There are NO real locals in Marsa Alam its a brand new resort being built, and the nearest main town is 1hrs drive away. All the hotel staff live in small compounds which have been built by the hotel owners. The builders live in huts made of anything they can find. The area was just desert that was bought by a Kuwait Sheik and he built the airport, which is used by the military, and he owns the only hotel thats built on the port/harbour and has leased out the rest or the area where the hotels etc are being built. Its pure virgin land/beaches/sea, so is very barren, but beautiful. Will realy be very spectacular when finished. As for the local egyptian staff/worken, the are like all egyptians really friendy and helpful.

sharon