City of Palm Trees

Even though the local economy is pretty much toast, the capital of the North Sinai Governorate remains vibrant with culture, beautiful scenery and welcoming people.Combining a Bedouin culture with a pristine natural setting, Al-Arish is far from commercial or bustling: It attracts those looking for peace, relaxation and a distinguished heritage.

Aside from being one of the least polluted cities in the country, Al-Arish is known for its beautiful weather, clear waters and palm-lined white sandy beaches that inspired its nickname: “City of Palm Trees.”One of the most beautiful spots is Al-Rissa Beach, known for its stunning scenery and sunsets.

Al-Arish is also home to Al-Zaranik, a protected area east of Lake Baradwil, where people go to watch various species of birds traveling through. The area is a migratory meeting point for birds from Asia, Africa and Europe and is host to at least 244 different species of birds native to Egypt.

The city was once full of historic sites dating as far back as the time of the Pharaohs. However, today the only remaining sites are its three citadels.Al-Arish Citadel was built in the sixteenth century by the Ottoman Sultan Soliman El-Qanouny over the ruins of a Pharaonic fort, parts of which were also recycled in the other two remaining forts.In the village of Nakhl, south of Al-Arish, is the Nakhl Citadel, built by the Mamluk Sultan Qansuh Al-Ghouri in 1516. Finally, about 36 kilometers outside of Qantara on the road to Al-Arish are the 36 towers of the Farma Citadel, built by Al-Mutawakel Ala Allah.

Although varying in backgrounds and heritage, many of the city’s inhabitants have had close ties with Sinai’s Bedouins, giving the local culture an exotic taste.This means that the markets are vibrant with special local remedies, spices and herbs, including the strongest thyme you can find in Egypt and habbak, a type of herb used to treat coughs. With an abundance of olive trees, olive oil is unsurprisingly a local specialty.

For a wide range of locally manufactured products, make sure to attend the Thursday Market, held near the remnants of Al-Arish Citadel and the Abbasi Mosque.In one of the oldest markets in the area, you can find handmade shawls with Bedouin prints, Bedouin jewelry, cloths and embroidered bags.Celebrating Bedouin heritage, Al-Arish also hosts the International Camel Competition every August, drawing spectators from around the world to see camel races as well as handicrafts and cultural exhibitions.