Suez, Egypt
Region: Suez Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 29.966700, 32.550000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Hot and dry with low precipitation.
Population: 516959
Language: Arabic
Suez is a port city located in the northeastern part of Egypt, Situated on the northern end of the Suez Canal. The city is known for its strategic location and its significance as a transportation hub between Europe and Asia. Suez has been an important center for trade since ancient times, With evidence of commercial activity dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. The modern city of Suez was founded in 1859 during the construction of the Suez Canal by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps.
The canal revolutionized global trade, Allowing ships to bypass the lengthy and dangerous journey around Africa’s southern tip, Thereby reducing travel time between Europe and Asia by up to two weeks. Today, It remains one of Egypt’s most important economic assets. Suez is home to several notable landmarks that reflect its rich cultural history. One such landmark is the El-Tawfiq Mosque, Which was built in 1918 during World War I by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V as a gesture of gratitude for Egyptian support during his reign.
Another landmark worth visiting is At-Tanbi’een Square which features an impressive statue dedicated to those who lost their lives during Egypt’s struggle against British colonialism. The city also boasts several museums that offer insight into its fascinating history. The most prominent among them is undoubtedly the Suez Canal Museum which provides visitors with detailed information about this engineering marvel through interactive exhibits and multimedia installations. Aside from being a historical hub, Suez also offers visitors opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing along its coastline or exploring nearby natural reserves like Wadi El Rayan or Ras Mohammed National Park.
For those interested in water sports such as windsurfing or kiteboarding, There are plenty of options available along this stretch of coastline too. One unique aspect about life in Suez is that it has been heavily influenced by Bedouin culture due to its proximity to Sinai Peninsula where many Bedouin tribes reside. As such, Visitors can expect to encounter traditional Bedouin hospitality and cuisine when exploring the city. Suez is a fascinating city that offers visitors a glimpse into Egypt’s rich history and culture.
Its strategic location as a transportation hub between Europe and Asia has played an important role in shaping its identity over the centuries. Whether you’re interested in exploring its museums, Landmarks or natural reserves, There’s something for everyone in this bustling port city.
- Suez Canal is the most famous landmark in Suez, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
- Port Tawfiq is a major port located on the northern end of the canal, serving as a gateway for trade between Asia and Europe.
- Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel connects Sinai Peninsula to mainland Egypt and is considered one of the longest underwater tunnels globally.
- El-Qantara Bridge spans over the Suez Canal, connecting Asia to Africa.
- At-Tanbura Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Suez, built during Ottoman rule in 1759 AD.
- Al-Nasr Mosque is located near Port Tawfiq and was built during British occupation in 1918 AD.
- The Suez War Memorial Cemetery commemorates soldiers who died during World War I when British forces fought against Ottoman Empire troops in Sinai and Palestine regions.
- El Orouba Square (Liberation Square) features a statue of Gamal Abdel Nasser, former president of Egypt who played an important role during nationalization of Suez Canal Company by Egypt’s government from Britain’s control in 1956 AD.
Major Industries and Businesses in Suez, Egypt
- Shipping and logistics
- Petroleum
- Manufacturing
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Fishing
Details on Each Industry/Business:
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Shipping and Logistics
Suez is a vital port city that serves as a hub for shipping and logistics in the region.
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Petroleum
The city is home to several oil refineries such as the Suez Oil Company which processes crude oil from the Gulf of Suez.
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Manufacturing
There are several manufacturing plants that produce goods like textiles, chemicals, and food products.
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Tourism
Tourism is an essential industry for Suez due to its historical sites such as the Suez Canal and ancient ruins of Pharaonic temples. These attractions attract tourists from all over the world.
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Agriculture
Agriculture also plays an important role in Suez’s economy with crops like cotton, wheat, citrus fruits vegetables being grown abundantly on fertile land around the city.
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Fishing
Fishing is another significant industry due to its proximity to Red Sea which has various species of fish caught by local fishermen daily.
