Adventurous couple explores Egypt in 60 days

The pair are on a mission to document the country’s must-visit attractions. (Photo courtesy: @aroundegyptin60days)
Updated 13 August 2017
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Adventurous couple explores Egypt in 60 days

CAIRO: A thrill-seeking Egyptian couple are traveling through the entire country in 60 days to encourage tourism among locals by shedding light on the country’s little-known gems.
Dalia El-Debaiky and Omar Attia share a passion for exploration and together have taken pictures of the most fascinating locations across Egypt, all compiled on their informative and inspiring Instagram account @aroundegyptin60days.

Day 1: More than a thousand years before Picasso, Van Gogh and Da Vinci, artists in Egypt painted some of the most beautiful portraits in the history of art! . On our 1st day in touring the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo, and aside from all the mummies and statues we saw, Dalia and I were stunned to explore a hall named "Fayoum's Mummy Portraits" which features dozens of naturalistic painted portraits on wooden panels. These portraits covered the respective faces of bodies that were mummified after death! . The portraits were mainly found in Hawara, Fayoum, and date back to the Coptic Period at the time of Roman Occupation of Egypt, at the end of the 1st century B.C!! . Oddly enough, as old as they are, they touched us as if they were painted last month! The colors are very strangely preserved, unfaded by time! Stay tuned for more photos of possibly the oldest surviving painted portraits in the world in our book :) . اليوم ال١: أكتر من ألف سنة قبل بيكاسو و فان جوف و ليوناردو دي فينشي، فنانين في مصر رسموا أجمل لوحات ذاتية في تاريخ الفن! . في يومنا الأول لزيارة المتحف المصري في القاهرة، و بجانب كل الموميات و التماثيل اللي شفناها، أنا و داليا ذهلنا لما اكتشفنا قاعة اسمها "لوحات موميات الفيوم" اللي بتعرض عشرات اللوحات لأشخاص على ألواح خشبية. اللوحات دي كانت بتغطي وجوه الأشخاص اللي أجسامها كانت بتتكفن بعد الموت!! . معظم اللوحات دي اكتشفت في هوارة في الفيوم و بترجع للعصر القبطي أيام ما الرومان احتلوا مصر في آخر القرن الأول قبل الميلاد!! . كان من الغريب لينا إن على قد ما اللوحات قديمة جدا، على قد ما هما لمسونا كأنهم مرسومين من شهر بس! الإحتفاظ بالألوان على مر العصور عجيب! خلليكوا متابعين كتابنا إن شاء الله اللي حيعرض صور أكتر لأقدم اللوحات الذاتية في العالم! . Photography Courtesy of @omarattia84 . #egypt #travel #tourism #tourist #book #travelgram #bookgram #lonelyplanet #tripadvisor #thisisegypt #myegypt #egyptshots #museum #art #portrait #photography #photo #photographer #photooftheday #pic #picoftheday #instagram #instadaily #instagood #peoplescreatives #discoveregyptwithdaliaandomar #aroundegyptin60days

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They have already been to all of Egypt’s 27 governorates on a mission to document the country’s must-visit attractions and shed light on the nation’s forgotten historical sites in a book which is set to be published in the near future.
Celebrating love differently
The married couple are both “marketing gurus” and their passion for exploring Egypt has been an intrinsic part of their relationship since its beginning.
Attia told Arab News that they decided to hold their engagement party, the signing of the marriage contract ceremony and the wedding reception in different iconic locations across Cairo.
“Our engagement was celebrated by the Nile River and our Katb Al-Kitab (the Islamic marriage ceremony) pictures were captured outside the enormous Saladin Citadel in Cairo. Added to that, we held our wedding at the glamorous Mohammad Ali Palace.

