June 2014
www.elgounamag.com
Life as it should be
47 | El Gouna Magazine
Yasmine El Narsh
“The quality goes in before
the name goes on”
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Editor’s Note
Contents June 2014
Dear Readers,
4. On the shelf: Spy Novels and Plant Art
Over the first half of 2014, our town has been the scene
of many exciting events. The United Nations held its
seventh annual Youth Conference for the Environment and
Biodiversity in El Gouna March 7-11, and our magazine
checked in on the 400 enthusiastic young delegates (p. 26).
The Top Model of the World competition final came to town
for a second time the same month, bringing 42 beautiful
women to vie for the trophy (p. 18).
The El Gouna Rally Race was also held in March, featuring
seven teams and a total of ten cars that roared through
the tough terrain of the Eastern Desert (p. 14). World class
squash returned to town in April, when Ramy Ashour took
the title at the El Gouna International Squash Open for the
second time running (p. 28).
Easter and Sham El Nessim brought huge crowds to town
to relax and party, and we take a look at some of the many
events that took place over the holidays (p. 22).
In addition to hosting conferences, festivities, and
competitions, El Gouna continues to offer opportunities to
enjoy the world and celebrate life with friends and family.
Writer Georgina Cole provides a run-down of the options
for exploring the Eastern Desert (p. 32), while Jenny Cooper
continues her series on wedding venues in town (p. 43).
We also speak with Jeroen Van Gent, a young wakeboarder
and kiteboarder from Holland who has lived his whole life on
the shores of the Red Sea (p. 10).
Enjoy your summer,
10. Profile: Jeroen Van Gent
14. Sports: El Gouna Rally
18. Events: Top Model of the World
22. Events: Easter
26. Environment: UN Event
28. Sports: Squash Tournament
32. Excursion: Eastern Desert
34. Weddings: DuPort
38. Updates
42. Guide
43. Dine Around
The desert race returns
The El Gouna Magazine Team
Managing Director
Maryse Raad
Copy Editor
Laurie B. Pierce
Contributors
Georgina Cole / Jenny Cooper
Creative Designer
Baher Nemr
Cover Photo
Production Controller
Gehan Salah
Advertising Manager
Ghada Youssef
Financial Manager
Ramez Farouk
El Gouna Magazine is produced by Icon Communications, S.A.E.
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2 | El Gouna Magazine
6. Restaurant: Egyptian Cuisine
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BOOKS
On The Shelf
Spy novels and plant art
Text: Laurie B. Pierce
The Cairo Affair
Olen Steinhauer, Minotaur Books, 2014
The complexity and moral ambiguity in Olen Steinhauer’s spy
novels often prompt comparisons with John Le Carré, though the
authors are separated by 40 years and the Atlantic Ocean. Despite
the similarities, Steinhauer’s books tend to be harder to follow
than Le Carré’s novels, but this hasn’t stopped the former from
becoming a best-selling author. His 2009 book The Tourist was
turned into a movie just one year after publication, fuelled by the
star power of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.
The Cairo Affair is Steinhauer’s first stand-alone book. His previous
works include a five-volume series known as the Yalta Boulevard
Sequence and the subsequent Milo Weaver Trilogy, the three-book
series that begins with The Tourist. The author’s latest work is set
mainly against the backdrop of the Arab Spring uprisings, though
the novel opens with a scene that takes place in Eastern Europe in
1991. Americans Emmett and Sophie Kohl have come to Prague
for a holiday, and in the course of some shopping, the newlyweds
purchase a souvenir bust of Lenin as a joke. A passerby snatches
the bust and flings it into the Vltava River, a seemingly minor event
that nonetheless deeply upsets Sophie.
Two decades later the two are living in Cairo, and as revolution
unfolds around them, Sophie finds herself in the midst of an affair
with a man named Stan. A year later, in Budapest, Sophie confesses
her affair to Emmett, but he is murdered by a mysterious man right
after her revelation. Meanwhile, Libyan-American CIA agent Jibreel
Aziz has discovered that a handful of Libyan exiles have disappeared
from their new homelands, and he suspects that a long-dead plot to
overthrow Muammar al-Qaddafi has suddenly been revived. With the
approval of his bosses at Langley, he heads abroad to investigate.
The remainder of the novel twists and turns as Sophie heads back
to the Middle East to search out the reasons behind her husband’s
murder. New characters are introduced along the way: the exotic
Serbian woman Zora manages to escape being a spy novel trope,
while the Egyptian agent Omar Halawi and his wife are among the
most sympathetic figures in the book. But sorting out the goodies
and the baddies is a nearly impossible task; lies are told about
everyone, and everyone tells lies.
The Cairo Affair has its shortcomings; at times the plot is difficult
to follow, a character key would be a welcome addition, and it
lacks the page-turning qualities most of us would like to see in
a spy novel. But the settings and descriptions are excellent, and
it’s refreshing to see a cast of characters whose lives reflect the
moral ambiguity of their political and historical circumstances.
4 | El Gouna Magazine
Lazy summer days call for a good book to be read on the beach, by the pool, or in the quiet
comfort of home. In this issue of El Gouna Magazine, we review The Cairo Affair, a tangled
spy novel set amidst the Arab Spring and full of dizzying twists and turns. When you need
a break for something more orderly, turn to our second pick: The Plant Recipe Book. Its
gorgeous collection of full-color photos will inspire living designs that will beautify your
home or serve as wonderful gifts for friends.
All books reviewed are available from www.amazon.com
The Plant Recipe Book: 100 Living
Arrangements for Any Home in
Any Season
Baylor Chapman, Artisan Books, 2014
The Plant Recipe Book is the first book by professional floral and
garden designer Baylor Chapman, and it is beautiful. Chapman
devotes much of her time her green-certified business Lila B.
Design (lilabdesign.com) in San Francisco, California, where
she specializes in creating custom container gardens for home
spaces and special events. This book is as much a photographic
testament to that work as it is a how-to manual.
The book begins with a short section outlining what it takes to
get started on your own container garden. Chapman provides
lists and pictures of the tools needed and types of containers that
can be used along with information on soil types, plant selection
and care, and techniques. The bulk of the book, however, is
devoted to the plant “recipes” themselves—arrangements and
container gardens that range from whimsical to understated to
awe-inspiring.
Many of the plants in Chapman’s book are native to arid areas,
making them suited to the Egyptian climate. Tiny succulents,
attractive plants that have grown in popularity in recent years,
take very little water and can be planted in the smallest and
most unique containers. The tray arrangement (p. 83), and the
smaller, simpler hanging globe (p. 85) would beautify any corner
of an El Gouna home.
Some of the displays in The Plant Recipe Book are amazing but
intimidating (c.f. the air plant wreath on p. 41), but others give a
sense of how much artistry lurks in even the simplest of objects
(check out the cacti planted in simple containers made of copper
pipe on p. 133). You may not be up for attempting all—or any—of
the designs in this book, but it’s worth buying for the inspiration
it provides. //
Of Related Interest
The Tourist
Olen Steinhauer, Minotaur Books, 2009
A Delicate Truth
John Le Carré, Viking Adult, 2013
The Flower Recipe Book
Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo, Artisan Books, 2013
Bringing Nature Home:
Floral Arrangements Inspired by Nature
Ngoc Minh Ngo, Rizzoli Books, 2012
June 2014 | 5
RESTAURANT
Egyptian
Cuisine
Traditional dining in El Gouna
Text and Photography: Georgina Cole
Egyptian cuisine is influenced
by many different traditions,
from the Levantine food of
the Eastern Mediterranean
to the Berber food of North
Africa. Egypt’s historical
position as a crossroads of
civilization and the vast array
of crops grown in its Nile
valley has resulted in a rich
and varied culinary tradition
that can be enjoyed today in
El Gouna, where feasts for
all budgets are available at
Downtown restaurants.
6 | El Gouna Magazine
Egyptian meals often begin with an array
of mezzes presented in small dishes and
accompanied by traditional flat bread
fresh from the oven. The bread serves
as a utensil to scoop and wrap up the
appetizers, many of which originated in
the Levant and migrated to Egypt when
both regions belonged to the Ottoman
empire. Commonly-found mezzes include
marinated olives, tahina, baba ghanoug
(eggplant mashed with tahina), salads,
pickles, and yogurt with cucumber and
mint. Other tasty choices are feta cheese
served with tomatoes, baby eggplant
stuffed with a special mix of spices, and
pickled grape leaves wrapped around a
mixture of meat and rice.
The staple of the Egyptian diet, however,
is the fava bean known locally as fuul.
The traditional way to prepare the dish
involves simmering the beans in a large
pot with spices and serving it with beladi
(local) bread. Fava beans are also mixed
with chickpeas and fresh herbs to make
falafel, tasty fried nuggets served with
salad in fresh flat bread, a convenient
takeaway food purchased alongside busy
city streets.
Egyptian cuisine also features a variety of
soups, including a lentil stew served with
lime wedges and croutons, Bird Tongue
Soup (a dish named for the shape of the
pasta it contains), and a local specialty
known as molokhayya, a dish made of
chopped green herbs that is nutritious
but has a thick consistency off-putting to
many foreigners.
Favorite meat dishes include kofta,
minced lamb or beef mixed with spices,
molded to a skewer, and grilled.
Shawerma, another street food favourite,
is comprised of marinated meat strips
layered onto a vertical rotisserie. Once
cooked, the meat is thinly sliced into
flat bread and served with salad and
tahina. Tagines, a staple of Berber
cuisine in North Africa, are named after
earthenware pots with cone-shaped lids
used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables.
The dishes are placed over coals or in
an oven, and the lid traps condensation
and returns moisture to the pot, saving
valuable water in an arid region. Steaming
hot tagines are the perfect food for a cool
winter’s evening.
Pigeon stuffed with rice is another
Egyptian delicacy. Bred in special
mud brick towers found all over the
countryside and usually served in pairs,
8 | El Gouna Magazine
A rich and varied
culinary tradition
for every budget.
pigeons are said to have an aphrodisiac
effect. The famous and classic kosheri is
a less refined dish, but its layers of rice,
lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, spaghetti,
tomato sauce, and fried onions make for
an inexpensive and satisfying meal.
Hungry diners in Downtown El Gouna
are spoilt for choice with restaurants
serving Egyptian food. The best value in
town is Zomba Restaurant next to Ebaid
Supermarket (formerly known as Foool
House). Prices start at just 2 LE for fuul or
falafel, while the Zomba House Selection,
priced at 25 LE, is a great way to sample
a mouth-watering feast suitable for
vegetarians. “This is the food of the
Pharaohs,” says Operations Manager
Sherif Khalil. “We are creating an oriental
atmosphere with our restaurant, serving
typical traditional cuisine that everyone
can afford.”
Zomba House’s chicken or beef
shawerma, which is marinated in 14
different spices, is served in Egyptian flat
bread and costs just 7 LE. The meat is
served with tomatoes, onions, and tomato
sauce made from a secret recipe that
Administrative Manager Ahmed El Sawi
refuses to share. The restaurant is small
and basic, but it is a hive of activity from 8
am until midnight and is run by a friendly
and helpful staff.
Those of you with a sweet tooth are in
the right country to sample traditional
desserts. Umm Ali, a bread pudding, is
Egypt’s most famous sweet. The dessert
was originally made in Egyptian villages
with dry, thin, crispy bread soaked in
full cream milk and sugar and baked in
a tagine. Another local favourite is rice
pudding cooked with sultanas, cinnamon,
honey, and coconut. If you want to pick
up dessert on the go, check out Bestway
Supermarket’s range of homemade
sweets. Their rice milk is 5.50 LE and has
a delicious topping mix.
Other opportunities to try Egyptian food
await you at Abou El Sid, Kan Zaman,
Oriental Grill, and Tamr Henna Food
Court. For a special treat, head to
Dawar El Omda Hotel’s El Tabaleya, the
smallest restaurant in town. The venue
serves an Egyptian meal for two to eight
persons at a cost of 20 Euros, including
entertainment. //
Zomba Restaurant can be reached
by telephone at +2 012 278 498 54 or
Ext. 32088. Home delivery is available.
Contact information for other restaurants
mentioned in this article (and all
restaurants in El Gouna) can be found in
the directory at the back of the magazine.
June 2014 | 9
PROFILE
10 | El Gouna Magazine
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June 2014 | 11
Jeroen Van Gent was born in Renswoude, Holland in 1994, but he
didn’t stay there for long. Just months after his birth, his father
took on the management of Waterworld, an aquasport business
in Sharm El Sheikh, and the whole family moved to Egypt. Jeroen
spent his early years in Sharm, travelling on weekends to Taba
after his father was transferred to the Waterworld branch there.
Living on the Red Sea coast with a father employed in the
aquasport business, Van Gent was out on the water from an
early age. He got his first taste of wakeboarding at age five, and
three years later he had received the PADI Bubblemaker diving
certificate. By the time he was ten, Jeroen had completed the
Junior Open Water diving course. “I was a small ball of energy,”
he remarked. “My mum was a tour operator and would take me to
meetings at hotels so I could play in the swimming pools.”
An international circle of friends meant that Jeroen grew up
multilingual. His native tongue is Dutch, but he gained early
fluency in English and Arabic and later learned German. When
Jeroen was 12, his father was given the opportunity to open the
Orange Concept, a water sport business in El Gouna. The move
coincided with the summer holidays, which Jeroen spent helping
his dad set up the new business. “I loved El Gouna immediately,”
he remarked. “It was such a safe environment. We lived at
Captain’s Inn and then rented a villa. I had much more freedom
here and could move around town on my own.”
Jeroen enrolled in El Gouna International School, where he
followed the British curriculum, and as he grew older, his favorite
sport changed from wakeboarding to kiteboarding. Taking a gap
year in 2011, Van Gent did a two month internship that allowed him
to train as an instructor at the Kiteboarding Club at Buzzha Beach.
