Senior developers, investors, and industry experts gathered at the Afro-Asian General Investors Union Forum to discuss opportunities and challenges in Egypt’s real estate sector, focusing on tourism properties and real estate exports. The forum emphasized enhancing Egypt’s global competitiveness, attracting foreign investment, and leveraging major national projects alongside digital solutions to support sustainable growth.
Amir Sami, Chairperson of Business Bay Developments, said the company aims to deliver globally standardized commercial and hospitality properties designed for export markets. He highlighted Egypt’s favorable climate, strong tourism appeal, and attractive investment environment, while noting that semi-finished properties are unsuitable for international buyers.
Ehab El-Obeidi, CEO of Rayn Developments, acknowledged Egypt’s strong fundamentals, including political stability and strategic geography, but noted the country holds only 2.5% of the $250 billion global real estate trade. He called for closer public-private sector collaboration, tax incentives, and government support to address a shortfall of around 200,000 hotel units.
Wissam Tayel, Chairperson of Tayel Group, stressed that real estate exports are key for foreign currency inflows. He highlighted Upper Egypt’s investment potential, citing demand driven by universities and entertainment, and recommended activating hotel-apartment models catering to the region’s 500,000 annual Arab visitors. He urged government support to simplify conversions of residential and administrative units into hotel use.
Moataz Amin, Founder and CEO of Prime Hospitality Management Group, noted that recent regulations allow residential and administrative properties to be licensed as hotel units under safety, security, and hygiene standards, without fees for properties of more than eight units managed by specialized companies.
Abdel Aziz El-Kafrawy, Advisor to the Afro-Asian Investors Union, reported that the sector has exported units worth $1.9 billion. He emphasized the need for a dedicated regulatory authority and a clear master plan to attract foreign investors, especially to Upper Egypt.
Ayman Abdel Hamid, Managing Director and Vice Chairperson of Al Taamir Mortgage Finance – Al Oula, highlighted the role of mortgage financing in legalizing property documentation and reassuring foreign investors through the foreign ownership registry. He also noted that after-sales services remain a key sector challenge.
Speakers agreed on the importance of finishing standards, architectural identity, fire safety compliance, and professional operating models to enhance property value and export readiness. Many highlighted the growing role of proptech, digital solutions, and integrated asset management in shaping the future of real estate development.
The forum concluded that exporting real estate now extends beyond construction. Success requires creating integrated, digitally enabled assets that provide sustainable value, improve user experience, and strengthen Egypt’s position as a competitive destination for global real estate investment.
