IntroductionSharm El Sheikh is a city in Egypt situated on the southern tip of theSinai Peninsula, inSouth Sinai Governorate, on the coastal strip along theRed Sea. Its population is approximately 35,000 as of 2008. Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns ofDahab andNuweibaas well as the mountainous interior,Saint Catherine's MonasteryandMount Sinai. Nowadays it is a major touristic hotspot and resort city in Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula is a remote desert mountain range. The rocky mountains are parted from the sea by a flat desert strip. This combination of desert and sea is an incredible sight that makes one believe he is on a different planet. About 40 years ago, Sharm El-Sheikh was nothing but a small fishing village with about 100 Bedouin citizens. When Sinai was occupied by Israel in 1967 Sharm El-Sheikh started to develop as a tourist destination (like the rest of the peninsula). Israelis evacuated Sinai between 1979 and 1982, following the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries. Since the 1980's the Egyptians have been continuing the development of Sharm where the Israelis left. Sharm's 100 citizens grew into 10,000. There is now a nice promenade, an International Hard Rock Cafe, and it has one of the most modern hospitals in Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital) (Yara, Abanon, George) Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Arab world as well and is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai Peninsula. But there are also some very good reasons to visit it if one isnt the common tourist who likes to lie on the beach all day; it is one of the finest diving spots in the world and a trip into its desert is an unforgettable adventure. According to UNWTO Sharm el-Sheikh ("Bay of the Sheikh" in Arabic) is called city of peace its very crazy in the morning but in the night you will find it to be a very romantic city, All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, adding to just about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel back riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom. (Yara, Hossam, Merit)

Sharm El-Sheikh is always referred to as the "Land of Peace" as many political, scientific and tourist conferences and meetings were held over its land; Former President Mubarak hosted numerous key figures and held many conferences with the aim of promoting world peace at large, among these conferences were: The 1996 Peace Making Summit that was attended by many Arab and foreign Heads of State. The G-15 Summit was held for the first time in Egypt in 1998 in Sharm El Sheikh .This Summit is held in rotation only in one of the group States. Concluding Wye River Agreement between the Palestinians represented by their leader Yasser Arafat and Israel represented by the then Prime Minister Barak in September 1999. King Abdullah of Jordan, President Mubarak and US Secretary of State Albright also attended the meeting. Sharm El-Sheikh trilateral Summit, which was attended by President Mubarak, Arafat and Barak aiming at boosting the peace process prior to the Palestinian-Israeli meeting in Camp David. President Mubarak and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdullah summit met in Sharm El-Sheikh to review Arab situation, peace process and bilateral cooperation. The trilateral summit that gathered President Mubarak, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to discuss the ongoing peace process in the Middle East with special emphasis on the Syrian-Palestinian tracks of negotiations. President Mubarak and Al Assad summit in 1998 to review the bilateral relations and the latest developments on the Syrian-Turkish level in view of Adana Security Agreement between the two countries. They also handled the peace process and the possibility of resuming negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. The bilateral summit between the two leaders of Egypt and Jordan to discuss the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories and to pave the way for an Arab Summit Sharm El-Sheikh Summit held on October 17, 2000, was considered a pioneering step on the part of President Mubarak besides his call for the international community and the United States to put an end to acts of violence triggered by Israel in the occupied territories. The summit was also attended by the US President Bill Clinton, King Abdullah of Jordan, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Barak and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. On the sidelines of this summit, various meetings with the African, Arab and European countries were held.

The meetings of Sharm El-Sheikh were not only confined to political ones and the city began hosting various industrial, economic and tourist conferences;

In September 2000 the city hosted the Strategic Group Meeting for the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Donors Conference, February 5, 2002 Arab-American summit, June 3, 2003. The summit discussed the Middle East peace process, the situation in Iraq and fighting terrorism. The Economic summit that is to be taking place late March, 2015, in which 60 countries are taking part.

The city has turned to a hub of activities to meet the promising investment prospects. New beaches were expanded and tourist villages were established to accommodate the flow of tourists who flock to enjoy the unique environmental facilities. The increase in tourist influx and tourist nights was tremendous. The number of tourist arrivals increased from 8,000 in 1982 to 1.2 million in 2000.Guest nights also increased in that period of time from 16,000 to 5.1 million. The total number of resorts was increased from 3 in l982 to 91 in year 2000, therefore highly reputable management companies have been attracted to invest in this city such as Hayat Regency, Accor, Marriot, Le Merredian, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and others, with categories between five stars to three stars.

The government exerts laborious effort to improve the road network, thereby making the area more accessible for tourists. At present the roads are connecting Sharm El-Sheikh with the different cities of Sinai and the Nile Valley.

