The Arab Tourism Organization officially named New Alamein as the 2025 Capital of Arab Resorts, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday, May 22.
The designation marks a symbolic yet strategic milestone for the Mediterranean smart city, just seven years after its official launch in 2018.
Located along Egypt’s northwestern coast, New Alamein has become a symbol of Egypt’s “fourth-generation city” strategy, blending cutting-edge infrastructure with environmentally conscious design and year-round tourism programming.
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy hailed the recognition as “a proud moment for Egypt,” highlighting the city’s “unique natural landscapes, world-class hospitality, and its ability to host major cultural and entertainment events.”
In exclusive comments to MEO, a senior official from the Ministry added, “New Alamein is more than a summer retreat. It’s a sustainable, multi-season urban experiment that reflects Egypt’s vision of decentralizing tourism beyond Cairo and Upper Egypt.”
The Arab Tourism Organization’s recognition is expected to drive record visitor numbers and spur further investment in hotels, marinas, and event infrastructure. A year-long calendar of festivals, concerts, and cultural exhibitions is already in the works, according to the Ministry.
MEO has learned from sources close to the Tourism Development Authority that major Arab performers and international event organizers are in talks to anchor the 2025 celebrations, potentially positioning New Alamein as the new “summer capital” of the region.
The city is already home to the New Alamein International Film Festival, beachfront resorts such as Mazarin and The Gate, and a growing portfolio of branded residences, signaling Egypt’s intent to compete with southern Europe and the Gulf in high-end coastal tourism.
The Arab Tourism Organization’s designation comes at a time when Arab nations are intensifying competition for post-pandemic tourist flows, particularly in coastal areas. Egypt, with its dual Red Sea–Mediterranean advantage, aims to capture both regional and European markets.
Dr. Nour El-Din El-Husseiny, a professor of urban development at Cairo University, said:“New Alamein’s selection shows that Egypt is not only reclaiming its role as a tourism powerhouse but also shaping the future of integrated urban-tourism models in the Arab world.”
According to the UN World Tourism Organization, coastal destinations now account for over 40% of global tourism revenues, making such recognition a valuable branding tool and an investment signal.
Historically known as the site of one of World War II’s most pivotal battles, Alamein is undergoing a dramatic transformation from war memorial zone to luxury living destination, complete with skyscrapers, promenades, and international conference centers.
The Ministry of Housing confirmed that more than EGP 300 billion (approx. USD 6.3 billion) have been invested into New Alamein’s urban infrastructure to date, with foreign direct investment expected to accelerate following this new title.
In 2025, all eyes will be on New Alamein as Egypt unveils what officials are calling its “Mediterranean Moment.” With the backing of Arab institutions and a growing base of regional tourists, the city is well on its way to becoming not just a seasonal hotspot—but a permanent fixture in the Arab world’s tourism map.
