In a remote corner of Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the small village of Al-Qula’an offers a refreshing alternative to mass tourism development. Located within the Wadi El Gemal protected area, this “eco-village” consists of simple wooden huts, a small restaurant, and pristine mangrove forests—a stark contrast to the concrete resort developments that dominate much of Egypt’s coastline.

The village is home to about two dozen families from the Ababda tribe, traditionally nomadic people who have inhabited the desert region between the Nile River and Red Sea for centuries. These families have successfully transitioned from a purely nomadic lifestyle to one that combines traditional fishing with sustainable tourism, creating an income source while actively protecting their coastal environment.

Al-Qula’an has emerged as a model for environmentally responsible tourism at a time when Egypt’s aggressive tourism development policies have sparked controversy. The government’s push to build tourist facilities within protected areas has alarmed conservationists, who recently campaigned to prevent private development at nearby Ras Hankorab beach, another ecologically sensitive site.

The Ababda’s approach demonstrates that tourism and conservation can coexist. Visitors to Al-Qula’an encounter signs encouraging mangrove protection and experience the area’s natural beauty without the environmental degradation typically associated with large-scale resort development. This community-led conservation model shows how indigenous communities can become effective stewards of fragile ecosystems while building sustainable livelihoods—offering valuable lessons for coastal protection efforts across the region.