Situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in South Sinai Governorate, Sharm El Sheikh occupies a long coastal strip along the Red Sea. Sharm El Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba. Amongst its popular attractions are, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai. Today the city is a holiday resort and significant center for tourism in Egypt. Sharm El Sheikh is sometimes called the "City of Peace", referring to the large number of international peace conferences that were held there.
The city experiences a subtropical arid climate with temperatures ranging from 18 to 23 °C in January and 33 to 37 °C in August. The temperature of the Red Sea in this region ranges from 21 to 28 °C over the course of the year.
Sharm El Sheikh's major industry is incoming and domestic tourism, owing to its scenic landscape, long stretches of natural sandy beaches, year-round dry climate with long hot summers and warm winters.
Sharm El Sheikh has become popular for various water-sports enthusiasts including scuba diving and snorkeling. It has grown in popularity among scientific tourists due to the diversity of its marine life being home to 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fish.
These natural resources, together with its proximity to European tourism markets, have stimulated the development of this resort city into a popular tourist destination that has plenty to offer its visitors, whatever their interests are: the nightlife of Sharm El Sheikh is modern and caters for all tastes. The colorful handicraft stands of the local Bedouin culture are a popular attraction. Ras Mohammed, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, has been designated a national park, serving to protect the area's wildlife as well as its natural landscape, shoreline and coral reef. A number of international hotels with golf courses and well equipped with other leisure facilities. The culinary choices are endless as well.