Marsa Alam ( , Classical Arabic ) is a town in south-eastern Egypt, located on the western shore of the Red Sea. It is currently seeing fast increasing popularity as a tourist destination and development following the opening of Marsa Alam International Airport in 2003. Due to its crystal clear water and its white sandy beaches, it is also known as the "Egyptian Maldives". Among the most famous beaches around Marsa Alam is the Abu Dabab beach. In Abu Dabab, turtles are a common sight. For tourists who seek to see something less typical, there is marine wildlife like crocodilefish and octopuses. Marsa Alam is also known as the world-class kitesurfing destination and starting point for safaris. Marsa Alam also has some inland attractions, such as the Emerald Mines and the Temple of Seti I at Khanais. Climate Despite being over north of the tropical zone, the city experiences a tropical hot desert climate (Köppen: BWh), with steadier temperatures than places to the north such as Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, yet Kosseir is steadier and has cooler summers. Marsa Alam, Kosseir and Sharm el-Sheikh have the warmest night temperatures of all other Egyptian cities and resorts. Average maximum temperatures during January typically range from and in August . The temperature of the Red Sea at this location during the year ranges from . The highest record temperature was , recorded on May 10, 2010, while the lowest record temperature was , recorded on January 3, 2008. See also Red Sea Riviera El Gouna Sahl Hasheesh List of cities and towns in Egypt References External links On the Red Sea, as Hotels Go Up, Divers Head Down The New York Times on diving in Marsa Alam (April 8, 2007) Red Sea Spinner Dolphins The Dugong of Marsa Abu Dabbab Marsa Alam Guide Marsa Alam Dugon Marsa Alam airport Populated places in Red Sea Governorate Populated coastal places in Egypt Red Sea Resorts in Egypt Seaside resorts in Egypt Tourism in Egypt Underwater diving sites in Egypt