12 | El Gouna Magazine
“Practice only in deep water, and
take baby steps. Don’t ever
exceed your capabilities or take
unnecessary risks, and always have
a buddy with you.” Jeroen Van Gent
An opportunity then arose for him to spend four months during
the summer as an instructor on Sylt Island in the German North
Sea. Jeroen’s family had only returned to Europe for vacations,
and he had never lived there for any length of time. “It was a
great experience for me and was the first time to be without my
parents,” he remarked. “I missed Egypt though, and koshari, my
favourite food!”
Van Gent returned to school in El Gouna to study economics,
psychology, and art. His interest in economics is linked to
experiences with local businesses, and he is motivated to study
psychology by a fascination with how human beings interact and
how decisions are affected by emotions. “We are such strange,
sophisticated beings!” he remarked. Art has always been an
important part of Jeroen’s life. “I like to explore my thoughts
through my drawings, and discover the contrasts and extremes in
society and human nature,” he said. “I want to find out what holds
us back, and what makes us thrive.”
Van Gent continued to develop his skill as a kiteboarder,
receiving a sponsorship from the Kiteboarding Club. This
enabled him to excel in national competitions, and he
gained further sponsorship from equipment and clothing
companies.
All was going well until May 2013, when he landed badly
on a twisted board while performing a complicated jump.
The fibula bone in his leg was broken in the accident.
“I was about 200 meters from the shore, in deep water,
shouting and swearing,” he remembered. Fortunately
there was a Swiss doctor at the kite center who offered
to examine the leg immediately. He adjusted the leg to
get the broken bone into the correct position while the
muscles were still warm and before any swelling began.
A subsequent x-ray showed the benefits of the doctor’s
quick action: the bone was in place, and nothing else
beyond a plaster cast was necessary.
Jeroen’s belief that everything happens for a reason helped
him through the recovery period, during which he occupied
his time by drawing, writing song lyrics, and producing a
video called “What’s in My Head.” The short film is a fun look
at a typical day in his life as a kiteboarder.
When asked what advice he has for students learning to
kiteboard and hoping to perform complicated jumps, Jeroen
emphasized caution. “Practice only in deep water, and
take baby steps. Don’t ever exceed your capabilities or take
unnecessary risks, and always have a buddy with you.”
It took nearly two months for his leg to heal, but at the end
of June 2013, Van Gent faced his fears and returned to his
board. He regained confidence and picked up where he left
off, performing skilled air borne tricks. It was too much
for his newly-healed leg, however, and a heavy landing
ended in another break in the fibula three centimetres
below the previous one. Faced with the frustrating
roadblock of yet another recovery period, Jeroen turned
once more to the arts.
The second break healed fast by the end of the year, and Van
Gent opted for a switch back to his first love: wakeboarding.
He has begun teaching at the newly-opened El Gouna
Water Cable Park, and in the future he hopes to join the
professional wakeboard world tour. “I want to compete with
the top wakeboarders in the world, to create my unique style,
and push the boundaries,” he said.
Van Gent is also busy with creative media projects that
utilize the help of professional photographers to capture
the technical skill of extreme sports in new and abstract
ways. Experimenting after the torrential rainstorm in
early March 2014, Jeroen and a photographer friend
created unusual images of wakeboarding and the flooded
landscape. “My life goal is to be a renaissance man,” he
said. “My largest inspiration comes from Leonardo Da
Vinci. I want to do a lot of things well!” //
Check out Jeroen’s official Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/JeroenvanGentKiteboarding or watch
his “What’s in My Head” video on You Tube at www.youtube.
com/watch?v=866wWJF6N3k.
SPORTS
EL GOUNA
RALLY
2014
The desert race returns
Text & Photography: Georgina Cole
14 | El Gouna Magazine
The thrill of rally racing came back to El Gouna this
spring. Race teams roared into town at the end of
March for two days of skilled navigation through the
tough terrain of the Eastern Desert.
The El Gouna Rally began on Friday
morning, March 28th, with a showcase in
the parking area behind Abu Tig Marina.
Residents and guests admired the powerful
vehicles and chatted with engineers,
drivers, and co-pilots as photographers
and film crews captured the scene. While
this was going on, safety checks were
carried out to ensure compliance with
Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
(FIA) regulations regarding racing seats
and belts, fire protection, and roll cages.
At 11:30 am the same morning, rally
organizer Ahmed El Sirgany summoned the
cars for a parade through town led by the
Red Sea Bikers Club. The procession ended
in Abu Tig Marina, where participants
were greeted by Red Sea Governor Ahmed
Abdallah as well as Orascom Development
Holding Chairman Samih Sawiris.
Glamorous contestants from the Top Model
of the World competition stood nearby,
much to the delight of the photographers
and rally teams.
After lunch, the serious business of time
trials began. The Stage 1 Prologue was
held at Mangroovy Beach, where the
cars raced over a sandy course full of
bumps and sharp turns at their fastest
speed, splattering sand and dust on the
cameras lined up to get the best action
shots. Hundreds of spectators enjoyed the
sight from a safe distance as highly tuned
engines screamed past against the tranquil
backdrop of the Red Sea. The cars’ times
determined their place in the order of the
following day’s race.
Seven teams competed this year, with a
total of ten cars running the races. Rahhala
Racing Team entered three vehicles,
including number 309, the Arabian Stallion.
June 2014 | 15
This is the team’s newest car, a beast of
a buggy with a lightweight chassis, twowheel drive, and a custom fuel-injected
V8 engine with 450-500 horsepower.
Custom-built entirely in Egypt over the
course of two years, the Arabian Stallion
was piloted by Tarek El Erian, whose
family owns a villa in El Gouna. El Erian
was joined by Co-pilot Mohamed Aly,
who finds time between races to pursue
a graduate degree in architecture in
the United States. The two made a
name for Rahhala in 2013 when they
became the first Egyptian team to
participate in the Dakar Rally, one of
the most prominent events in the rally
racing world. They approached the 2014
season with renewed determination
after El Erian spent time training at the
Porsche Human Performance Center,
a facility designed to turn drivers into
elite athletes.
Rahhala also entered car number 301,
a Toyota Fortuna, as well as car number
305, a Toyota Land Cruiser. At the wheel
of the Land Cruiser was Yara Shalaby,
the rally’s only female pilot. Shalaby
was sponsored by the Automobile and
Touring Club of Egypt earlier this year
to represent the country at the FIA
Women in Motorsport Commission in
Qatar. “I am keen to motivate more
female drivers to the sport,” Shalaby
commented in the moments leading up
to the Prologue.
16 | El Gouna Magazine
Team Pharaohs entered car number
302, a huge Dodge Ram named Gloria,
and number 307, a custom-built rally
car with a BMW X5 turbo diesel engine.
The latter was designed and built by
RallyRaid International and piloted
by owner Ahmed El Shamy. The new
design is a transitional platform from
RallyRaid’s Desert Warrior I, which El
Shamy raced last year. Team Sitra has
since purchased Desert Warrior I, which
it entered in this year’s rally.
race. Spectators positioned themselves
on a mountainside overlooking the
route in the valley below, and the
silence of the desert was soon broken
as Rahhala’s Arabian Stallion roared
into view. The car had achieved the
fastest time in the Prologue, being the
only vehicle to complete the course
in less than six minutes. Arabian
Stallion maintained its impressive early
lead throughout Stage 2, finishing 43
minutes ahead of the next car.
Car number 304, a Toyota FJ Cruiser
known as Desert Secret, was sponsored
by El Gouna and Taba Heights and had
the distinction of being driven by the
rally’s youngest racers. Number 308
belonged to Hammerhead Racing, which
converted a 1998 V8 Jeep to rally racing
standards. Juryal Racing Team’s number
306, a Jeep Wrangler, had the race’s only
female co-pilot, Rana El-Harty.
Stage 3 was held on Sunday, March 30th,
and the wind, dust, and tough terrain
made it by far the most difficult leg of
the race. Once the teams had completed
the gruelling 500-km route, it was off
to El Gouna Golf Club for the awards
ceremony, which was attended by the
Red Sea Governor. Team Pharaoh’s
Dodge Ram placed third overall, and
pilot Adham Mostafa and co-pilot Hakam
Rabie noted that the race had been
technically challenging. Floods after the
recent storm meant tracks were covered
in mud, and rocks had been dislodged.
Rahhala Racing’s Toyota Fortuna T2,
piloted by Hani Omar and co-piloted by
Hany Madbouly, came in second.
Entering the El Gouna rally for the first
time was a team headed by Ahmed
Barakat, who piloted car number 310, a
1998 Jeep Cherokee known as ‘Afrit Al
Dunes (“Ghost of the Dunes”). Barakat
served as navigator during a world
record crossing of the Great Sand Sea of
Egypt in 2009.
Stage 2 of the El Gouna Rally Cup
began early on the day following the
Prologue with a tough, 270-km desert
Rahhala’s Arabian Stallion garnered
first place with a total time of 6
hours, 43 minutes and 32 seconds,
beating its closest opponent by 53
minutes and 48 seconds. “I couldn’t
STYLE
THRIVES ON
S U B S TA N C E
EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF
ST YLE AND SUBSTANCE CRAFTED TO CHANGE
THE WAY YOU LOOK AT LUXURY FOREVER.
E X P L O R E T H E L- C L A S S
S E A R A Y . C O M / L- C L A S S
L 6 5 0 F LY
42 | EEll Gouna
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Magazi
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June 2014 | 43
have done this without the hard work
of the whole team,” said El Erian.
“They have been working five days a
week for two years solid to build the
car. It was a tough race.” Aly agreed,
saying, “The course was really fast and
required quick response times. It was
POS.
CAR
NO.
DRIVERS
1st
309
2nd
For more news, follow the Egyptian Rally
Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/EgyptRally.
NAT
TEAM
CAR
ACT TIME
PENALTY
TOTAL
TIME
TIME
DIFF
Tarek El -Erian
Mohamed Ali
EGY
EGY
Rahhala Racing
Arabian Stalion
6:43:31
0:00:00
6:43:31
0:00:00
301
Hany Omar
Hany Madbouly
EGY
EGY
Rahhala Racing
Toyota Fortuner
7:37:19
0:00:00
7:37:19
0:53:48
3rd
302
Adham Moustafa
Hakam Rabie
EGY
EGY
Team Pharaohs
Dodge RAM
7:42:17
0:00:00
7:42:17
0:58:46
4th
304
Yousef Marzouk
Ahmed Hassan
1st Drvr
1st CoPI
EGY
EGY
Desert Cruise
Toyota FJ Cruiser
7:46:54
0:00:00
7:46:54
1:03:23
5th
305
Yara Shalaby
Hossam Zayyat
2nd Drvr
EGY
EGY
Rahhala Racing
Toyota Land Cruiser
9:12:36
0:00:00
9:12:36
2:29:05
6th
310
Ahmed Barakat
Samy Frage
3rd Drvr
EGY
EGY
3afreet El- Dunes
Jeep Cherokee
9:24:40
0:00:00
9:24:40
2:41:09
7th
307
Ahmed El Shamy
Karim Hossam
EGY
EGY
Team Pharaohs
Desert Warrior Rabe X1
9:42:14
1:10:00
10:52:14
4:08:43
EGY
EGY
Hammerhead Racing
Jeep Grand Cherokee
8:59:43
2:00:00
10:59:43
4:16:12
EGY
EGY
Sitra Racing
Desert Warrior
11:30:00
65:00:00
76:30:00
69:46:29
EGY
EGY
Juryal Team
Jeep
11:30:00
65:00:00
76:30:00
69:46:29
8th
308
Sherif Adbel Azim
Sherif El- Alem
9th
303
Hisham El-Ghamry
Hussein Abd El- Halim
10th
306
Shehab Bayady
Rana El Harty
ROOKIE
extremely demanding both mentally and
physically,” he continued, “and the rally
cars were tested to their limits.” //
2nd CoPI
4th Drvr
5th Drvr
3rd CoPI
June 2014 | 17
EVENTS
18 | El Gouna Magazine
Top Model 2014
Competition final in El Gouna
Text: Georgina Cole
Photography: Courtesy of Orascom Development
The glitz and glamour of the Top Model of the World competition
returned to El Gouna in March, with 42 competitors arriving in
town for the final round of the event.
The World Beauty Organization’s (WBO)
festival of beauty and fashion for new and
professional models came to El Gouna
for a second time in 2014. It was the
21st annual staging of one of the biggest
modeling pageants in the world, and 42
contestants aged 17 to 25 came from all
corners of the globe to El Gouna’s Club
Paradisio Hotel, where they competed for
the coveted title of Top Model of the World.
During the first week of their stay,
contestants attended photo shoots
and participated in sporting activities
designed to help the young women relax
and bond. They enjoyed go-carting, boat
trips, horse riding, and wakeboarding,
and the Club Paradisio animation team
organized a sports day on the beach.
Sri Lankan model Solange Gunawijeya
emerged victorious at the end of sports
day, having garnered the most points
from lighthearted games like a sack race,
a long jump, and an egg and spoon race.
The models spent their nights dancing
under the stars at hotspots like Du Port
and Loca Loca, where cameras were
always on hand to capture the excitement.
The women’s second week in El Gouna
brought the serious business of the
competition. In the days leading up to
the final event, competitors attended
filming and choreography rehearsals
and were interviewed by the judges.
“Judges are looking for the whole
package,” said event coordinator
Lena Koch of Germany. “They look at
body and soul, intelligence, harmony,
punctuality, team play, and the ability
to speak languages,” she explained.
Activities unfolded under the watchful
eye of Detlef Tursies, who served as
president of the competition.
