Sharm Old Market

The Old Market is a popular shopping area in Sharm El Sheikh in South Sinai. It lies in the oldest part of the city at Sharm El Maya bay, south of Naama Bay, where most hotels and resorts are concentrated.

The area developed in the early days of the town, before Sharm El Sheikh became one of the largest tourist destinations on the Red Sea, and it originally served residents and workers. It expanded as tourism grew and now combines shops used by people who live in the city with others aimed at visitors. Beside it stands the Al-Sahaba Mosque, completed in the second decade of the twenty-first century. With its two tall minarets and an architecture that mixes several Islamic styles, the mosque has become a prominent landmark of the district.

The streets of the market contain shops selling spices, herbs, perfume oils, leather and copper goods, clothing and souvenirs, as well as fish restaurants, Egyptian eateries and cafes. Activity increases after sunset. The market represents the most local side of a city otherwise dominated by resorts.