Qatari Diar Egypt Unveils “Alam Al Roum” Master Plan with SOM

Qatari Diar Egypt, one of the world’s leading real estate developers, hosted a site visit to its landmark Alam Al Roum project on Egypt’s North Coast, attended by a distinguished group of international partners responsible for developing the project’s master plan. The visit was led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world’s foremost architecture, engineering, and urban planning firms, appointed to develop the project’s master plan.

The visit formed part of the company’s efforts to showcase the project’s vision of creating one of Egypt’s most prominent coastal communities. Alam Al Roum is envisioned as a fully integrated Mediterranean destination that remains vibrant year-round, combining exceptional natural surroundings with advanced urban design.

Spanning 20.5 million square meters (4,900 acres), the development enjoys a strategic location approximately 20 minutes from Marsa Matrouh and 50 minutes from Ras El Hekma, with 7.2 kilometers of private Mediterranean beachfront. Representing a total investment of USD 29.7 billion, including USD 3.5 billion in direct cash investment, it is among the region’s largest tourism and mixed-use developments.

SOM plays a central role in shaping the project’s planning vision by combining global best practices with the site’s unique environmental characteristics to create a sustainable coastal destination that redefines waterfront living in Egypt and the wider region.

The master plan is supported by a consortium of internationally renowned firms, including SWA, the global landscape architecture specialist, Marina Projects, a leader in marina design and operations, and Setec, a leading transportation and traffic engineering consultancy. Together, they will ensure the project is delivered to the highest international standards of quality and innovation.

Commenting on the project, Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatari Diar, said: “Alam Al Roum marks a historic milestone in Qatari Diar’s journey in Egypt and expands our land portfolio to more than 40 million square meters. It also reflects our confidence in Egypt as a premier destination for tourism and investment. Qatari Diar currently has an investment portfolio in Egypt valued at USD 7 billion, and we are developing the project in collaboration with world-class partners, including SOM. We remain committed to delivering the project by Egyptian hands for the Egyptian people, combining Qatari Diar’s international expertise across 22 countries with Egypt’s rich heritage to create a sustainable destination that supports the country’s vision for comprehensive economic development.”

Taleb Al-Athba, Chief Development & Project Delivery Officer – Asia & Africa at Qatari Diar, stated: “Working alongside SOM and international partners including Setec, Marina Projects, and SWA, Alam Al Roum has been designed as a fully integrated smart city that seamlessly combines its coastal setting with architectural innovation to enhance quality of life and mobility. Qatari Diar is committing USD 3.5 billion in direct cash investment to ensure efficient project delivery. The development will feature an international yacht marina, luxury hotels, sustainable energy solutions, and locally sourced materials. Benefiting from its strategic location between Marsa Matrouh and Ras El Hekma, together with its 7.2-kilometer beachfront, the project is designed to become a year-round tourism destination.”

Thomas Hussey, Principal of SOM’s City Design Practice, said: ““Our master plan for Alam Al Roum presents a new vision for waterfront living on Egypt’s North Coast, shaped by the Mediterranean climate, landscape, and cultural character of its setting. Our ambition is to create a sustainable, resilient coastal destination that offers residents and visitors a more immersive way to live by the water.”

Alam Al Roum is the latest addition to Qatari Diar Egypt’s growing portfolio, which includes landmark developments such as CityGate, NEWGIZA, and The St. Regis Cairo. Through this expansion, the company reaffirms its long-term commitment as a strategic partner in Egypt’s urban transformation, contributing to a sustainable future that strengthens the country’s position as a leading destination for real estate and tourism investment.