Key dates
| Date | Event | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Founding of the modern city, an Ababda fishing village per one source; another describes an administrative post for British geologists | sources differ |
| 1913 | Oil discovered and first extraction in the area (Anglo-Egyptian Oilfields) | several sources |
| 1980s | Public programme and investment turn the coast into a tourism and diving zone | sources agree |
| 1990s to today | Hotels, the Marina and diving grow; Hurghada becomes an international destination | general |
| Recent | Opening of the Hurghada Museum, first antiquities museum of the governorate (about 2,000 objects) | exact date to verify |
Flag, coat of arms, motto
To our knowledge Hurghada has no separate official flag or coat of arms: we found none in official sources. What you will see is the Egyptian flag: three horizontal bands of red, white and black, with the golden Eagle of Saladin in the centre. No documented city motto either; be wary of souvenirs claiming one.
Where to see the history
- Hurghada Museum: the city's only real museum, antiquities from ancient Egypt to modern times.
- El Dahar: the old quarter, souk, fish market and El Mina mosque, the old heart of the city.
- Hurghada Marina: the modern face of the city.
- For ancient Egypt, the trip to Luxor is unmatched.
Visiting with a guide
A guided city tour with hotel transfer links El Dahar, the mosque and the seafront; see the El Dahar guide.
FAQ
When was Hurghada founded? Most often given as 1905; sources differ on what the founding was.
Does Hurghada have a flag? No separate official flag found; the Egyptian one is used.
Is there a museum? Yes, the Hurghada Museum.
Read next
Continue with things to do in Hurghada and Hurghada in 2 days.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 26 October 2026.
