The infrastructure Sahel needs: When we talk about infrastructure on the North Coast, there are two interlinked — but distinct — tracks. One is the infrastructure required to accommodate a growing tourism sector in the summer season. The other is what’s needed to turn Sahel into a place where people can live year-round.

It starts with the small things: From building materials to landscaping, the basics matter, says Ahmed Ehab, CEO of Madaar, the developer behind Azha Ras El Hekma. “We designed Azha North with larger unit sizes to accommodate permanent living. We used durable building materials that won’t saddle residents with steep annual maintenance costs, and opted for greenery that can grow year-round without guzzling water,” Ehab tells us. When Madaar acquired the land for Azha, the Ras El Hekma agreement with the UAE had yet to be signed — but, Ehab says, “it was clear even then that the state’s master plan was to make the area livable year-round.”

Global-standard airports are key to scale: A new international airport in Ras El Hekma is essential to unlocking the region’s full tourism potential. SODIC General Manager Ayman Amer points to the presence of four airports along the 400 km coastline — some under upgrade — as a major advantage for attracting foreign tourists and expats. Madinet Masr CEO Abdallah Sallam adds that airports power inbound tourism the way roads power trade. For IDG CEO Shady William, direct connectivity to European cities is non-negotiable: “Tourists won’t come if they need two connecting flights.”

City-scale infrastructure — not just resorts: The long-term vision for the North Coast — particularly in Alamein and Ras El Hekma — goes far beyond resorts and summer compounds. “This is a state project,” Sallam tells us, emphasizing that the goal is to build a complete, livable city with full-scale infrastructure and an international airport — a goal that requires significant government backing and cannot be left to individual developers. William — whose company is developing the e2 industrial complex in New Alamein — agrees, noting that industrial zones are central to the state’s vision for Alamein as a year-round city, signaling a move toward a more integrated and diversified urban fabric.

“Some 3.5k hotel rooms aren’t enough to call it a destination,” Madaar CEO Ehab tells us. The North Coast needs significant hotel capacity to absorb the expected rise in visitor numbers — which is why the state now requires every development to include a hospitality component. Madaar is gearing up to announce a global hotel operator that will enter Egypt for the first time to run the hotel and serviced units at its Azha Ras El Hekma project, Ehab said.

Roads to unlock the hinterland: While the government has made major investments in the coastal road and its extensions westward toward Libya, industry insiders say the network needs to be smarter and more integrated. “We need infrastructure that activates the hinterland — the vast area south of the coastal road,” William says, pointing to untapped value inland. The high-speed electric railway, he adds, is a game-changer: It would allow goods and labor to move efficiently, helping shift the North Coast from a seasonal destination to a functioning city.

What’s needed from the state is continued development of the road network — a process that’s already underway in some areas, Redcon Properties’ Tarek El Gammal tells us. Major developers are already equipped to provide electricity, water, and wastewater infrastructure themselves using advanced tech such as desalination and wastewater recycling, according to El Gammal.

The lack of quality hospitals remains a major barrier to year-round residency, Sallam says, adding that the idea of long-term residency for non-Egyptians won’t be feasible without the availability of high-quality medical services. We took a deep-dive into summer 2025 healthcare options on the coast in our last issue.

Desalination capacity to meet the fast-growing demand: The government is pushing ahead with its strategic desalination plan through 2050, which covers water needs across key service zones in the northwest coast. Among the projects in the pipeline:

  • Bagoush desalination plant, set to serve the Shams El Hekma area;
  • East Matrouh plant, which will cater to Marsa Matrouh;
  • New Alamein desalination plant, designed to meet the needs of the fast-growing New Alamein city.

Infrastructure is social, too: Schools are critical for year-round life: To attract families and expand the season beyond summer, the coast needs international schools and universities. Amer sees an opportunity to serve students from the GCC, Southern Europe, and Russia. William agrees: “If schools aren’t open, people won’t live here. It’s that simple.” Tatweer Misr President and CEO Ahmed Shalaby agrees, adding that investment in education services and universities are another lever — alongside factories and agricultural zones — to diversify the North Coast’s economic base and ensure the area remains active beyond the summer season.

Entertainment beyond the beach: Entertainment offerings are still limited. “We need parks, walkable zones, places for people to go at night,” says Sallam. Amer points to global hotspots like Ibiza or the South of France, where entertainment is a cornerstone.

Specialized offerings — from wellness to sports: The coast still lacks niche facilities that broaden its appeal. Amer highlights gaps like retirement communities for foreigners and wellness centers. Amer also sees strong potential in year-round sports infrastructure, noting that national teams could use the coast for off-season training.

A culture of upkeep and reinvestment: Older developments in Egypt often fall into disrepair due to limited maintenance. Sallam stresses the need for a mindset shift: “Globally, heritage adds value. Here, it often loses it.” Developers, he says, should consider revamping areas like Marina, where infrastructure already exists.

Government remains the enabler: The state’s role in laying the groundwork — roads, airports, rail — is fundamental. Amer suggests further government support could include allocating land for key services like hospitals. William adds that master plans already identify zones for industrial development in Alamein, Ras El Hekma, and Marsa Matrouh. Gargoub is also under consideration as a future export hub to ease pressure on Alexandria Port.

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