The Egyptian government has prioritized the development of Sinai since 2014, implementing extensive projects in infrastructure, industry, agriculture, energy, and services. According to Dr. Ashraf Gharab, an economic expert and deputy head of the Arab Union for Social Development, this effort represents a significant transformation for the region.
A total of 994 development projects have been undertaken in Sinai, with a budget of one trillion Egyptian pounds by the end of 2023. These projects include the construction of five tunnels under the Suez Canal, in addition to the existing Ahmed Hamdi tunnel, and the establishment of seven floating bridges.
The development plan also involves upgrading and implementing around 5,000 kilometers of roads and tunnels. Furthermore, seven airports have been developed, and a new airport, El-Bardawil, was built at a cost of 869 million Egyptian pounds. Three land ports and eight sea ports have been constructed, along with a 226-kilometer railway line connecting Ferdan, Bir El-Abd, El-Arish, and Rafah.
Public investments in Sinai projects have reached 401.9 billion Egyptian pounds from 2014-2015 to 2023-2024. Industrial investments have seen a significant rise, growing from 5.9 billion Egyptian pounds in 2014 to 58.8 billion Egyptian pounds in 2024. The investment map currently includes 332 investment opportunities and 139 industrial opportunities in Sinai and the Canal cities.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone comprises four industrial areas, six ports, and 305 facilities, with investments amounting to 18 billion dollars. These projects have provided around 100,000 direct job opportunities. The industrial sector has witnessed expansions, including the Arish Cement Factory, the Southern Raswa Small Industries Complex, and the East Port Said Automotive Complex.
Agricultural development has also been a focus, with 285,000 feddans of reclaimed and cultivated land reported in 2022 as part of the 1.1 million feddan Sinai development project. Additionally, water treatment projects, agricultural development complexes, and fish farming initiatives have been implemented. The energy sector has seen investments of 24 billion Egyptian pounds, with expansions in power stations and natural gas networks.
The comprehensive development plan aims to boost economic growth and improve living standards in Sinai. With ongoing investments and projects, the region is expected to witness further growth and development in the coming years, creating new opportunities for its residents and contributing to Egypt's overall economic progress.
Key points
- Egypt has invested one trillion Egyptian pounds in 994 development projects in Sinai by the end of 2023.
- Industrial investments in Sinai have increased from 5.9 billion Egyptian pounds in 2014 to 58.8 billion Egyptian pounds in 2024.
- The Suez Canal Economic Zone has attracted 18 billion dollars in investments, providing 100,000 direct job opportunities.
