Arish or El Arīsh (Arabic: العريش, El ʿArīš ) is the largest city on the Sinai Peninsula, with about 165,000 inhabitants, as well as the capital of North Sinai Governorate. Lying on the Mediterranean coast of the peninsula, it is 344 km (214 mi) northeast of Cairo. The city is close to the borders with Gaza Strip and Israel.

Understand

A seaside city with potential for tourism, Arish has been a focal point of terrorist activity with several attacks having taken place in and near the city.

Get in

As of 2021, it is not possible to fly into Arish as 1 El Arish International Airport (AAC  ^IATA) remains closed due to a deteriorating security situation.

It is possible to travel overland from Cairo and other cities in the Sinai Peninsula with both public transport and private vehicle. The border with Gaza is open as of early 2023, but there is always a risk of closure. The nearest border crossing with Israel open for tourists is in Taba, almost 200 km (120 mi) to the south.

See

• 1 Arish castle (قلعة العريش). Built by Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent in 1560 AD. The remains of the castle is in a state of disrepair. (updated Jul 2024)
• 2 Rifa'i Mosque (At the central square). The main mosque of Arish. (updated Jan 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Swiss Inn Resort El Arish Hotel (تى كونر منتجع سويس إن العريش), ☏ +20 68 3351321. A seaside resort just outside the city. (updated Nov 2017)

Stay safe

See the warning on the Egypt article.

Go next

• Port Said