HN sat down with Egyptian business mogul Samih Sawiris, guest speaker at AHIC 2018, to discuss his ventures, expansion plans, and the future of Egypt’s tourism industry.

What are your expansion plans in Egypt?

At the moment, we’re focused on eight countries where we already have significant operations. We’re not looking to expand further because we have more than enough opportunities to develop in these regions. We own vast land plots across these countries, and there’s still much to do before we consider branching out.

Which region or country do you feel most confident about?

It’s always evolving! If you asked me last year, I’d have given you a different answer. Right now, if you ask me, I’d say one of the eight countries we’re in. For instance, Morocco was dormant for several years, but now it’s bouncing back, and we’re excited about that. We’re even exploring new opportunities there, beyond the Chbika development which had been paused due to the crisis. These dynamics shift constantly, so it’s hard to generalize.

Any developments in Egypt?

Egypt holds a special place in my heart. I’m deeply proud of my Egyptian heritage, and the country has profoundly shaped who I am. Our flagship project, El Gouna, serves as a testament to our ability to unite people and build trust. It remains a core priority for us and will always occupy a prominent space in my vision for the future. The success and enduring impact of El Gouna are symbolic of what we can achieve, and it represents the values of innovation, community, and long-term commitment that continue to guide our endeavors moving forward.