Last year’s Top Model title went to Monica
Palacios of Colombia, who then spent the
year traveling the world, appearing on
television and at fashion shows, and hosting
numerous events in Columbia. Palacios
returned to El Gouna this year to offer help
and advice to the models, and she performed
various services such as presenting trophy
cups to the winners of the El Gouna Rally, a
desert race that took place while the models
were here for the competition.
The final competition was held in Abu Tig
Marina on Friday, April 11th. A stage and
catwalk were set up near Ali Pasha Hotel
inside a large, white marquee tent that
included a domed reception room. White
and silver decorations shimmered in the
spotlights as guests arrived at 7 pm. Host
Patrick Urban, former Mr. Germany and
Mr. Intercontinental, invited everyone to
sit back and enjoy the show.
Canapés had been served and wine
glasses topped up when the 42 contestants
hit the catwalk in sparkly silver cocktail
dresses. Tenor Cristian Lanza and soul
June 2014 | 19
legend Keith Tynes of Platters fame
performed hit songs, and the models
returned to the catwalk in swimwear and
then in evening gowns. The panel of nine
judges included the two singers as well
as sporting celebrities, a plastic surgeon,
and former competition winners. Guests
in the domed reception area jostled one
another for glimpses of the action as
titles were presented for Queen of Europe,
Miss Globe, Best Body, Best Smile, Most
Photogenic, and Best Style.
The competition narrowed, and the 42
top models were filtered down to the
top 16 and then the top five. Tension
mounted as South Africa’s Anrónet Ann
Roelofsz was voted 2nd Runner Up. The
final two contestants, Tania Valencia
Cuero of Columbia and Jailenne Rivera
of Puerto Rico, were neck and neck
with 300 points each, necessitating a
final tie-breaking vote. Cuero emerged
victorious as Top Model of the World 2014,
a title accompanied by a cash prize and a
WBO contract. Cameras flashed, and the
24-year-old beauty looked stunning in a
flowing vermilion designer gown. //
For additional photos and videos of the
event, check out the Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/WBOTMW
20 | El Gouna Magazine
Top 5
Other Awards
1. TANIA VALENCIA CUERO
Colombia / 305 points
Most Photogenic
1. Niler Mruma - Tanzania
2. Jailenne Rivera - Puerto Rico
3. Tania Valencia Cuero - Colombia
2. JAILENNE RIVERA
Puerto Rico / 304 points
3. ANRÓNET ROELOFZ
South Africa / 270 points
4. NILER MRUMA
Tanzania / 240 points
5. GIULIA CAMPESI
Italy / 220 points
Remaining Top 16:
6. MARGARITA - CjapiAlbania
7. PEANDREA - Knowles Bahamas
8. FENNE VERRACAS - Belgium
9. JACQUELINE MAGNANA - El Salvador
10. SIREY MORAN - Honduras
11. INDRA ENGHELDER - Mongolia
12. EDINA BALIC - Montenegro
13. VANESA LAUTENSCHLAGER - Paraguay
14. JOANA PETA - Portugal
15. ANZHELIKA LAKUSEVA - Russia
16. TIFFANY KURAK - Turkey
BEST BODY
1. Sarah Tonkiri - Nigeria
2. Vanesa Lautenschlager - Paraguay
3. Tania Valencia Cuero - Colombia
BEST SMILE AWARD
1. Joana Peta - Portugal
2. Nina Sjöln - Sweden
3. Anrónet Roelofz - South Africa
BEST STYLE AWARD
1. Ananya Mongkoltai - Thailand
2. Segolame Kudumedi - Botswana
3. Giulia Campesi - Italy
International Beauty Titles
QUEEN OF EUROPE
Tiffany Kurak - Turkey
MISS GLOBE
Anrónet Roelofz - South Africa
MORGAN’S
BEACH BISTRO
For Booking
info@clubparadisio.elgouna.com
Tel. +20 65 3547934 / 39
El Gouna, Ext: 100
MORGAN'S
BEACH BISTRO
Part of El Gouna's Dine Around Program
June 2014 | 21
EVENTS
#Ŷ
+57
2014
Text and Photography: Georgina Cole
Easter bunnies, late-night parties,
and street festivals
22 | El Gouna Magazine
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June 2014 | 23
On Thursday April 17th the Cairo crowd descended on El Gouna,
hitting the ground running. Luggage was dropped off, and beaches
and restaurants filled. Later, as darkness fell, the Club House in El
Kafr was transformed in preparation for hosting Party Playground
Party Vol. 3. Tables were lit by bright glow cups, and the beach was
covered in sound equipment. Early birds headed for bed as whirling
dervishes spun in Tamr Henna square, and the music amped up as
partygoers emerged to fill the town’s hottest night spots.
A long night of partying came to a close as the sun rose on Good Friday,
and with temperatures in the mid 30’s, dive boats headed for the
shipwrecks at Abu Nuhas. Other visitors and residents participated in
a monthly beach clean in El Kafr organised by the Shore Rangers. “The
clean-up started from the Club House, all the way to the Panorama
Bungalows Beach,” said volunteer Miriam Sweeney. “We are pleased to
report this area was found to be fairly clean.”
s, late
Easter bunnie
and
night parties
street festivals
On Friday evening the main action was in Abu Tig Marina,
where the skies were lit with a spectacular fire show and
firework display to mark the closing ceremony for the El Gouna
International Squash Open. The marina street festival around
the corner welcomed back the live band Crash Boom Bang, and
street entertainers amused a crowd enjoying al fresco dining. As
night fell the international DJ’s took over once again to rock the
town into the early hours.
Saturday dawned, and breakfast guests at the Moevenpick
Resort began another beautiful day as they were serenaded
by traditional musicians. At 1 pm, Club 88 hosted a bright and
colorful Playboy Pool Party in the marina. Guests splashed in
the pool wearing complimentary bunny ears as Keglevich vodka
was poured straight into open mouths. Dangling on ribbons
suspended from a crane high above the pool, the Spanish Arte
Volante troupe treated spectators to an acrobatic performance.
Bunny girls dressed in bright yellow and pink costumes with
fluffy white tails mingled with the crowd.
Just down the beach at Moods Bar, a massive stage and arena
was set up to welcome the British rapper Tinie Tempah. Those
unable to afford the 400 LE entrance could listen to the music
offerings at Du Port or Loca Loca, and the Crooners Club offered
the latest drinks, keeping doors open until 5 am.
Easter Sunday was unusually grey, with a few intervals of dusty
rain. Children at the Sheraton Miramar Resort hunted Easter
eggs, part of an extensive holiday program of activities organised
at their Kids Club. The hotel enjoyed 98% occupancy rates over the
weekend. Kids at Art Café in the marina also enjoyed a full list of
Easter activities, and the inflatable Liquid Park opened up for the
season in its usual spot on the lagoon close to El Gouna Airport.
Blue skies were trying to break through as the daytime parties
kicked off again, and El Gouna Water Cable Park’s impressive
DJ line-up included Robosonic from Berlin. The blustery, dusty
evening saw Club 88’s weekend extravaganza finish in style with
a Moonwalker Party featuring one of the best Michael Jackson
impersonators around. The man known simply as Navi danced,
screeched, and grabbed his crotch like the King of Pop himself.
For those looking for relaxation after a weekend’s excesses, the
integrative health center Insight provided an Easter Yoga Basics
course offering Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga with El Gouna
resident teacher Yaisa Nio. Some chose a higher-energy finale to
the weekend, participating in LAX gym’s CrossHIIT or Beach Boot
Camps. To re-boost sugar levels, Nola Cakes had a stand in Tamr
Henna square selling Easter cupcakes.
24 | El Gouna Magazine
Easter Monday was the day of the Egyptian spring festival
Sham El Nessim, which is traditionally celebrated by picnicking
outdoors and eating special holiday foods. The festival has its
roots in the ancient Egyptian harvest season known as “Shemu,”
and its Arabic name means “Breathing the Breezes.”
In El Gouna the day featured a special recital at TUB Campus’s
Audi Max theatre hall, where the Egyptian Sinfonietta’s Victoria
Kapralova (cello) and David Hales (piano) performed various
pieces. Prior to the performance concertgoers were able to
view the work of three artists at an exhibit next door. On display
were paintings by local artist Rühmut Fenkart, whose work is
inspired by the light and colours of El Gouna. The photographs of
Wafaa Ismail and the paintings of Sawsan Abou Taleb were also
exhibited. Meanwhile, back in Downtown, Monday night parties
began at Jobos, Raz, and Dunes, leaving local residents keen for
peace and quiet to return once again.
In the wake of the successful Christmas flea market, Salli
Khamis organized a spring edition of Arts & Fleas, which was
held on Friday, April 25th in front of Mori Sushi at the Marina.
The event began at 11 am and its vibe was part carnival and part
flea market. Local DJ’s, live musicians, and dancers entertained
the crowd, and 50 wooden stalls offered delightful wares ranging
from jewellery, clothes, and crafts to plants and food. Kids
bounced happily on inflatable castles nearby.
As the hot and humid day started to cool, the event finished with
a much anticipated raffle. Entrance to the event cost 25 LE and
included a numbered ticket, and prizes included snorkel trips,
an introduction to scuba diving, dinners for two, and spa or
gym sessions. The final prize, at a value of 2500 LE, was kindly
donated by the Red Sea Bark Park and included dog obedience
training for both dog and owner! The winning ticket was held by
resident Magued Youssef, who immediately passed it on to an
appreciative nearby dog owner as the sun set on the last of the
long string of spring events in town. //
ENVIRONMENT
Taking Care of the Planet
UN youth conference held in El Gouna
Text: Jenny Cooper
Photography: Courtesy of Event Organizers
“Let’s Take Care of the Planet” (LTCP) is a UN program aimed at
promoting environmental citizenship among children and young
people and engaging them in debate on environmental issues
and the global community. The event began in Brazil in 2003 and
has since spread to 75 countries, becoming a global initiative
that enables children and young people to take responsibility for
the world by building sustainable local communities that form a
network protecting the planet.
Dr. Amal Rezk, who serves as project coordinator for LTCP in
the Arab World, organized the conference held in El Gouna.
The event was staffed by 50 highly qualified volunteers and
attended by hundreds of delegates aged 10 to 24 who came
from all corners of the globe. VIPs present included Miss Earth
2013 Alyz Henrich. “It’s an honor to be here,” said Henrich.
“It’s important to me to take care of the planet, and the kids
here have such good ideas for the future. This initiative is very
important for the world.”
The youthful actor Ahmed Dash, known for his portrayal of Hany
in the critically-acclaimed film La Moakhza, also attended. “I like
the idea of being with children from so many different cultures,”
said Dash. “It’s amazing to be here.”
26 | El Gouna Magazine
El Gouna, which has been recognized as Egypt’s most
environmentally-friendly destination, was a suitable venue
for the conference. This year’s event focused on marine
biodiversity, water management, engineering and robotics,
and recycling of electronic and solid waste. Experts on these
subjects volunteered to instruct the students during workshops
and on field trips.
Dr. Marwa Sameh led a session entitled “The Robotics Mission to
Save the Planet,” as well as an “Ideas Gym” workshop designed
to introduce youth to engineering concepts. Participants
were divided into small teams engaged in designing and
constructing windmills, and it was an inspiring sight to
see young people who had previously been strangers
work closely together as friends. Each group different
ideas and approaches, and the resulting windmills had
varying designs and unique features, but all achieved the
same aim. At the end of the exercise, Dr. Sameh reviewed
the methodology and processes involved as well as the
design features of the windmills themselves. One team in
particular demonstrated project management skills beyond
their years as they proceeded from concept and design to
the end of the build.
The 7th annual United Nations Youth Conference for the Environment
and Biodiversity took place in El Gouna on March 7th-11th of this year.
The event, known as “Let’s Take Care of the Planet” welcomed over 400
young delegates from all over Egypt and the world.
Another popular workshop was led by Dr. Mohammed Ismail of
the Environment Protection and Education Association (EPEA),
an Egyptian non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the
country’s environment. Dr. Ismail’s session was aimed at raising
youth awareness of the Marine Environment and how to protect it.
His talk on rescuing marine wildlife was particularly compelling.
A group led by Dr. Amr Helal learned about making money out
of solid waste. Examples of this “cash from trash” approach
include the potential uses of rice waste and possibilities like
producing pectin from orange peels. Sara Sedky of Vodaphone
discussed electronic waste (E-waste) management, emphasizing
that many electronic products like computers, AV equipment, and
mobile phones can be reused, refurbished, or recycled when they
approach the end of their “useful life.”
A group from the American University in Cairo’s Research
Instituted for a Sustainable Environment (RISE) shared
information about water management with the students. Given
Egypt’s arid climate and expanses of desert, this is an important
issue for the country and for the university as well. The AUC’s
New Cairo campus is located in the desert, and the school has
sought to operate the facilities as sustainably as possible.
Participants not only learned about the environment in the
abstract; they also felt practical effects of the climate. Some
of the conference’s outdoor activities were cancelled due to
heavy rain, the likes of which had not been seen for at least
two decades. The downpour was a poignant reminder of the
power of nature and the importance of ensuring that the
planet is safeguarded for these young people and those that
come after them.
The youth in their sea of blue conference shirts brought a
palpable sense of excitement to the Technische Universität
Berlin El Gouna campus where most workshops were held, but
also to the town’s hotels, streets, shops, and lagoons. Dr. Rezk
commented on the positive energy, noting the importance of
each person, young and old, taking responsibility for preserving
the planet. “It would not be fair to leave our earth for others to
destroy,” she remarked. “We have to be committed to taking care
of our planet.” //
To learn more about the global LTCP initiative, visit www.
unconfint.com. To follow local developments, visit www.facebook.
com/LetsTakeCareOfThePlanetEgypt.
