Egypt's Dahab has secured the top position in the 2026 IQOS Outdoor Dining Index, a ranking of outdoor dining destinations in the Middle East. The index assesses destinations based on factors such as climate, availability of restaurants with outdoor seating, and the number of residents per restaurant. Dahab's moderate climate, high concentration of restaurants relative to its population, and extensive outdoor dining options contributed to its top ranking.
The IQOS Outdoor Dining Index was launched by IQOS, a tobacco heating system from Philip Morris International. The index aims to highlight outdoor experiences and destinations for its community of over 35 million adult users globally. According to the findings, five Egyptian destinations appeared among the region's top 10, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings.
Dahab's performance was closely followed by other Egyptian cities, with Hurghada ranking second. Hurghada recorded an average annual temperature of 26°C and approximately 992 people per restaurant. In comparison, Dahab had around 474 people per restaurant, which helped secure its first-place ranking. The city's extensive outdoor dining options and moderate climate made it an attractive destination for tourists.
The strong performance of Egypt's Red Sea destinations was a notable trend in the index. Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh also featured among the leading destinations, making a total of five Egyptian cities in the top 10. The widespread availability of outdoor seating and relatively moderate year-round temperatures contributed to their high rankings.
Jonathan Kwak, Smoke-Free Products Director for Egypt and Levant at Philip Morris International, highlighted the significance of outdoor dining in Egypt's leisure and tourism culture. He stated that Egypt's unique mix of destinations, climates, and experiences makes outdoor dining an integral part of the country's tourism offering.
The 2026 ranking comes as Egypt continues to promote its diverse tourism offerings. Red Sea resorts, cultural destinations in Upper Egypt, and South Sinai are attracting visitors seeking year-round leisure and outdoor experiences. The IQOS Outdoor Dining Index provides valuable insights into the country's tourism landscape and highlights the appeal of its destinations.
The index serves as a tool for tourists and locals alike to discover new outdoor dining destinations. With its diverse range of climates and experiences, Egypt is well-positioned to cater to different tastes and preferences. The country's tourism industry is expected to benefit from the increased visibility provided by the IQOS Outdoor Dining Index.
Key points
- Dahab tops Middle East outdoor dining destinations in IQOS 2026 index
- Five Egyptian destinations appear among the region's top 10
- Egypt's Red Sea destinations perform strongly in the index
