State committed to advancing development in Sinai, Canal cities
As Egypt marks the 43rd anniversary of the Liberation of Sinai, the government reaffirms its steadfast commitment to national mega-projects — particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and the Canal cities.
On this occasion, the Cabinet’s Media Centrehas released a series of infographics highlighting the government’s extensive efforts to develop Sinai, part of a broader national strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth in this vital region.
The infographics showcased urban development projects, including the construction and ongoing development of seven new cities designed to accommodate over five million residents.
Housing projects
More than 110,000 housing units have been built, with over 54,000 allocated to eliminate unsafe informal settlements, rendering Sinai and the Canal cities free of hazardous slums.
The government is also building 5,216 Bedouin homes and four fishing villages in North Sinai, alongside several new residential clusters.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, with drinking water coverage rising to 96.5 per cent in 2025 (up from 84.4 per cent in 2014), and sanitation coverage jumping to 78 per cent from just 17.3 per cent a decade ago.
Major water projects were also highlighted, including the Bahr al-Baqar treatment plant (5.6 million m³/day) and desalination facilities in East Port Said and the city of El-Tor.
Transportation projects include the upgrade of 5,000km of roads and bridges, constructing seven floating bridges, five tunnels linking Sinai to the mainland, and new railway and high-speed electric train lines.
Global links
The infographics also outlined strategic international links, such as the expansion of the Suez Canal, which has cut transit time to 11 hours and increased capacity to 97 ships per day. Aviation projects included the development of six airports, including the newly constructed Bardawil International Airport. Eight seaports and three land ports are also being built.
Int’l applause
International organisations have praised Egypt’s efforts to develop Sinai region. Fitch Solutions labelled the new Taba seaport plan as a strategic step in transforming Sinai into a regional logistics hub. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) cited COP27 held in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2022 as a key moment in Egypt’s transition to sustainable cities, describing the city as a model of green transformation.The UNDP also commended Bedouin settlements for supporting sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, TripAdvisor highlighted Sharm el-Sheikh’s booming tourism economy, and the US Energy Information Administration underscored the strategic role of the Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline in global energy markets.Additionally, South Sinai received the 2024 GIS Excellence Award from Esri for its digital geographic platform.
Higher education
Among the sectors receiving substantial support in Sinai is higher education and scientific research, which has played a vital role in the development of this critical region within the framework of the New Republic and Egypt Vision 2030.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Ayman Ashour, stressed that the state has spared no effort in fostering development across Sinai and the Canal region, under the unwavering support of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
Ashour highlighted that the state has invested over LE23 billion in higher education projects in Sinai alone, with additional efforts underway to establish new faculties, laboratories, and workshops. He affirmed that education remains a national priority, viewed as the foundation for progress, prosperity, and sustainable growth.
Major universities in Sinai
Among major university projects in Sinai is Al-Arish University, with numerous educational, service, and production projects valued at roughly LE1.7 billion, according to a recent report released by the Egyptian Cabinet.
New Ismailia University
The New Ismailia National University isone of the most significant national projects east of the Suez Canal. Situated on 29 feddans and developed at a cost of LE3.384 billion, the university’s mission extends beyond education and research to include social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at supporting underserved communities.
Suez University (Abu Redis Branch)
President of Suez UniversityDr Ashraf Hegazy noted that construction is underway at the university’s Abu Redis branch in South Sinai, set to become the first public university in the region. Built on a 100-feddan site with a projected cost of LE2 billion, the campus will include 17 faculties and a fully integrated medical complex. Phase one construction has been completed, with finishing and equipping works in progress according to the planned timeline, the Cabinet said in its report.
King Salman International University
The King Salman University operates three campuses across South Sinai (El-Tor, Ras Sudr, and Sharm el-Sheikh) and stands as the first smart university in the region. Developed with an investment of LE10.5 billion, the university offers cutting-edge academic programmes and has established multiple partnerships with leading academic and industrial institutions to offer dual-degree programmes in collaboration with top-tier global universities.
East Port Said Technological University
Dr Medhat El-Haddaq, President of East Port Said Technological University, stated that the university spans over 70,000 square metres and was developed at a cost of LE646 million.
East Port Said National University
The university occupies a 44-feddan site and was established with an investment of LE4.6 billion. It aims to provide a high-quality educational experience while fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment. The university offers academic programmes aligned with evolving labour market demands and plays an active role in the community through service initiatives and outreach programmes across the Sinai region.
