The fifth edition of the Real Estate Conference will commence tomorrow, June 16, at the Nile Ritz Carlton in Cairo, under the auspices of the Cabinet. The conference will witness high-level participation from leading real estate developers, experts, and government officials, aiming to discuss the future of the real estate sector in Egypt in light of current economic developments.
This year's conference is held under the slogan: "The Future of the Real Estate Industry: Challenges - Development - Investment". Dr. Ahmed Shalaby serves as the Secretary-General of the conference, which represents a strategic dialogue platform aimed at formulating a unified vision to advance the real estate sector and enhance its role as a key driver of the Egyptian economy.
Event Details
The conference includes three main discussion sessions that bring together the public and private sectors to explore the most significant challenges and opportunities:
- Session One: "Incentives and Market Regulation"
This session focuses on ways to enhance the real estate investment environment through the development of regulatory policies, increasing transparency, and sustainability. It will be moderated by Engineer Sherif Naskafi, CEO of IGI Real Estate. - Session Two: "Investment Opportunities and Growth and Innovation Prospects"
This session addresses new areas for growth and innovation that could reshape the real estate market in Egypt, moderated by Ms. Aliaa Al-Nagdy, CEO of Mint Consulting. - Session Three: "Real Estate Financing Mechanisms and Innovative Solutions"
This session will review financing challenges and sustainable financing tools to support the sector, moderated by Engineer Walid Mokhtar, CEO of Ewan Development and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Real Estate Council.
Prior to the conference, a series of preparatory sessions organized by the "Akhbar Al-Youm" Foundation transformed into a workshop that brought together a select group of leading real estate developers to discuss vital issues in the sector, including:
- Mechanisms for exporting real estate.
- Fair pricing of land.
- Mechanisms for selling in dollars.
- Financing projects under construction.
- International marketing of Egypt as an investment destination.
Background & Context
Journalist Islam Afifi, Chairman of the Board of the Akhbar Al-Youm Foundation, emphasized that the real estate sector remains one of the pillars of the Egyptian economy. He pointed out the importance of correcting the mental image associated with it, which links it solely to profit-making, while it faces significant challenges that require collective efforts and broad coordination.
Afifi added: "We have a distinguished generation of developers who have contributed to increasing the built-up area to 14% of Egypt's total area," stressing the necessity of marketing Egypt as an attractive investment country, rather than just promoting individual projects.
Impact & Consequences
The conference is expected to conclude with a set of practical recommendations and strategic visions that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the real estate market and supporting the ability to attract local and foreign investments. The recommendations will also focus on accelerating the pace of sustainable urban development and driving innovation and modern financing in the sector.
The conference represents an important national platform for integrating visions between the public and private sectors, and an effective dialogue umbrella to discuss the critical issues facing the Egyptian real estate market.
Regional Significance
The conference activities provide an opportunity to enhance cooperation among Arab countries in the field of real estate investment, as the recommendations resulting from the conference could improve the investment environment in the region. Additionally, the success of the conference may encourage the organization of similar conferences in other countries, thus enhancing the exchange of experiences and practices.
In conclusion, the Fifth Real Estate Conference represents an important step towards strengthening the real estate sector in Egypt, reflecting the commitment of the government and developers to develop this vital sector.