June 2014 | 27
SPORTS
Text: Jenny Cooper
Photography: Dave Cooper
Egypt is building a reputation for world class squash, and the El Gouna
International Squash Open has become an important event on the
country’s squash calendar. This year’s tournament took place April 11-18,
when 56 players converged on the town to compete for top spot.
Thanks to the passion and hard work of organizer
Amr Mansi and the full backing of Samih Sawiris,
chairman and CEO of Orascom Development
Holding AG, the El Gouna International Squash
Open has gone from strength to strength. Mansi
has referred to the competition as his “baby,” but
2014 marked the year the event came of age.
The inaugural competition in 2010 was modest. A
somewhat tired glass court was installed behind
Abu Tig Marina, and media coverage was limited.
Spectators were relatively few in number for all but
the final match, which began as an exciting match
but was cut short when Ramy Ashour withdrew due
to injury, handing the title to Karim Darwish.
In 2012 the tournament returned for a second time.
A more up-to-date court was installed in the same
location, but play was somewhat affected by sand
blown into the court by the wind. The final match
was moved to Moevenpick Hotel court, and Ramy
Ashour became the champion when his opponent
decided to withdraw.
For this year’s tournament, organizers elected to
move the glass court to a more shielded location
in the main piazza at the North Marina. In addition
to offering shelter from the wind and sand, the
stunning location transformed the atmosphere of
the event. Matches were surrounded on three sides
by chic shops, attractive restaurants, and beautiful
luxury apartments, with the amazing North Basin of
Abu Tig Marina as a stunning backdrop to the court.
The event attracted unprecedented attention.
Tickets to the matches were free, but places were
quickly reserved, many by visitors coming from
overseas to watch the tournament. Television
coverage grew to the extent that a fully-equipped
media room was set up to broadcast a live
television stream of the event aired nationally and
in 55 countries around the world. Commentary
on the television stream was provided by Joey
Barrington, who had come in 2012 as a competitor.
His praise for the venue and organization was
enthusiastic both on screen and off.
June 2014 | 29
Steve Cubbins did excellent behind-the-scenes work for the
third time, burning the candle at both ends to gather news and
take photographs to post on the official event website as well as
on his own site, squashsite.co.uk.
Thirty-two players entered the qualifying matches at the outset
of the competition, which were played at the Moevenpick court.
The tournament attracted many Egyptian stars, including Ramy
Ashour, Amr Shaban, Karim Darwish, and Mohamed Elshorbagy.
Defending champion Ashour was expected to be matched with
world number one Gregory Gaultier in the final.
Rounds one and two were played between the Moevenpick court
in the daytime and the glass court in the evening. From the
quarter finals onwards, all matches were played in the glass
court. Competition intensified in the quarter finals, with fourtime world champion Amr Shabana surviving a tough encounter
against an in-form Omar Mosaad. Karim Darwish was forced to
withdraw due to injury, leaving Ramy Ashour to proceed to the
semi-finals. This was a reversal of the 2010 final, when Ashour
withdrew. England fared poorly in the quarter finals, with Peter
Barber taken out by Mohamed Elshorbagy and Daryl Selby
defeated by Gregory Gaultier 3-0 in a difficult match.
The semi-finals were electrifying. Elshorbagy persevered
through an epic, 112-minute match against Gaultier, beating
the Frenchman 3-1 for the first time ever. Every point was hard
fought, and the second game lasted more than 45 minutes.
“I’ve never felt better,” said Ashour
after his victory.
In a post-match interview Elshorbagy thanked the crowd, noting
that he had played Gaultier nine times before without a win. “To
be able to get my first victory over him in Egypt makes it extra
special,” said Elshorbagy. “I would not have been able to get the
win today without the support of the crowd, who were fantastic.”
The second semi-final played between Ramy Ashour and Amr
Shabana was much shorter, clocking in at 36 minutes. The
match length and final score of 3-0 in Ashour’s favor belied
the skill demonstrated by both players. “It’s never easy against
Shabana, and every time you beat him it’s like a miracle,” said
Ashour in an interview after the match. “He’s a squash legend,
a four-time World Champion, and a truly great player. I’m really
happy to get the win.”
The final between Ashour and Elshorbagy involved 71 minutes of
scintillating squash that delighted the packed house in El Gouna.
Ashour took the first two games, but the younger Elshorbagy never
gave up. He dug deep and took the third game 11-8, causing Ramy
his only lost game during the entire tournament. In the break
between games, crowd members cheered on their favorites, and
cries of “Ramy!” and “Shorba!” rang out as the players returned to
the court. Ashour showed his maturity in the fourth game, beating
Elshorbagy 11-8 to retain his championship title.
30 | El Gouna Magazine
“I’ve never felt better,” said Ashour after his victory. “I’m
overwhelmed to win the title, and I’m very happy with my
performance today. Mohamed is one of the most explosive and
best players around,” he continued. “He’s got many different
attributes and is a threat to all the top players. He’s already a top
five player, and he’s definitely going to be one to watch, but I’m
happy to win today.”
Minutes after play ended, the packed house was alight with
a pyrotechnic display. The stands and court were surrounded
with flaming towers, and fireworks and rockets lit up the skies.
TV crews and photographers crammed into the court to record
the awarding of the trophy, and the presentation and speeches
ended amidst the excitement of more pyrotechnics and a
massive glitter cannon. //
For more information, see www.squashsite.co.uk/ElGouna or
see the El Gouna International 2014 page at www.psaworldtour.
com. To book a squash game while here, contact the Moevenpick
hotel.
3 Al Malek Al Afdal St., 2nd Floor, Flat 11, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt.
T +2 02 273 53 486/7 M +2 012 2749 3617
F +2 02 273 53 476/ ext 110
E info@designbyicon.com
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FOR TURNING UPSIDE DOWN
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EXCURSIONS
The Eastern Desert
Adventures in a desolate land
Text and Photography: Georgina Cole
On the fringes of El Gouna lies the vast Eastern Desert. Its
endless mountains and valleys are a treasure trove of beautiful
vistas and ancient ruins, all ready to be explored by the well
prepared traveller.
32 | El Gouna Magazine
The Eastern Desert covers 220,000 square
kilometres, making up roughly 21 per cent
of Egypt’s land mass. Bounded on the
west by the River Nile and on the east by
the Red Sea coastline, it is home to the
Eastern Desert mountain range, which
was formed by volcanic activity aeons ago.
This impressive mountain range runs
from the Egypt/Sudan border northward
toward the Gulf of Suez, dropping steeply
towards the east at the Red Sea. It is
home to Egypt’s highest peaks outside the
Sinai, with Jebel Shaayib Al-Banat rising
to 2187 meters.
Close to Mons Claudianas, and not far
from the quieter Safaga/Qena desert road,
is the old British gold mine at Abu Zawal.
The buildings where gold was sorted
during WWII are easily accessed, and for
the more adventurous, a scramble up
the mountain to the tiny mine entrances
is a must. The pitch blackness of the
mine will set your heart thumping as you
enter, aided by the light of a candle, torch,
or mobile phone. The lower mine has a
series of tunnels, so take care not to get
lost inside. The higher mine has a steep
shaft that drops downwards.
The region has been a source of raw
materials since ancient Egyptian times,
and it contains valuable igneous rocks
like granite, porphyry with large crystals,
and breccia, a rock composed of broken
fragments and valued for its ornamental
uses. Dwindling numbers of nomadic
tribes still make the Eastern Desert their
home, roaming the lands and grazing
their flocks of sheep, goats, and camels
on the hardy desert plants as they travel
from one water source to the next.
Further south, 26 km into the desert
from Safaga, lies the deserted phosphate
mining town of Om El Huwayttat, now
known as Ghost City. The British began
mining there in 1907, building roads
and railways that connected the town to
Safaga Port. The Egyptian government
took over the facilities in 1956, and
business prospered until the mines were
closed for economic reasons. A flash
flood in 1997 destroyed the homes and
buildings, forcing the last remaining
residents to leave.
The desert’s riches are in easy reach of
El Gouna, and there are many options
for day trips. Just a short distance away
one can find Roman archaeological
sites, abandoned gold and phosphate
mines, caves, sand dunes, a natural
oasis, rock art, and outstanding
scenery. After passing through the
mountain valley opposite El Gouna one
immediately feels the solitude, beauty,
and vastness of this dry wilderness.
Climbing up to scenic overlooks, taking
tea at a Bedouin village, watching local
crafts being made, and night-time
stargazing are all easy to organize, and
trips can be made by quad bike, off-road
motorbike, 4x4 vehicle, or camel.
Popular excursions include visits to
Roman mining town ruins like Mons
Porphyrites (Mountain of Porphyry) at
Jebel Abu Dukhan, which is the only
place in the world to find the purplecolored porphyry used by the Romans in
temples, baths, sarcophagi, and statues.
Wonderful views await those fit enough to
scramble up the mountainside. Another
popular destination is Mons Claudianas.
Located at the foot of Jebel Fatira, this is
the place where high quality granite was
quarried for the Roman Empire. Many of
the buildings at the fort are fairly intact to
roof height, and a giant cracked granite
column lies nearby. The impressive
facilities housed nearly 1,000 inhabitants
in ancient times.
Long term El Gouna residents who have
experienced the regular half-day trips
often find themselves keen to explore
the labyrinth of mountain valleys and dry
wadis more extensively. Some have their
own vehicles, like retired El Gouna school
teacher Günter Müller, who has ventured
as far as the oasis of the Western desert
in his classic 1980 Mercedes 280GE
4x4. Boat builder Mike Fleming loves
the solitude of the desert and is writing
a book about the area. “Every time I go
there I have the sense that I am following
in the footsteps of the Romans 1900 years
ago,” he remarked. Other explorers use
experienced guides and leave the worry of
navigation to the experts.
Venturing farther afield or off the beaten
track requires special preparation. An
experienced guide and driver, a well
maintained vehicle, a GPS, and plenty of
water and fuel are essential. Travelling
in a group and informing others of your
plans so that they can raise the alarm
if you do not return on time is always
a good idea. Mobile phone signals are
soon lost when you reach the mountains,
and satellite phones are the only form
of communication aside from being
lucky enough to wave down a passing
Bedouin truck from a nearby village. The
dangers of the terrain should never be
underestimated; it is easy to get lost, get
stuck in the sand, or suffer mechanical
failure. Suitable sun protection and good
shoes will make your experience more
enjoyable, and a strong back will serve
you well if the going gets tough.
Desert trips aren’t all about exploring
ancient sites and far-flung wadis. There
are simpler pleasures to be had, including
fun activities like sand boarding down the
dunes. Watching a Bedouin driver collect
an armful of brush to build a fire and brew
tea beats an electric kettle any day. Cooking
lunch over the fire is also a delight, and
the desert brings out the best flavors of
chicken, kofta, salad, and fruit. The silence
is only disturbed when a herd of inquisitive
camels passes by in hopes of finding
some leftover bread. Longer trips involve
pleasures like camping out under the stars
and the possibility of being joined at dinner
time by inquisitive desert foxes hoping for
a tasty morsel. “When I go into the desert,”
said resident Petra Koelbl, “I always feel
like I am the first person to explore the
landscape and mountains. I love it!” //
For details of businesses offering desert
trips with various methods of transport,
see the directory at the back of the
magazine.
June 2014 | 33
WEDDINGS
Unforgettable nuptials by the sea
Text: Jenny Cooper
Photography: Dave Cooper
As part of our ongoing series on our
town as a wedding destination,
El Gouna Magazine spoke with
DuPort Pool Club, a sought-after
venue connected to the Three Corners
Ocean View Hotel. In our discussion
with hotel staff about what DuPort
has to offer, the club’s popularity
as a wedding locale quickly became
apparent. Even as we spoke, a
wedding party from the UK arrived
and another got in touch to book
an October trip in advance of their
wedding here in March.
34 | El Gouna Magazine
June 2014 | 35
Perched at the edge of Abu Tig Marina
lies the DuPort Pool Club, a standalone
venue in the larger Three Corners Ocean
View (TTCOV) hotel complex. The club
is known for its buzzing Thursday night
parties, and it is the perfect spot for a
daytime lounge by the pool. It is also an
ideal place to celebrate a wedding.
DuPort is an open-air club laid out in
a circle around the pool and enclosed
by columns that give the venue a
Romanesque feel. Large glass panels
extend from column to column, blocking
the wind while preserving a stunning
view of El Gouna’s architecture and the
luxury yachts lining the marina. Entering
the club up a short flight of steps, the
traffic naturally flows counter-clockwise
past the champagne lounge and on to the
broad terraces that extend outward from
the edges of the pool.
Opposite the lounge is an enormous
terrace that houses another bar area
and a stage and dance floor. The mix of
sunny and shady areas allows wedding
celebrations to be held any time of day.
Sunset ceremonies, which take place
against the backdrop of a marina bathed
in orange light, are the most popular.
DuPort offers menu possibilities ranging
from a set, served menu to an open
buffet or barbeque. Beverage rates are
normally per consumption at the open
bars, and banquet rates are possible for
large parties. In-house patisserie chefs
can provide simple cakes or elaborate
tiered confections, as the occasion
demands. Catering from outside venues
is also possible.
Buffet and dining tables can be set
up in various configurations on the
wide terraces, and couples may opt
for standard-sized tables or larger
tables that seat 8 – 10 guests. Themed
weddings can be arranged, and classic
white is always popular. A perfect small
wedding might involve a ceremony on
the hotel beach and then cocktails in the
DuPort lounge. A corner area nearby is
an ideal space for live musicians to play
as guests enjoy a set menu dinner of
champagne and lobster.
For many people, dancing is and nuptials
go hand in hand, and the party options
at DuPort are amazing. There can even
be a dance floor stage in the pool itself,
which is heated to 30 degrees in cooler
weather. Elaborate entertainment can
36 | El Gouna Magazine
be arranged, but some extras require
advance planning, like fireworks,
which require obtaining the necessary
permissions.
