422 tourists, visitors arrive in Saint Catherine to explore its landmarks

CAIRO - 9 May 2026: The city of Saint Catherine welcomed approximately 422 tourists and visitors of various nationalities on Saturday, as part of the ongoing religious and tourist trips to the city.

 

These visitors come to explore its most prominent historical, spiritual, and natural sites, amidst a surge in tourism during weekends and official holidays.

 

Ibrahim Mohamed, the Public Relations Officer for Saint Catherine, confirmed that the city is currently experiencing a significant increase in tourist arrivals, coinciding with improved weather conditions and cooler nighttime temperatures. This creates ideal conditions for climbing Mount Sinai and enjoying the city's unique natural beauty.

 

Exploring the Colored Canyons within the Saint Catherine Reserve

 

He noted that among the visitors were 22 Egyptian tourists who were keen to experience climbing Mount Sinai and visiting Saint Catherine's Monastery, in addition to exploring the colored canyons within the Saint Catherine Nature Reserve.

 

He explained that the tourist delegations included people of various nationalities, including Malaysia, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia, Romania, England, Lithuania, and Brazil, reflecting the city's global standing as a leading destination for religious and spiritual tourism.

 

He added that 270 tourists and visitors climbed Mount Sinai, including 30 Egyptians, who enjoyed an experience combining spiritual contemplation and adventure, whether on foot or by camel.

 

St. Catherine's Monastery also welcomed 152 visitors, including 21 Egyptians. Their tour included visits to the Burning Bush, the Church of the Transfiguration, the monastery's museum and library, and an introduction to rare manuscripts and the Covenant of Muhammad.

 

The city experienced hot weather during the day and mild weather at night, with temperatures ranging from 28 degrees Celsius during the day to 11 degrees Celsius at night, creating ideal conditions for nighttime climbing trips.

 

 

Purchasing Medicinal Herbs and Sinai Handicrafts

 

Following their mountain trek, visitors continued their itinerary with a visit to the Colored Canyons, the rest house of the late President Mohamed Anwar Sadat, and an introduction to Bedouin life, in addition to purchasing medicinal herbs and Sinai handicrafts.

 

This surge in tourism coincides with the growing interest in the “Great Transfiguration” project, which aims to enhance Saint Catherine’s status as a global destination for religious and ecotourism, and to solidify its position as a spiritual symbol uniting the three Abrahamic religions.

 

These figures confirm the continued appeal of Saint Catherine as one of the world’s most important tourist and spiritual destinations, thanks to its rich history, enchanting natural beauty, and unique experience that combines spirituality and adventure.