Ras El Bar, one of Egypt's oldest resorts, was known as a resort for the aristocracy.
Ras El Bar is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful summer resorts in Egypt. It was founded as a town in 1823 by Sufi sheikhs from Damietta, who would come annually to perform their religious rituals in the tranquil atmosphere of the Nile River in the Al-Jarbi area. Ship owners and merchants also came to Ras El Bar to welcome their vessels returning from the sea.
Some families from Damietta also began to settle along the river to enjoy its ambiance, building houses from papyrus reeds. By 1865, Ras El Bar had become a popular summer destination, and papyrus huts began to proliferate along the Nile and in various other locations.
In 1902, the first urban plan of Ras El Bar was drawn, and street numbers were assigned, illuminated by jazz clubs. Markets, a post office, and some basic resort facilities were established. Transportation to Ras El Bar was by sailboats and boats from Damietta via the Nile. The resort was open only during the summer months and closed during the winter.
In 1938, the Egyptian Ports and Lighthouses Authority constructed a 250-meter-long, 2.5-meter-wide reinforced concrete pier at Ras El Bar to protect the shoreline from erosion.
During World Wars I and II, demand for Ras El Bar increased, and its popularity as a resort grew. Further improvements were made, and it became a distinguished destination for the elite, including foreigners, Egyptians, diplomats, writers, artists, journalists, and others.
Ras El Bar has undergone numerous development projects, transforming into a fully-fledged tourist island and resort.