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The lifestyle magazine with a cutting edge, Lounge is a vibrant mix of fashion, beauty and sensational features giving insights into the lives of the Arab world's leading and most glamorous celebrities and presents the social comment of the day with wit and style. Lounge provides its loyal readers with a definitive guide to the latest in style, interiors, informed arts coverage and the best in the

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Leading Investors Commend the Future of Egypt Authority as a Genuine Partner Driving Sustainable Development and Overcom...
26/09/2025

Leading Investors Commend the Future of Egypt Authority as a Genuine Partner Driving Sustainable Development and Overcoming Obstacles Future of Egypt - جهاز مستقبل مصر للتنمية المستدامة

The Future of Egypt Authority for Sustainable Development is spearheading the country’s agricultural transformation through the implementation of landmark national projects, most notably the New Delta Project. As the largest agricultural initiative in Egypt’s history, the project aims to reclaim and cultivate 4.5 million feddans. The Authority places private sector engagement at the core of its strategy, treating it as a strategic partner in achieving its objectives. To this end, it provides land, infrastructure, technical and logistical support, and removes obstacles to ensure rapid implementation and higher productivity. These efforts reflect the directives of the political leadership to enhance food security and boost agricultural exports.
Gaber Elshalma Flexible and Progressive Partnership Supporting Exports
Gaber Elshalma, CEO of Egast, highlighted that the partnership with the Future of Egypt Authority reflects its flexibility and commitment to strengthening ties with serious investors through the adoption of innovative systems and forward-looking concepts.
He explained that the most recent example of this collaboration was the establishment of a joint venture between the Authority and Egast, dedicated to producing export-oriented crops that meet the requirements of importing countries, particularly European Union markets. These include strawberries, potatoes, citrus varieties, as well as dry grains.
Elshalma emphasized that this model illustrates the Authority’s investment awareness and agility in enhancing cooperation mechanisms with investors, supported by its marketing expertise and export facilitation services. This, he noted, contributes to bolstering the global competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products and expanding their presence in international markets.
He further explained that the Authority delivers a comprehensive package of non-traditional services designed to attract and empower small investors. These services range from modern agricultural mechanization, to financing facilities that secure fertilizers and pesticides at competitive prices, and extend to the provision of land parcels of varying sizes with full infrastructure and paved road networks. Collectively, these services guarantee the success of investors.
Elshalma stressed that the Authority’s efforts represent a true agricultural renaissance, building a comprehensive model that not only focuses on land reclamation but also balances meeting domestic demand for strategic crops, fruits, and vegetables while exporting large surpluses to global markets.
Hany El-Naggar A Cornerstone for Expansion and a Production Leap
Hany El-Naggar, Vice Chairman of the International Agricultural Manufacturing Company, underscored that cooperation with the Future of Egypt Authority for Sustainable Development forms a cornerstone of the company’s expansion plans and its ambition to achieve a breakthrough in agriculture and food manufacturing. He noted that the company was among the first to engage with the Authority, which marks a significant contribution to the state’s journey toward self-sufficiency and export growth.
El-Naggar stated that the company already operates 10,000 feddans in the Dabaa area and is expanding further within the New Delta Project through an integrated investment model that combines agriculture, afforestation, and food manufacturing. This initiative aligns with the directives of the political leadership to increase private sector participation in the Authority’s projects, thereby advancing food security and exports.
He added that this cooperation resulted in the establishment of a new company targeting the cultivation of export-oriented and manufacturing crops across 10,000 feddans. The crops include potatoes – for which the company is among the largest exporters – alongside sugar beet, with plans to cultivate orange groves to supply the Authority’s concentrate plant and cover both local and export market needs.
According to El-Naggar, the Authority provides a fully integrated agricultural ecosystem, offering fertile land, advanced infrastructure, competitively priced fertilizers and pesticides, and access to modern mechanization for planting, harvesting, fertilizing, and spraying. These elements enhance project efficiency, strengthen the ability to meet local market demand, and open new avenues for exports.
Mohamed Ghanem An Integrated Environment Driving Expansion
Mohamed Ghanem, CEO of the Egyptian Company for Agricultural and Rural Development, confirmed that collaboration with the Future of Egypt Authority offered his company a strong platform for expansion. The company was allocated 5,000 feddans cultivated with diverse crops throughout the year, including peanuts and white beans in the summer season, and wheat and sugar beet in the winter season.
He explained that the Authority’s support was critical to the project’s success, providing high-quality seeds, nitrogen fertilizers at competitive prices, and swift completion of land handover procedures that enabled immediate commencement of cultivation.
Ghanem added that these efforts reflect the Authority’s commitment to empowering investors and providing a fully integrated operating environment that guarantees maximum productivity and supports the state’s plans to expand arable land and secure food supplies.
