Why are there armed guards and road closures around hotels in Sharm El Sheikh?

According to a guide's explanation, relayed by travelers on 8 October 2026, the extra security in Sharm El Sheikh was linked to an international conference being held there: many delegates from different countries arrived and were accommodated in local hotels, including the one where the travelers were staying.

On 6 October 2026, walking out to the shops, travelers saw guards on both sides of their hotel and, further along the road, a military checkpoint with road spikes ready to be deployed to block traffic. They said the road actually felt safe.

The same day, visitors were unsettled by guards with automatic weapons near a seafront villa: a cordon was set up around the whole perimeter and even a wooden footbridge was closed to pedestrians. They felt uneasy until the reason became clear.