In a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, reviewed the latest progress on the comprehensive development plan for the city of Dahab, South Sinai. The meeting included Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, and Ahmed Rzq, Country Director for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), along with senior ministry officials.
Transforming Dahab into a Global Eco-Tourism and Investment Destination
The ambitious development project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to position Dahab as a model for sustainable urban development, eco-tourism, and green investment. The initiative focuses on enhancing infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and tourism services, while preserving the city’s globally recognized natural assets.
Key components of the development plan include:
- Upgrading three of the world’s most iconic diving sites: the Blue Hole, Three Pools, and the Canyon
- Revitalizing the El Assala district and its surrounding expansion zones
- Establishing an integrated smart and green mobility system
- Installing solar-powered clean energy systems on government buildings
- Developing the Lagoon area into a world-class recreational and tourism hub
Integrated Vision for Sustainable Coastal Cities
Minister Awad emphasized that the Ministry of Local Development is committed to accelerating project implementation and creating a replicable model of sustainable tourism and urban development that can be adapted across South Sinai and other Egyptian coastal cities.
She also highlighted the importance of detailed feasibility studies and strategic planning, supported by technical assistance from development partners, to ensure the project aligns with modernized local governance frameworks.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the launch of the South Sinai Investment Platform, which will showcase bankable, integrated investment opportunities to attract domestic and international partners.
International Support and Local Momentum
Governor Khaled Mubarak noted that Dahab recently received the “Arab Cities Without Slums” Award, which has strengthened the city’s international reputation and confidence among development partners. He praised the IsDB’s involvement in supporting Dahab’s transformation into a premier global eco-tourism destination.
Strategic Infrastructure and Youth Employment
Dr. Hisham El-Helbawy, Assistant Minister for National Projects, outlined the ministry’s roadmap to complete the essential infrastructure upgrades that support the Dahab Master Plan. These include:
- Resurfacing and upgrading internal road networks
- Renovating the main city entrance
- Rehabilitating and expanding the Blue Hole access road, a vital link to key diving locations
He stressed that these infrastructure improvements are designed not only to enhance service quality but also to attract new investment, increase tourist inflows, and create employment opportunities for local youth and residents.
UN-Habitat: A Replicable Model for Sustainable Urban Investment
Ahmed Rzq, UN-Habitat’s Country Director, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Dahab’s development due to its unique environmental and cultural characteristics. He underscored that the collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development is focused on turning strategic master plans into tangible investment-ready projects through a scalable investment platform applicable to other Egyptian cities.
