Africa's incredible new £84bn seaside city with huge airport and train station

A massive new seaside city is rising in one of Africa's most popular destinations, promising to transform the region with luxury resorts, vibrant districts, and top-tier infrastructure. Located on Egypt's North Coast between Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, the upcoming city of Ras El Hekma is a visionary project set to be twice the size of Barcelona, covering a staggering 170 million square meters. Scheduled for full completion by 2045, Egypt's "New Riviera" will feature seven luxury hotels, accommodate 2 million permanent residents, and include the world's largest marina with 3,000 marina berths as well as an international airport, a high-speed train station, and water taxi services.

The development is led by Abu Dhabi based Modon Holding in partnership with UAE and Egyptian investors, including ADQ's Ras El Hekma Urban Development Project Company. Modon Holding describe the new city as a "smart, sustainable urban community" that is being "designed to rival global destinations like Barcelona and Nice."

Ras El Hekma will be divided into 11 distinct districts, ranging from beach resorts and cultural centers to upscale residential neighbourhoods and bustling commercial hubs.

Residents and visitors can look forward to a wide range of facilities, including a sports club, equestrian center, a 10,000 seat international theater, and two championship golf courses.

The city will also welcome seven luxury hotels offering 1,000 rooms, featuring global brands making their debut in Egypt.

The area has over 24 miles of white-sand beaches, which will be lined with beach resorts, apartments and restaurants.

Ras El Hekma hopes to also attract 2.5 million visitors annually, and include a Free Zone and Financial Center inspired by Dubai's DIFC.

His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaab, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Finance Department, said: "Ras El Hekma represents a visionary and multifaceted endeavour that promises to make a substantial contribution to the Egyptian economy."

Bill O'Regan, CEO of Modon Holding, added: "Ras El Hekma is an extraordinarily ambitious and complex project that will significantly contribute to the Egyptian economy through various stages of planning, design, and construction, ultimately bringing this new destination to life.

"Developing and delivering a masterplan of this magnitude requires sector-specific expertise and capabilities across a wide range of industries and is achievable only through strong strategic partnerships."