Qatari Diar Plans Service Free Zone at Egypt’s Alam Al Roum
Qatari Diar plans to establish a 50,000-square-meter service free zone within its Alam Al Roum development on Egypt’s North Coast, aiming to attract international companies, support startups and entrepreneurs, and help businesses expand into global markets, Taleb Al Athba, the company’s head of project development and delivery for Asia and Africa, announced.
Speaking on the occasion of the decision to establish an investment zone for the project, Al Athba said the planned facility would target international businesses in information technology, telecommunications, financial services and media. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to build an integrated economic ecosystem beyond traditional real estate development.
The company aims to create a business-friendly environment by streamlining licensing and approval procedures, facilitating financial transactions, and making use of applicable legal advantages, incentives and customs exemptions, subject to the relevant regulations and the nature of each activity.
Connecting Startups With Global Markets
Al Athba said the project’s value lies in building a network linking businesses, investors, international partners and local talent. The network is intended to encourage knowledge transfer, professional exchange and innovation while creating new business and investment opportunities.
Qatari Diar also plans to draw on its international experience, developments and relationships to connect businesses operating at Alam Al Roum with overseas markets, support startup expansion and encourage cooperation with global institutions, while strengthening long-term economic ties with Egypt.
Investment Zone Decision Advances Development
Al Athba described the Egyptian government-backed decision to establish the project’s investment zone as a new milestone in its development. He said it would help create the investment environment needed to deliver the project’s economic, tourism and urban components. The proposed 50,000-square-meter service free zone is among the planned facilities supporting commercial and service activities.
More Than 250,000 Jobs Expected
The development is expected to generate more than 250,000 jobs upon completion, according to Al Athba, supported by a mix of tourism, hospitality, retail, services and urban development activities.
Alam Al Roum is designed as an integrated destination combining residential living, tourism, business and investment, creating opportunities for local companies, suppliers and service providers.
Its master plan includes an international yacht marina with capacity for more than 370 berths, alongside a local marina offering another 120 berths. The international facility is intended to connect the development with Mediterranean maritime routes and welcome visitors and investors arriving from Europe and regional markets, supporting marine tourism and related activities.
Foreign Buyers Account for More Than 30% of Phase One Sales
Al Athba said the project’s initial launch exceeded the company’s preliminary sales targets, with demand outstripping the number of units offered. Non-Egyptian foreign buyers accounted for more than 30% of first-phase sales, above the previous target of 20%.
Construction work is continuing on site, while designated areas are being prepared to receive visitors and customers and showcase the development’s components and progress. Qatari Diar aims to begin handing over units in 2030 under a phased construction plan, while preparing subsequent stages in parallel.
The company is also working to attract leading international hotel brands to the development and expects to announce further steps in 2027.
4,900 Acres and a Seven-Kilometer Coastline
Al Athba said preparations began with a year of planning and coordination with government authorities, including contract preparation and the establishment of the project’s main framework. This followed the signing of a development agreement covering approximately 4,900 acres, with a seven-kilometer Mediterranean coastline.
Qatari Diar subsequently launched an international competition for the master plan, attracting six major global consultancy firms. The process included workshops, technical presentations and site visits before SOM was selected to prepare the plan.
The project’s first phase was officially launched in August 2026. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the development alongside Randa El-Menshawy, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, and Qatari Diar’s chief executive, as the project moved from planning into implementation.