Hamamsy highlights the group’s unique approach to creating vibrant, integrated towns that balance environmental responsibility, economic growth, and social connectivity.

Q. How has the group's journey in placemaking evolved across the region and Europe, particularly in terms of sustainable town design and infrastructure development?

Over 35 years, we’ve built thriving, integrated towns across MENA and Europe, with responsible development as a cornerstone. We have pioneered sustainable placemaking by creating vibrant, integrated towns that balance environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social connection. From eco-conscious planning in El Gouna, the first MENA destination to win the UN’s Global Green Town award, to Andermatt Swiss Alps, which operates 100% CO₂-neutral electricity in all buildings and facilities, we’ve redefined what it means to create sustainable and desirable communities.

Over the years, we have integrated ESG principles across all phases of development, including renewable energy initiatives, water conservation, and waste management. For instance, El Gouna has expanded its solar PV systems to meet 25% of its energy needs. This is influenced by the destination’s sustainability regulations and available infrastructure. Our holistic approach ensures that each destination thrives as a resilient, community-focused urban space, reflecting both global standards and local cultural needs.

Q. When people think of Orascom Development what should they associate it with?

When people think of Orascom Development, we want them to think of our vibrant integrated communities where they can live life as it should be. We invest time and thinking in understanding what makes a community that fulfils those human needs. Through our Orascom Development Keys of Life initiative, we delve into how people want to move, work, and connect in modern communities.

Our findings affirmed that 76% of people feel their best in places where they can live, play, and work seamlessly, underscoring our mission to develop towns that cater to diverse lifestyles. Our destinations are more than infrastructure; they are hubs of connection, offering premium hospitality, retail, wellness, leisure and cultural experiences where people can live with passion and purpose. Our model is unique – we don’t just build and sell buildings or infrastructure, we own, develop and operate our towns – everything from power supply and security, to healthcare and education, from marinas and golf courses to football teams and film festivals.

Within our communities –- we have a portfolio of 33 premium and luxury hotels, manage a land bank of more 100 million square meters – approximately the size of the city centre of Paris, and create integrated towns that prioritize social and environmental impact. We uplift communities by creating jobs, attracting foreign investment into local economies, and fostering education and skills development initiatives.

From coastal towns like El Gouna to the quintessential European destinations like Andermatt Swiss Alps, Orascom Development towns exemplify holistic and future-forward placemaking. Each town is designed with its unique features that elevate the quality of life for residents and embody our ethos: “Life as it should be.” You often speak about your core markets.

Q. What distinguishes your approach in designing towns in these regions, and how do you tailor your sustainable development
strategies to local contexts?

Each of our towns reflects its unique surroundings. Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it requires thoughtful adaptation to promote sustainable actions and use resources sparingly. Our approach ensures that Orascom Development communities address local needs while meeting global aspirations. Across all of our towns, we prioritize naturecentric designs, communal green spaces, and cultural elements, creating towns that resonate with diverse audiences and provide nourishment for the mind and soul.

For instance, our towns along Egypt’s Red Sea coast are helping to nourish local economies in line with demand, while in Oman Hawana Salalah is the largest touristic complex that offers warm Omani culture and hospitality while applying elegant contemporary design that fuses naturally with the environment there. Our approach also includes extensive partnerships with local governments and stakeholders to ensure we address specific needs. Andermatt Swiss Alps exemplifies this, using CO2-neutral heating and renewable energy, proving how innovation and local insights can create global benchmarks in sustainability. This balance of localized design and global innovation defines our strategy for creating thriving communities.

Q. 2020 marked a turning point for the group under your leadership. What initial changes did you implement to enhance the sustainability and livability of your towns,
and what measurable impacts have these initiatives had on profitability?

When I joined during the height of the pandemic, it was a moment for reflection and reinvention. My goal was to transform Orascom Development from a family-driven business into a multinational organization, rooted in sustainable principles. To achieve this, we implemented customer-centric practices, strengthened our leadership team, and established structures to drive efficiency and innovation.

Over 240 new hires in key roles have driven creativity and operational excellence through initiatives like El Gouna Plus, a dedicated service providing tailored property management and design services, boosting customer satisfaction and connection with town residents.

The results speak for themselves, translating to tangible financial success. From 2021 to 2023, we saw a 436% increase in hotel earnings.

More recently, in Q3 2024, we recorded real estate sales that marked a 32% increase compared to the previous year's corresponding period, a testament to the resilience of our business model. However, beyond numbers, our most significant transformation has been redefining success not just by financial performance but by the quality of life we offer in our communities.

Q. What is your perspective on the demand for sustainable urban development in 2024 and over the next five years? How do you foresee priorities evolving in the built environment?

Sustainable integrated community living is on a steep upward trajectory. Our Orascom Development Keys of Life research highlights that 70% of people view sustainable living as their preferred lifestyle. In the coming years, this will evolve from ecofriendly practices to regenerative models, where communities don’t just minimise their impact but actively restore ecosystems.

Future communities will also prioritize inclusivity and adaptability. For instance, the rise of remote work and increasing numbers of digital nomads calls for flexible spaces that balance innovation with human connection.

At Orascom Development, we are positioning our towns as living laboratories to explore and implement these shifts. We are committed to leading this transformation by aligning with ESG principles and placemaking to meet evolving needs.

Q. While sustainability remains a focal point in the region, there’s varying enthusiasm globally. How do you view ESG principles, and how critical is sustainability in shaping the urban environments and projects you develop?

Sustainability is one of our core strategic pillars. From El Gouna’ssolar PV expansion to the Andermatt Swiss Alps’ renewable energy, we’ve made sustainability not just a goal but a practice. This commitment extends beyond infrastructure.

Our Keys of Life research shows that 84% of people desire green spaces near their homes, so we design our towns with parks, plazas, and nature-rich areas for connection with nature.

For us, ESG principles aren’t just about environmental stewardship, they’re about fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. This holistic approach to sustainable development
ensures our projects are not only profitable but meaningful; creating communities where people feel inspired to live, work, and connect.