International organization UNESCO issues a cautionary statement amidst Egypt's development of a high-end resort on Mount Sinai, a site of profound religious significance.

In the remote region of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, the famous St. Catherine's Monastery stands as a significant tourist attraction for pilgrims, tourists, and researchers alike. With its rich history and cultural significance, the monastery and its surroundings have long been a focal point for travellers seeking to explore the mysteries of the past.

Background: The Role of the Bedouin

Traditionally, Bedouin tribes, particularly the Jabaleya, played a crucial role as intermediaries, guides, and protectors of the monastery. The Jabaleya community is believed to have been settled by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century for the purpose of guarding and serving the monastery. For centuries, they took on roles of protection, hospitality, and transportation in this remote and challenging region.

Changes Brought About by Tourism Administration

Over the past few decades, the tourism infrastructure in the area has greatly expanded, particularly following the Camp David Accords (1978/79) and the return of the Sinai to Egypt. The Egyptian government, including the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as the South Sinai Governorate, have increasingly taken control of tourism management – including access regulations, infrastructure development (roads, hotels, shops), and security around St. Catherine's Monastery.

The Role of the Bedouin Today

Since the tourism administration came under state control, the Bedouin no longer hold a formal administrative role in the management of tourism at St. Catherine's Monastery. Their traditional roles as guides, mule drivers (for the ascent of Mount Moses), and service providers (accommodation, food, tours) continue to exist – but now within a private, informal, or sub-contractual framework.

Tourism administration and control lie with the Egyptian government and its agencies. Bedouin are often employed as local workers, guides, or service providers in the tourism sector, but they do not possess official authority or decision-making power over the operation or development of tourism at the monastery.

Summary

Historically: The Bedouin, particularly the Jabaleya, were traditional protectors and intermediaries at St. Catherine's Monastery.
Currently: Tourism administration lies with the Egyptian government (Ministry of Tourism, South Sinai Governorate).
Current Role of the Bedouin: They continue to be active as local service providers (guides, transportation, hospitality), but do not hold official administrative or decision-making power.
Succession of Roles: Since the takeover of tourism by the government, no one has assumed the formal role of the Bedouin as an administrative entity; that role has been taken on by the Egyptian government itself.

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The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem reminded investors that the holy site was granted a letter of protection by Prophet Muhammad.
In 2024, Egypt's Housing Minister pledged that the project would preserve the environmental, visual, and heritage character of the area.
Construction work at St. Catherine's is expected to be staffed by Egyptians from other parts of the country.
King Charles, patron of the St. Catherine Foundation, described the site as a 'great spiritual treasure'.
The Egyptian administration aims to draw in 30 million visitors by 2028 through luxury development at St. Catherine.
St. Catherine's Monastery, the world's oldest active Christian monastery, founded in the sixth century, is at the heart of the conflict.
Their homes and eco-camps have been demolished to make way for luxury hotels, villas, and shopping bazaars, with little to no compensation.
The project is presented as "Egypt's gift to the entire world and all religions" by Cairo.
St. Catherine's was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger by UNESCO in July.
The project was launched in 2021 and aims to attract millions of tourists with new hotels, eco-lodges, a cable car to Mount Sinai, an expanded local airport, and shopping bazaars.
St. Catherine's Monastery and nearby Mount Sinai, where God spoke to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments, are revered by Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike.
The Jebeleya Bedouin community, known as the guardians of St. Catherine's Monastery, is strongly opposed to the development.
The push for 'industrial tourism' at St. Catherine is in conflict with the local Bedouin community.