A Message from Dahab

On Monday, April the 24th 2006, three bombs exploded in the small, hippie town of Dahab, also popular with windsurfers from around the world.

Just days later, it would be impossible to tell anything ever happened here by just looking around, until you speak to the local people.

On the night of the explosions the speakers of the Mosque, which would normally be calling for prayer, were calling for help. Dozens were badly injured, and the local hospital needed volunteers. It didn’t take long until loads of local people arrived. Taxi drivers, doctors, staff from windsurf centres; everyone helped however they could. By the end of the night it was known that 23 people were dead, and almost a hundred injured.

The next days were subdued, the town was really quiet, but the damaged area was fixed very quickly. Walking along the sea front, where the restaurateurs normally jostle for business, was a different experience. Instead of being asked into a restaurant, you’d simply be told “you are welcome” or “peace be with you”.

Funds were collected for the victims and their families and a peace march took place in town involving everybody from Bedouins to the Sinai Governor.

We have received loads of email and messages from windsurfers who have already experienced what a fantastic location Dahab is, saying how it would never stop them coming back to such a great place. It’s good to see how people have reacted and how they have taken the facts philosophically.

We all think sadly of what happened and of those affected. We love this place and its people - who are amongst the most welcoming and friendly we’ve met.

Hopefully this beautiful place won’t be affected in the long term by these events and that people will keep flocking to experience all the amazing things that Dahab has to offer!

PEACE TO EVERYONE

The Club Dahab Team