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport has been developed and expanded to receive big aircraft and the steady increase in the number of flights; it is accommodating now 1200 passenger/hour.The port of Sharm El-Sheikh, which can accommodate different types of vessels, played an essential role in connecting the city with the world, besides smaller local ports for diving boats.

Substantial increase in the capacity of infrastructure components can be depicted:- The capacity of telecommunications has increased to 10000-telephone lines.- The capacity of electricity has been increased to 202 mw.- The capacity of potable water has been increased to 28500 m3/day.- The capacity of sewage disposal has been increased to 22380m3 / day.The city also includes a variety of services and facilities (health, educational, cultural, commercial, food courts, shopping centers, cinema, casinos, schools ...etc.), which serve both tourists and residents.

A hierarchical planning approach was adopted for the Gulf of Aqaba, whereby their components were evaluated and subdivided into zones, cities and centers. In accordance with this approach, the Gulf of Aqaba zone was subdivided into four cities: Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh.Sharm El-Sheikh city has been subdivided into five homogeneous centers namely: Nabq, Ras Nusrani, Naama Bay, Umm Sid and Sharm El Maya. Tourism industry in Sharm El-Sheikh is considered the core of development.

The development in the city offers an exclusive world of luxury and elegance, comprising glamorous low density resorts, exclusive sports' facilities, unparalleled food courts and shopping centers. The land plan shows that the total area of Sharm El-Sheikh is expected to be about 42 Km2, in the year 2017. This area is designed to include: Tourism resorts 08.4% Tourism Facilities 40.9% Green & Open areas 12.3% Social Services 09.9% Roads 12.2% Urban Housing 13.7% Bedouin Housing 01.6% Hand crafts & small industries 01.0% (Hossam, Abanob)

AttractionsNatural attraction: Weather: Sharm El sheikh has a relatively stable climate most of the year, having only two real seasons: summer and fall/autumn, comfortable for all individuals in the period from October to April. natural places:- Nabq Protectorate: 35 kilometers north of Sharm el Sheikh is Nabq, the largest coastal protectorate on the Gulf of Aqaba. Named after an oasis that lies within its boundaries, Nabq embraces 600 sq km of land and sea between the Straits of Tiran and Dahab. Found there are several hiking trails, clearly marked snorkeling spots and designated camping areas. Nabqs main attraction is its mangrove forest, which runs along the shoreline at the mouth of Wadi Kid and is the most northerly mangrove stand in the world. Mangrove root systems filter most of the salt from seawater and help to stabilize shorelines, while also providing an important habitat for birds and fish. Just inland from the mangrove forest are the dunes of Wadi Kid, which are home to one of the Middle Easts largest stands of arak bushes (arak twigs were traditionally used by Bedouin to clean teeth) -Ras Mohamed national park: having the greatest variety of coral reef area in the world, declared a national park in 1983 by the Egyptian government. Its the most famous natural site in Sinai and has become one of the amazing tourist attractions in Egypt. Its located about 20 kilometers south of Sharm el sheikh and between the Red Sea reefs and rocks of the Sinai desert interior. Ras Mohamed has a very dry climate with a little rainfall during the winter. Its made up of untouched deserts, white-sand beaches and exotic dive and snorkeling sites, like Anemone City, Jackfish Alley and Shark Reef. In fact, the park is home to more than 2,400 species of coral reefs 1,000 species of fish, 150 different crustaceans, and families of sea turtles.

Mount Sinai & St Catherines Monastery: Mount Sinai is said to be the spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments. There are 4,000 steps up to the summit there, and the journey fromSharm el sheikh (230km) is closer to 3 hours. But at are enchanting panoramic views of the desert. If one doesnt prefer not to make the climb, they can still explore St Catherines monastery from the bottom.

The Valley of the Camels: AKA Wadi Gimal National Park, spreads out for 6,000 square meters and is made up of wide open desert-scapes, mangroves and acacia trees. Bedouins still live off the land there, one can have the chance to meet them and maybe even try their home-made camel cheese.

Desert Safari: Discovering incredible landscapes by jeep, camel or simply trekking with friendly and hospitable Bedouin guides. The Sinai desert is amazingly beautiful and varied.

Water: a lot of water sports like Scuba diving is the biggest in business, but also are water skiing, kite surfing and windsurfing. If one isnt a confident swimmer, glass-bottomed boat trips leave from Sharm El Sheikh all the time and there is a lot of diving centers in Sharm el sheikh (Camel Diving Club Diving Center - Blue Lagoon Diving Center - Emperor Divers Diving Centeretc.

Turtle Bay: is a wonderful diving-in-Sharm el-Sheikh-site, to monitor the turtles in their natural dwelling hence the Gulf label. As well as all what cannot be seen in the flat areas. In addition to the site dedication to diving, it is also ideal for swimming.