Day 4: When 'Art' finds its way out of the slums' darkest tunnels and prevails! . On our way to the Religions' Complex in Al Fustat, Egypt's first capital city under the Muslim ruling, built by Amr Ibn El Aas, Dalia and I stumbled upon a beautiful arts village amidst old alleys and slums called "Al Fakhareen Village" designed to support local handcrafted talents! . "Tourists' agencies diverted their sightseeing routes and no longer bring tourists here; and locals unfortunately either look down upon local talent and prefer to brag about buying expensive imported products or no longer appreciate art" - Farouk, an old pottery maker in this village claimed. . After roaming the entire village and talking with the craftsmen there, Dalia and I insisted on supporting them and bought 2 plantation pots, 4 cooking clay pots and 3 miniature clay statues to place in our kitchen! :) ↔️Swipe for more photos :) . Go support local handcrafted talent and craftsmen barely surviving to make a living there. Kindly share this post among your friends and family :) . اليوم ال٤: عندما يعثر الفن طريقه للخروج من أنفاق العشوائيات المظلمة و يسود! . في طريقنا إلى مجمع الأديان في الفسطاط، عاصمة مصر الأولى تحت الحكم الإسلامي، على يد عمرو بن العاص، أنا و داليا إكتشفنا "قرية الفخارين" بالصدفة وسط عشوائيات و حارات قديمة. القرية المبدعة دي بتدعم الصناعات و الإبداعات الفنية اليدوية المحلية! . " شركات السياحة غيرت مسارها و مبقتش تجيب سياح هنا زي الأول و المصريين يا إما بيفتكروا إن المنتج المحلى ردئ و بيتباهوا بشراء المنتجات المستوردة الغالية أو مبقوش يقدروا الفن من الأساس!" - صرح عم فاروق، رجل عجوز صانع للفخار. . و بعد لما طفنا أنا و داليا القرية كلها و اتكلمنا مع الحرفيين هناك، قررنا إننا نشجعهم و نشتري من عندهم ٢ وعاء نباتات و ٤ وعاء فخار للطبخ و ٣ تماثيل فخار للمطبخ! :) . روحوا شجعوا الصناعات اليدوية المحلية و ادعموا الحرفيين اللي بالكاد عارفين يعيشوا هناك! و انشروا الكلام ده وسط صحابكم و أهاليكم :) . Photography Courtesy of @omarattia84 . #egypt #travel #travelling #tourism #tourist #book #travelgram #travelphotography #travelwriter #thisisegypt #egyptshots #cairo #art #photography #photo #photographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #insta #discoveregyptwithdaliaandomar #aroundegyptin60days

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“We wanted our festivities to be different, a celebration of love and heritage at the same time, and an experience that could hardly be forgotten by our guests.”
Both husband and wife went to the American University in Cairo and were first introduced at a Cairo Runners event.
During their engagement, they would avoid going to commonly-visited dining establishments and would instead take a boat ride on the Nile or spend time at one of Cairo’s several museums.
“Part of us knowing each other was also as we discovered more about our country,” Attia said.
After the wedding, they decided to take it to another level by venturing into other parts of Egypt and documenting their experience in pictures.

Day 13: I've always wanted to go Venice!!! . The idea of touring a city with houses built on water canals without roads; and boats are the only way to commute, has been dreamy and always tickled my mind! . Never in the world would I have imagined that we have our own Venice here in Egypt though, until today! More shabby, yet exploding with culture, colors and stories to tell, this fishing village in El Mexx, in Alexandria is truly a fascinating, hidden gem! :) . Stay tuned for Dalia and I's full story and more photos of our boat tour in El Mexx and home visits to the fishermen living there :) . اليوم ال١٣: طول عمري كان نفسي أزور فينيسيا في إيطاليا! . فكرة إني أزور مدينة ببيوت مبنية على قنوات مياه من غير شوارع، و المراكب هي الطريقة الوحيدة للتنقل كانت دايما حالمة! . عمري في حياتي ما تخيلت إننا عندنا فينيسيا مصغرة هنا في مصر لحد النهاردة! أقل جمالا أكيد بس متفجرة بعادات و ألوان و قصص كتيرة، المكس، قرية الصيادين في الإسكندرية هى من أجمل الكنوز المخفية في المدينة! . خليكوا متابعين قصتنا الكاملة و صور كتير لرحلتنا بالمركب في المكس و زيارتنا لبيوت الصيادين هناك في كتابنا إن شاء الله :) . Photography Courtesy of @omarattia84 . #egypt #travel #travelling #tourism #tourist #book #travelgram #travelphotography #travelwriter #lonelyplanet #tripadvisor #thisisegypt #egyptshots #alexandria #venice #sea #boat #photography #photo #photographer #photooftheday #pic #picoftheday #instagram #instadaily #everydayegypt #discoveregyptwithdaliaandomar #aroundegyptin60days

