Egypt has launched an investment zone for Qatar’s Alam Al Roum project in North Coast, in a move aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment, expanding economic activity and accelerating the development of one of the country’s major coastal destinations. The launch was attended by Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and Randa El-Menshawy, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, alongside government officials and representatives of Qatari developer Qatari Diar. The launch marks a new step in developing the investment components of the Alam Al Roum project and creating opportunities for diversified activities in tourism, real estate and services, supporting Egypt’s efforts to attract Arab and foreign capital and expand economic development beyond the Nile Valley and Delta. Farid said investment zones are an effective mechanism for attracting local and foreign investment, facilitating procedures, accelerating project implementation and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities for surrounding communities. He added that such zones also help stimulate economic and service activities while maximising the benefits of existing roads and infrastructure. The minister stressed the importance of simplifying procedures and digitising government services to enable investors to track applications, licences and approvals electronically, improving transparency and the efficiency of public services. He added that the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade would continue coordinating with the Ministry of Housing and other relevant authorities to expand public and private investment zones, as well as free zones. Private sector accounts for 65% of investment Farid said the private sector accounted for approximately 65% of total investment in Egypt during the third quarter of fiscal year 2025/2026, up from a previous range of 40% to 45%. He noted that the private sector employs more than 70% of Egypt’s workforce, underscoring its importance in supporting economic growth and creating jobs. Egypt has diverse opportunities for attracting foreign direct investment across real estate, productive industries, manufacturing, fertilisers, building materials and construction, the minister said. Foreign direct investment inflows reached approximately $18bn by the end of fiscal year 2025/2026, according to Farid, who expressed expectations that inflows would continue to grow. He added that achieving economic growth of between 5.5% and 6.5% over the coming years would require raising the investment-to-GDP ratio to approximately 25%, helping expand productive capacity and generate employment. Farid also praised cooperation among the government bodies involved in finalising the Alam Al Roum agreement, including the Prime Minister’s Advisory Authority, the Ministry of Housing and its affiliated entities, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, and other relevant agencies. He called on Qatari Diar to explore additional investment opportunities in Egypt and benefit from the country’s investment frameworks and available incentives. Housing Ministry highlights development potential El-Menshawy said the launch reflects Egypt’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector and attracting Arab and foreign investment. She stressed that urban development is no longer limited to establishing new cities and residential communities, but has become an integrated process aimed at maximising the use of national resources and creating investment opportunities that support sustainable development. The minister described Alam Al Roum as an opportunity to translate this vision into an integrated development project that capitalises on the northwestern coast’s natural, tourism and investment potential. She noted that the region represents one of Egypt’s main axes for urban expansion and investment, offering opportunities to develop tourism, real estate and service activities while establishing modern communities capable of attracting capital and creating jobs. According to El-Menshawy, the government’s approach to developing the northwestern coast extends beyond urban expansion. It seeks to redistribute investment and economic activity, establish new economic centres, and strengthen integration between tourism, real estate and services to generate added value for the national economy. She added that Alam Al Roum is expected to contribute to these objectives through an integrated urban and investment vision that balances economic returns with the preservation of the area’s natural and environmental assets. The government is committed to supporting the project and coordinating with Qatari Diar and relevant authorities to establish the conditions necessary for implementation, El-Menshawy said. She described the launch of the investment zone as an important step in enhancing the project’s ability to attract capital and accommodate a wider range of activities, boosting economic activity and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. The minister emphasised that the success of major projects should be measured not only by the volume of investment they attract, but also by their contribution to economic development, job creation, productive and service activities, and the establishment of sustainable urban communities. El-Menshawy concluded that the Ministry of Housing would continue coordinating with relevant government bodies and the private sector to accelerate major development projects and achieve their investment and development objectives.
