Egypt enjoys a remarkable geographic location that empowered it to undertake an important role in formulating human civilization. Egypt is located in the heart of the world. It is the point of convergence of the three old continents Africa, Asia and Europe. It is bordered to the West by Libya, to the South by the Sudan, and to the East by the Red Sea along with the two Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. To the North, it overlooks the Mediterranean. On its lands the Suez Canal, one of the most important international waterways, is running. The River Nile, the lifeline for Egyptians, also flows throughout its territory. Within the extended stretch of the Nile is the world’s most intensive concentration of temples, tombs and palaces constructed over the span of 4,000 years.

This extension made Egypt a bridge through which Abrahamic religions have crossed and peacefully co-existed. It has been and will remain the major point of convergence of cultural and intellectual interaction between the East and West, North and South. It has been the cradle of successive civilizations starting with the Pharaonic civilization passing through the Greek and the Roman civilization ending with the Coptic and Islamic civilizations.

The Arab Republic of Egypt is a sovereign, united, indivisible State, having a democratic republican system that is based on citizenship and the rule of law. The Egyptian people are part of the Arab nation. Egypt is part of the Islamic world, belongs to the African continent, and cherishes its Asian Dimension. The country is divided into 27 governorates, of which Cairo is the capital, while Alexandria is the second largest city.

The President of the Republic, currently President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is the head of State and the head of executive power. The political system is based on political and partisan pluralism, peaceful rotation of power, separation and balance of powers, the inevitable correlation between powers and responsibilities, and respect for human rights and freedoms, as stated in the Constitution.

In February 2016, Egypt launched “Egypt Vision 2030” as a national agenda that reflected the state’s long-term strategic plan to achieve sustainable development principles and objectives in all areas. Egypt Vision 2030 is based on the principles of 'comprehensive sustainable development' and 'balanced regional development'. Egypt Vision 2030 reflects the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Egypt Vision 2030 focuses on improving the quality of life and improving the standard of living in various aspects of life by ensuring the consolidation of the principles of justice, social inclusion and the participation of all citizens in political and social life, in conjunction with high, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, enhancing investment in human beings, and building their creativity by promoting increased knowledge, innovation and scientific research in all areas.

The contrast of historical layers that range from Ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire, Islamic dynasties to the modern history of Egypt is what you’ll find in Egypt today. In Cairo and most of the Egypt’s major cities you’ll find skyscrapers, highways, international hotels, restaurants and other features of urbanization. Over the past decade, Egypt has grown to become the modern hub of Africa; the country boasts numerous airports, ports and modern marinas, and major cities are connected through a network of newly built highways. Moreover, telecommunications and Internet services in Egypt are booming, providing the needed infrastructure for the constant development of the country.

Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt major cities on the Red Sea. Sharm El Sheikh is located on the Gulf of Aqaba, 479 km from Cairo, about 300 km from Suez and 19 km from Ras Mohammed National Park. It covers an area of nearly 777 km2 with a population of about 69,417 inhabitants. Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of Egypt’s touristic cities due to the development in tourism industry and its recognition worldwide. The city has a number of tourist attractions including Ras Muhamad reservation, Ne’ma bay, and Nabq area. Moreover, from Sharm El Sheikh, you can visit Sinai desert and St Catherine Monastery, or the majestic Sinai Mountains. The climate is lovely and dry all year long with temperatures ranging between 20° and 25° C in the winter months. Sharm El Sheikh received the UNESCO award being the world’s best city for peace and beauty. Sharm El Sheikh was also awarded the Golden Apple award from the International Union of Tourism Journalists and Writers.

An important sector which has a real impact on national income is the tourism field and especially the MICE segment. Sharm El Sheikh has hosted a number of international conferences at its International Congress Center, which is considered one of the most prominent flagships of the city. The center was designed according to global standards and specifications. It is the second largest Congress Center in the Middle East and the first in Egypt. The center symbolizes the strength and strong will of the Egyptian people.

* Medical insurance

It is strongly recommended that participants secure, prior to departure, international medical insurance for the period of participation, including COVID-19 coverage.

* Climate

The first month of the winter, December, is still a warm month in Sharm El Sheikh, with average temperature fluctuating between 15°C (59°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F). In December, the average high-temperature marginally drops, from 27°C (80.6°F) in November, to a still warm 23.2°C (73.8°F).

* Time

Sharm El Sheikh is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +2 hours.

* Taxes

For goods purchased in the ARE which will be exported (subject to terms and conditions) shoppers can obtain a refund on the VAT, provided that they validate their purchases according to local rules. VAT refund counters are available at the airports.

* Electricity

Domestic supply is 220 volts. Sockets suitable for two-pin plugs are the norm.

* Language

The official language in the Arab Republic of Egypt is Arabic. English is widely understood.

* Postal and Internet services

Postal facilities are available at post offices and in most major hotels. Internet services are also available at most major hotels, as well as in cybercafes around Sharm El Sheikh and at the ICC.

* Business hours

Government offices operate from Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 – 15:00.

Some private companies are closed only on Fridays while others are closed on both Fridays and Saturdays. Department stores in shopping malls are open all week. Restaurants typically open from morning to midnight and do not have a break.

* Currency

The national currency of the Arab Republic of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. In the Arab Republic of Egypt all transactions are made in pounds.

Currency exchanges can be found at Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh airports, and at major hotels and banks throughout the city. All banks buy and sell dollars, euros and British pounds. Exchange rates may differ depending on the bank. Some banks also ask that you provide a form of identification such as your passport when changing money.

Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) and traveller’s cheques in major currencies are generally accepted in large hotels, restaurants and department stores, as well as in several large stores. Traveller’s cheques and bank notes in all major currencies may be exchanged at all commercial banks and most hotels and foreign exchange counters. ATM services are also available.

Although the majority of restaurants and many stores in Sharm El Sheikh accept bank cards, we recommend carrying cash as well.

* Telephone services and useful telephone numbers

Telephone services are available in hotels, restaurants and cafes. Prepaid mobile telephone cards are available at hotels and local shops. Dialling is as follows:

• For local calls: +2 + city code + number
• For international calls: 00 + country code + number