Eng. Sherif El Sherbini, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, emphasized the importance of urban development in Egypt during the opening session of the 10th “Builders of Egypt” Forum held on Sunday, Invest-Gate reports.

His remarks highlighted the alignment of current initiatives with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s vision for comprehensive urban development, particularly in light of ongoing regional events.

El Sherbini reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering comprehensive urban development, ensuring that Egypt remains on track to achieve its Vision 2030 goals through collaboration and innovative solutions.

The forum, attended by various Arab and African delegations, focused on sustainable coastal city development. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, also participated.

El Sherbini noted significant collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and other governmental bodies to achieve urban development goals. He reported a notable increase in Egypt’s built-up area, which has grown from 7% in 2014 to 14% in 2024, with a target of reaching 18% by 2030.

El Sherbini outlined several key axes of comprehensive urban development. The first involves the establishment of fourth-generation cities, including New Alamein City, the New Capital, and New Mansoura City, which are intended to serve as financial and business hubs. The second axis focuses on enhancing existing cities by improving operational standards and infrastructure.

The Minister also discussed the development of the Egyptian countryside through the Decent Life Project, aimed at improving essential services such as water and sanitation. Additionally, he highlighted efforts to eliminate unsafe and unplanned slum areas, citing projects in the Maspero Triangle and Ain Al-Sira as examples of integrated development that provides decent housing for residents.

El Sherbini further addressed the revitalization of historical areas, mentioning the Fustat Hills Gardens and the Saint Catherine City Development Project, which hold significant cultural value. He emphasized the strategic development of the Northwest Coast, particularly New Alamein City, transforming it into a year-round destination for housing and investment, rather than just a summer retreat.

To promote investment opportunities in new urban communities, the Minister announced upcoming real estate conferences featuring participation from various developers. He stressed the government’s commitment to creating flexible mechanisms for land allocation and supporting major investors through a dedicated VIP unit.

El Sherbini also revealed plans for a unified digital platform to enhance New Alamein City’s identity as a smart, sustainable coastal hub. This platform aims to facilitate electronic transactions for residential and hotel units, support foreign currency payments, and provide international customer service.