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JEDDAH: ��������’s Al-Baha region has unveiled SR89 million ($24 million) in industrial projects aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and developing its mining and small and medium enterprises sectors. 

Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of the southwestern region, inaugurated several infrastructure and utility projects at the First Industrial City in Al-Baha, part of efforts to strengthen the local industrial and investment environment. 

The launch was attended by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, who also chairs the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, along with its CEO Majed bin Raed Al-Argoubi, according to a statement. 

Al-Baha holds significant untapped mineral wealth, which �������� aims to explore as mining emerges as a key driver of economic diversification under Vision 2030. 

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources recently highlighted the region’s deposits of precious and base metals — including gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead — alongside industrial rocks and ornamental stones such as feldspar, marble, and pozzolan, estimating the value of these resources at SR285.4 billion. 

The newly launched projects include integrated service and logistics facilities in the industrial city, which “will help attract more quality investments, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to support regional development and empower the industrial sector,” the statement said. 

Multiple memorandums of understanding were also signed to promote investment, develop national competencies, and strengthen cooperation with academic and professional institutions, including the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. and Al-Baha University. 

“The agreements aim to enhance collaboration in training, exchanging experiences, qualifying graduates for employment in the industrial sector, and supporting small and medium enterprises through joint programs that contribute to both investment and industrial efficiency in the region,” the statement added. 

Prince Hussam said the projects underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the sector, attracting investment, creating youth employment, and boosting SMEs through collaboration with universities and educational institutions. 

Alkhorayef stressed that the industrial and mining sectors are vital for Vision 2030, contributing significantly to economic diversification. 

“He explained that the ministry seeks to extend its initiatives to all regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Baha, by enabling the local industrial environment and promoting unique industries that will enhance the region’s economic role,” the statement said. 

The ministry is collaborating with major companies on exploration, creating investment opportunities in mining and downstream industries, and encouraging investors to seize these prospects. 

By July, the region had granted 39 mining licenses, representing total investments of SR117 million. 

Al-Baha’s industrial base comprises 49 factories: 34 in building materials, nine in food production, five in plastics and rubber, with the remainder in chemicals, metals, and other sectors, according to ministry spokesperson Jarrah Al-Jarrah. 

CAIRO: Egypt’s tourism sector is entering a new era of growth, driven by rising demand for luxury real estate and diversified experiences, according to the CEO of Red Sea destination El Gouna. 

In an interview with Arab News, Mohamed Amer said the town has become a model for integrated, year-round tourism that is helping the country move beyond its traditional seasonal patterns. 

Egypt’s inbound tourism rose 22 percent in the first seven months of 2024 compared with the same period a year earlier, reaching 15.78 million visitors for the year — the highest on record and slightly above 15.7 million in 2023.

The government is targeting 30 million tourists annually by 2028. In June, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted efforts to open new opportunities for foreign investment in tourism to help reach that goal.

“Egypt’s tourism sector is in a very strong phase currently, with a steady expansion in the country’s potential, following the demand for luxury real estate and appetite for leisurely travel,” he said. “Destinations like El Gouna are part of that shift.” 

Home to more than 25,000 residents from over 50 nationalities and welcoming over 1 million visitors annually, El Gouna has developed into one of Egypt’s most prominent integrated towns. 

The town currently has 18 hotels totaling 2,800 rooms, with three new luxury properties planned over the next five years that will add 600 –700 rooms. 

Amer said the El Gouna’s accessibility is part of its appeal, with short flights from regional hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah making it attractive to Gulf travelers. 

Citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter Egypt visa-free, while other international guests benefit from electronic or visa-on-arrival options. This, he noted, positions El Gouna as “a natural extension for regional tourism.” 

On the investment front, El Gouna is the only destination in Egypt where real estate transactions are conducted in US dollars, a model Amer said strengthens international investor confidence. 

“This not only offers protection but also ensures greater financial security for international buyers,” he said. 

The town has expanded its infrastructure to support residents and visitors, with a fully equipped hospital already operating and specialized clinics under development. 

El Gouna also holds the distinction of being the Middle East’s first recipient of the UN “Green Town Award,” reflecting its sustainability commitments, which include generating 16 percent of electricity from solar power, recycling 75 percent of waste, and reusing 100 percent of wastewater. 

“Sustainability is not just a feature here — it’s part of our DNA,” Amer said. 

On the residential side, El Gouna is preparing new projects such as Highland by North Bay, Tuban WaterFalls, and Fanadir Shores, a development with marina and sea views. Another project is set to be announced in November. 

Amer said demand is anchored in lifestyle rather than speculation, ensuring resilience in property values. “Buyers want to be part of a vibrant community with year-round services, signature events, and strong sustainability standards,” he said. 

Cultural and lifestyle programming also play a role in the town’s positioning. International events such as the El Gouna Film Festival, squash tournaments, and new platforms in fashion and culinary arts have raised its profile globally. 

The festival alone draws more than 200,000 visitors annually, pushing hotel occupancy to full capacity and boosting activity across retail, dining, and services.

“Such events stimulate economic activity and generate international exposure for Egypt,” Amer said. 

Looking ahead, the CEO said El Gouna will continue to evolve as both a tourism and economic hub, guided by a 35-year master plan that envisions gradual expansion across its 48 percent developed area. 

“El Gouna is not just expanding physically but evolving into a dynamic, multi-faceted destination that combines luxury, sustainability, and innovation,” he said. “It is contributing directly to Egypt’s tourism growth story while offering a model for sustainable urban development on the Red Sea.”