Somabay has officially announced the opening of GEMS International School Somabay (GISS), marking a major step in supporting Egypt’s vision for sustainable, fully integrated coastal cities. Operated by Somabay and Egypt Education Platform (EEP), the school becomes EEP’s first GEMS institution on the Red Sea coast and joins a nationwide network serving more than 15,000 students, Invest-Gate reports.
The opening ceremony took place on November 23 at the school’s new campus, attended by General Ahmed Donqol, Head of Safaga City Council, on behalf of Red Sea Governor General Amr Hanafi, alongside senior education leaders and partners including Mr. Ibrahim El Missiri, Somabay Group CEO; Mr. Mohamed Shehata, Somabay Group Chief Development Officer; Mr. Ahmed Wahby, Group CEO of EEP and SEP; Mr. Mohamed Khalifa, Managing Director at EFG Hermes Private Equity; Mr. Adel Badr, Group CFO, EEP, MEA; Mr. David Pontich, Group VP Education, EEP, MEA; Mr. Amr Sherif, Regional Group Marketing and Commercial Director, EEP, MEA; Mr. Omar Nazmy, General Manager, EEP; and Mr. Amgad Sorour, Operations Director, EEP.
The launch marks a significant advancement in transforming Somabay into a year-round community supported by world-class educational infrastructure that attracts families, long-term residents, and investors to the Red Sea region.
The strong response to GISS exceeded forecasts, with enrollment in Year 1 reaching 120 students—a 340% increase from initial estimates. To meet demand, the school is rolling out a phased expansion plan. Phase 1 (K–9) serves 260 students; Phase 2 (K–12) will expand capacity to 330 students by 2027; and Phase 3 will introduce a new building, bringing total enrollment to 660 students by 2030.
GISS is a Cognia candidate school delivering the International Curriculum by the International Curriculum Association (ICA), aligned with American educational standards. Its inquiry-based model combines research, real-world application, and hands-on learning. The campus incorporates advanced technologies including VR, AR, robotics, and AI to strengthen future-ready skills such as problem-solving, coding, and logical reasoning.
Commenting on the opening, Mr. Ibrahim El Missiri, Somabay Group CEO, said: “The launch of GEMS International School marks a strategic advancement in Somabay’s transformation into a fully integrated, year-round destination. By aligning with the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Education and Technical Education 2024/2029, and the national direction to activate coastal regions throughout the year, we are contributing to a broader development vision that extends beyond our immediate community.”
He added: “Notably, 50% of our enrolled students come from outside Somabay, underscoring the school’s growing role as an educational hub for the wider Red Sea governorate. This step reflects our long-term commitment to creating a resilient, self-sustained environment that elevates quality of life and supports sustainable growth.”
Mr. Ahmed Wahby, Group CEO of EEP and SEP, stated: “This opening represents a key milestone in EEP’s journey to strengthen its local and regional presence and deliver an educational model rooted in innovation and student empowerment, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advancing education in Egypt and meeting the aspirations of families seeking a leading international education.”
The opening of GISS reinforces Somabay’s destination-development strategy by integrating high-level educational and social infrastructure with its hospitality and lifestyle offerings, supporting the growth of a vibrant, permanent coastal community.