Mohamed Arafa Comprehensive Technical and Logistical Support
Mohamed Arafa, Chairman of Arafa Import & Export, emphasized that cooperation with the Future of Egypt Authority for Agricultural Development has been fundamental to the success of his agricultural investments. The company was allocated 2,000 feddans for the cultivation of strategic crops, including wheat and potatoes.
He explained that the Authority played a decisive role in accelerating land reclamation and preparing for the new agricultural season by offering comprehensive services, including technical support, overcoming obstacles, and providing essential logistics to ensure highly efficient operations.
Arafa highlighted that this collaboration reflects the Authority’s unwavering commitment to creating an integrated agricultural environment that strengthens food security and enhances the sector’s capacity for expansion and productivity.
Khaled Saqr Facilitating Ex*****on and Unlocking Export Markets
Khaled Saqr, Chairman of Egy Crops, praised the Authority’s support to private sector companies, enabling the swift ex*****on of projects on the ground. He explained that his company was allocated thousands of feddans for sugar beet and wheat to serve the local market, in addition to substantial areas for potatoes and peanuts for export. He emphasized that the availability of irrigation services and infrastructure allowed the company to focus on raising production quality and directing it to both domestic and international markets.
Ahmed El-Sobahy Comprehensive Technical and Logistical Support
Ahmed El-Sobahy, Chairman of Wadi El Nour Investment, confirmed that the partnership with the Future of Egypt Authority represents a pivotal step toward reclaiming and cultivating 10,000 feddans in the New Delta Project, designated for citrus fruits and export-oriented crops. He noted that the company has a long-standing track record of collaboration with the Authority, with previous experiences yielding remarkable results thanks to the Authority’s extensive facilitation.
El-Sobahy emphasized that the Authority offers unmatched support, including the provision of fertilizers – a service that is not even available in some foreign markets – in addition to logistical services and technical assistance to accelerate land reclamation and project implementation. Cooperation further extends to wheat procurement, facilitated through modern silos that offer above-market prices, expedited payment processing, and storage facilities located close to farmlands, thereby reducing transport costs and enhancing profitability.
He expressed optimism following recent meetings with Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam, Chairman of the Future of Egypt Authority for Sustainable Development, and his team, affirming that this partnership will deliver new achievements that advance the state’s goals of food security and agricultural export growth.
Ayman El-Abd A Model of State-Private Sector Integration
Ayman El-Abd, Managing Director of Lotus Agricultural Development & Investment, described the partnership with the Future of Egypt Authority as a true reflection of the political leadership’s directives to enhance private sector engagement in major national projects. He stressed that this collaboration exemplifies genuine integration between the state and investors in advancing sustainable agricultural development.
El-Abd added that the New Delta Project has become one of the most significant national projects aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030. It has reshaped the agricultural investment landscape, creating vast opportunities for the private sector to achieve strong economic returns by expanding export-oriented production and ensuring the domestic supply of strategic crops. This, in turn, strengthens the sector’s contribution to GDP.
He explained that the Authority provides robust support to committed companies, from facilitating land allocation procedures to delivering infrastructure, logistics, and advanced technical services. This enables investors to focus on transforming desert land into fertile farms through modern mechanization and innovative agricultural technologies, laying the foundation for a modern agricultural renaissance that secures food supplies and enhances the global competitiveness of Egyptian products.
Tarek Salama Growing Investor Confidence in the Project’s Success
Tarek Salama, Chairman of the International Company for Trade and Distribution, revealed that his company is preparing to cultivate 10,000 feddans in the New Delta Project with strategic crops to reduce import dependence. He affirmed that the direct support provided by the Authority under the leadership of Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam, coupled with continuous follow-up, has reinforced investor confidence in the project’s capacity to deliver tangible results.
Saher Sami Waseily A Genuine Partnership, Beyond Land Allocation
Saher Sami Waseily, Chairman of El-Salam Fertilizer Trading, announced that his company received 5,000 feddans to cultivate sugar beet, wheat, and potatoes this season. He praised the Authority’s extensive support, ranging from financial incentives to modern machinery and equipment, describing the cooperation as a genuine partnership between the state and investors, and not merely land allocation.
Sayed El-Naggar A True Guarantee of Investor Success
Sayed El-Naggar, Chairman of El-Naggar Group, affirmed that the Future of Egypt Authority for Sustainable Development, led by Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam, has demonstrated the ability to act with a true statesman’s mindset. He emphasized the Authority’s commitment to overcoming all obstacles for investors and closely following up on every detail, from land allocation to the commencement of cultivation.
He noted that his company was allocated 5,000 feddans and is preparing to cultivate sugar beet and wheat, with plans to expand into potato cultivation by December. He stressed that the Authority’s ongoing support represents a true guarantee of the project’s success and its ability to achieve its strategic objectives.

