Another month and another fantastic event in Dahab – last week Dahab 7 Waves Festival was the talk of the town.  Seven days of events, each day showcasing elements of Dahab falling into seven categories; Water, Wellness, Sports, Kids, Sound, Environment and Sand.  The Dahab 7 Waves Festival team put on amazing show with a huge variety of events aimed at uniting the community during a period of low tourism.  These events have been sponsored by local businesses, and as always many individuals have donated their time and resources to the event.

Day 1 – Waves 1; Water, Sound and Sand

On day 1 of the festival there was the opportunity for tourists and locals to participate in free activities such as wake boarding or banana boating.  A highlight for my mother and friend, who have been in Dahab enjoying some winter sunshine, was without a doubt the glass bottom boat ride.  You can find more information about Dahab’s Glass Bottom boat excursions on the watersports section of our website – A family friendly activity that enables even those that wish to stay dry, a chance to experience the wonders of the Red Sea Coral Reef.

The fun on day one didn’t end there, in the afternoon at the Lagoona, local Bedouin participated in a camel race.  A few years ago, at a previous Dahab Festival, we were lucky enough to watch a similar race.  It is only when you are a few metres away from the camels that you realise just how large they are, and in comparison how small the young men who are riding them appear.  Experienced spectators disappear off into the distance to get a good viewing position, whilst novices like ourselves, stand near the start and watch these amazing animals disappear in a cloud of dust.  Racing camels can reach speeds of 65km/hour in short sprints and maintain 40km/hour for an hour.

The first evening of the festival and the first of the live music events.  The crowd was not left disappointed as Ahmed Moktar, the incredibly talented Egyptian violinist took to the stage and wowed the audience.  Ahmed was in Dahab to film scenes for his latest music video.  Second on the bill was Alam el Maraganat Shabee band, described as a funky mixture of modern ‘Shabee’ music from a group of cool Cairiennes.

Below is a video of Ahmed Moktar performing in Dahab filmed by Stephen De Bond, a talented British photographer currently living and working in Dahab.

Day 2 – Waves 2; Wellness, Kids and Sound

The second day of the festival was dominated by a fabulous selection of wellness activities and workshops.  A wellness market in the centre of town showcased local handmade produce including toys, recycled arts and crafts and crystal healing jewellery from the wonderful Iris at Radient Rainbow.

The day continued with a large selection of taster treatments and classes for everyone to have a go and try something new.  The diversity of the massage professionals in Dahab was demonstrated in full force with Ayurvedic facial massage, hand massage, shiatsu and foot reflexology all on offer to try.  Those that are a little more spiritually inclined could also experience taster Reiki and Kinesiology sessions.

If being pampered wasn’t quite up your street then there were numerous classes to get you moving; such a salsa dancing, oriental dancing, meditative yoga or laughter yoga. Finishing of the classes and giving everyone a chance to relax and wind down at the end of the afternoon were classes in meditation and drumming meditation.

Only two days in and five more fantastic days to report on….. watch this space!