Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a meeting to follow up on the development plans for Egypt’s northwestern coastline from west of Ras El Hekma to east of Matrouh, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting was attended by Housing Minister Sherif El Sherbiny, Matrouh Governor Khaled Shuaib, officials from the Housing Ministry and New Urban Communities Authority, and representatives of engineering consultancy Dar Al-Handasah.

Madbouly emphasised that the project is key to enhancing the region’s value as a national economic asset, aiming to transform it into a global hub for tourism, housing, and logistics.

Dar Al-Handasah presented the strategic vision for Ras El Hekma, describing the area as a natural gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe, and a future focal point for Mediterranean tourism and coastal development. The plan proposes leveraging its regional connectivity through highways, a proposed high-speed rail line, airports, and a planned Ras El Hekma Port.

The masterplan includes sustainable development of the desert hinterlands, with an emphasis on eco-tourism and agricultural zones. The consultants also referenced similar international coastal developments and outlined a design approach that preserves the area’s natural topography while integrating tourism, residential, agricultural, and logistics functions.

Madbouly concluded by directing officials to begin implementing actionable steps aligned with the state’s broader development goals.