Power meets elegance with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6
19/09/2025

Power meets elegance with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6





Egyptian Outdoor Attracts Urbnlanes Developments to Market Its Real Estate Projects through Cairo International AirportI...
12/08/2025

Egyptian Outdoor Attracts Urbnlanes Developments to Market Its Real Estate Projects through Cairo International Airport

In a move that reflects the growing role of outdoor advertising in supporting investments, Egyptian Outdoor, one of the companies under United Media Services, has announced the launch of a major marketing campaign for Urbnlanes Developments on its billboards at Cairo International Airport. The campaign aims to boost sales of Urbnlanes’ projects and attract clients from new markets.

Through this campaign, Urbnlanes Developments seeks to reinforce its presence in the Egyptian market and expand its investment volume, capitalizing on the strategic location of Cairo International Airport—a key gateway for millions of travelers annually. This positioning provides an exceptional platform for promoting its real estate projects in line with the government’s efforts to enhance real estate exports.

Commenting on the announcement, Montaser Al-Nabarawi, Chairman of Egyptian Outdoor, stated that attracting major Arab companies operating in Egypt reflects the confidence in the quality of the company’s services and the wide reach of its screens across prime locations. He affirmed that this collaboration will create marketing opportunities that contribute to the growth of Egypt’s real estate sector.

For his part, Fadi Emil Abdallah, CEO of Urbnlanes Developments, said that the advertising campaign at Cairo International Airport forms part of the company’s expansion plan within Egypt and its drive to attract new customer segments both domestically and internationally. This, he noted, supports the government’s plans to increase revenues from real estate exports.

This collaboration between Egyptian Outdoor and Urbnlanes Developments highlights the growing role of outdoor advertising as an effective tool for supporting investments and attracting capital. It also contributes to promoting Egyptian real estate opportunities regionally and internationally, aligning with the government’s vision to enhance real estate exports and boost the competitiveness of the Egyptian market on the global stage.

Ecotourism Expert Mohamed Elewa: Egypt’s Nature Reserves Can Attract One Million Ecotourists Annually, Generating $5.2 B...
27/07/2025

Ecotourism Expert Mohamed Elewa: Egypt’s Nature Reserves Can Attract One Million Ecotourists Annually, Generating $5.2 Billion in Revenue

Egypt welcomed 8.7 million tourists during the first half of 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year increase. With global travel trends rapidly evolving, the country now stands before a golden opportunity to double this figure and achieve unprecedented tourism revenues—provided it gives due attention to the growing global demand for ecotourism.

Ecotourism expert Mohamed Elewa stated that ecotourism represents the future of sustainable tourism in Egypt, and is one of the most promising sectors capable of delivering balanced economic and social development. It can empower local communities while preserving the country’s natural resources.

Elewa pointed out that Egypt is home to exceptional environmental and tourism assets, including the nature reserves of South Sinai, Siwa Oasis, and Fayoum. However, he emphasized that the absence of a clear regulatory and legislative framework continues to limit the full potential of this tourism segment.

He explained that over 80% of inbound tourism to Egypt remains focused on coastal destinations, while cultural tourism accounts for only about 20%. Ecotourism, despite Egypt’s vast potential in this area, is entirely absent from the country’s tourism promotion agenda. Elewa highlighted that the majority of travel companies continue to rely on traditional marketing strategies centered around beaches and archaeological landmarks, without expanding into high-demand segments such as adventure, nature, and local cultures, which are witnessing growing interest globally.

Elewa added that Egypt is home to around 30 nature reserves that could be transformed into specialized ecotourism destinations. He cited global estimates indicating that natural reserves receive over 8 billion visits annually worldwide.

