Shubra Al Khaymah Travel Guide, Egypt

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Location

Shubra Al Khaymah is located in north-eastern Egypt on the eastern shores of the Nile River. Shubra Al Khaymah travel guide is a summary of the main aspects regarding the natural, human and economical aspects of the city.

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Geography

The city’s topography is marked by the Nile River and Delta which created lowlands in this area with an average elevation of only 19m. Shubra Al Khaymah is one of the largest cities in Egypt, dominated by an industrial landscape with numerous plants and factories, crowded districts inhabited mainly by workers.

Climate in Shubra Al Khaymah is typically a desert one with hot summers, around 40ºC and warm winters, about 15ºC. Humidity is higher than in the nearby regions due to the presence of River Nile. Other characteristic phenomena in the city are sudden flooding when short showers occur and sand storms which affect the city during spring.

The Nile River and its delta create a unique landscape in the industrial city, playing a crucial role here both in agriculture and for the city’s fresh water supply.

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Flora and Fauna

The presence of the Nile River is determinant for the local flora and fauna as well as the climate. Very well adapted plant species can be found in Shubra Al Khaymah along with original ones, some of them decorating several areas within the city. Palm trees are some of the most common presences in Shubra Al Khaymah along with the citrus groves, papyrus and eucalyptus. Recently cypress and other exotic plant species have been brought here especially for decorative purposes. Cultivated areas near the city grow cereals, fruits, vegetables and cotton, representing an important part of the local economy.

Within the city fauna is represented especially by donkeys and camels, which are also used for transportation as well as sheep and goats. On the river banks hundreds of bird species can be admired, being attracted by the delta and its resources. Reptiles are also present here like the vipers and hooded snakes as well as few crocodiles.

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Transport

Due to the proximity to the capital city Cairo and to Alexandria, Shubra Al Khaymah also benefits from modern road and railroad network systems, an important element for the city’s development and evolution. If you are travelling inland then the car, bus or train will be a good option to get to Shubra Al Khaymah, even if travelling for long distances during day when it is very hot may be tiring.

For an easier and more comfortable access you can travel by air and arrive on Cairo International Airport. Transfer to the city can be made by regular bus routes, by taxi or by renting a car from a local company.

Within the city there are not too many options to travel except by bus or taxi which is not too expensive.

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Population and Economy

There are about one million inhabitants in Shubra Al Khaymah, most of them Muslims. The city was born once with the plants and factories set in northern Cairo, workers settling one by one with their families in this area. Even today the population is made up of workers and their families, still depending upon the local industrial activity.

Local economy is based on industry namely food, auto, oil and chemical industry as well as on agriculture and commerce.

Shubra Al Khaymah, Travel guide – Cuisine

Local cuisine is characterized by the numerous types of rice served with vegetables, fish or meat, especially chicken and lamb. Food is rather cheap in Shubra Al Khaymah and many people like street food, is where all the action takes place. Numerous spices and herbs are used in many traditional dishes, highly appreciated by the tourists and locals. A common and very popular dish here are the Ful Medames, which is pigeon with rice, Kushari, a combination of rice, pasta and onion, Mulukhiyya, which is a kind of soup made of vegetables and chicken meat. Locals also like to eat pita bread which is a thin layer of dough cooked in the oven and served with Tehina, a sauce made with sesame, lemon juice and garlic, lamb meat or other sauces. The most popular and traditional beverages here are tea, coffee and beer, much appreciated by all Egyptians.