El Gouna is a modern Red Sea resort destination with relaxed dress codes compared to traditional Egyptian towns, but core Egyptian cultural norms—rooted in Islamic tradition and Arab hospitality—remain relevant.
Good to know
Good to Know
- El Gouna's resort setting means dress codes are relaxed compared to rural Egypt—swimwear is fine on beaches and resort areas, but cover shoulders and knees outside the resort zones.
- Greetings are foundational to Egyptian social interaction; taking time to greet properly and use respectful titles goes a long way in building rapport.
- Tipping (baksheesh) is expected across service industries and is often essential income for workers; be prepared with small bills.
- If visiting during Ramadan, show discretion by avoiding eating or drinking in public during daylight hours, especially in non-tourist areas. Resort restaurants accommodate non-Muslims.
- Physical affection between couples in public is best avoided outside very touristy zones to prevent drawing unwanted attention.
- Egyptian hospitality is warm and genuine; refusing offered tea or coffee may offend. Always accept graciously.
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in non-resort areas, as a sign of respect.
Greetings
Islamic greeting; appropriate in all contexts
- Phrase
- As-salāmu 3aleikum (Peace be upon you)
- Response
- Wa 3aleikum as-salām (And upon you be peace)
- Context
- General greeting
Warm, welcoming phrase; commonly used with guests
- Phrase
- Ahlan wa sahlan (Welcome)
- Response
- Ahlan wa sahlan
- Context
- General greeting
Time-of-day specific greeting
- Phrase
- Sabah al-khair (Good morning)
- Response
- Sabah an-nur (Morning of light)
- Context
- Morning greeting
Friends and relatives may follow with cheek kisses
- Gesture
- Handshake with right hand, may be prolonged with direct eye contact
- Context
- Between men
Woman should extend hand first in mixed-gender settings
- Gesture
- Handshake or nod; cheek kisses between friends and relatives
- Context
- Between women
Between men and women
- Gesture
- Wait for woman to extend her hand first; handshake acceptable in some circumstances
- Notes
- More formal than same-gender greetings; varies by conservatism of individual
Sensitive Topics
Politics, Religion, Personal Matters
- Advice
- Avoid discussing these topics, as they can be controversial
- Rationale
- Respect for privacy and sensitivity to local perspectives
Military and Security Sites
- Advice
- Do not photograph military buildings; some historical/military sites restrict photography or require permits
- Rationale
- National security and respect for sensitive areas
Ramadan And Religious Practices
Ramadan observance
- Implications
- Discretion appreciated; eating in resort restaurants/tourist areas is acceptable. Greeting is 'Ramadan Kareem' (Ramadan is generous)
- Description
- During daylight hours in Ramadan, Muslims fast from food, drink, and smoking. Visitors should avoid eating or drinking openly in public during fasting hours, especially in traditional neighborhoods
Prayer times
- Implications
- Do not walk in front of someone praying or talk to them during prayer; avoid disturbing prayer times
- Description
- Call to prayer (Adhan) heard five times daily; some shops/offices pause briefly for prayer
Mosque visits
- Implications
- Photography may be prohibited in certain areas
- Description
- When visiting mosques open to tourists, dress modestly, stay out of prayer lines, keep voice low, and ask before photographing
Food and drink customs
- Implications
- Respect these religious boundaries in social interactions
- Description
- Pork is prohibited in Islam and offensive to offer to Muslims. Alcohol not typically offered or consumed with meals; only offer if known the person consumes it
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About El Gouna
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.