According to Elewa, Egypt is well-positioned to attract a substantial share of environmentally conscious travelers. If the country succeeds in attracting just one million ecotourists each year, it could generate over $5.2 billion in revenue, with an average spending of $425 per night—significantly higher than that of conventional tourists.

Elewa called for the urgent adoption of a comprehensive national strategy to develop ecotourism in Egypt. This strategy should include reviewing existing legislation, training local talent, and supporting entrepreneurs in the sector. He also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated body to represent ecotourism service providers, ensuring their participation in decision-making and policy development.

He pointed to successful regional models in countries such as Jordan, Oman, and Lebanon. Jordan, for instance, has managed to double its tourism stays through the development of ecotourism products. Oman generated more than 75 million Omani riyals during the Salalah season alone, clear evidence that regional experiences offer valuable lessons that Egypt can benefit from.

Elewa concluded by stressing that ecotourism is not a luxury but a critical necessity for the future of Egypt’s tourism industry, particularly in light of climate change challenges and the growing global emphasis on sustainability. He underscored the importance of raising awareness of ecotourism both domestically and internationally, and supporting eco-lodges and local handicrafts initiatives, while positioning Egypt firmly on the global ecotourism map.

PUBG MOBILE Teams Up with Superstar Mostafa Gharib for Egypt’s First Interactive Metro Royale AdventurePUBG MOBILE, one ...
23/07/2025

PUBG MOBILE Teams Up with Superstar Mostafa Gharib for Egypt’s First Interactive Metro Royale Adventure

PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, has announced the launch of its first-ever interactive advertisement in Egypt, starring beloved Egyptian actor Mostafa Gharib.
Centered around the highly popular Metro Royale mode, this groundbreaking campaign features Mostafa Gharib in an immersive, cinematic experience, where every choice you make directly impacts the outcome of the story.
This innovative campaign from PUBG MOBILE is a first for branded content in Egypt, seamlessly blending captivating storytelling, interactive gameplay elements, and the star power of Mostafa Gharib to bring the high-stakes Metro Royale experience to life in a thrilling new way. Viewers will engage with multiple decision points, allowing them to personalize their adventure and determine the outcomes, blurring the lines between gaming and entertainment.
This isn't just an advertisement, it's a bold statement from PUBG MOBILE, pushing the status quo of marketing to an entirely new level. As the first-ever interactive creative advertisement in Egypt, this campaign redefines the future of gaming marketing, setting a new benchmark for immersive brand experiences. PUBG MOBILE is not just participating in the evolution of digital content, it’s actively leading it, demonstrating unparalleled innovation and creativity that will resonate across the industry.
PUBG MOBILE’s campaign adds even more excitement to the hugely popular Metro Royale mode, an immersive adventure where players build their wealth by collecting more gold, unlocking greater rewards, and becoming richer with every strategic fight for fortune.
Metro Royale is a high-stakes, unique game mode within PUBG MOBILE that transforms the traditional battle royale experience into a strategic fight for fortune. Players drop into distinct maps, not just to survive, but to loot valuable gold and rare items. The core loop involves entering a match, collecting as much wealth as possible, and then successfully extracting from the map. Every match is a tense, strategic decision-making process. Do you push for more loot, risking everything, or play it safe for a guaranteed extraction? This blend of survival, tactical looting, and persistent progression creates an exciting experience for players, offering a fresh dimension to PUBG MOBILE's gameplay.
This launch underscores PUBG MOBILE’s commitment to delivering unique, culturally relevant content for its Egyptian players, consistently pushing boundaries and driving engagement within the local gaming community.
PUBG MOBILE is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Nancy Ajram Launches Her New Album, Sparking a Musical Revolution with 11 Songs That Embrace Femininity in All Its Dimen...
22/07/2025

Nancy Ajram Launches Her New Album, Sparking a Musical Revolution with 11 Songs That Embrace Femininity in All Its Dimensions