General Manager Jürgen Grübel
has extensive experience organizing
weddings, and his time working in
both Cairo and El Gouna have given
him contacts with a variety of clergy
members and officials available to
bless marriages if desired. DuPort
has relationships with musicians of all
genres who have played at the club’s
famous parties, and Grübel can even
arrange to bring a string quartet, soloist,
or other musicians from the Cairo Opera
House. The club also has a sophisticated
sound and light system.
Given the club’s facilities and staff
members’ experience, a wedding
planner is not necessary unless the
couple wishes to have one. Most people
celebrating a wedding bring in their own
photographer, but DuPort has a party
photographer who covers their weekly
events who is available if required.
Pricing varies based on services
required, and DuPort charges are
separate from hotel packages, allowing
the couple and guests flexibility
in regards to accommodation (the
honeymoon suite at TTCOV is lovely).
Getting around El Gouna is easy, with
boats at hand and sunset catamaran
cruises embarking right on DuPort’s
doorstep.
Weddings can be booked at DuPort
year round, but due to the club being
an outdoor venue, the main season
is March to November. Thursdays are
reserved for weekly events, but wedding
celebrations may be scheduled any
other day of the week. //
For photographs and more
information, check the DuPort’s
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
DuPortPoolClubElGouna, or TTCOV
website at www.threecorners.com.
Email inquiries may be directed to info@
threecorners.com.
June 2014 | 37
UPDATES
What's new
COMPLEMENT YOUR HOLIDAY
WITH
GUARANTEED
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NOW AVAILABLE
Ab-soul-em
The Ab-soul-em New Age studio has opened
its doors inside The Club House in Kafr El
Gouna. Healing massages, natural body
products, jewelry with healing powers, and
handcrafted products are on offer. Open
Tuesday and Saturday from 12-5 pm and
Thursday from 12-8 pm, ext 32412
BOOK YOUR NEXT STAY IN EL GOUNA DIRECTLY
THROUGH hotels.elgouna.com AND BE
AWARDED WITH CASH VOUCHERS WORTH EGP
150
AMONG OTHER PRIVILEGES!
EARN VOUCHERS FOR BOOKINGS AT:
SPEND VOUCHERS HERE:
LEATHER BOUTIQUE
SEGWAY TOURS
VISIT
HOTELS.ELGOUNA.COM
OR
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ELGOUNA.OFFICIAL.FANPAGE
TO MAKE YOUR NEXT BOOKING.
• Facebook:
• Website booking:
Zai Beauty Salon
The Classic Beauty Salon has undergone
its very own makeover, and the glamorous
result has a new name and a new face: the
elegant Zai Beauty Salon is now found in
Steigenberger Golf Resort. It offers a full
range of hair care, body care, and facial
treatments in a comfortable and professional
environment. Pampering isn’t reserved for
in-house guests of the Steigenberger, as
this unisex salon is open to all from 10 am
through 8 pm every day, ext 130
Kids Academy invited children aged 4-10 for
a day of fun at the nursery on April 5. The
entertainment on offer included a clown, a
bouncy castle, playground activities, arts and
crafts, and a movie showing with popcorn, in
addition to lunch. Members of the El Gouna
community and parents of children attending
the nursery donated kitchen supplies,
clothing, and money, which were divided
between the Hurghada church and mosque
that had each brought 15 kids to the Mini Kids
Academy on Orphan Day. minikidsacademy8@
gmail.com, also on Facebook
COMMUNITY
Cash voucher privilege
Guests booking their stay directly on El
Gouna’s website or Facebook page now
benefit from additional incentives in the
form of cash vouchers. Three vouchers, each
worth 5 Euros or 50 LE, are granted per stay:
one voucher is valid for activities, one for
shopping, and one for dining; a minimum
spending of 30 Euros or 300 LE applies in
shops and restaurants. Participating outlets
currently include activities providers Cable
Park, Segway Tours, Art Café, and LAX
Gym; shops Cookit, Leather Boutique, and
Malaika; town restaurants Le Garage and
Moods; and hotel restaurants El Tablya,
Tandoor, La Rotisserie, Morgan’s Beach
Bistro, and The Steak House. To receive your
cash vouchers upon check-in, book online at
hotels.elgouna.com or on Facebook
It’s show time!
The summer is back and with it all outdoor
events have returned to El Gouna’s public
squares. Tamr Henna under the Stars is
taking place every Thursday at 8:30 pm, the
Marina Street Festival takes over the Abu
Tig Marina promenade every Friday at 8 pm,
and Kafr El Gouna Live gets swinging and
grooving every Saturday at 8 pm. For more
information call the Information Center at
ext 32100
38 | El Gouna Magazine
Orphan Day
The beginning of April mark’s Egypt’s
National Orphan Day, a time dedicated to
highlighting the plight of orphaned children
and organizing recreational activities on their
behalf. In honor of the occasion, the Mini
EGIS talent show
On May 29, nearly 400 guests attended
the finals of the El Gouna International
School talent show held at the Technische
Universität Berlin. The “EGIS Got Talent”
competition launched in February saw 44
students aged 6-16 years old showing off
their singing, dancing, and poetry talents to
earn one of 14 spots at the final event. Tenth
grade British student Michael Hook won the
competition with a break dance performance
and took home an iPad mini and a trophy.
International Nurses Day
In celebration of International Nurses Day under the theme
“Nurses: a Force for Change, a Vital Resource for Health,” the
El Gouna Technical Nursing Institute, which currently counts 40
students, opened its doors to local residents and visitors on May
24. Approximately 20 guests received free blood pressure, height,
and weight checks performed by senior students, and coffee and
cake were served in a convivial atmosphere.
SPORTS & WELLNESS
Spinning Marathon
On May 24, 2014, LAX Gym in collaboration with The Fitness
Playground hosted the El Gouna International Spinning Marathon,
a first in Egypt and the Middle East. The five-hour event, which
took place at Club 88 in Abu Tig Marina North, attracted over
300 participants and spectators from all over the world. Spinning
June 2014 | 39
professionals and enthusiasts had the
opportunity to ride with master instructors
from England and Germany, along with other
top-notch homegrown Spinning presenters.
Programming was designed to fit everyone’s
fitness levels, with some participants riding
for the full five hours while others took
turns sharing a bike. Contributing to the
organization of this successful event were
Star-Trac and Agatex Egypt, who collected
the Spinner bikes from event sponsors
Fight & Fitness Factory, Body Shapers,
and Reform Pilates, and transported them
from Cairo to El Gouna. Volunteers from
El Gouna International School passed
around refreshments during the event to
keep the participants’ energy levels up. The
party atmosphere was enhanced by a light
show and live entertainment by The Digital
Monkeys and Igor the Saxophonist. See event
photos on Facebook and video on YouTube
run; a Super Sprint Triathlon consisting of
a 350-meter swim, a 10-kilometer cycling
race, and a 2.5-kilometer run; and a
Duathlon consisting of a 5-kilometer run, a
20-kilometer bike race, and a 2.5-kilometer
run. The event made good use of the
resort facilities, including Abu Tig Marina,
streets around town, lagoons, and beaches.
Participants checked in and received
a briefing at LAX Gym on Thursday, June
19, and the closing ceremony was held on
Saturday, June 21. For more information visit
www.trainforaim.com or call the Information
Center at ext 32100
ENVIRONMENT
EVENTS
Duathlon and Triathlon
With the support and endorsement of the
Egyptian Triathlon Federation, Train for Aim
organized its first triathlon in Egypt in El
Gouna. Races took place on Friday, June 20,
and Saturday, June 21, and included a Sprint
Triathlon consisting of a 750-meter swim, a
20-kilometer cycling race, and a 5-kilometer
Earth Week
Earth Week is an opportunity for the
whole community to come together to
celebrate Mother Earth and learn about
the environment and the problems we face
nowadays. Events held in El Gouna from
May 16-22, 2014, included the showing of
a documentary and a presentation about
global warming by Nicolaos Tzoupanos and
Susanne Ulrich, along with a recycled arts
exhibition at Technische Universität Berlin;
environment-related activities dedicated
to children at Honey Bees Nursery; and
free guided tours to El Gouna’s recycling
plant, water treatment facilities, and farm.
Eight teams participated in a recycled rafts
competition held at The Club House, followed
by a barbecue and a recycled fashion show
organized by Lebanese Designer Nadine
Chamaa. A “House of Up-Cycling” was built
El Gouna Golf Club
@elgounagolf
Experience El Gouna Golf
Come over to El Gouna Golf Club and enjoy
our summer specials from May to September
Introduction to Golf for Non-Golfers
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
16.00 to 17.00: 10€ per person
40 | El Gouna Magazine
Play 9 Holes with a Pro
1 person: 60€ / 2 people: 100€
18 hole lessons available
For bookings and information
Extension 32285
Phone +2 0122 746 4712
golf.club@elgouna.com
www.elgouna.com
Golf Beginners Course
1 person: 5 lessons for 180€
2 persons: 5 lessons for 260€
at the outdoor family recreation area the Fish Farm using recycled
materials such as bottles filled with sand and old ceramic tiles.
Cleanup actions took place on land at the beach and underwater
at popular dive sites; 55 bags of rubbish were collected from
Tawila Island and 48 from Northern Mangroovy Beach.
VISITORS
Miss Scuba UK
El Gouna played host to the Miss Scuba UK beauty pageant from
April 26 to May 5, 2014. The 12 contestants spent a week in El
Gouna, practicing for the final show and receiving dive training;
11 Open Water and five Advanced Open Water certifications were
obtained. The finals took place on May 2, 2014, during the Marina
Street Festival. Jaime-Lee Faulkner, who was the first Miss
Scuba UK elected last November, handed over her crown to this
year’s winner, Alicia Caley, who will go on to compete in the Miss
Scuba International pageant held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on
November 28, 2014.
June 2014 | 41
The Complete Guide to El Gouna
A great advantage of vacationing or living in El Gouna is the myriad of options it offers as a
complete community. Whether you are looking for the ideal place for dinner, the ultimate
sporting experience, or simply where to fill a prescription, this guide will help you know
where to go or who to call. In these pages you’ll find a comprehensive listing of the town’s
services, sports, dining, entertainment and much more.
DIRECTORY
Activities & Sports.........................................................................................................p 44
Banks.............................................................................................................................p 52
Beaches.........................................................................................................................p 44
Boating & Marina Services..........................................................................................p 44
Dine Around .................................................................................................................p 43
Diving.............................................................................................................................p 46
Education.......................................................................................................................p 52
Health & Wellness........................................................................................................p 46
Hotels.............................................................................................................................p 46
Housekeeping...............................................................................................................p 52
Info Center.....................................................................................................................p 52
Internet................ ..........................................................................................................p 52
Kids................................................................................................................................p 48
Laundry.........................................................................................................................p 52
Medical..........................................................................................................................p 52
Nightlife .........................................................................................................................p 48
Real Estate....................................................................................................................p 48
Restaurants...................................................................................................................p 50
Services.........................................................................................................................p 52
Shopping........................................................................................................................p 54
Transportation...............................................................................................................p 56
Travel Agency.................................................................................................................p 56
CALLING EXTENSIONS
From outside El Gouna, please dial +2 065 358 0521 /22/23/24/25/26 for the
operator and ask to be connected to the extension of your choice.
42 | El Gouna Magazine
DINE AROUND
Dine Around Restaurants
A unique offering from El Gouna’s hotels. For program specifics and reservations, contact the
Guest Relations agent at your hotel of residence, or call the Info Center / ext 32100.
Arena Inn / ext 150 / International Buffet
Fairway / ext 70014 / International Buffet
Decorated in a tasteful marine style and with a beautiful setting overlooking
the lagoon, Arena Inn sets sail to international and themed buffets.
Experience the Steigenberger touch in an elegant yet cozy restaurant.
Every evening we present a new delicious theme buffet with live
entertainment.
Bleu Bleu / ext 77928 / French
With a top quality chef, the restaurant specializes in French cuisine
served at an ideal location in the Abu Tig Marina. Enjoy a variety of
seafood dishes either inside or on the marina boardwalk.
Captain’s Steakhouse / ext 144 / American Steaks
If steak is what you like...then you’ve hit the jackpot! The Steak House
offers a romantic setting overlooking the Abu Tig Marina. Great
American style steak dishes are served in a beautiful atmosphere with a
classical high standard of service.
Chez Pascal / ext 188 / 177 / Belgian
Morgan’s beach bistro / ext 100 / Paella
Morgan’s beach bistro located in Club Paradisio offers you a variety
of mouthwatering culinary choices in a cozy and casual atmosphere
overlooking the sparkling water of the Red Sea straight from the beach.
Great food, stunning view, a tranquil atmosphere!
Orient 1001 / ext 110 / Oriental
Enjoy Lebanese-Egyptian food in an authentic Oriental atmosphere with
live traditional bread making and a variety of hot & cold mezzes and
char-grilled seafood & meats. Live show every Friday night. Special set
menu for Dine Around with optional additional dishes at extra charge.
Feast on wonderful culinary delights at our specialty Belgian restaurant
and savor mouth-watering cuisine. Enjoy a fantastic meal of fabulous
dishes from all corners of the earth accompanied by soft, live piano
music while you dine.
Dolce Vita / ext 188 / 177 / Italian
Authentic Italian cuisine with sounds, sights and aromas from the
Mediterranian. Come visit us at our two distinct locations at the Rihana
Resort and the Ocean View Hotel.
El Sayadin / ext 120 / Seafood
The renowned a la carte restaurant for Oriental and seafood specialties
boasts a unique location overlooking the crystal blue Red Sea. Spoil
yourself in this breathtaking ambience for all romantic & casual
moments while enjoying the finest delicacies from the menu.