Man Made Attractions:-Little Buddha Asian: One of the most popular Asian restaurants in Sharm, Little Buddha serves excellent Asian fusion cuisine alongside a fresh and varied sushi bar. Later in the night it turns into a lounge bar

- Hard Rock Caf Bar: A late night disco-bar with dancing, and one of Sharms most popular nightspots. Dancing starts at midnight and goes until the morning.

- Mexicana Bar: A small and sometimes happening bar close to the promenade, this is a great place to down a few bowls of nachos followed by a decent margarita

- Black Jack Bike Cycling: This small company organizes highly recommended half-day (five-hour) mountain-bike tours (bikes are European standard) into the Nabq Protectorate. Tours cost 50 and include pickup from hotel, helmet, water and a support van. It also offers tailor-made tours for people interested in full-day or multi day trips

- Koshary El-Sheikh Egyptian Fast Food: Egypts favorite carbohydrate-fuelled feast, koshariy(a blend of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onion smothered in a tomato sauce)

- Savoy Sharm El Sheikh: therapy sessions in the water fountains, from the beginning of aromatherapy therapeutic massage sessions and even mask the hot oil, to relax away from the noise and pressure of life. Therapy sessions based on traditional techniques using Egyptian oils and herbs, such as grass oil.

Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh:--SOHO Square: Is the Middle East's latest shopping and entertainment center, and the finest in the Red Sea region At night SOHO Square becomes fantastic, a hub for entertainment, shopping, clubbing, dining and sport activities. Soho square isn't just a promenade lined with shops, it has numerous pieces of public art, a dancing fountain, Shisha Island, fabulous statues, fountain bar, international restaurants, public stage and kids arcade, all works for a great environment to enjoy with friends or family-The Il Mercato Mall outdoors: in Umm Sid area, and is managed by international hotel chain Aberottal. Famous shopping center in sharm el sheikh and contains the various global brands and stores, including Quicksilver, Adidas, Virgin Megastore and mother-care and many others. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from; and chains including the global fast-food restaurants. Il Mercato in the commercial market is also hosting concerts live music.

-The Sharm Papyrus Museum: Just like any other city in Egypt,SharmEl-Sheikh has its ownPapyrus Museum. The museum is not as big as the one in Cairo, but it does offer its own little charm.

And from the Religious Landmarks are the Mostafa Masjid which resembles the Azhar Masjid, The heavenly Cathedral and The Coptic Church (Merit, Yara, Hossam)

Accomodation

We can give a simple list of five star hotels: Holiday InnThe Movenpick Sharm El-Sheikh Hotel and CasinoSheraton Sharm Hotel and ResortFour Seasons Sharm El-SheikhSonesta Beach Resort Sharm el-SheikhRitz-Carlton Hotel Sharm el-SheikhMovenpick Jolie VilleIberotel Palace HotelQueen Sharm Village HotelIberotel Lido SharmPyramisa ResortHilton Residence HotelSofitel Sharm El Sheikh HotelConrad International ResortHyatt Regency Resort

And four star hotels: Ghazala Gardens HotelAquamarine Novotel Sharm HotelGardenia Plaza ResortGhazala HotelParadise Sinai Village HotelClub Sharm Village HotelCataract Resort HotelHilton Fayrouz VillageIberotel Club Fanara (Merit, George)

Transportation

General information about the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport:The Sharm El-Sheikh international airport is located in the heart of the resort area just near the Red Sea coast. It is considered to be the second major airport in Egypt -after Cairo- as the airport has approximately 10 million passengers traffic yearly. Airport Location: The airport is located in 18 kilometers (11 miles) northeast from the city of Sharm El Sheikh, about 10km north of Naama Bay at Ras Nasrany. The airport serves for the major recreation area of Egypt including dozens of hotels along the seaside.Route Network: The airport dispatches regular flights to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, different cities of the Europe and the Middle East. However the main air traffic consists of the season charter flights from the Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavian and Baltic countries, Russia and CIS countries. The infrastructure of the airport has been constantly improved in order to increase the passenger services quality.Transportation within the city: Including the public bus services, which passes by the famous Naama Bay, despite the lack of specific timelines for the passage of these buses, yet they are less expensive than taxis, hence becoming a typical economic transition wayYou can also use a taxi to get from the airport to your hotel, and taxi drivers would be waiting for the arrival of passengers to offer their services. Taxis generally charge from E20 to E25 from the airport to Sharm or Naama Bay.

The distance between cairo and sharm el sheikh: 488km and to dahab : 588kmBicycle Standard and cross-country bicycles can be rented from many hotels. Black Jack Bike rents out European-standard mountain bikes for 22 per day (including helmet) and will deliver to your hotel door.Car-rental agencies in Naama Bay include Avis just west of Carrefour Supermarket; Hertz and Sixt Car Rental . All charge about US$80 per day for a basic saloon, and US$120 and up for a roomier 4WD. unlimited kilometer arrangements generally require a minimum thre