Emaar and Citystars Ink Landmark $18.6B Deal for Red Sea Mega-Resort in Egypt

By Isha Qureshi • Thu Sep 11 2025

Egypt has officially signed a landmark partnership with Emaar Misr and Citystars Group to develop Marassi Red Sea, a transformative $18.6 billion tourism project that will redefine the country’s Red Sea coastline as a premier global destination. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister’s Office following a high-profile signing ceremony held at the government’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties, and Hassan Sharbatly, Vice Chairman of Citystars Group, in the presence of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The prime minister emphasized the government’s strong commitment to positioning the Red Sea region as a world-class tourism hub, reinforcing Egypt’s long-term strategy for economic growth and diversification.
The Marassi Red Sea development will span an impressive 10.2 square kilometers, situated just 30 minutes from Hurghada Airport, making it highly accessible to international visitors. Construction is expected to take four years, with the resort envisioned to rival some of the world’s most prestigious coastal destinations. The project draws inspiration from Emaar’s celebrated Marassi North Coast resort and complements Egypt’s broader tourism initiatives, including the Jirian project, aimed at boosting the country’s global appeal as a leading tourism and investment destination.
At the heart of Marassi Red Sea will be an extraordinary mix of world-class facilities. The resort will feature twelve luxury hotels operated by international hospitality brands, a vast private beach with swimmable lagoons, and a state-of-the-art marina. A unique highlight of the development will be the 1.5-kilometre-long, 10-metre-high elevated “infinity” beach, designed to offer visitors an unrivalled coastal experience. Complementing these amenities will be more than 500 retail and dining outlets overlooking the waterfront, as well as Maldives-style floating cabanas that bring a touch of exclusivity to the Red Sea.
The project has been carefully designed as a fully integrated community. Beyond hospitality and leisure, Marassi Red Sea will include schools and hospitals to serve residents and visitors, ensuring long-term sustainability and livability. A dedicated district, known as “Marassi Wonders,” will host an international conference centre, commercial zones, a water park, and cutting-edge sports facilities. Extensive green landscapes and a large-scale tree-planting initiative will further enhance the project’s environmental credentials, aligning with global standards for sustainable development.
The economic impact of Marassi Red Sea is expected to be substantial. During the construction phase, the project is projected to generate between 150,000 and 170,000 direct and indirect jobs, spanning sectors such as construction, hospitality, and retail. Once fully operational, it will create approximately 25,000 permanent positions to support ongoing resort operations. The project will also stimulate related industries, including air travel, port services, agriculture, and logistics, thereby driving broader economic activity across the region.
Egyptian officials described Marassi Red Sea as a game-changer, noting its dual role in boosting luxury tourism and creating tangible economic opportunities for local communities. Positioned at the crossroads of natural beauty, strategic location, and global ambition, the project represents a defining moment in Egypt’s ongoing transformation into one of the world’s most attractive tourism destinations.
With its scale, ambition, and vision, Marassi Red Sea is set to become not only a jewel of the Red Sea coast but also a cornerstone in Egypt’s long-term plan for sustainable growth and economic diversification.