In his conversation with *Invest-Gate*, Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna, emphasized that “El Gouna is not just a destination, but a way of life.” The interview covered key strategic topics, including the town’s latest developments and its ongoing efforts to transition toward sustainable, green living.

The interview also addressed support for real estate exports, the challenges of attracting yacht tourism, and the town’s vision for advancing this sector.

Additionally, Amer shed light on El Gouna’s future plans in education, culture, and entertainment, as well as the town’s strategy for developing undeveloped areas—aiming to strike a balance between expansion, sustainability, and local economic growth.

Q1: Is there a direction toward transforming El Gouna entirely into green (sustainable) town?

Yes, there is a clear strategic direction to transform El Gouna into an integrated model of sustainability. We are integrating sustainability solutions into various aspects of life, from energy and water to transportation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Since 2014, El Gouna has been officially recognized as the first sustainable town in the Middle East, and every new project is required to support this commitment.

In this context, we recently launched a new desalination plant, which represents a significant advancement in resource management and contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean water (Goal 6), renewable energy (Goal 7), and sustainable cities (Goal 11). Currently, 16% of the town’s electricity needs are met by solar energy, as part of a strategic partnership with SolarizEgypt, and we are working to expand this approach to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.

As part of our commitment to preserving the ecosystem, we have implemented a mangrove restoration project that includes planting 5,500 trees in various areas—2,000 in 2022 and 3,500 in 2024. The town is also dedicated to protecting marine life through awareness initiatives and events that engage residents and visitors in environmental activities promoting the conservation of marine species and beaches.

Moreover, all hotels in El Gouna have been certified under the Green Star Hotel (GSH) program in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, positioning the town as a regional pioneer in sustainable hospitality. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly modes of transportation, while strict measures are in place to minimize plastic usage—especially during public events and gatherings.

These initiatives are fundamental to our vision, as we believe that building an informed and engaged community is essential for achieving true sustainability in every aspect of daily life in El Gouna.

Q2: What are the most prominent efforts currently being made by El Gouna to support real estate exports? How do you see this reflected in the town’s economy and the real estate development sector in Egypt in general?

El Gouna places great importance on real estate exports as a strategic focus for supporting the local economy and attracting foreign investment, particularly given its potential as an integrated and sustainable destination for living and investment.

The town currently boasts more than 9,200 delivered residential units, home to over 25,000 residents from more than 50 nationalities, reflecting its ability to attract a diverse international community. El Gouna also features 18 hotels with 2,800 rooms, a world-class hospital, multi-disciplinary schools, a modern business center, and a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sporting events held throughout the year, creating an active living environment that stimulates the local economy.

To support real estate exports, Orascom Development focuses on three main pillars:

• Understanding Customer Needs: As part of the “Keys of Life” initiative, field studies are conducted to understand the priorities of international customers when choosing ideal towns.
• International Expansion: This includes opening a global sales office in Dubai in 2022 and launching “My Orascom” app in 2023 to facilitate browsing and purchasing real estate units in all of the company’s destinations worldwide.

• Organizing international exhibitions and roadshows: particularly in Europe, the United States, Canada, and the GCC region—to engage with Egyptian communities abroad and showcase investment opportunities in El Gouna.

These combined efforts contribute to reinforcing El Gouna’s position as a global real estate destination, enhancing its role in supporting the Egyptian real estate development sector, and opening new avenues for foreign direct investment in Egypt.

Q3: What are the most significant challenges facing El Gouna in attracting yacht tourism? What are your future plans to develop this sector?

Yacht tourism is one of the most economically impactful forms of tourism, given the significant foreign currency spent by yacht owners and their families. This makes it a top priority for El Gouna, especially as it is the largest private yacht operator in Egypt, with four marinas accommodating up to 680 yachts.

We have faced challenges related to procedures and coordination between relevant authorities. However, we appreciate the government’s efforts in launching an electronic platform to facilitate yacht entry and movement between marinas, which represents a significant advancement in supporting this sector.

Regarding expansion plans, we are currently working to double the capacity of yacht storage areas from 120 to 240 yachts. Additionally, we are developing services and infrastructure to meet the expectations of this high-end visitor segment, enhancing El Gouna’s position as a preferred destination for wealthy tourists in the region.

4: How does El Gouna secure the necessary financing to continue development amid rising global construction costs? Are there plans to offer new land plots? Is investing in El Gouna real estate profitable for individuals?

El Gouna primarily relies on its own liquidity and operating revenues to finance construction and development, avoiding bank borrowing in recent years. This reflects its strong financial stability despite global challenges in construction costs.

To enhance the sustainability of its projects and increase resource efficiency, Orascom Development Egypt obtained a $155 mn loan from the International Finance Corporation in late 2024. This loan is earmarked for improving energy and water efficiency in El Gouna’s hotels and reducing emissions. It will also be used to refinance a portion of the company’s debt and improve its financial position.

