The Governor of North Sinai, Major General Dr Khaled Megawer, has approved the first-ever strategic urban development plans for the cities of Hasana and Nekhel in Central Sinai. The decision marks a significant milestone in the governorate’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and integrated urban planning.
The approvals represent the latest step in North Sinai’s comprehensive development programme, which aims to regulate urban expansion, optimise land use, and support national development projects across the peninsula.
In line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, these strategic plans form part of Egypt’s broader vision to accelerate the comprehensive development of Sinai, strengthen national security, and achieve balanced, sustainable growth across all cities in the governorate.
Major General Megawer noted that the governorate had previously approved the urban boundaries of both cities, a move that helped regularise the legal status of citizens and facilitate the implementation of public service and infrastructure projects. The newly approved strategic plans provide a long-term development framework aligned with Egypt’s broader strategy for the peninsula, aiming to improve the quality of life for local communities.
Speaking exclusively to The Egyptian Gazette, Major General Megawer stressed that North Sinai’s development strategy is driven by both national security considerations and the need to improve living conditions for its residents.
“North Sinai requires continuous development for two main reasons,” he said. “The first is the impact of the wars the governorate has experienced over the years, while the second—and perhaps the most important—is that development itself represents the strongest line of defence for Egypt’s national security and protection against future threats.”
The governor acknowledged that balancing rapid growth with modern governance requirements remains a complex process.
“We must strike a balance between accelerating development and complying with the regulations of a modern state, including planning laws, land registration, addressing systems, and the integration of projects. This requires careful planning and evaluating the consequences of every step before implementation,” he said.
Major General Megawer explained that North Sinai’s development programme operates on two complementary tracks.
The first is a long-term strategic plan extending to 2030, which covers major national infrastructure projects such as airports, seaports, and railway networks. Alongside this, the governorate implements an annual investment plan focused on meeting the immediate priorities of its six constituent cities through localized service and development projects.
“The planning process has taken into account two essential principles,” Major General Megawer said. “The first is achieving balanced development among all six cities, while the second is ensuring integration by linking projects together across the governorate.”
He added that projects are being implemented gradually to ensure maximum efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Major General Megawer stressed that development is not concentrated solely in the governorate’s capital, El-Arish, but extends across all six cities.
He revealed that strategic plans have already been completed for El-Arish, Bir al-Abd, and Sheikh Zuweid. Rafah, Hasana, and Nekhel have now also received formal approval, with Rafah receiving earlier clearance due to its geopolitical significance.
According to the governor, all development plans have been designed after careful consideration of security, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
“The objective is to achieve balanced development, strengthen social stability, facilitate the return and resettlement of local residents, and attract young people from other governorates under the framework of the New Republic,” he said.
He added that expanding employment opportunities and stimulating long-term investment will provide the foundation for sustainable economic growth throughout North Sinai.
Major General Megawer also emphasised that the governorate’s current development programme is not a sudden initiative, but rather the result of comprehensive planning undertaken by ministries, state institutions, and national authorities since 2022, reflecting a coordinated state vision for the future of Sinai.
