Nabq: The northernmost mangroves of the Red Sea

CAIRO - 24 April 2026: Just north of Sharm El-Sheikh, the Nabq Protectorate preserves a unique coastal forest that shouldn't technically exist this far north.The Shura (mangrove) groves of Nabq stretch for 4.5 kilometers along the coast, acting as a vital nursery for economic fish species and a sanctuary for the rare osprey and spoonbill.

Nabq is a masterpiece of biodiversity, containing over 20 endangered species, including the dugong (sea cow) and the Egyptian gazelle.

The protectorate also boasts the largest sand dunes in the region, stabilized by the Arak plant, creating a green-on-gold landscape that is unique to this part of the Sinai.

The state has recently prioritized the development of El-Gharqana village within the park. This project aims to transition the local Mezaina Bedouin community from precarious "shack" housing into environmentally integrated units, improving their quality of life while preserving their traditional maritime culture.

Visitors to Nabq can enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling in the seagrass beds, or exploring the archaeological ruins at Wady Sayala.