Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is investing more than EGP 25 billion (approximately $526 million) in the development of the “Great Transfiguration” project in the city of Saint Catherine in South Sinai, as part of a broader strategy to position the area as a global hub for spiritual, ecological, and mountain tourism, according to a government official familiar with the project.
Launched in 2021, the project aims to revive and enhance the religious and spiritual significance of Saint Catherine, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites, located at the foot of Mount Sinai. Spanning an area of around 1,500 feddans, the development will comprise 14 integrated components designed to attract international visitors seeking spiritual, environmental, wellness, and adventure tourism experiences.
The official said that investments allocated specifically for hotel facilities amount to EGP 12 billion, fully financed by Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority. Construction costs have been elevated due to the region’s rugged mountainous terrain, which requires specialized infrastructure and engineering solutions.
The project includes a wide range of facilities, such as hotels, visitor reception halls, administrative and service buildings, sports facilities, commercial areas, and sustainable residential units. Infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including new power stations and improvements to major road networks, aimed at enhancing accessibility while preserving the site’s unique natural and cultural character.
Under contracts signed in 2024, the hotel assets will be handed over to international hospitality brands Steigenberger and Marriott, with official operations expected to begin during the first quarter of this year. Among the key facilities is a mountain hotel built on an area of 12,900 square meters, offering 144 rooms and suites, as well as the Al-Zaytouna district, which includes 21 hotel complexes with a combined capacity of 546 rooms.
The government expects the entire “Great Transfiguration” project to be completed in the first half of the year, reflecting strong official backing for an initiative seen as strategically important for expanding Egypt’s tourism offering and generating new sources of foreign currency.
The investment comes amid strong momentum in Egypt’s tourism sector. The country received around 19 million tourists last year, marking a 21 percent increase compared with 2024. Growth has been supported by improved security conditions, Egypt’s relatively low travel costs following the depreciation of the pound, and heightened global interest following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in the final quarter of the year.
Looking ahead, Egypt is targeting more than 21 million tourist arrivals this year, according to previous statements by Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy. To accommodate this growth, the government plans to increase tourism-sector investments by 60.5 percent to approximately EGP 116.2 billion in the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
Officials view the Saint Catherine development as a cornerstone of Egypt’s efforts to diversify its tourism portfolio beyond traditional cultural and beach destinations, while safeguarding the site’s religious heritage and natural environment. If successful, the project is expected to elevate Saint Catherine’s profile on the global tourism map and reinforce Egypt’s position as a leading destination for spiritually and culturally driven travel.
