Egypt is experiencing a tourism and real estate boom, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Crystal Lagoons. The global innovator in large-scale crystalline lagoons announced a record-breaking year in 2024, with a staggering 45 projects currently in development or advanced negotiations across the country. This unprecedented growth solidifies Egypt as Crystal Lagoons’ largest market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This year alone, Crystal Lagoons signed eight new projects, each designed to redefine Egypt’s landscape. These aren’t just ordinary developments; they’re transformative projects that bring the idyllic beach lifestyle to unexpected locations, offering world-class amenities and a unique, luxurious experience. The company’s innovative approach utilizes environmentally friendly technologies, enabling the construction of these stunning lagoons in areas previously unsuitable for traditional infrastructure.
Several projects highlight Crystal Lagoons’ significant impact. A key partnership with renowned real estate developer Mountain View features five projects incorporating eight breathtaking lagoons. These developments will bring the tranquility of beach living to diverse locations across Egypt, including iCity New Cairo – a luxurious residential complex that will seamlessly blend urban energy with the serenity of a beachfront oasis. This project marks a significant step in enhancing Cairo’s urban lifestyle.
Crystal Lagoons’ reach extends beyond Cairo, impacting some of Egypt’s most coveted second-home destinations along the North Coast. Collaborations with leading developers such as Sodic, Madaar Development, and Q Developments are bringing large-scale lagoons to projects like Caesar Bay, Azha North Lagoon, and Q North, enhancing their appeal to both residents and tourists.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The introduction of Public Access Lagoons® (PAL®) is a game-changer. These ticketed lagoons will make the beach experience accessible to the general public, providing urban residents with unprecedented access to waterfront leisure spaces and significantly boosting the quality of life in cities. These PAL® projects, currently in advanced stages of negotiation, are poised to revolutionize urban living in Egypt.
Among the most spectacular projects are the Citystars Sharm El Sheikh and Azha Ain Sokhna lagoons, boasting impressive sizes of 11.3 and 11.97 hectares respectively. These will be the largest lagoons in Egypt, setting new standards for luxury and sustainability and becoming iconic landmarks in their regions.
Miguel Angel Cabañas, Crystal Lagoons’ regional director, emphasizes the transformative impact on Egypt’s tourism infrastructure. “Our projects add considerable value by enabling the development of second-line beach properties along Egypt’s North Coast, the Red Sea, and even in Cairo,” Cabañas explains. “Crystal Lagoons brings beach life to areas traditionally lacking such amenities, boosting both the real estate market and the tourism sector.” The year-round favorable climate makes these locations ideal for these luxurious developments.
Beyond luxury, sustainability is a core principle for Crystal Lagoons. Their revolutionary technology allows for the creation of large crystalline lagoons using up to 100 times fewer chemicals and only 2% of the energy typically required by conventional pools. This efficiency has been verified by Bureau Veritas, emphasizing the technology’s environmentally friendly water usage. A 1-hectare lagoon, for instance, uses 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a comparable park. The lagoons’ versatility is also noteworthy, as they can utilize sea, fresh, or brackish water, ensuring sustainability even in water-scarce regions. The company holds over 2,900 patents across 180 countries, solidifying its position as a world leader in sustainable lagoon development.
Crystal Lagoons’ commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns perfectly with Egypt’s sustainable development goals, making these projects a significant contribution to the nation’s infrastructure. The 45 projects represent a substantial commitment to transforming Egypt’s real estate and tourism sectors. By introducing beach-like experiences to both urban and resort areas, Crystal Lagoons is not only enhancing the appeal of developments but also driving significant growth in Egypt’s tourism industry, attracting both domestic and international visitors and strengthening the local economy. As Crystal Lagoons continues to expand, its projects are set to become prime destinations for world-class leisure, residential living, and tourism experiences, redefining waterfront living in Egypt.
