At first glance, El Gouna looks like a mirage between the desert and the Red Sea. Turquoise waterways wind between luxury hotels, sand-toned homes and lush gardens, creating a city that looks like something out of a modern dream. But this paradise didn’t come about by chance — it’s the result of a visionary project that transformed an arid stretch of the Egyptian coast into one of the country’s most exclusive and sustainable destinations.
El Gouna: Egypt reinvented between sea and desert
Built in the 1990s by Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris, El Gouna was designed as a model city: ecological, sophisticated and open to the world. Located about 25 km north of Hurghada, it is today a unique example of sustainable urbanism in Egypt, with cutting-edge infrastructure, solar energy, efficient recycling and an architectural aesthetic that harmonizes the traditional with the contemporary.
Where the desert meets sophistication
Walking around El Gouna is like experiencing an elegant and relaxed version of the Egyptian lifestyle. The streets are clean, safe and dotted with art galleries, bohemian cafes and boutiques that mix local design with international brands. The neighborhoods — each with its own identity — are connected by bridges and navigable canals, allowing you to explore the city by tuk-tuk, bicycle or even by boat. Every day we feel that the lifestyle here is defined by the gentle rhythm of the tides, lazy mornings by the sea and lively evenings with live music, al fresco dining and frequent cultural events. It’s easy to get into the rhythm of the city and you soon feel that immersion of relaxation that attracts both local families and international travelers, looking for an alternative and refined experience in Egypt.
Culture with a cosmopolitan accent
Although modern, El Gouna has not lost touch with its Egyptian cultural roots. In small cultural centers and seasonal festivals, there is space for traditional Arabic music, independent Egyptian cinema and exhibitions by local artists. This is also where the El Gouna International Film Festival takes place, which in recent years has put the destination on the global radar as a rising artistic hub. In the art galleries in Abu Tig Marina, contemporary Egyptian artists explore themes such as identity, memory and landscape — proof that even in a luxurious setting, art and reflection have space and relevance.
People who live in the present with an eye on the future
What is most surprising about El Gouna is the community spirit. Unlike urban or rural Egypt, an atmosphere of multicultural and sustainable coexistence prevails here. Residents — many from Cairo, Alexandria or even abroad — see El Gouna not just as a resort, but as a way of life. They are creative entrepreneurs, nature lovers, kitesurfers, chefs, artists and families who seek and appreciate quality of life.
Egypt that looks forward
El Gouna is not the Egypt of pyramids or ancient temples — it is the Egypt of the present and the future. A contemporary retreat that balances luxury and sustainability, culture and relaxation. For the traveler who seeks more than monuments, who wants to experience the country through its new expressions and landscapes, El Gouna is a surprising discovery. As you leave the city, with the Red Sea breeze still fresh on your face, you feel like you have experienced a different chapter in Egyptian history — a chapter that is being written in real time, between the sea and the desert, looking out over the horizon.
By Carla Branco
INFO: www.elgouna.com