QR Codes, Gatekeeping, and the Great Sahel Debate

Is Egypt’s North Coast turning into a QR-coded headache? One woman’s video just sparked a nationwide debate.

 

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A New Yorker, an Opinion, and a Whole Lot of QR Codes

When an Egyptian woman living in New York posted a video comparing beach access abroad to Egypt’s Sahel, she didn’t expect to set off a comment war. But that’s exactly what happened when she brought up the QR code struggle.

Her video called out how hard it’s become to access places in Sahel — even public spots — without scanning a code, showing ID, or proving you’re on some kind of guest list.

Everyone’s Got a Take

While many users agreed with her — calling QR codes “overkill” and complaining that Sahel no longer feels welcoming ….

Others defended the system. Some argue it helps with crowd control, safety, and keeping the vibes “clean.” One user even commented: “It’s not a beach, it’s a gated community.”

Despite the chaos, the one thing everyone seemed to agree on? Sahel’s beaches are still unmatched. But the debate left many wondering: could all these restrictions eventually push people away from Egypt’s top summer destination?

Next: Phaedra Al Masri Speaks Out After Shocking Dog Killing in 6th of October

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