Invest-Gate kicked off its 2025 calendar with its 24th roundtable event, held on February 16 at the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Cairo.
Titled “Elevate Egypt: Branded Living and Hospitality,” the event brought together prominent developers, industry experts, and government officials to discuss strategies for enhancing Egypt’s luxury housing and hospitality sectors. The discussions centered on supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals, attracting foreign investment, and driving sustainable growth in the tourism industry.
The roundtable, moderated by Mr. Moataz Sedky, General Manager of Travco Holidays Egypt, featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including: Mr. Mohamed Ayoub, Chairman of the Egyptian Hotels Organization; Eng. Fathallah Fawzy, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association; Eng.
Ahmed El Nesr, CEO of ALDAU Development – Real Estate Division; Eng. Tamer Nasser, CEO of City Edge Developments; and other senior executives and experts from the real estate and hospitality sectors.
The event was divided into two key sessions that explored innovative trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of luxury living in Egypt.
1. Hospitality’s Role in Egypt’s Vision 2030
The opening session focused on Egypt’s ambition to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030, emphasizing the critical role of branded residences and serviced apartments in achieving this target.
Ms. Safaa Abdel Bary, General Manager and Business Development Director at Invest-Gate, highlighted the importance of integrating luxury accommodation into Egypt’s broader tourism strategy. She stressed the growing demand for serviced apartments, particularly among families seeking privacy and convenience over traditional hotel stays.
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Dr. Eng. Abdelkhalek Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, addressed the audience via a recorded video. He underscored the potential of New Alamein City as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal summer hotspot. Dr. Ibrahim also pointed to the ongoing development of the North Coast and New Aswan, with a focus on medical and wellness tourism.
2. The Rise of Branded Residences
Industry experts highlighted the increasing global demand for branded residences—residential units associated with prestigious hotel brands.
Mr. Moataz Amin, CEO of Prime Hospitality Management Group, explained the distinction between branded residences and serviced apartments:
Branded residences: Privately owned units that adhere to strict brand standards, ensuring high-quality services.
Serviced apartments: Units designed for short- or long-term rental, often with a focus on generating consistent returns.
Amin emphasized that branded residences can command a 10-20% price premium due to their perceived value and superior service quality.
Eng. Ahmed El Nesr, CEO of ALDAU Development, noted that developers are increasingly shifting their focus from property sales to enhanced living experiences, leveraging modern amenities and international partnerships.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Licensing and Infrastructure
Despite the sector’s growth potential, participants identified several regulatory and operational challenges:
Licensing hurdles: Mr. Mohamed Ayoub revealed that 50,000 to 70,000 serviced units remain unlicensed due to the complexities of converting residential properties into commercial spaces.
Infrastructure gaps: Mr. Omar Abdel Ghaffar, Managing Director of Travco Properties, stressed the need for infrastructure upgrades in the North Coast, including desalination plants and airport expansions to support year-round tourism.
Legislative inconsistencies: Eng. Ahmed El Nesr pointed out the varying requirements across different governorates, complicating the licensing process for hospitality projects.
Dr. Mohamed Abd El Gawad, Chairman of Vantage Developments, advocated for extending installment periods from four to seven years to ease developers’ financial burdens and ensure the delivery of fully finished units.
4. Innovation & Technology in Luxury Hospitality
The roundtable also examined the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) on luxury accommodation.
Ms. Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, highlighted the potential of smart technologies to improve guest experiences and streamline operations. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to setting clear standards for serviced apartments to meet evolving tourist expectations.
5. Strategies for Future Growth
To sustain growth and enhance competitiveness, industry leaders proposed several key strategies:
Streamlining licensing processes: Establishing a centralized digital platform to manage property registrations and approvals.
Promoting Egypt globally: Organizing international events to showcase Egypt’s hospitality potential, especially in New Alamein and Ras El Hekma.
Public-private collaboration: Encouraging stronger partnerships between the government and private developers to align efforts and resources.
Conclusion:
The Invest-Gate roundtable provided a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Egypt’s luxury housing and hospitality sectors. By leveraging innovative technologies, streamlining regulations, and fostering international collaborations, Egypt is well-positioned to attract more foreign investors and achieve its Vision 2030 goals.
Sponsors of the Roundtable:
Official Sponsor: ALDAU Development
Platinum Sponsors: City Edge Developments, TLD-The Land Developers, Marriott Residences by A Capital Holding
Gold Sponsors: Prime Hospitality, Madaar Development
Delegates’ Bags Sponsor: Amer Group
Registration Desk Sponsor: Margins Developments
Silver Sponsor: Vantage Developments
Media Partners: Al-Gedaan Real Estate, Daily News Egypt, Aleqaria, Al-Borsa newspaper, Elly Bana Misr, Property Plus, Aqargate, BloomGate, Osoul Misr Magazine, Aqarmap
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