Discover Sharm
Peace Square Sharm El Sheikh
A Monument to Harmony Under the Sinai Sky
In a city known for its reefs, resorts, and round-the-clock energy, Peace Square — or Midan El Salam as it's known in Arabic — offers something quieter. It's not a place you plan an entire day around. It's a place you wander into during an evening stroll, when the heat of the day has eased and the fountains are lit up against the darkening sky. And in that moment, it feels like exactly where you needed to be.
Located in the Hadaba district, not far from the Cathedral of the Heavenly and the Old Market, Peace Square is a modern public plaza centered around a striking monument — a globe wrapped in interconnected rings, symbolizing unity and the coming together of nations. It's a simple concept executed with elegance, and it's become a beloved gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
The Monument: A Symbol in the Square
At the center of the square stands a large globe sculpture held within a series of metal rings. The design is clean and modern — no elaborate carvings or ancient motifs, just the simple, universal image of the earth embraced by connecting circles. The monument was erected as part of Sharm's broader identity as a city of international conferences and diplomacy. Over the years, the square has hosted numerous events tied to peace summits and cultural exchanges.
The monument photographs beautifully at any time of day, but it's at its most striking after sunset, when the lights around the base illuminate the globe and the fountain jets catch the glow. The water dances in programmed sequences — nothing as elaborate as the Dubai fountains, but charming in its own understated way. Children chase each other around the perimeter. Couples sit on the surrounding benches. It's a genuine community space, not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense.
"Peace Square isn't about ticking a box on your itinerary. It's about sitting on a bench, watching the fountains, and feeling like you belong to the city — even if only for an evening."
What an Evening Here Feels Like
The square comes alive in the early evening hours, roughly between 7 PM and 10 PM. The daytime heat has broken. A breeze often rolls in from the sea. Families emerge from their homes and hotel rooms. Street vendors set up carts selling roasted corn, cotton candy, and fresh juice. The soundscape is a gentle mix of children laughing, water splashing, and the distant hum of traffic on Peace Road.
There's a casual, unhurried rhythm to the place. People don't come here with a checklist. They come to walk, to sit, to chat, to let their kids run around while they enjoy a moment of stillness. The square is surrounded by a handful of cafés and small shops, so grabbing a coffee or an ice cream and settling onto a bench is the standard move. It's the kind of experience that doesn't photograph as dramatically as a coral reef or a desert canyon, but it's just as much a part of what makes Sharm feel like a real city rather than just a collection of resorts.
Where It Is and How to Visit
Peace Square sits in Hadaba, close to the junction of several main roads. It's a short drive from the Old Market, Al Sahaba Mosque, and the Cathedral of the Heavenly — all within about 5 to 10 minutes by taxi. If you're exploring Hadaba on foot, the square makes a natural resting point between other stops. It's also walking distance from several of the area's budget hotels and apartment rentals.
There's no admission fee, no opening hours to worry about. The square is a public space, accessible at all times. The fountains and lights are typically on from sunset until late evening. Parking is available on the surrounding streets, though it can get busy during peak times. A visit doesn't need to be long — 20 to 30 minutes is enough to take in the monument, watch the fountains, and absorb the atmosphere before moving on.
Peace Square pairs perfectly with an evening at the Old Market or a sunset at Ras Um Sid. Do the market first, then walk or take a short taxi to the square as the lights come on. From there, the Cathedral of the Heavenly is minutes away. It's a natural little circuit through the quieter, more authentic side of Sharm that most day-trippers never see.
Peace Square won't make the cover of a travel magazine. It doesn't have the drama of Ras Mohammed or the history of St. Catherine's. What it has is presence and purpose — a quiet monument in a quiet square that reminds you, if only for a moment, that Sharm is a city that aspires to bring people together. Sit on a bench. Watch the water. Let the evening unfold around you. Some of the best travel moments cost nothing at all.
Find Your Moment of Peace
Not every memory needs to be epic. Sometimes the best ones are sitting by a fountain, watching the world go by.
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