Dahab named top Middle East outdoor dining destination

The IQOS Outdoor Dining Index for 2026 has identified Dahab, Egypt, as the top destination for outdoor dining and social gatherings in the Middle East. The index, released by IQOS, highlights various destinations across the region based on their ability to provide unique outdoor experiences.

Egypt showed significant presence in the rankings, with five Egyptian destinations appearing in the top 10 for the region. Following Dahab, the coastal city of Hurghada ranked second. While Hurghada features a high percentage of restaurants with outdoor seating (37%), it was surpassed by Dahab due to a lower population-to-restaurant ratio, which stood at 474 people per restaurant in Dahab compared to 992 in Hurghada.

Jonathan Kwak, Smoke-Free Product Manager for Egypt and the Levant at Philip Morris International, noted that Egypt’s diverse climates and destinations make outdoor dining a central part of its tourism and entertainment culture.