Following an extensive promotional campaign that dominated the Arab trending charts, Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram has released her highly anticipated eleventh studio album, "Nancy 11", marking a pivotal moment in her artistic journey and cementing her status as a powerful force in the Arab music scene. The album presents creative musical and visual dimensions that transcend conventional limits, setting new standards for artistic excellence.
"Nancy 11" is released in partnership with Believe Artist Services, a global leader in digital music distribution and marketing for independent artists, and Nancy’s official distributor since 2014. Coinciding with the album release, a regional-first campaign was launched in collaboration with TikTok and Anghami, enabling users to utilize the "Add to Music App" feature for all Nancy 11 songs. This innovation allows fans to transfer their favorite songs directly from TikTok to their Anghami favorites playlist.
A Cross-Border Impact
Upon its release, Nancy 11 stormed music platforms across several countries including France, Canada, Germany, and Turkey. Nancy Ajram also took over Spotify’s billboard in Times Square, New York, after being chosen as EQUAL Arabia’s July ambassador in recognition of her career and role in representing women in music. The album received spotlight coverage from major global pop accounts like Pop Crave and Pop Base, highlighting the global reach of Nancy’s voice and brand.
Nancy 11: A Complete Artistic Project
With 11 songs, each a universe of its own, Nancy 11 is a fully integrated artistic project where musical, visual, and expressive elements merge in perfect harmony. It’s more than an album—it’s a rare display of artistic maturity and a bold reinvention of musical and visual content that rivals top international releases.
Spanning Lebanese and Egyptian dialects, the songs explore diverse themes and styles—from romantic and dramatic to upbeat and danceable—through bold musical approaches that surprised even her most loyal fans. The album features standout collaborations with both renowned and emerging talents, bringing a fresh, contemporary edge to the project. Each composition has its unique imprint, each lyric its soul, and each arrangement its own story. Nancy’s vast collaborative map confirms her relentless pursuit of reinvention and expansion without compromising her artistic identity.
The most striking element, however, lies in the visuals—an impressive series of videos shot in studio environments. With a distinct artistic direction, they redefine the visual language of Arabic music videos. Elements of light, movement, composition, and symbolism craft a rich visual experience that deeply complements the musical and lyrical meanings of each track, showcasing full harmony between sonic and visual creativity.
A Bold Journey Through Femininity
At its core, Nancy 11 is a profound exploration of femininity—its strength, its softness, its romanticism, and its rebellion. Nancy embraces her own dualities: the glamorous celebrity versus the rooted woman, the playful rebel versus the powerful, influential persona. The lyrics are expressive and deep, offering self-empowerment, reflections on identity, and a breaking of boundaries between tradition and change. It is a bold and honest album that defies norms—not merely following trends but creating a unique artistic current of its own.
Global Diversity in Style and Sound
The 11-track album seamlessly navigates through a vibrant spectrum of musical genres, enriched with global influences. Each track paints a unique soundscape, combining pop, rock, R&B, and oriental maqsoom rhythms. The result is a fresh fusion of Nancy’s signature warmth and daring innovation, venturing into bold new sonic territories that push the boundaries of Arabic pop music.
Visual Creative Vision for the Album
The brilliance of Nancy 11 doesn’t stop at sound—it extends into a meticulously crafted visual creative vision for the campaign and the album. The visuals highlight the contradictions that shape female identity and energy. In this project, Nancy shows unparalleled boldness—not only as a musical trendsetter but also as a visionary artist who delivers audiovisual works that inspire and astonish. Once again, she proves to be a pan-Arab icon releasing world-class productions across music, fashion, and visual arts.
A Global Star from the Arab World
On June 28, Nancy Ajram stood on the stage of one of the world’s most prestigious venues: Royal Albert Hall. Widely known as the “Queen of Arabic Pop,” she has earned global acclaim, including praise from Billie Eilish, who spotlighted and shared two of Nancy’s songs on social media. Nancy was the first Arab artist featured on FIFA’s official soundtrack (2009). She has shared stages with international icons like Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Camila Cabello during Elie Saab’s 1001 Season. She’s also the only Arab artist to be appointed global ambassador for Tiffany & Co., launching their latest collection in New York (May 2025) alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Lisa from BLACKPINK. Nancy has also performed with Enrique Iglesias in Cairo, and has earned three World Music Awards (2008, 2011, 2014). On YouTube, her channel has surpassed 4.3 billion views, making her one of the first Arab artists to cross 1 billion views.

