From years of conflict to a drive for development, North Sinai Governorate rebuilds trust, attracts investment and takes up a key humanitarian role
North Sinai governorate is writing a new chapter in its push for socioeconomic growth and development.
This land has witnessed four conventional wars. It also fought terrorism for more than a decade. However, the focus has changed. What was once the ashes of war is now being transformed into an area of growth and opportunity.
In a special interview with The Egyptian Gazette, the Governor of North Sinai Major General Dr. Khaled Mogawer described the ongoing developments as a turning point.” “This land was scene of four wars and an eleven-year battle against terrorism, but the current fight is one of development. Economic progress must go hand in hand with human development. It is the only way to avoid future risks,” he said.
Mogawer explained that, following the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the governorate is focusing on two main tracks namely” economic development and managing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza”.
North Sinai development process began immediately after the conclusion of the anti-terrorism operations in 2022. The state launched a comprehensive plan covering all sectors, starting with the foundations of economic activity.
“The first step started with rebuilding the infrastructure,” he said. “Strong road networks, multiple access points, a seaport, an airport and land crossings, including the Tahya Misr tunnels. Railways are also returning to Sinai after a 57-year hiatus since 1967.”
So, repairing the infrastructure that has been harmed by years of fighting has taken up much of the effort. The governor described the strategy as a “development triangle,” with government investment at the top, supported by private sector participation and human development within local communities.
The governorate has already made significant progress in a relatively short period although at varying speeds in different sectors. The most visible improvements have taken place in education, healthcare, water supply and electricity services.
Governor Mogawer’s approach to governance is unusually direct. He prefers field presence over remote administration. Residents often see him walking through neighbourhoods, speaking with tribal elders, shopkeepers and young people.
His interactions can be very simple. On one occasion, he stopped to talk to some children on their way to school. They talked about transport fares and the importance of education. Although It was a brief moment, it reflected a broader idea: “rebuilding trust between the state and the society”.
Balancing security with foreign investment was once a major challenge for North Sinai. For years, instability discouraged economic activity. However, Mogawer says, that with the improvement in security conditions, that barrier is gradually disappearing.
International partnerships are beginning to emerge. An Italian-French company operates a cement plant in the governorate. At the same time, a large plastics factory, built with Indian expertise, is expected to open soon, offering job opportunities for hundreds of families.
Additionally, the governorate’s harbour exports liquid cement to international markets, helping strengthen North Sinai’s reputation as a safe destination for investment.
Development efforts, however, extend beyond industry and logistics. Public services such as water, electricity, healthcare and education are gradually improving.
Moreover, tourism is beginning to rebound. New projects include the coral Beach resort, one of the largest tourism developments in North Sinai, and several other tourist villages between Al-Rissa and Sheikh Zuweid.
At the same time, North Sinai has taken up an important regional role. It has become a key logistical hub for humanitarian aid heading to Gaza in coordination with the local authorities. It also coordinates with the crisis management centre in Cairo, which provides daily plans and scenario updates to the governorate’s operations room. The Egyptian Red Crescent serves as the main supervisory body, alongside several Egyptian and international organisations.
Aid shipments arrive in North Sinai by land, sea and air. Logistical warehouses across the governorate receive and prepare the supplies before they are transported to the Gaza Strip.
Hospitals in North Sinai have also treated large numbers of wounded Palestinians. Very recently, the concerned authorities have supervised the return of many patients who had completed their medical treatment.
Today, North Sinai is redefining itself through development, stability and opportunity.
