Egypt seeks updated diving regulations to protect tourists, marine environment

CAIRO – 22 April 2026: Egypt is pushing for updating regulatory frameworks governing diving and marine activities in line with international best practices to ensure tourist safety and protect the marine environment.

Speaking during a meeting with officials on Wednesday, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stressed the need to modernize these frameworks, saying they would also help enhance the skills and capabilities of ministry staff and strengthen oversight and governance mechanisms.

Fathy underscored the importance of striking a balance between developing marine tourism activities and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, while preserving marine ecosystems and natural resources.

Such efforts, He noted, would help maintain Egypt’s position as a leading destination for marine tourism and support sustainable tourism development.

The meeting reviewed plans to update operational regulations in line with international standards to ensure high levels of quality and safety, as well as to further develop diving tourism products in a way that supports environmental conservation and sustainability.

The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing diving and marine tourism, describing it as one of the Egyptian destinations’ key tourism segments, in line with a broader strategy to diversify tourism offerings and enhance competitiveness.

Discussions also covered ways of developing the Hyperbaric Medical Center in Sharm El-Sheikh, given its vital role in ensuring the effective operation of diving and marine activity centers in South Sinai.

The meeting further addressed efforts to upgrade training systems in diving and marine activities.

Egypt is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading diving destinations, particularly along the Red Sea coast in areas such as Sharm El Sheikh and the wider South Sinai Governorate.

The area is known for its rich coral reefs, clear waters, and diverse marine life, attracting both beginner and professional divers throughout the year.