La Piscina / ext 110 / Seafood
Saturday seafood BBQ! Enjoy lavish international seafood delicacies
in an exclusive atmosphere around the pool featuring live music and
entertainment from 19:30 until 22:30 every Saturday. Free alcoholic
welcome drink.
June 2014 | 43
GUIDE
ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS
Aerial Sightseeing
+2 0127 772 5925
Sharm Air gives you the opportunity to feel like
a bird. Contact us to have an unforgettable Arial
sightseeing over El Gouna www.sharmair.com
Kite Family
+2 012 2402 4688 / Zeytouna Beach
Kitesurfing, windsurfing, small catamaran for
three persons. Zeytouna Beach
kitefamilyelgouna@hotmail.com
www.kitefamilyelgouna.com
Kitepower
Art Café
ext 75522
Art Cafe is an art center that provides art
classes and workshops for adults and Kids,
special arty events and Gallery.
Gouna@artcafe-Egypt.com
Aquarium
ext 32408 / Kafr El Gouna
From Spanish Divers and Picassos to sea
horses and crabs, the aquarium will delight
the whole family.
Beach Buggy
ext 34024 / El Balad
Race accross the sand with beach buggy
excursions from Speed Devils.
ext 32506 / Mangroovy Beach
VDWS-recognized kiteboarding school.
info@kitepower-elougna.com
www.kitepower-elgouna.com
Kite People
ext 120 / +2 012 2472 5972 / Moevenpick
IKO-certified kiteboarding school.
info@kitepeople.at, www.kitepeople.at
Liquid Park
+2 0127 692 1754
Water park with inflatable toys, action tower,
climbing wall, slides, and animation team.
Airport lagoon, Facebook Liquid Park El Gouna
Magic Lamp Windsurfing
Moevenpick / ext 120
Beach Volleyball
Enjoy sandy courts on the beach at:
Mangroovy Beach / ext 32260
Zeytouna Beach / ext 140
The Club House / ext 32412
Museum
Crystal Biking
Quad Runners
ext. 34044, +2 0122 886 0955 / Downtown
ext.77976,+2 0127 838 8884-9 / Marina
Zoom around town with scooter & bicycle
rentals. Crystal Bike Center. Opening Hours
from 10 AM to midnight.
crystalbikeelgouna@gmail.com,
www.crystalbike.com
ext 34044 / El Balad
Go for an exciting desert safari, a full moon
trip, or a Bedouin trip on quads for 2 hour
slots, half or full day trips. Guides and BBQ
arrangements. At Peak Safari
Culturama / ext. 32589
enjoy the History of Egypt on an interactive 9
screen panorama. Held every day in English,
French and German language up on request.
Go-Karts / ext 32188
Burn rubber on the carting circuit on the road
between the downtown area and the marina.
Open from 11am-10pm
ext. 32406 / El Balad
Entrance is 10Le per Person. Opening time is
10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm.
Red Sea Zone
+2 0101 110 8081 / Northern Mangroovy
IKO-certified kiteboarding school.
info@redseazone.com, www.redseazone.com
Sail La Vie
+2 0101 410 1915
Located in the front of the Sheraton Hotel. It’s
all about sailing, from renting Surf equipment
until Catamaran Lessons.
Sports & Fun Aquacenter
El Gouna Cable Park - Sliders
ext. 32622, +2 0102 602 2226
Huge Cable Park with 4 different Cables for
beginners, kids and advance.
Wakeboarding, Waterski, Kneeboarding.
Restaurant, Swimming pools, Playground.
www.elgounacable.com
El Gouna Golf Club
ext 32285
An 18-hole championship course with driving
range, chipping and pitching area and
putting greens. Rental services for clubs,
trolleys and carts available. For non-golfers,
check out the Golf Introduction with PGA
professionals every Monday, Wednesday and
Saturday from 3:00-4:00pm in winter/4:005:00pm in summer.
Horseback Riding
Ride horses and camels at:
Yalla Horse Stable / ext 32344
Yalla’s trained staff will help you enjoy their
Arabian cross horses and ponies for children.
Don’t miss their horse-drawn carriage trips!
Kiteboarding Club El Gouna
+2 012 2661 0878 / Buzzha Beach
VDWS-certified kiteboarding school.
elgouna@kiteboarding-club.com
www.kiteboarding-club.com
44 | El Gouna Magazine
ext 32241 / Magroovy Beach
Windsurfing, wakeboarding, glass bottom
boat. At the Steigenberger
Stand Up Paddling
+2 011 4111 1978
Lessons, rental, sales, lagoon trips, SUP yoga.
The Club House, Sheraton TGI, Mangroovy
Beach, Liquid Park, call for pickup service.
Club Med / ext 100
Moevenpick / ext 120
Wakeboard and Waterski
ext 37396 / +2 010 0010 2952
The Orange Concept offers a range of
water based activities including waterski,
wakeboard, wakestate, wakesurf, fun tubes,
and more for all levels and ages.
www.theorangeconcept.com
Beaches
Buzzha Beach
+2 012 2741 2100 / North Mangroovy
Only 15-min from downtown. Soak up the
sun and watch kitesurfers. Activities include
billiards, table football, beach volley and a
kids’ playground, all free of charge.
Club 88
ext. 75578, +2 015 0739 3572 /
Abu Tig Marina North
Circular pool overlooking the super yacht
marina, beach, bar and restaurant.
Mahmya
+2 010 0111 9792
Just over an hour from El Gouna, Mahmya
Beach on Giftun Island offers a natural
environment with blue waters awaiting
exploration and a white sandy beach inviting
relaxation. Food, great music, and a fun crowd
make for a memorable exotic escape.
Mangroovy Beach
ext 32260
Enjoy kite and windsurfing, snorkeling,
volleyball and football. Look out for beach
parties and summer BBQs. Shuttle bus Marina
line departs on the hour between 9 am and 5
pm from downtown.
Marina Beach Club
ext 77966
At the heart of Abu Tig, free access with owner’s
card and for guests of participating hotels.
A massage parlor also does henna tattoos.
Restaurant service is provided by Moods and the
beach bar remains lively until late.
Zeytouna Beach
ext 140
Lively and beautiful, Zeytouna Beach is located
on its own island surrounded by the sea and
lagoons. A 400-meter jetty provides access
to deeper water and the coral reef plateau.
Beach Access: Shuttle boat from Downtown
and Sultan Bey, or walking bridges from the
Sheraton and Hill.
Swimming Lessons
Kids Club Sheraton Miramar / ext 82921
Freds Swim Academy / +2 0128 274 1000
Swimming courses for babies, children, teens
and adults.
Swim Trainings
Freds Swim Academy / +2 0128 274 1000
Swim Clubs for all ages and levels at
Steigenberger Golf
www.swimtrainer-egypt.com.
Tennis Club & Academy
ext 32515
Four clay tennis courts, equipment rental,
individual and collective lessons, sparring
partner, weekly single tournament, and tennis
and multisport camp. Next to the go-kart track
BOATING & MARINA SERVICES
Abu Tig Marina Office
ext 32249 / 32011 / +2 065 358 0073 /
+2 012 2766 0185
Beyond the Pyramids
ext 33045 / El Balad
Romantic raft rides around the lagoons, and
speedboats for rent.
El Gouna Boat Service
+2 010 0010 2956 / Abu Tig
Boat service center for all types of repairs,
engine service, anti-fouling, and refits.
Authorized Mercruiser and Mercury dealer
and service center.
Tennis & Squash Courts
Professional tennis and squash courts are
available at:
Fairline
+2 0114 710 0000 / Abu Tig
STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING
- WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER
SKIING - WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND
SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY
CRUISING
THE RED
SEA SURFING - WATER SKIING - FINE DINING - SCUBA DIVING
- KITE SURFING
- WIND
WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING WATER SKIING -WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING
- SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING -WAKEBOARDING
- SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING
- WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA
DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING
- WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA
DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING
- WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA
DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING
- WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA
DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING SNORKELLING - SCUBA DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING
- WAKEBOARDING - SNORKELLING - STYLE - SERENITY - FINE DINING - SCUBA
DIVING - KITE SURFING - WIND SURFING - WATER SKIING - WAKEBOARDING -
Pure Luxury
m/y Seven Spices
Simply put, M/Y Seven Spices is the most luxuriously appointed 40 meter Super Yacht in the Red Sea. Offering
palatial accommodation with six hand-crafted staterooms, your own personal chef and a professional international
crew ready to look after your every need, M/Y Seven Spices is just what you need for the perfect getaway.
AVAILABLE FOR WEEKLY & DAILY CHARTERS
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Available for private charters, corporate events, family holidays
& special occasions or weddings - M/Y Seven Spices has it all!
All-inclusive price includes all activities, meals & snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (alcohol provided at extra cost). Maximum number
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For more information and price details:
For more information
and price details:Tel: +20 (0) 1200 202 635
E-Mail: contact@luxurymotoryachts.com
www.sevenspices.com
E-Mail: contact@luxurymotoryachts.com
www.sevenspices.com
Tel: +20 (0) 1200 202 635
June 2014 | 45
GUIDE
Fairline yachts sales and after-sales support
with on-site service center.
Fantasia Yacht Service
+2 0122 218 4631, 0127 6 32 30 36
fantasia60@hotmail.com
info@fantasia-eg.com / www.fantasia-eg.com
Orca Dive Club
Lax Beauty Center
ext 77739 / Abu Tig
Instruction: PADI, CMAS-VDST, ProNRC for
Nitrox, and IANTD for closed rebreather Buddy
Evolution. Snorkeling. Languages: German,
English,French, and Arabic. Turtle’s Inn.
ext 75501 / Abu Tig North
ext 77965 / Abu Tig
Yachting equipment and supplies.
National Yachts Company
ext 75523 / Abu Tig
Sea Ray and Azimut yachts dealership.
North basin office
ext 75571 / 75573
Keeps a list of private and commercial charter
boats in El Gouna. www.abutig-marina.com
Ocean Diva Catamaran Sailing Cruises
ext 37396 / Abydos Marina and hotels
Day cruises, champagne cruises, private
cruises, and party cruises.
Princess Yachts
+2 011 4001 1667 / Abu Tig
Princess yachts sales and after-sales services.
Sunseeker
ext 77961 / Abu Tig
Sells a range of luxury yachts and sports crafts.
Yacht Club, North Basin
ext 75585
DIVING CENTERS
ext 32340 / Tamr Henna
Moevenpick Salon
TGI Diving
Lodos Marine
Look at Me
ext 110 / Sheraton
Instruction: PADI. Features a boat suitable for
disabled divers; all boats depart from the dive
center’s own jetty. Snorkeling, pedalos and
canoes.Languages: English, French, German,
Italian, Dutch, and Arabic.
ext 120
Nefertari
ext 110 / Sheraton
Tamr Henna Salon
ext 32157 / Tamr Henna
The Dive Connection
Thai Scissors
ext 199 / Panorama Bungalows
Instruction: PADI, CMAS-VDST, and TDI for
advanced technical diving, trimix, semi-closed
rebreathers Draeger Dolphin and Ray, and
closed circuit rebreathers Buddy Evolution and
Submatix. Snorkeling. Languages: English,
German, French, Dutch, and Arabic.
ext 33039 / El Balad
HEALTH & WELLNESS
HOTELS
6 Stars
Angsana Spa
A subsidiary of the Banyan Tree Group,
Angsana Spa boasts two outlets in El Gouna.
Moevenpick
Thanita Massage
ext 32412 / Club House, Kafr
TTC Ocean View
ext 177
La Maison Bleue
ext 75620
5 Stars
ext 120
Movenpick Resort & Spa
Steigenberger
ext 120
t +2 065 354 4501/358 0120
ext 130
Health Clubs
Sheraton Miramar
ext 110
t +2 065 354 5606
Club Med
Blue Brothers
ext 77975 / TTC Ocean View
Instruction: PADI, CMAS-Barracuda, and ProNRC.
Night dives available. Snorkeling. Languages:
German, English, and Arabic.
ext 100
Steigenberger Golf Resort
Finger Secret Spa Beauty and Fitness
ext 130
t +2 065 358 0140/1/2/3/4
ext.32414 and 140 / Kafr El Gouna
LAX Gymnasium & Lounge
Colona Dive Center
ext 188 / TTC Rihana
Instruction: PADI. Snorkeling. Languages:
Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, English,
Portuguese, Italian, and Russian.
Coraya Divers
ext 75501 / Abu Tig North
Moevenpick
Dawar El Omda
ext 122
t +2 065 358 0063
ext 110
ext 130
TTC Ocean View
ext 177
TTC Rihana
Easy Divers Academy
ext 32327 / TTC Rihana
Instruction: PADI and CMAS-FFESSM. Boat
available for disabled divers and the only dive
center licensed to visit the Thistlegorm. Night
dives available. Snorkeling, glass bottom boat.
Languages: Dutch, French, German, English,
and Arabic.
Fanadir
ext 170
+2 065 358 0076
Mosaique
ext 180
t +2 065 358 0077
ext 188
Panorama Bungalows
Panorama Bungalows
ext 199
+2 065 358 0052/3
ext 199
Beauty Salons
Mangroovy Massage
ext 32260 / Mangroovy Beach
Emperor Divers
Classic
ext 77975 / TTC Ocean View
Instruction: PADI and SDI for Scubility program
for impaired divers with a boat suitable for
disabled divers. snorkeling. Languages: English,
German, French, Dutch, Italian, and Arabic.
Steigenberger / ext 130
Abu Tig / ext 77918
Euro Divers
Chinese Massage by Lin
ext 120 / Moevenpick
Office: 8137 Tel:+20 1002592123
Instruction: PADI. Snorkeling Trips. Language
Arabic, English, French, Spanish & German.
ext 75532 / +201006837396
Abu Tig North
Captain’s Inn
ext 144 / Abu Tig
Finger Secret Massage
ext 140 and 32414 / Kafr El Gouna
46 | El Gouna Magazine
ext 100
t +2 065 354 7934/5/6/7/8/9
Sheraton
Steigenberger
ext 32381 / Sultan Bey
Instruction: PADI and CMAS-FFESSM.
