Egypt Unveils Plans to Develop New City on Mediterranean Coast, Double the Size of Barcelona
Egypt is gearing up to build a new city on the Mediterranean coast, and it’s not just any city – it will be twice the size of Barcelona. Ras El Hekma, located 350km northwest of Cairo, is set to become a massive ‘mega-development’ boasting golf courses, resorts managed by Accor and Ennismore, and an international marina sprawled across its 170 square kilometre area.
The ambitious project, a collaboration between ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, and Modon, a design firm, aims to inject $25 billion annually into the Egyptian economy. Described as a “smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban community”, Ras El Hekma seeks to attract tourists beyond the usual Red Sea resorts while providing housing for up to two million residents.
Construction work for this multi-million dollar endeavour commenced on Friday with the first phase focusing on an international airport and a high-speed rail network connecting residential zones, offices, hotels, retail spaces, and leisure facilities. His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaab, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Finance Department, expressed optimism about the project’s significant economic contributions.
Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon Holding, highlighted the complexity and ambition of the project, stating that Ras El Hekma will play a vital role in the Egyptian economy through various stages of development. He emphasised the need for strong partnerships and sector-specific expertise to bring this grand vision to fruition.
The announcement of this new city aligns with the travel trends observed in the summer of 2024. EasyJet Holidays reported a surge in UK holidaymakers exploring unconventional areas in popular destinations that have been investing in tourism. With bookings on the rise for regions in Greece, Egypt, and Morocco, not typically on the radar for overseas visitors, the appetite for unique travel experiences is evident.
For more insights into travel news and advice, tune in to Simon Calder’s podcast for expert recommendations. Egypt’s ambitious project to build Ras El Hekma signifies a significant step towards driving economic growth and expanding tourism offerings, cementing the country’s position as a dynamic and forward-looking destination.