Alf Leila Wa Leila means One Thousand and One Nights, and the show of that name is one of the best-known evening entertainments in Sharm el-Sheikh. It is a staged production with costumed performers, live-style music, dance and a story drawn from the tales of the Arabian Nights, usually with a dinner or drinks option depending on the ticket. It is a good choice for families and groups who want an evening out that is easy, seated and entertaining, and it works well on a night when you do not want a late desert excursion. The ticket normally covers the show, and some versions include a hotel transfer, so check what yours covers when you book. Expect a lively, family-friendly spectacle rather than a quiet cultural evening; it is designed to be fun and visual, with plenty of colour, so it works well for children as well as adults.
What the evening looks like
You arrive at the venue, take your seats and watch a staged show lasting around an hour or two, with performers in elaborate costumes and music and dance in a range of Egyptian and Arabian styles. Shows of this type often include acrobatics, folk dance and a whirling skirt performance, but the exact programme changes, so treat any list as a guide rather than a promise. Whether dinner or drinks are included depends on the ticket, so look at the details before you buy.
Getting there
Many tickets include a transfer from Sharm hotels, and if yours does, you give your hotel name and receive a pick-up time. If you are taking a taxi, agree the fare in advance and arrange the return. Arrive a little early to get a good seat, as the best views fill up first, and dress smart-casual rather than beach wear. Evenings can be cool in winter, so bring a light layer.
Making the most of it
The show suits a rest day after a full-day excursion, because it asks little of you except to sit and watch. Children generally enjoy the costumes and music, though the volume and the late finish may tire small ones. Photography rules vary, and flash is often not permitted, so follow the staff's instructions.
Is it worth it? If you want a polished, easy evening and are happy with a tourist-oriented spectacle, it is a good choice. If you prefer a more intimate or authentic experience, spend the evening on the Naama Bay promenade or at the Bedouin desert dinner instead. Check the days and times that apply when you book, as shows do not always run every night.
Planning the evening
If you are travelling with children, choose seats toward the side or back so that you can step out if the volume is too much, and bring a small snack for the wait. If the ticket includes dinner, eat lightly earlier in the day so that you can enjoy the food. Arrive with your phone charged, as the lighting and costumes make for good pictures, though video may be restricted.
Some travellers combine the show with a stroll around SOHO Square before or after, which makes a full evening without a second taxi journey. Ask the operator about the return transfer time, so that you are not left waiting after the final act.
What to expect
The experience
A staged evening show with costumed performers, music and dance, in the spirit of the Arabian Nights, seated, with a possible dinner or drinks option.
Best time
Evening, on a rest day between excursions; winter nights can be cool, so bring a light layer.
How long
An evening, with the show itself lasting around one to two hours plus any transfer.
Tips
Arrive early for a good seat, check whether dinner, drinks and transfer are included and follow the venue's photography rules.
Quick picks
- Best for
- An easy, seated evening of music, dance and spectacle after a busy day.
- Families
- Colourful and lively, so it suits most children, though the late finish may tire the youngest.
- Couples
- A fun, relaxed night out, though it is a big tourist show rather than a quiet romantic evening.
- Pair with
- A late dinner on the Naama Bay promenade, or a SOHO Square evening.
- Time needed
- An evening of about three to four hours with the transfer.
Good questions
What is the Alf Leila Wa Leila show?+
It is a staged Arabian Nights-style production with costumes, music and dance, popular as an evening out in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Is dinner included?+
It depends on the ticket. Some versions include food or drinks and others do not, so check before you pay.
Is a hotel transfer included?+
Some tickets include it. Confirm this when you book and note the pick-up time you are given.
Is it suitable for children?+
Generally yes, as it is colourful and visual. The late finish and the volume may be a lot for very young children.
What should I wear?+
Smart-casual is fine. Bring a light layer in winter, as evenings can be cool.
