Hurghada was founded in 1905 by a group of Arabian fishermen who settled near a natural harbor. They named it Ghardaga, which means “the place where plants grow” in Arabic. The village was isolated from the rest of Egypt and had no roads or electricity.
In 1913, oil was discovered in the area by British geologists who were exploring water sources. The British government obtained a concession to exploit the oil fields and built pipelines and refineries. In 1921, oil production and export began from Hurghada, making it an important economic center.
During the reign of King Farouk (1936-1952), Hurghada became a recreational center for the royal family and their guests. They built villas, hotels, casinos, golf courses, and an airport. Hurghada also attracted foreign visitors who enjoyed its sunny climate and sandy beaches.
After the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, Hurghada lost its royal patronage and declined as a tourist destination. The oil industry also suffered from nationalization and political instability. Many residents left Hurghada for other cities or countries.
In the late 1970s, Hurghada experienced a revival as a result of Egyptian and foreign investment that aimed to develop it as a major resort on the Red Sea. New hotels, restaurants, shops, marinas, diving centers, and entertainment facilities were built along the coast. Hurghada also became a hub for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, yachting, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
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Hurghada’s tourism industry boomed in the 1980s and 1990s as it attracted millions of visitors from Europe, Russia, Asia, and other regions. Hurghada also expanded its boundaries to include nearby villages such as El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay offered more luxury and diversity to tourists.
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