When it comes to land plots, El Gouna continues to explore expansion opportunities aligned with a sustainable development strategy that safeguards the town’s identity.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, we successfully completed the sale of two land plots for a total value of EGP 2.1 bn. The first deal, concluded in November 2024, involved the sale of a 110,000 sqm plot to Hassan Allam Properties for $34.7 mn, equivalent to $341 per sqm. In December 2024, we completed the sale of another plot measuring 26,532 sqm, located at the back of El Gouna and an extension of a plot previously sold in the first half of 2024, for approximately EGP 370 mn, equivalent to $274 per sqm.

Regarding real estate investment, El Gouna continues to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for investors and individuals. Owning real estate there represents a promising opportunity for long-term growth in investment value, thanks to its advanced environment and sustainable approach, making it a rewarding choice both economically and in terms of quality of life.

We remain committed to implementing our expansion plans while preserving the town’s unique environmental and architectural identity by developing the remaining land thoughtfully, aligning with our vision of sustainability, which combines environmental protection with the development of integrated communities.

Q5: What is the percentage of developed land within El Gouna to date? What steps are being taken to develop undeveloped areas?

El Gouna spans an area of 36.92 mn sqm along 12 km of Red Sea coastline. It represents an integrated model that combines living, working, and entertainment within a distinct natural environment. By the end of April 2025, the percentage of developed land reached 58%, as part of a well-considered development plan that balances urban expansion with the preservation of the town’s unique environmental and architectural identity.

We are making steady progress in developing undeveloped areas according to a comprehensive vision that promotes urban integration and sustainability. In 2025, we aim to deliver 410 new housing units to meet the growing demand for El Gouna, while continuing to develop connected communities and residential and commercial spaces that support local economic growth while preserving quality of life.

This vision has resulted in strong performance in the real estate market, with sales increasing by 63.8% in 2024, reaching EGP 12.4 bn, compared to EGP 7.6 bn in 2023.

One of the standout projects that reflects this vision is Fanadir Shores, a development that embodies the essence of upscale coastal living in every detail. Strategically located on one of the most premium plots overlooking the Red Sea, the project offers a refined residential experience thoughtfully crafted for those who appreciate elegance, comfort, and exclusivity.

These exclusive units promise a luxurious lifestyle with sweeping panoramic sea views and serene vistas of the open lagoon. Just steps away from La Maison Bleue—one of Egypt’s most luxurious boutique hotels—and Fanadir Marina, this exceptional address delivers a fully integrated living experience tailored for individuals seeking sophistication and seaside serenity.

Reinforcing El Gouna’s commitment to sustainability, all new developments—including Fanadir Shores—adhere to smart planning principles that prioritize optimal resource use and eco-friendly design. This approach ensures the preservation of the town’s unique natural character while further cementing its position as a leading destination on the Red Sea.

Q6: What are El Gouna’s future plans in the fields of education, culture, arts, and entertainment? Are there any special arrangements for the town’s 35th anniversary celebrations?

At El Gouna, our vision has never been limited to being just a tourist destination. We aspire to be a fully integrated town that combines quality of life with education, culture, arts, and entertainment.

In terms of education, we are committed to providing a diverse and flexible educational environment. El Gouna is now home to prestigious international schools offering various curricula to meet different needs. Believing in the importance of developing the educational system in an integrated manner, we are exploring the possibility of attracting an international university to El Gouna as a natural step in the town’s development.

On the cultural and artistic front, El Gouna continues to strengthen its position as a platform for local and international events. Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of events that combine art, sports, and entertainment. Notable among these are the El Gouna Film Festival, which has established itself as one of the most important cultural events in the region, and the PSA Platinum El Gouna International Squash Open Championship, a prominent global sporting event. We also continue to attract new events that enhance the cultural experience for visitors and support tourism in Egypt.

As El Gouna marks its 35th anniversary, it is entering a new chapter in its journey, continuing to advance toward achieving its vision as a vibrant, integrated community.

Q7: In regards with the increasing competition from other coastal towns, how does El Gouna maintain its leading position? What is your strategy for balancing expansion, sustainability, and supporting the local economy?

El Gouna maintains its leadership through an integrated vision that balances innovation, sustainability, and the enhancement of value for the community and local economy. We offer not just a tourist destination, but a complete lifestyle experience.

Our strategy is to develop a smart, integrated town that is efficiently managed and environmentally sensitive while preserving its architectural identity and sustainable infrastructure. We are committed to measured growth that respects nature and enhances quality of life, making El Gouna a preferred destination for long-term living and investment.

At the same time, we are dedicated to our role as a driver of local development by creating sustainable job opportunities, supporting local talent, and providing an incubator for entrepreneurs and innovative initiatives. With this balance, El Gouna remains a living model of a coastal town that combines global appeal with a deep connection to the community and the environment.