- The construction of the Suez Canal in the mid-19th century, which transformed the city into a major transportation hub and helped to boost Egypt’s economy.
- The Suez Crisis of 1956, when Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt after President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal. The crisis resulted in a United Nations intervention and ultimately led to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Egypt.
- Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat who oversaw the construction of the Suez Canal.
- Khedive Ismail Pasha, an Ottoman viceroy who played a key role in financing and promoting the construction of the canal.
- Ahmed Orabi Pasha, an Egyptian nationalist leader who led an unsuccessful revolt against British rule in 1882.
- Anwar Sadat, former president of Egypt who was born in Mit Abu al-Kum near Suez City.
- Hosni Mubarak served as Vice President under Sadat before becoming president himself from 1981 until his ouster during Arab Spring protests in 2011.
- Mohamed Morsi served as President of Egypt from June 30th 2012 until July 3rd 2013 when he was overthrown by a military coup following widespread protests against his rule.
- Taha Hussein (November 15th 1889 – October 28th 1973) was one of modern Arabic literature’s most prominent figures whose literary works are still celebrated today.
- Naguib Mahfouz (December 11th 1911 – August 30th1990) was an Egyptian writer who won Nobel Prize for Literature in1960 for his novel Children Of Gebelawi (1959).
- Suez Canal Museum
- Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel
- Port Tawfik Museum
- Al-Azhar Park Suez
- Suez War Memorial Cemetery
- The Church of Saint George in Suez
- The Mosque of Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi in Tanta
- The Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza (located about 2 hours away from Suez)
- Suez Canal Festival: This festival is held annually on November 17th to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.
- El-Moulid El-Nabawi: This is a religious festival that celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated throughout Egypt, including Suez.
- Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims in Suez through fasting from dawn until sunset, special prayers, and charitable acts.
- Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and gift-giving.
- National Day celebrations: Egypt’s National Day on July 23rd commemorates the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and is celebrated with parades, fireworks displays, and cultural events in Suez.
- International Camel Racing Festival: Held annually in February or March at Al-Salam Stadium in Suez, this festival features traditional camel racing competitions as well as cultural performances and exhibitions.
- International Fishing Tournament: Held every year during August or September along the shores of the Red Sea near Suez City, this tournament attracts fishermen from all over Egypt who compete for prizes based on their catch size and weight.
- International Jazz Festival: Held annually since 2013 at various venues around Suez City during October or November, this festival showcases local jazz musicians as well as international performers from around the world.
- Molokhia: A traditional Egyptian dish made with jute leaves, garlic, and chicken or meat.
- Koshari: A vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, macaroni noodles and a spicy tomato sauce.
- Foul Medames: A breakfast dish made with fava beans that are slow-cooked and served with olive oil and spices.
- Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables such as peppers or zucchini filled with rice or meat.
- Shawarma: Grilled meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.
Some popular restaurants in Suez that serve these dishes include:
- El Tawfiq Restaurant
- Al Shabrawy Restaurant
- El Khedewy Restaurant
- Al Rayaan Restaurant
- Abu Ali Restaurant
- Suez Canal Park: This park is located near the Suez Canal and offers a beautiful view of the canal. It has a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths.
- Al-Arbaeen Park: This park is located in the center of Suez and has a large lake, playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
- Al-Salam Park: This park is located on the outskirts of Suez and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It has a large lake, walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- El-Gamil National Park: This park is located about 20 km from Suez and offers hiking trails through scenic desert landscapes.
- Water sports activities: There are several companies in Suez that offer water sports activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking etc., at various locations along the Red Sea coast.
- Fishing trips: Fishing trips can be arranged from various locations around Suez for those interested in deep sea fishing.
- Camel rides: Camel rides are available at some locations around Suez for those looking for an authentic desert experience.
- Scuba diving/snorkeling: There are several dive centers in nearby cities like Hurghada that offer scuba diving/snorkeling trips to explore coral reefs along the Red Sea coast.