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Their 60-day trip around Egypt — which is yet to be completed — encourages others to embark on a similar trip to see some of the country’s forgotten treasures.
“I’m trying to encourage people to dedicate 60 days of their lives to roam the entirety of Egypt,” Attia said.
They embarked on the first leg of their trip in 2013, but their photographs only recently saw light. Having completed 40 days of non-consecutive travel across Egypt, they still have 20 more days to go.
Writing a book
Once complete, the couple will finish off a bilingual trilogy on the journey, with hopes that it succeeds commercially and becomes part of the educational curriculum in Egyptian schools

Day 22: Completely off the commercial touristic track, who would have thought one could ever visit 'Al Zagazig' for a major sightseeing tour?! . After reading a random online article about Bubastis (also known as Tell Basta), an ancient capital city of Pharaohnic Egypt and the centre of worship for the feline Goddess 'Bast', I headed there immediately with low expectations but was shocked to see thousands of stunning, scattered artefacts from Ancient Pharaohnic, Greek and Roman eras!! A gold mine for avid explorers that very few locals sadly know about! . Stay tuned to roam with us for a partial fraction of our 22nd day within the walls of this ancient city and temple in our book :) . اليوم ال٢٢: بعيدا عن المعالم السياحية المعروفة، مين يصدق إن واحد ممكن يفكر يزور الزقازيق عشان يعمل جولة سياحية كبيرة فيها؟! . بعد لما قريت مقالة عابرة على الانترنت بالصدفة عن تل بسطة، مدينة عتيقة كانت يوما ما عاصمة في عهد مصر الفرعونية و كانت المقصد لعبادة القط الإلهي 'بسط'، إتجهت لهناك فورا بس بتوقعات منخفضة؛ لكني اتفاجئت بآلاف الآثار هناك من العهد الفرعوني و الروماني و اليوناني! منجم ذهب للمستكشفين الشغوفين اللي مع الأسف أقلية من أهل البلد يعرفوا عنها! . طوفوا معانا في جزء صغير من يومنا الاتنين و عشرين داخل أرجاء المدينة و المعبد، في كتابنا إن شاء الله :) . Photography Courtesy of @omarattia84 :) . #egypt #travel #travelling #tourism #tourist #book #travelgram #travelphotography #travelwriter #lonelyplanet #tripadvisor #thisisegypt #egyptshots #zagazig #temple #pharaoh #photography #photo #photographer #photooftheday #pic #picoftheday #instagram #instadaily #everydayegypt #discoveregyptwithdaliaandomar #aroundegyptin60days

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“Just like Malaysia and Thailand, Egypt should include tourism as a subject in schools to teach youth the importance of tourism and how it contributes to the GDP,” Attia said.
The book, Attia told Arab News, will include information on each destination, where to go and how much time should be spent in each place, in addition to tips on how to respect a destination’s culture and heritage.
It will also include the costs the couple incurred — at the time of their visit — in each destination.


Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

Updated 19 February 2026
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Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

  • This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions

JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.

The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.

The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. (Supplied)

The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.

What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.

The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. (Supplied) 

Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.

If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.