The Ababda are an arabized Beja tribe in eastern Egypt and Sudan. Historically, most were nomads living in the area between the Nile and the Red Sea, from Qena to Berber on the Nile and from Halayeb to Hurghada on the Red Sea. The Ababda are considered to be a Beja subtribe. Most Ababda now speak Arabic and claim descent from Kawahla while also considering themselves Beja. The Ababda have a total population of over 250,000 people.