Assalah is the older, northern part of Dahab, where the original Bedouin fishing community lived before the town became a tourist destination. It retains a distinctly different character from the polished Masbat Bay waterfront further south — narrower lanes, lower buildings, more local cafes than dive shops, and a few remaining Bedouin families mixed in among the budget guesthouses and backpacker camps.
The Assalah market is the commercial heart of this quarter: the main road through the village is lined with small shops selling fresh produce, spices, everyday supplies, and souvenir items at prices significantly below the tourist promenade. The area around the mosque is particularly lively in the mornings. For the most atmospheric Bedouin-style cafes — floor cushions, shisha, and sea views — Assalah is the place to look.