Qatari Diar Reveals Plans for Mediterranean City on Egypt’s Coast

SOM has released plans for a 20.6-million-square-meter coastal city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, near Marsa Matrouh and west of Alexandria. Developed by Qatari Diar, the project, named Alam Al Roum, is intended to serve as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal resort. The master plan draws inspiration from the region’s climate and natural environment to create a year-round coastal city.

Layout and Infrastructure

The master plan extends across 7.2 kilometers of coastline. It organizes the development into interconnected districts including beachfront neighborhoods, mixed-use town centers, hospitality areas, a golf community, an education district, and a business hub. The design features more than 30 kilometers of walking paths and trails that connect shaded streets, gardens, waterfronts, promenades, and public spaces. These paths are supported by cycling routes, smart mobility systems, and future regional transit connections.

Two primary points of arrival define the city: an inland mobility hub and an international marina on the Mediterranean. A grand boulevard connects these points, forming an urban spine that links arrival locations with civic and cultural destinations. A cultural pier, lighthouse, civic amphitheater, yacht club, signature mosque, markets, and spaces for major public events are planned along the waterfront.

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Water Features and Environmental Systems

Water is a central element of the design. The city includes 22 kilometers of seawater-connected lagoons woven throughout the site. Approximately 850,000 square meters of swimmable lagoons extend the Mediterranean experience inland. The lagoon system is informed by the site’s natural hydrology and surrounding watersheds and supports stormwater management. Alongside extended beaches and waterfront promenades, the development includes riparian buffers, stormwater wetlands, stabilized dunes, and a living shoreline.

Buildings, neighborhoods, and public spaces are oriented to capture coastal breezes and sunlight. Renewable energy generation is envisioned across multiple scales, and structures rise in response to changing coastal conditions. The first phase of Alam Al Roum covers approximately 4 million square meters and is scheduled to begin delivery in 2030. This initial phase includes 2 kilometers of beachfront and promenade, open-sea-connected lagoons, residential and hospitality development, a town-center marina, retail and dining, and extensive public environments.

Partnership and Vision

Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatari Diar, commented on the launch. He stated that Alam Al Roum represents a vision for a new generation of Mediterranean destinations that goes beyond traditional seasonal resorts. He emphasized that the development brings together nature, the sea, hospitality, and everyday life within a carefully planned environment that reflects the unique character of Egypt’s North Coast.