British companies are expressing interest in investing in the Egyptian real estate sector

The Assistant Minister for Housing for Technical Affairs, Abdel Khalek Ibrahim, recently met the acting British Ambassador to Cairo, Qudsi Rasheed, and representatives of over 30 British companies. The aim of the meeting was to discuss partnerships and investment opportunities in the real estate sector in Egypt, including new cities, as well as drinking water and sanitation projects.

The meeting, organized by the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce at the British Embassy in Cairo, brought together key stakeholders. Also present were the Ministry of Housing’s Advisor for International Cooperation, Hassan El-Leithy, and the Ministry of Housing’s Advisor for International Cooperation in the Municipal Services Sector, Hisham Gaafar.

Ibrahim emphasized that Egypt is a promising market for real estate investments. The country has experienced an unprecedented urban and civilizational renaissance since President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi took office. Opportunities abound in a variety of areas, including the establishment of new cities, infrastructure projects and the development of existing urban areas.

Representatives of the British company expressed great interest in cooperation with the Egyptian state in the field of urban development. They are particularly interested in investing in real estate industries and localizing certain sectors to increase the availability of construction products in Egypt.

Ibrahim further highlighted Egypt’s strategy for new, smart cities. Under the leadership of President Al-Sisi, the Ministry of Housing, through the New Urban Communities Authority, has initiated the development of sustainable smart cities, known as “fourth generation cities.” In addition, efforts are being made to transform new cities of previous generations into smart and sustainable urban centers, tailored to the unique needs of each city.

The Egyptian state has also developed a national urban policy in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing, the General Physical Planning Organization, the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) office in Egypt and a group of experts. The policy aims to create an investment-friendly urban environment, generate new development opportunities, and contribute to economic growth and job creation.

Hisham Gaafar, advisor to the Ministry for International Cooperation in the Utilities Sector, highlighted significant improvements in Egypt’s drinking water and sanitation services. These improvements have occurred since President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi took office. The priority is to expand the coverage of water and sanitation services throughout the country. Gaafar also mentioned the State Ownership Document, which authorizes the private sector to participate in the implementation of public utility projects.

In terms of wastewater management, Egypt has turned to safe use rather than disposal. The latest global technologies are being used, including the use of sludge to produce methane, a valuable source of energy for treatment plants. In addition, a strategic plan has been established for seawater desalination by 2050, with a capacity of 8.8 million cubic meters per day. The first five-year desalination plan aims to produce 3.4 million cubic meters per day, which is more than doubling Egypt’s current desalination capacity.