Dahar: The Heartbeat of Hurghada

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aatharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. waant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriid ru'yyat alqa'imah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allaham]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal tabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [uriid shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsi'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnisf ba'd (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhariitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilah altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Dahar, the oldest neighborhood in Hurghada, has its origins in the early 20th century when it began as a modest fishing village. The area's strategic location along the Red Sea coast facilitated trade and maritime activities, laying the groundwork for its development into a more significant settlement.

In the late 1970s, Dahar witnessed a transformation with the advent of tourism in Egypt. The government's initiatives to promote the Red Sea as a tourist destination led to the construction of hotels and facilities, attracting both local and international visitors. Dahar became a focal point for cultural exchange, showcasing traditional Egyptian life amidst the burgeoning tourist industry.

Dahar has evolved into a cultural melting pot, reflecting a blend of Egyptian heritage and influences from diverse tourist populations. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant markets, local cuisine, and traditional crafts, providing visitors with an authentic experience of Egyptian culture. This fusion has fostered a sense of community among residents and tourists alike.

In recent years, Dahar has undergone further modernization, with an emphasis on enhancing infrastructure while preserving its historical charm. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism and local businesses have emerged, aiming to balance economic growth with the preservation of the neighborhood's unique cultural identity.

Local initiatives have been established to preserve Dahar's architectural and cultural heritage. This includes restoration projects for traditional houses and the promotion of local arts, ensuring that the history of this vibrant neighborhood is celebrated and passed on to future generations.

Dahar is centrally located in Hurghada and can be easily reached from other neighborhoods like Sekalla and El Mamsha. Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport, with rides typically costing around 20-30 EGP from Sekalla. Alternatively, you can use local microbuses, which are a budget-friendly option, but be prepared for a less comfortable ride.

Dahar is best navigated on foot, especially in its bustling markets and local neighborhoods. For longer distances, use microbuses or taxis. Bicycles can also be rented, though they may not be as common as in other tourist areas. Be cautious of traffic, as it can be chaotic.

Dahar is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly around busy markets. It's best to avoid poorly lit streets at night and to stay in well-populated areas. Areas like the back alleys near the old market may be less safe after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for medical assistance or 122 for police. The nearest hospital is the Hurghada Public Hospital located in Dahar. Always carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance details. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local markets and religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your shoulders and knees in religious places. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite 'Salam.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drink bottled water. Don't eat in public during Ramadan.

To experience Dahar like a local, visit the bustling El Dahar Market for fresh produce and authentic Egyptian street food. Engage with shopkeepers; many are eager to share local history. Try to learn a few Arabic phrases to enhance your interactions. Consider visiting local cafes to enjoy traditional Egyptian coffee or tea.

Understanding local customs is key to a positive experience. Be polite and respectful when interacting with locals. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion unless you are invited to share opinions. Tipping is common; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

The best time to visit Dahar is during the cooler months from October to April. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring the area. Be mindful of the peak tourist season from December to February, when attractions can be crowded.