Urban Development Booms on Egypt’s North Coast

It is no surprise that pristine coasts along the Egyptian Mediterranean have undergone thorough urban transformations in recent years. It serves not only as a source of attraction for domestic and international tourists but for investors as well. The development runs precisely across Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh and the newest city of El Alamein. The longstanding interest in coastal tourism in Egypt proves to be transformational in the tourism sector. Until recently, Egypt relied on archaeological-centric tourism; nowadays, it is profiting far more from leisure attractions. In two decades, the number of visitors in the coastal region grew by an astonishing 76%. This boom can be explained by the expansion of the hotel and housing industries through furious infrastructural and architectural activity.

In 2014, Egypt approved a reallocation of 2.4 million square meters of public-owned land to the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) to proceed with the construction of a new city in the North Coast area — El Alamein. The first phase of the project aims to house 20,000 people. Residents will be able to expect a tourism development area and a vast array of retail options. The conceptual plan is looking to incorporate industries such as logistics, agriculture, regional trade, tourism and education in hopes of attracting new investments to the fledgling coastal city. El Alamein even features skyscrapers in its layout, some of which are already completed and welcoming tourists and residents alike. Not only is all of this urban development along the North Coast bringing forth unprecedented revenues, but it is also creating employment opportunities for the growing youth population of Egypt.

Serving as the most famous summer destination spot for Egyptians, the property market in the area has widened, and competition to attain a coveted seaside property, whether it be a multistory sea-view villa or a humble one-bedroom studio, has tensed. “Sahel,” as Egyptians call it, has set an image for itself as a hub for summer relaxation and family reunification. After years of saving, it is not uncommon for someone to hastily purchase a Sahel property that is either still under construction or a finished unit. They know that the return on their investment is worth the cash and that it is a destination to look forward to visiting when leaving their bustling hometowns of Cairo, Alexandria or Port Saïd.

The urban distribution of the North Coast comes in the form of compounds or, more precisely, neighborhoods separated by a highway. Amwaj, Marassi, Mountain View, Golf Porto Marina, and Hacienda are just a few of the desirable development projects that can be found in Sahel. Each compound has its unique attractions — gated communities, sailing, spas, and playgrounds — to be enjoyed by residents. Lauded for its clear waters and dream houses, the North Coast has gained immense popularity from Egyptian citizens and throughout the Arab world.