Family Living in Hurghada (2025): Schools, Healthcare & Weekend Routines
Hurghada
Why families are choosing Hurghada
- A compact coastal city with international schools, modern hospitals, and child‑friendly attractions (aquarium, waterparks, promenades).
- School choice spans British, American/national, German, and French curricula within Hurghada/El Gouna.
- Healthcare includes private hospitals in town plus El Gouna Hospital (25–30 minutes north, depending on your district).
Schools: the practical short‑list
Tip: shortlist 2–3 schools before you house‑hunt so daily routes work. Ask for bus coverage by neighborhood.
Smart City International School (SCIS), Hurghada
Large, purpose‑built campus offering international & national streams (American + Egyptian). Admissions pages and official channels list Hurghada among SCIS locations.
El Gouna International School (EGIS)
Co‑ed school in El Gouna, ~25 km from Hurghada Airport; widely used by families in north Hurghada/Al Ahyaa and some in El Kawthar.
Deutsche Schule Hurghada (DSH)
German curriculum school on Bowling Street, Hurghada; also listed with the IB organisation—good option for German‑speaking families or those targeting a German pathway.
French School of Hurghada (Lycée Français d’Hurghada)
French‑curriculum school with communications showing a Nour Al Ahyaa location; the official website outlines programs (French Baccalauréat + Egyptian Thanawiya).
Hurghada Official Integrated Language School (HOILS)
Egyptian language school listing an Al Ahyaa address; a common choice for families wanting a national‑stream option in the north.
Healthcare: hospitals, clinics & 24/7 pharmacies
Private hospitals used by expat families
- Nile Hospital (Hurghada, Airport Road): 24/7 service; emergency, diagnostics and specialist clinics.
- El Gouna Hospital: full‑service private hospital serving the wider Red Sea area; listed clinics include OB‑GYN and multiple specialties.
Other facilities in the Red Sea governorate (mixed private & government) are tracked by the UK government’s list—useful for a backup directory: Red Sea Hospital, General Hospital Hurghada, El Salam, El Haya, and more. Always verify current services/coverage.
Pharmacies (late/24‑hour options)
Major chains operate locally and deliver. A convenient anchor is El Ezaby Pharmacy at Senzo Mall on Safaga/Villages Road (airport side). National chains like Seif Pharmacies also have Red Sea coverage.
Weekend routines: ready‑made family plans
Plan A — Promenade & Aquarium day (all ages)
- Late breakfast & scooter stroll along the New Marina boardwalk (car‑light, lots of cafés).
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium (open daily, late entry possible; check shark‑feeding times).
- Early dinner back at the marina; sunset walk for photos.
Plan B — Waterpark blowout (kids 4–16)
Choose between Makadi Water World (ticketed access) or Neverland Hurghada Aqua Park by Pickalbatros (huge slide count). Pre‑book, pack rash guards, and set a shaded base camp.
Plan C — Island day (strong swimmers + beach nap)
Take a boat from the marina to Orange Bay on Giftun Island: shallow turquoise water, loungers, and easy snorkeling. Most operators include gear; bring reef‑safe sunscreen.
Plan D — Sahl Hasheesh slow Sunday
Drive 20–30 minutes south for a car‑light promenade in Old Town Sahl Hasheesh; beach clubs, smooth pushchair paths, and gelato stops.
Micro‑neighborhood fit (family lens)
- Al Ahyaa (North): closest to El Gouna/EGIS and several value beachfront compounds; suitable for school runs northbound.
- El Kawthar / Intercontinental: central, practical living with supermarkets and quick airport runs; many families base here and day‑trip to beaches.
- El Mamsha (Promenade/Village Road): walkable seafront vibe, easy evening routines, higher service‑charge buildings.
- Sahl Hasheesh / Makadi: resort‑style living, quieter nights, bigger homes; the tradeoff is longer school runs if children attend Hurghada/El Gouna schools.
(Ask us for an area vs. school‑run time check for your exact short‑list.)
Quick directory (save this)
Schools
- SCIS Hurghada — international & national streams. smartcity.edu.eg
- El Gouna International School — ~25 km north of HRG Airport. El Gouna International School
- Deutsche Schule Hurghada — Bowling St., Hurghada (IB listed). deutsche-schule-hurghada.de
- Lycée Français d’Hurghada — Nour Al Ahyaa; official site. efhurghada.com
- HOILS — Al Ahyaa district. Facebook
Healthcare & Clinics
- Nile Hospital (Airport Road, Hurghada). nilehospital.com
- El Gouna Hospital (El Gouna). elgounahospital.com.eg
- UK FCDO Red Sea list (backup directory). GOV.UK
Family Activities
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium (hours, ticketing). hurghadaaquarium.com+1
- Senzo Mall (shops, shuttle, hours). senzomall.com
- Makadi Water World / Neverland Aqua Park. Makadi Water WorldPickalbatros Hotels and Nile Cruised
- Orange Bay (Giftun Island). orangebayhurghada.com
- Old Town Sahl Hasheesh (promenade). sahlhasheesh.com