Qatari Diar Launches First Phase of $30 Billion Integrated City on Egypt's Northwest Coast

Qatari Diar has commenced the first phase of its ambitious 'Alam El-Roum' development, an integrated urban city project situated on Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast. This significant undertaking by the real estate arm of Doha's sovereign wealth fund represents a total expected investment of $29.5 billion, with the initial construction phase alone projected to cost EGP 220 billion (approximately $4.5 billion).

The development spans a vast 4 million square metres, incorporating a built-up area of 1.4 million square metres. Qatari Diar’s CEO, Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, detailed that the project is designed as a year-round integrated urban city, not solely a seasonal tourist resort. Its strategic location is intended to transform the region into a hub for sustainable tourism, urban living, and investment.

Phase One Details

The initial phase of Alam El-Roum includes several key features aimed at establishing a world-class destination:

• A 2km beach and promenade.
• Natural lakes connected to the sea, suitable for swimming and yachting.
• An additional 195,000 square metres of artificial lakes also designated for swimming.
• Open spaces will constitute a substantial 85 percent of the total development area.
• A city-centre marina equipped with 50 berths for yachts.
• Four hotels offering more than 1,000 rooms.
• Various amenities including sports centres, retail outlets, and international restaurants.

This initial phase is anticipated to generate nearly 30,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. The project follows Qatari Diar's transfer of $3.5 billion in cash to the Egyptian government in late 2025 and stands as the second-largest Gulf foreign direct investment in Egypt, after ADQ's $35 billion Ras El Hekma development.