Taba is famous for its rich history – something that is also a source of national pride. A tug of war over this part of the Sinai between Egypt and its neighboring Israel took place dating back from 1956, during the Suez Crisis. However, following the 1979 Peace Treaty, most of Sinai was returned to Egypt, and in 1988 Taba, the last portion of the Sinai that was disputed, was returned.
As part of this subsequent agreement, travellers are permitted to cross from Israel at the Eilat - Taba border crossing, and visit the "Aqaba Coast Area of Sinai", (stretching from Taba down to Sharm El Sheikh, and including Nuweiba, St. Catherine and Dahab), visa-free for up to 14 days, making Taba a popular tourist destination.
The Helnan Taba Bay is ideally situated facing the magnificent Citadel – the famous fortress that was built in 1176 AD by Salah Al Din, a legendary figure who conquered the crusaders in Palestine. Salah Al Din, who built this fortress to fight his enemies, selecting this area due to its centralized location.
In subsequent years, several mosques, churches and palaces were built around the Citadel, and the area became known as Islamic Cairo. A must-see for tourists visiting the country, Helnan Taba Bay guests fortunately do not need to leave the hotel to view this incredible architectural masterpiece.