The Role of Foreign Property Laws in Stimulating Sustainable Real Estate Development in Dahab, South Sinai governate, Egypt

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Architecture department, higher inistitute of engineering, Cairo ,Egypt

Abstract

This study examines how foreign property ownership laws and use rights impact real estate investment in Dahab, Egypt—a key tourist destination on the Sinai Peninsula. It addresses a central question: to what extent does Egypt’s legal framework facilitate or hinder foreign investment in Dahab’s real estate sector? Using a comparative and policy-focused approach, the research identifies crucial factors such as regulatory clarity, legal transparency, investor protection, and policy coherence. The findings aim to support sustainable development and offer a roadmap for enhancing investment while preserving Dahab’s unique cultural and environmental identity.

Conducted in collaboration with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, the study includes a detailed demographic and spatial analysis. It reveals that approximately 90% of Dahab’s foreign residents are linked to the local community through marriage, with Russian, British, and American nationals forming the largest groups. While cultural diversity enriches the city’s appeal, it also brings planning challenges, including rising living costs and pressure on infrastructure.

The real estate market in Dahab displays mixed signals: of the 4,605 buildings surveyed, most are residential, with a notable number of vacant or under-construction properties, indicating both investment potential and market saturation. The research concludes that to attract and maintain foreign investment, Egypt must reinforce legal transparency and align property laws with national development strategies. Implementation of the Dahab Strategic Development Plan 2050, paired with investor-friendly policies, is critical for transforming Dahab into a global tourism and investment hub while ensuring its long-term viability.

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References

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