Hadaba is peaceful resort located just ten minutes from Naama Bay. It is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday but still within easy reach of the livelier resorts of the area. One of the six main areas that make up Sharm el Sheikh, Hadaba (meaning ‘the cliff’ in Arabic) is a much quieter resort than nearby Naama Bay. Sitting on an elevated area on the Ras Um Sid, or Om El Sid as it is also known, the resort offers spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. Hadaba has a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops and also the enormous Alf Leila Wa Leila (meaning fantasia in Arabic) complex. Scuba diving, snorkelling, submarine rides, water sports, swimming pools, tennis, volleyball, go-carting and bowling are also available in Hadaba. Strolling round the town visitors will be treated to authentic Egyptian culture, don’t miss the local markets where you practice your bartering skills!
The resort offers a good choice of accommodation including luxury hotels and villas, and is one of the few resorts in Sharm el Sheikh where you will find self-catering accommodation. Many of the hotels here have their own private beaches which are perfect for quietly relaxing in the sun.
Ras Um Sid is a long, golden sandy stretch of coastline where the crystal clear blue waters and reefs of the Red Sea are perfect for scuba diving. There is a jetty here which takes you out over the spectacular coral reef, an idyllic place for snorkelling. The best time for a diving holiday to Hadaba is during the hot summer from May to September. This is because there are many more fish to see due to the migration of the shoals as they chase nutrient-rich currents. You can still dive in the winter, however there are less fish to see and during the spring months visibility is hampered due to the birth of thousands of baby fish. There are plenty of diving centres around Hadaba where divers of all levels are welcomed. Apart from diving and snorkelling, Hadaba offers a range of water sports including windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, canoeing and fishing.
The whole family will love the two water parks in the area. The Aqua Blue Water Park in Hadaba has a large selection of slides and the long lazy river provides a safe watery play area for all ages.
A holiday to Hadaba is not complete without a trip into the Sinai Desert. Whether on a camel safari, horse riding trek, jeep or quad bike excursion or just by relaxing under the stars at a traditional Bedouin feast, you won’t be disappointed.
Nightlife in Hadaba is more subdued than other resorts in the area but a ten minute taxi ride will take you to the lively clubs and bars of Naama Bay or you can go to Sharm Old Town (El Maya) which is just a few minutes away. At the Alf Leila Wa Leila complex there are belly dancers and traditional Egyptian music every night.
The best time to visit is between October and April which is the regions winter season. There is plenty of sunshine at this time (8-10 hours a day) and temperatures are a much more bearable 20-30C than during the scorching hot summer season which runs from May to September. During these hot summer days you are likely to see up to 13 hours of sun a day and temperatures will soar to 32-35C, even reaching 40C some days. The sea enjoys its best temperatures between July and October.