Taba
Taba is a city in Egypt that falls under the jurisdiction of the South Sinai Governorate. It is strategically located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, nestled between the mountain range and the eastern Taba plateaus on one side, and the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba on the other. The city has a population of approximately 3,000 residents and spans an area of around 508.8 acres, situated 240 kilometers north of Sharm El-Sheikh. Notably, it serves as the busiest border crossing point in Egypt.
For those traveling to Egypt, this is an opportunity to experience its stunning white sandy beaches, radiant sunshine, crystal-clear blue waters, and warm climate along the Red Sea. Day tours from Hurghada, the nearest city with air travel options to Luxor, allow visitors to explore the archaeological wonders of ancient Egypt through Luxor day tours. One of the finest ways to appreciate the remarkable beaches is by visiting Sharm El-Sheikh, which offers some of the best coastal experiences in Egypt and is recognized for its luxury tours.
The city is home to several significant tourist attractions, including the Flag Platform, a memorial commemorating the raising of the Egyptian flag in Taba on March 19, 1989. Additionally, a typical Bedouin village has been established, featuring 198 Bedouin homes, a school, a health unit, and 60 shops and youth centers, all aimed at serving the Bedouin communities, particularly those from Wadi Al-Marakh, with an investment of approximately 50 million pounds. Furthermore, the Taba Museum plays a crucial role in preserving the city's history, housing three halls that contain over 700 artifacts, which chronicle the lives of the people of South Sinai from the Pharaonic period to contemporary times.
Until recently, the only notable structures in this area, aside from the border guards, were a bus station and a Hilton hotel situated near the border. At present, Taba has developed to include several cafes, restaurants, and a hotel; however, the majority of visitors merely transit between Egypt and Israel.
Taba
Pharaoh Island is located 10 kilometers from the city of Aqaba in Jordan and just 30 meters from the Sinai beach. It is home to the ancient castle of Salah al-Din, established by the leader Salah al-Din in 1171 AD to defend against Crusader incursions and safeguard the Egyptian pilgrimage route through Sinai. In 1182 AD, Prince Arnat, the lord of Karak Fort, besieged the island with the aim of obstructing the Red Sea for Muslims and monopolizing trade routes to the Far East and the Indian Ocean by capturing Ayla (modern-day Aqaba) to the north and Aden to the south. The valiant Abu Bakr bin Ayoub opposed him under the directives of his brother Salah al-Din, in preparation for the Battle of Hattin. The castle features defensive structures, a weapons manufacturing facility, a war council room, accommodations for soldiers, a baking oven, grain storage, a steam bath, water reservoirs, and a mosque established by Prince Husamuddin Bajil bin Hamdan. Constructed from granite firestone sourced from the hill on which it stands, the castle is a remarkable historical site. I encourage all tourists to ask any questions, as I am your guide specializing in Egyptology and am present on Egyptian soil.
