major tourist destination. Resorts, hotels, and diving centers began to sprout, attracting international tourists.

Today, Hurghada is a bustling tourist haven known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. The city has expanded significantly, with new developments continuously emerging. It has become one of Egypt's premier tourist destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Hurghada's growth as a tourist destination has turned it into a cultural melting pot. The influx of tourists and expatriates from various countries has brought a blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in the city's vibrant markets, eclectic dining options, and international festivals.

Hurghada is well-connected by air, with the Hurghada International Airport (HRG) serving as the primary gateway. The airport is located around 5 km southwest of the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. Alternatively, you can fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI) and take a domestic flight or a bus to Hurghada. Buses and taxis are available from Cairo, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours by road.

Hurghada offers various transportation options. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Microbuses, which are shared minivans, run on fixed routes and are an economical option for getting around the city. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to drive themselves. For longer distances, buses connect Hurghada to other cities in Egypt, and ferry services are available to nearby destinations like Sharm El Sheikh.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Hurghada, and currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Hurghada is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas at night. Some neighborhoods, particularly the outskirts, may have higher crime rates, so it is best to stick to well-populated and tourist-friendly areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours or services.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for the fire department. Hurghada has several hospitals and medical centers that cater to tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, women should cover their heads and both men and women should remove their shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and follow local norms. Avoid loud conversations and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile and 'Salam Aleikum' (peace be upon you) are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid drinking tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Hurghada like a local, visit the traditional souks and markets where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Don't miss a visit to the El Dahar district, the old part of town, for a more authentic Egyptian experience. For a unique adventure, consider a desert safari or a Bedouin dinner.