Unveiling of a group of water tanks and service facilities at the ancient port of Aydhab in Halayeb

 The Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, working at the historic Port of Aidhab site in the Halayeb region on the Red Sea coast, has uncovered a collection of massive water reservoirs and cisterns, along with several service buildings and facilities. This new archaeological discovery sheds light on the infrastructure of the Port of Aidhab, one of the most prominent and important Egyptian ports during the Islamic eras. Today, travelers interested in exploring such deep history can easily book comprehensive Egypt travel packages to witness these ancient wonders firsthand.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that this discovery contributes to highlighting the development witnessed by ancient Egyptian ports, and the advanced infrastructure they enjoyed to serve trade movement and pilgrims, confirming Egypt's strategic position as a major cultural and commercial hub throughout the ages. He noted the Ministry’s interest in excavation work and archaeological studies in border and remote areas due to their great historical and cultural significance. For modern history enthusiasts, planning premium Egypt tours offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the country's fascinating heritage across all eras.

For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the discovery highlights an important aspect of the service facilities that the historic Port of Aidhab relied upon, as water cisterns represented an essential element in supporting maritime and commercial activity, as well as providing for the needs of pilgrims arriving at the port on their way to the Holy Lands. Many travelers choose to combine such historical learning with holiday getaways by reserving customized Egypt christmas tours to experience the winter season in these magnificent locations.

Dr. Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, pointed out that the excavation work, led by Mr. Mohamed Abu Al-Wafa, resulted in the discovery of a massive main cistern measuring about 15.10 meters in length, 3.15 meters in width, and nearly 3 meters in height. It was built using sandstone and local coral stones, and then covered with a layer of white lime mortar to insulate the water and prevent leakage, in addition to the discovery of a number of other cisterns in the southern part of the site. A comprehensive itinerary like a 10 Days Christmas tour to Cairo, Luxor & Aswan is ideal for exploring both the ancient capitals and the enduring architectural marvels along the Nile.

He added that the archaeological survey work in the surrounding area also revealed the remains of residential building foundations, watchtowers, and service facilities, indicating the existence of an integrated system for managing the port and meeting the needs of pilgrims and merchants who flocked to it over long centuries. Those seeking a broader coastal and historical experience can opt for a 10 Days Christmas holiday in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor & Aswan to see how major ancient cities managed their historical maritime trade and governance.

The mission also found a group of important archaeological artifacts, including pottery shards dating back to the Fatimid era, some of which are painted green, along with fragments of imported Chinese porcelain, which reflects the flourishing commercial activity at the port and the expansion of its maritime relations network with many regions, especially India, Yemen, and East Africa. For an extensive exploration across diverse landscapes—from historical hubs to coastal shores—an 11 Day Trip to Cairo, Desert, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada offers the perfect route to understand Egypt’s vast connections.

It is worth noting that the Port of Aidhab was one of the most prominent Red Sea ports during the Middle Ages, as it represented a main station for pilgrims coming from Egypt and the Maghreb countries on their way to the Holy Lands, in addition to its pivotal role in the maritime trade movement. Traveling along this iconic river can be experienced luxuriously on the MS Mayfair Christmas Nile Cruise Tours, providing exceptional comfort while journeying through history. Alternatively, booking the Movenpick MS Royal Lily Christmas Nile Cruise offers another excellent option for an unforgettable holiday on the water. For those with limited time who still wish to capture the essence of Egypt's major historic hubs, a concise 5 Days Cairo and Alexandria Xmas Tour serves as a perfect short getaway.