Gulf Egypt Hotels & Tourism, a subsidiary of United Real Estate Company (URC) – Kuwait, has announced the launch of its latest development in the heart of Heliopolis, introducing a landmark mixed-use urban destination that will bring together residential, commercial, administrative, hospitality, and entertainment components within an integrated master plan.
The development will be built on the company’s available landbank adjacent to its existing destination. The announcement follows the signing of a protocol agreement with the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, marking the official commencement of the project’s development.
The project represents another milestone in Gulf Egypt’s long-term commitment to supporting Egypt’s 2030 Vision and sustainable urban development objectives, while contributing to the advancement of the hospitality and tourism sectors through integrated destinations designed to enhance quality of life and create long-term economic value.
URC serves as the real estate arm of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company Holding), one of Kuwait’s major real estate companies with operations across the MENA region.
New Mixed-Use Development in Heliopolis
Located on Al Orouba Road in Heliopolis, the project spans approximately 31,780 square meters and occupies the last major development land plot available in the district, positioning it as a rare opportunity with significant investment and historical value.
The development will build on Gulf Egypt’s existing hospitality assets, including Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis and Hilton Cairo Heliopolis, to create an integrated destination that introduces a new model for modern urban living.
As part of its future vision, the company is also studying the potential implementation of a tunnel or bridge connecting the existing hotels with the new development. The proposed connection would facilitate seamless movement between the different components without requiring pedestrians or visitors to cross major roads.
Development Builds on Heliopolis’ Heritage
The project is designed to build on Heliopolis’ rich history and enduring cultural identity, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s distinctive character while creating a contemporary continuation of its long-standing legacy.
The signing of the protocol reflects the collaboration between Gulf Egypt and Egyptian state institutions, particularly the Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, whose support has contributed to enabling the launch of the strategic development.
The project also aligns with the government’s vision for advancing sustainable urban development in East Cairo and maximizing the potential of strategically located sites by transforming one of Heliopolis’ prominent locations into an integrated mixed-use destination.
Tarek Elshazly: Development Marks a New Milestone for Heliopolis
Commenting on the announcement, Eng. Tarek Elshazly, CEO of Gulf Egypt Hotels & Tourism, said:
“The launch of this development marks another milestone in Gulf of Egypt’s long-term vision for Heliopolis. The neighborhood has been closely tied to the company’s hospitality journey since 1979, when our longstanding presence in the area began with one of our flagship hotels.”
He added that the company is building on this legacy by looking ahead to develop an integrated urban destination capable of creating lasting value for Heliopolis while keeping pace with the neighborhood’s continued evolution.
Elshazly noted that the development is more than a standalone project, describing it as part of a broader vision to unlock the full potential of Gulf Egypt’s assets and expertise and deliver strategic developments that contribute to Heliopolis’ continued growth and reinforce its position as one of Cairo’s prominent urban destinations.
Technical and Economic Studies Underway
Gulf Egypt is currently conducting comprehensive technical and economic studies to determine the project’s optimal development mix and ensure that it responds to evolving market dynamics and the rapid urban transformation taking place across East Cairo.
The studies are intended to support the delivery of the development in line with international standards while maximizing its long-term economic and investment value.
The company is also exploring opportunities to collaborate with strategic partners and investors to further enhance the project’s integrated offering and long-term value proposition.
Gulf Egypt Builds on Nearly Five Decades in Egypt
The new Heliopolis development builds on Gulf Egypt’s nearly five decades of experience in the Egyptian market since the company was established in 1976.
Its landmark hospitality assets include Hilton Cairo Heliopolis and Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, through which the company introduced the Waldorf Astoria luxury brand to Africa for the first time.
Following the launch of its integrated tourism destination in Sharm El Sheikh, the Heliopolis development represents another strategic milestone in Gulf Egypt’s growth journey and reinforces its vision of creating integrated destinations that contribute to Egypt’s urban development agenda and strengthen the country’s position as an attractive investment destination.