Toyota Egypt Wins the 2024 Toyota International Sales Award for Material Handling and Renews Distribution Agreement for ...
08/07/2025

Toyota Egypt Wins the 2024 Toyota International Sales Award for Material Handling and Renews Distribution Agreement for the Coming Years

In a new milestone that reinforces its regional and international leadership, Toyota Egypt Group has been awarded the prestigious Toyota International Sales Award for Material Handling 2024, presented by Toyota Material Handling International (TMHI). The award was presented to Mr. Ahmed Monsef, CEO of the Group, during the International Distributors Conference held in Japan. This recognition showcases the company’s remarkable performance in achieving extraordinary sales results and delivering optimal customer support.
This award is considered one of the the most notable recognitions given by TMHI, granted to only four distributors worldwide who have excelled in meeting sales targets, attaining high levels of customer satisfaction—particularly among global key accounts—and excelling in positioning material handling products as a leading and distinguished choice in this vital sector. This global recognition reflects the exceptional standard of operations achieved by Toyota Egypt Group in material handling, in terms of professionalism, service quality, and a commitment to delivering integrated solutions that meet customer expectations.
During the conference, Toyota Egypt Group also renewed its distribution agreement with Toyota Material Handling International, as part of a long-term strategic partnership aimed at solidifying cooperation and continuing its success journey in the years ahead.
In this regard, Mr. Ahmed Monsef, CEO of Toyota Egypt Group, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating: “Receiving this international award reflects the culmination of our efforts, driven by a clear strategy focused on operational excellence, team development, and delivering reliable solutions that serve both global and local companies, all while upholding the highest standards of customer satisfaction. This accomplishment is the outcome of ongoing investment in our human capital—a professional and passionate team that consistently strives for excellence. This award marks an international recognition of Toyota Egypt Group’s outstanding performance.”
It is worth noting that, through its material handling division, Toyota Egypt offers a wide range of innovative solutions and services tailored to meet the needs of various industrial and commercial sectors in the Egyptian market, positioning the group as a trusted strategic partner to many local and international businesses operating in Egypt.

Green Sharm Transforms El-Gharqana Village into Egypt’s First Successful Ecotourism ModelGreen Sharm, an initiative by t...
01/07/2025

Green Sharm Transforms El-Gharqana Village into Egypt’s First Successful Ecotourism Model

Green Sharm, an initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has successfully implemented Egypt’s first ecotourism model in El-Gharqana Village within the Nabq Protected Area in South Sinai. The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of the local community, integrate them into ecotourism activities, and support efforts to conserve the natural resources of Nabq. Engineer Mohammed Elewa, Director of Green Sharm, shared details of this successful transformation that turned El-Gharqana into a pioneering icon of ecotourism in Egypt.

Engineer Mohammed Elewa explained that the development of El-Gharqana Village in Nabq Protected Area comes within the Ministry of Environment’s broader strategy to upgrade Egypt’s nature reserves by preserving ecosystems and enhancing infrastructure across protected areas. The goal is to elevate the standard of ecotourism in the country in a way that supports biodiversity conservation, diversifies available activities, promotes sustainable economic development, and opens up investment opportunities for the private sector while creating jobs for local residents.

In a press statement, Elewa added that the development of El-Gharqana Village focused first on community development through several key pillars. These included constructing 51 Bedouin-style houses for local families over a total area of approximately 75,000 square meters. The design and construction were based on environmental and traditional Bedouin architectural principles, using red brick and domes to ensure natural ventilation and reduce reliance on air conditioning. The project also provided furniture and furnishings for these homes in a way that suits the needs of the villagers.

He added that, within the same pillar, the project collaborated with the villagers to establish a local NGO responsible for providing assistance to residents and creating job opportunities. This was achieved through launching a heritage handicrafts workshop, which offers a sustainable source of income, helps preserve traditional crafts and products, and creates items that appeal to tourists, thus enhancing local residents’ engagement in ecotourism activities.

Elewa noted that the second pillar of the development project focused on environmental development by building integrated infrastructure for the village. This included installing water and wastewater tanks, waste management systems, and solar energy facilities for each housing unit. Additionally, a desalination plant was established to secure water resources for both the local community and ecotourism activities. A visitor center was also developed at the Nabq Protected Area to welcome guests while ensuring the site is protected from pollutants.

The third component of the project was economic development, which focused on creating opportunities for private sector investment in ecotourism within protected areas. This aims to attract tourists, encourage citizens to explore these unique areas, and foster greater understanding of the cultural diversity of local communities, all in support of the tourism sector and the growth of ecotourism in Egypt.

Elewa emphasized the significance of developing El-Gharqana Village in advancing ecotourism in Egypt. The project not only contributes to improving living standards for local residents by providing employment and additional income, but also boosts tourism revenues. Ecotourism is considered among the highest-yielding tourism types and contributes to diversifying Egypt’s tourism offerings, thus attracting a new segment of travelers interested in environmental and nature-based experiences.

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