Snorkeling. Languages: French, English,
and German.
Club Paradisio
ext 120
ext 100 / Club Paradisio
Dive Trek
4 Stars
Sultan Bey
ext 140
t +2 065 354 5600/2/3/4
TTC Ocean View
ext 177
t +2 065 358 0350/1/2/3/9
TTC Rihana Resort
ext 188
+2 065 358 0025/6/7/8/9
TTC Rihana Inn
ext 188
+2 065 358 0025/6/7/8/9
June 2014 | 47
GUIDE
3 stars
Activities
Ali Pasha
Art Café
ext 133
t +2 065 358 0088
Ext 75522
Art Cafe is an art center that provides art
classes and workshops for kids and adults as
well, arty birthdays and school trips.
Gouna@artcafe-Egypt.com
Arena Inn
ext 150
t +2 065 358 0078
Marina Street Festival
ext 32100
Don’t miss the biweekly party where guest
DJs and live bands guarantee an outdoor
extravaganza of fun. Every Monday and Friday
from 8pm (cancelled during winter season).
Moods
ext 144
t +2 065 358 0170
ext 140
Take the jetty to Zeytuna Island for a day of
snorkeling.
ext 77966 / Abu Tig
Lounge bar, oriental and international cuisine
and cocktails by the boats or on the beach with
great alcohol at good prices! Beach parties
every Friday night during the summer.
Turtle’s Inn
Mini Golf
Orient
ext 155
t +2 065 358 0171
ext 77012
Try your luck at pint-sized golf in the marina.
ext 32416 / Kafr El Gouna
International Restaurant & Bar
KIDS
NIGHTLIFE
Hotel Activity Clubs For Kids
Barten
Arena Inn
ext 77903 / Abu Tig
Egypt’s smallest bar with its modern, funky
decor and exciting atmosphere
Island Adventure
Captin’s Inn
Peanuts
ext 150
Children’s activities and playground facilities.
Ages: 0-6
Moevenpick
ext 120
Interactive sports and games both in the water
and outdoors. 10:00-16:45 Thursday off. Only
for in house guests.
Rihana Trixie Kids Club
ext 188
Age-appropriate programs and themed days
include Indian day, Party day, Pirates day and
Handcrafts day. 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00
Sheraton
ext 110
Complete program includes water polo, diving,
beach games, balloon games and activities
coordinated by the animation team.
10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
Beach Party
ext 32260 / Mangroovy Beach
Enjoy BBQ, bonfires, and great music every
Sun and Wed from 10:30pm.
ext 120 / Moevenpick Hill
Elegant lounge and piano bar for special
events and conferences. Prior reservation is
required.
ext 32190 / Kafr El Gouna
Cold beer, hot music, and good mezzeh.
Selection of liquors including famous Irish
whiskey and Irish cream.
Dunes
Tides Lounge Bar
ext 32193 / El Balad
Indoor seating or relax in an open Bedouin
tent. Music, appetizers and cocktails.
ext 144 / Abu Tig
Billiard tables available until 9 pm at Captain’s
Inn Hotel.
ext 177 / Ocean View
The ultimate lounge experience. Cool tunes,
private lounge beds, swimming pool, and
delicious food. DJ Party every Thursday.
Nurseries
El Gouna Cinema
ext 32100 / El Balad
Free entrance for big time blockbusters at
the open air theatre. Movie showing every
Thursday at 8:30pm, during winter the time
changes to 7:30pm.
El Gouna Oasis
Playtime
ext 32100
A natural grove of date palms with roofed huts,
Bedouin tents, and gardens. Buffet dinner and
oriental show every Wednesday from 7pm.
Cheeky Monkeys
Jobos’ Sports Bar & Restaurant
ext 77012 / Abu Tig
An indoor air-conditioned playground with
trampoline, slides, and swings as well as
outdoor mini-golf, football, and picnic area.
Next to Ali Pasha, open daily from 12-9pm.
Day use: 40 LE per child. Infants under
9 months enter free with one paying child.
ext 32127
Live Music every Monday.
ext 32225 / Downtown
Kafr El Gouna Party
ext 32100
A fantastic party with live special
entertainment every Saturday and Tuesday
from 8pm (cancelled during winter season).
Kojak Kids Club
ext 32257
This facility comprises outdoor playground
and indoor play rooms for amusement games,
creative activities, and birthday parties.
Located next to Go-Karts.
48 | El Gouna Magazine
REAL ESTATE
Ancient Sands Resort
ext 77870 / +2 0100 082 0810 / Abu Tig
enquiries@ancientsandsresort.com, www.
ancientsandsresort.com
Commercial Property
ext 32000 / Tamr Henna
Orascom Housing, orascom.housing@elgouna.com
La Casa Di Lialina
ext 32354 / El Balad
Mini Kids Academy
ext 32100 / Tamr Henna
Oriental show and entertainment every Sunday
and Thursday from 9:30pm (cancelled during
winter season).
ext 77994 / +20 120 0385538 / Abu Tig
Jazz and Lounge bar. Enjoy a different
program every night.
DuPort Pool Club
Little Gounies
ext 77927 / Abu Tig
The vibe is classic English pub meets Indiana
Jones where Sussex-native Richard Boys
serves up drinks.
Tambel Irish Pub
Crooners Club
ext 130
Kid’s Club, playground, activities and games
indoor and outside. Ages 5-12 years old.
10:00-17:00. Only for inhouse guests.
ext 32231 / El Bustan
Smugglers
Tamr Henna Square Event
Café Vienna
Steigenberger
HoneyBee Nursery
ext 32326 / Abu Tig
Trendy bar and eatery; one of the marina’s
hotspots! DJ music and regular themes keep
the fun going.
Loca Loca
ext 77001 / Abu Tig
Weekly entertainment program and late parties
on the island opposite Bleu Bleu.
ext 37189 / Kafr El Gouna
OHD Authorized Sales Agent
El Gouna Immobilien
ext 77794 / +2 012 2160 9339
ralf.knippschild@elgouna-immobilien.com
El Gouna Real Estate
Tamr Henna / ext 32194
Abu Tig / ext 32499 / +2 0111 173 4222
enquiries@elgouna-realestate.com
Real Estate Office (OHD)
Orascom Sales Office, marketing.realestate@
orascomhd.com
Downtown Kafr / ext 32005 / 32041
Abu Tig Marina / ext 77939
Resale, Rental & Property Management
El Gouna Prime Living
ext 32339 / El Balad
June 2014 | 49
GUIDE
Holidayhome-Resea
Mobil +2 012 2420 0800
El Gouna Vacation Rentals
ext 32552 / Abu Tig
Fulllstop Rentals and Management
ext 75591 / Abu Tig North
Ceviche
La Rotisserie
ext 33036 / El Balad
Tapas bar.
Chez Chantal
ext 130 / Golf Club
Exclusive menu inspired by Mediterranean
flavors. First class service in a glamorous
ambiance.
ext 155 / Abu Tig
Belgian & international foods. Turtle’s Inn rooftop.
La Scala
Chez Pascal
Interhome
ext 32513 / Abu Tig
Magic Property Management
ext 32423 / Tamr Henna
Rihana / ext 188
Ocean View / ext 177
Specialty Belgian restaurant with mouthwatering cuisine. Live piano music.
China House
Orascom
ext 32006 / Tamr Henna
ext 32314 / El Balad
Great Pekingese and Shanghai food with
authentic ingredients.
Scarab Club
+2 011 4141 1111 / Abu Tig
www.scarab-club.com
RESTAURANTS
3agina
ext 31717 / El Balad
Offering a wide variety of Pizza, mana2eesh
sweet & sour crepes, along with delicious
pancakes & waffles...
7th Star Restaurant
ext 77972 / Abu Tig
Special breakfast, superb pastries, coffees,
international menu, and fondue.
Abou El Sid
ext 38014 / El Balad
Authentic Egyptian food served in old Cairo
style atmosphere.
Art Village Café
ext 34056 / Tamr Henna
Open space arabian atmosphere. Work on your
art or relax with a shisha or drink.
Cristina’s Bistro and Grill
ext 32448 / El Balad
Lebanese and Armenian specialties along with
delicious snacks and salads.
Dolce Vita
Rihana Resort / ext 188
Ocean View Hotel / ext 177
Enjoy the real flavor of Italian pizzas and pastas.
ext 77902 / Abu Tig
Elegant French cuisine from a chef that keeps
the offerings seasonal and varied.
Le Garage
ext 77963 / Abu Tig
German-Swiss restaurant serving gourmet
burgers, salads, and shakes.
Maison Thomas
ext 77906 / Abu Tig
Signature sandwiches, salads, pizzas in great
ambiance.
Mamma Mia
ext 32260 / Mangroovy Beach
Boutique Restaurant
ext 77907 / Abu Tig
Chicken wings and salad bar, as well as
crêpes.
Mamounia
El Bustan Café
Mangroovy Beach Club
ext 807-2038 / El Bustan
Egyptian coffee shop and shisha bar.
ext 32260 / Mangroovy
Scenic beach bar and restaurant. Beach party
every Sun and Wed. Bedouin tent with shisha.
ext 77855 / Abu Tig
Moroccan cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.
El Sayadin
ext 120 / Moevenpick
Fantastic Oriental and seafood specialties with
a unique location overlooking the sea.
Maritim Restaurant
ext 77971 / Abu Tig
Seafood and Scandinavian specialties served
in a unique atmosphere overlooking the sea.
El Taybeen
Athena Greek Taverna
ext 32429 / Balad
Greek specialties.
Fairways
ext 77912 / Abu Tig
Authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and salads.
Le Deauville
Drumsticks
ext 37225 / Kafr El Gouna
Assortment of sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and
special salads. Live band on Thursday.
Bella Italia
ext 77933 / Abu Tig
Pamper yourself with high international
cuisine in a classy atmosphere.
ext 130 / Steigenberger
Elegant yet cozy with daily buffet themes and
uniquely Egyptian fare.
Mini Saigon
ext 32187 / Tamr Henna
Steamed and fried dim sum and main courses
to take away.
Moods Restaurant and Beach Club
ext 77966 / Abu Tig
All-in-one international and typical Egyptian
food and cocktail bar overlooking the beach.
Fish Market
Benzini Juice Bar
ext 34053 / El Balad
Healthy, freshly-squeezed fruit juices and
smoothies.
Bleu Bleu
ext 77928 / Abu Tig
Well known for its delicious platters served on
a romantic terrace facing the sea.
Bua Khao
ext 120 / Moevenpick
Thai food in a fresh, open tropical atmosphere.
Also offers a wide assortment of seafood
dishes.
ext 32268 / El Balad
Catch of the day and Alexandrian-style seafood.
Hedra
ext 32150 / Tamr Henna
International & seafood cuisine served all day.
Snacks and sandwiches.
Il Limone
ext 120 / Moevenpick
Mediterranean specialties with starter buffet
and main courses served at the table.
Jobo’s Sports Bar
Mori Sushi
ext 75536
Wide variety of sushi, maki, rolls, sashimi, and
combination platters.
Nathan’s
ext 32131 / Tamr Henna
100% all-beef chili, cheese hotdogs, chicken
sandwiches and all-American steak sandwiches.
Orient 1001
ext 110 / Sheraton
Lebanese-Egyptian food in an authentic
Oriental atmosphere with live bread making.
Orient Restaurant
Bob Hot Dogs
ext 32127 / Tamr Henna
International and Scandinavian cuisine and
live sports events.
Abu Tig Marina
The hotest dogs and coolest drinks.
Kan Zaman
Oriental Grill
Buzzha Beach
ext 24058 / El Balad
Typical Egyptian Restaurant.
ext 32261 / Kafr El Gouna
Oriental atmosphere sets the mood for
mezzeh, barbecue and oriental pastries.
+2 012 2884 2839 / North Mangroovy
El Gouna’s only wood-fire pizza oven. Theme
evenings include Italian & BBQ.
La Luna
ext 32407 / Kafr El Gouna
Italian cuisine with homemade pasta and pizza.
Captain’s Steakhouse
ext 144 / Abu Tig
American-style steak dishes in a great
atmosphere at Captain’s Inn on the marina
boardwalk.
50 | El Gouna Magazine
ext 32416 / kafr
La Piscina
ext 110 / Sheraton
Exclusive Atmosphere around the pool with
live music and entertainment.
Peking Duck
ext 75546, +2 0127 691 9668
New marina Block 17B-06
El Gouna’s newest Chinese restaurant at Abu
Tig Marina. It’s famous with its crispy duck
dishes and its unique authentic ambience.
June 2014 | 51
GUIDE
Pier 88
Zomba
Financial
+2 012 8410 8820 / Abu Tig
Champagne bar and seasonal European menu
on a floating barge.
ext 32088 / El Balad
Authentic Egyptian cuisine at great prices.
Home delivery available. Hours: 6am-3am.
Note: Most banks are closed Fri & Sat
Puddleduck
The German Hotel School Catering Service
ext 32123 / kafr
+2012 7905 3950
Sunday through Thursday from 08:30 to 15:00
e-mail:info-gouna@orascom-education.com
Arab African International Bank
ext 32137 / El Balad
Raz
Bank Audi
ext 32728 / Tamr Henna
CIB
ext 32125 / Kafr El Gouna
Saudi and Gulf food, Enjoy a delicious cocktail
or a perfect dinner.
Marina / ext 77970
Moevenpick / ext 120
SERVICES
Saigon
Communication
ext 32243 / Kafr El Gouna
Magazine
HSBC
www.elgounamag.com
editor@elgounamag.com
advertising@elgounamag.com
ext 32421/22 / Abu Tig
Credit Agricole
ext 77854 / Abu Tig
This family-run Vietnamese restaurant’s menu
features home-grown vegetables and herbs
amongst other exotic delicacies.
Surf & Turf
ext 34105 / El Balad
Selection of starters, as well as fish and meat
main courses.
Tamr Henna Food Court
ext 32145 / Tamr Henna
Oriental food, kebab, pizzas, fresh juice, and
fetir, among other tasty items.
Tandoor
ext 133 / Abu Tig
Tandoori & Mughalai specialties of chicken, meats,
and seafood at the only authentic Indian restaurant.
Misr Bank
+2 065 358 0202 / Tamr Henna
Radio
www.romolo.com/stream.htm
Housekeeping
Event Planning
Better Life
ext 34444 / El Balad
X-Nation.
ext 32340 / Tamr Henna
Best Service
Post Office
ext 32151 / Tamr Henna
Hours: 9am-2pm, closed Friday.
ext 32345 / Tamr Henna
Orascom
ext 32052 / Downtown
Community
Church
Information
The Club House
ext 807-5005 / El Bustan
Customer Services (OHD)
ext 32412 / Kafr El Gouna
Irresistible pizzas, pasta and salads in a lively
atmosphere and popular meeting place.
El Gouna Farm
ext 34455 / 34466 / El Balad
Homeowner concerns and Owner’s Cards.
customer.services@elgouna.com
ext 32570
For organic produce, open 09:00 to 16:00 daily.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
ext 77852 / Abu Tig
All sorts of coffee specialties are to be had,
together with pastries and snacks.
Info Center
Gas Station
ext 32829 / El Bustan
Mosque
The Snack Shack
ext 34036 / El Balad
Sandwiches, salads and desserts, takeaway
and delivery available.
ext 32389 / Behind Hospital
Behind Hospital
ext 32100 / Tamr Henna
9am-11pm
Telephone, to connect to the
El Gouna Operator:
Nature Park
From inside El Gouna / 0
From outside El Gouna dial:
+2 065 358 0521 /22/23/24/25/26
The Smokery
ext 32251
Water Treatment Systems
ext 75585/Yacht Club, Marina
Every kind of Salmon you’ve ever dreamt about.
Internet
Recycling Factory
+2 012 2399 2774
Turkish House Restaurant
ext 34040 / El Balad
Turkish Cuisine.
Security 24/7
ext 32060 / 32068 / El Balad
essam.ahmed@elgouna.com
Upstairs
ext 33050 / El Balad
A fine dining experience in an elegant setting.
Vienna Café Servus
ext 32149 / Tamr Henna
Varieties of coffee, cappuccino, lattes and
chocolate. Austrian specialties, pastries, fresh
salads and sandwiches.
52 | El Gouna Magazine
Internet café 2-11 pm / ext 77930
Tech services 9am-4:30pm / 32283 / 32198
AUC Field Center
ext 77000 / Abu Tig
ext 34401
www.aucegypt.edu
Romolo Club
El Gouna International School
ext 32170 / 71 / Tamr Henna
ext 32224 / El Balad
www.elgounaschool.net
Laundry
El Gouna Technical Nursing Institute
ext 32089 / Abu Tig Marina
ext 32582
Isis Laundry
German Hotel School
ext 34043 / El Balad
ext 807-5035 / El Bustan
Marlina
Library
ext 75588 / Abu Tig Marina
ext 32589
Open to the public Sat-Fri, 10 am to 10 pm;
entrance 1 Euro. Located next to the hospital.
Tamr Henna Laundry
Technische Universität Berlin
Medical
ext 8400
www.campus-elgouna.tu-berlin.de
Abu Tig Pharmacy
Zia Amelia
ext 34004 / El Balad
Home made, real Italian food, regional
specialities, warm atmosphere: be pampered
with the best selection of Italian cuisine and
friendly service.
Orascom Net
ProLink
White Elephant
ext 32427 / El Balad
Thai specialties include curry dishes, stir-fried
meat and seafood.
ext 600
DSL service provider
Education
Waves
ext 110 / Sheraton
International seafood delicacies in an
exclusive atmosphere featuring live music
around the pool. Seafood BBQ on Saturday.
Link Zone
El Gouna Laundry
ext 32180 / Tamr Henna
ext 77920
10am-12am
June 2014 | 53
GUIDE
Emergency
B.Tech
Italian Fashion
ext 111
ext 34477 / El Balad
ext 77901 / Abu Tig
Hospital Pharmacy
Carrier
Jeans House
ext 32073
9am-2pm, 6pm-9pm
ext 32128 / Abu Tig
ext 32191 / Kafr El Gouna
Cookit Kitchen Supplies
Kipling
ext 35000 / Tamr Henna
ext 77973 / Abu Tig
Hospital
ext 32222 / 32201 / 32202
Cozy Casa
Lougeen
Tamr Henna Pharmacy
ext 75561 / Abu Tig
ext 77941 / Abu Tig
ext 32600
Open 24 hours
Delight
Madian
ext 77923 / Abu Tig
ext 32156 / Tamr Henna
El Dar
Mango
ext 32217 / Tamr Henna
Ethnic
ext 33333 / El Balad
El Balad
Africano
Finally Home
ext 32117 / El Balad
ext 32331 / Tamr Henna
Bedouin House
Inside Out
ext 32276 / El Balad
ext 77968 / Abu Tig
Beit Sitti cottons
Karibe
ext 34035 / Tamr Henna
ext 75506 / Abu Tig
Bollywood
Lightplan
ext 77851 / Abu Tig
ext 33038
Egyptian Handcrafts
Marina Garden
ext 32246 / El Balad
ext 32496 / Abu Tig
El Beit El Noubi
Nancy House
ext 34015 / El Balad
ext 38085 / Tamr Henna
El Nol
Print Shop
ext 77919 / Marina
ext 32132 / Tamr Henna
ext 34003 / El Balad
SHOPPING
Maya
ext 77921 / Abu Tig
Nervana
ext 34011 / El Balad
Norma J
ext 77909 / Abu Tig
Queeny Boutique
ext 77917 / Abu Tig
Quicksilver
ext 32362 / Tamr Henna
Sabaya
ext 34002 / El Balad
Surf Shop
T-Shirt Shop
Nile Kitchen
El Pasha Kaftan
ext 77914 / Abu Tig
ext 34034 / Tamr Henna
ext 32393 / Hill Parking
Vilebrequin
ext 32341 / Kafr El Gouna
Nile Water
Gifts
ext 75542 / Abu Tig
Ambiente
Safarkhan Art
ext 34029 / Tamr Henna
ext 77934 / Abu Tig
Art Village
Fashion
ext 75565 / Abu Tig
Groceries & Bakeries
7th Star Bakery
ext 77931 / Abu Tig
ext 34056 / Tamr Henna
Ainedter Boutique
Dandana
ext 32357 / El Balad
ext 77977 / Abu Tig
Best Way
ext 32313 / Khayameya
Air Marin
Dolphin
Abu Amer
ext 77853 / Abu Tig
Abu Tig / ext 77777
Tamr Henna / ext 32181
Aisha
Cheers
ext 32129 / Tamr Henna
ext 32587 / Industrial Zone
Local alcoholic drinks with delivery.
ext 77964 / Abu Tig
Eben El Balad
ext 32162 / Tamr Henna
Casual Club
Hippie
ext 75550 / Abu Tig
Marina Piazza, North Basin
Cheers
ext 34003 / El Balad
Casual Wear
Khan El Gouna
ext 32107 / Kafr El Gouna
Drinkies
Cotton Land
ext 32729 / Tamr Henna
Local alcoholic drinks with delivery.
ext 32163 / Tamr Henna
Kipling
ext 32102 / Kafr El Gouna
Ebaid
ext 77973 / Abu Tig
Cotton T-Shirt
Oops
El Mohandes
ext 32105 / Khayameya
Elegant Sportswear
Wannas Gifts
El Ezba
Geno
Home Decor, Accessories,
& Appliances
ext 31111 / Downtown
Art Life
ext 33047 / El Balad
ext 32268 / El Balad
Guergues
IQ Casual Wear
54 | El Gouna Magazine
ext 32152 / Tamr Henna
Fish Market
High Quality
ext 34025 / El Balad
Abu Tig
ext 32138 / Tamr Henna
ext 34026 / Tamr Henna
ext 77922 / Abu Tig
Art Of Form
ext 32197 / El Balad
ext 77945 / Tamr Henna
ext 32169 / Tamr Henna
ext 32126 / Kafr El Gouna
Read It Online!
Check out the latest issue
of El Gouna Magazine at:
www.elgounamag.com
June 2014 | 55
GUIDE
Spices
Night Shop
Tok-Tok
ext 34027 / Tamr Henna
ext 32121 / Khayameya
The Butchery
New Khan El Khalili
ext 38060 / El Balad
ext 32106 / Khayameya
5 LE per person per way.
Downtown / ext 32337 / 32338
Abu Tig Marina / ext 72338
El Bustan / ext 807 2338 / +2 0128 200 0402
Zanzibar Gourmet
Shisha Palace
Tuc Tuc
ext 77959 / Turtles Inn
ext 34017 / El Balad
Hand Made
Tut Papyrus
ext 77222 / +2 0112 999 9144 / Abu Tig
5 LE per person per way.
(max. 3 passengers)
ext 32161 / Tamr Henna
Around El Gouna
ext 32289 / El Balad
Other
Bus to Hurghada
Fine Arts
Alam Writing Materials
El Balad
ext 77943 / Abu Tig
Glass Style
Any Call
ext 32104 / Khayameya
ext 34022 / El Balad
ext 32100
Buses leave every 20 min (00, 20, 40 min after the
hour). Departure from El Gouna between 07:00
and midnight. Departure from Hurghada (Dahar)
between 06:20 and 00:00. LE 5 per person per
way, tickets may be bought on the bus.
Lana Leather
Book Shop
ext 32147 / Tamr Henna
ext 77969 / Abu Tig
Bus Service to Cairo
Leather Handmade
Bookshop Farid Atteia
ext 32108 / Khayameya
ext 32165 / Tamr Henna
Malaika
Deep Blue
ext 77929 / Abu Tig
ext 77950 / Abu Tig
O. Mamouhé
Edrees
ext 77904 / Abu Tig
El Balad
Trend
Exc. DVD & Video
ext 34013 / El Balad
ext 37234 / Tamr Henna
Jewelry
Fun Days Excursions
El Warda Fine Arts
El Gouna Transportation Company
ext 32287 / +2 02 2574 1533
First Class service LE 110 per person per
way, VIP service LE 85 per person per way.
EG to Cairo: 1pm (VIP), 4:30pm (First). Cairo
to EG: 7am (VIP),10pm (first). Runs from
Tahir Square and Nasr City station in Cairo.
Tickets must be bought in advance.
High Jet Company
ext 34008 / El Balad
ext 34555
First Class service LE 85 per person per
way Leaving from Downtown. VIP service LE
55 per person per way leaving in the front
of the Bustan Gate. EG to Cairo: 9:30am
(First), 1:30pm (first), 11:30am (VIP), 12(VIP),
2pm(VIP), 5pm(VIP). Cairo to EG: 8am (first),
10am (VIP), 11am (VIP), 12 am(VIP), 3pm(VIP),
4pm (VIP).runs from Ahmed Helmy and Nasr
City station in Cairo. Tickets must be bought
in advance.
Lotus Perfumes
Travel Agency
ext 32184 / Tamr Henna
Black Diamond
ext 32410 / Tamr Henna
Green Fingers
ext 32358 / El Balad
Citizen
ext 34028 / Tamr Henna
La Beauté
El Fayrouz
ext 32153 / Tamr Henna
ext 34078 / El Balad
High Style
ext 34770 / Tamer Henna & Abu Tig
Pro Tours
Phone Appliances
ext 34031 / Tamr Henna
Jewellux
ext 144 / Abu Tig
Samir and Ali
Jasmine Jeweler
ext 34032 / Tamr Henna
opening hours 10:00 to 22:00
ext 32133 / Tamr Henna
San Bola Embroidery
Kiranos
ext 32166 / Tamr Henna
ext 32167 / Tamr Henna
St Paul Book Shop
Saint George
ext 34023 / El Balad
ext 32135 / Kafr
Santa Maria
Abu Tig
Shiekh Mounir
ext 32112 / Steigenberger, Sheraton,
Ocean View, Kafr, El Balad
TRANSPORTATION
Within El Gouna
Limousine & Taxi
ext 38784 / +2 012 2734 0166
Car and limousine rental, private taxi service.
Valentino Silver
ext 32158 / Tamr Henna
Segtours
Wannas Jeweler
ext 77922 / Abu Tig
Abu Tig Marina ext 77989 / +2 012 8821 9026
or +2 011 1099 3880
Segway tours around El Gouna.
Souvenirs
Shuttle Bus & Boat
Isis Leather
ext 32293 / Abu Tig
Jasmine Papyrus
ext 32101 / Khayameya
Khan El Khalili
ext 32163 / Tamr Henna
56 | El Gouna Magazine
ext 32100
Tickets available at the Info Center, hotels’
front desk, Kafr boat jetty, at sales points
around El Gouna, or with bus drivers. Daily
ticket: 5 LE; Weekly
ticket: 20 LE.
Arranges local excursions within Egypt
and handles your international travel
arrangements. For packages and tailored
tours and excursions / ext 32175 / 6
Bookings also through Info Center / ext 32100
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Tel: +2 02 3336 3393 Fax: +2 02 3336 6952
Mob: +2 0114 5000 005 E-mail: sales@fairlineegypt.com
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46 | El Gouna Magazine
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LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE
45 | El Gouna Magazine