Before the UAE-based Emaar Group even turned the first stone in Ras Soma, Egypt already had a world-class template for private, master-planned tourism: Soma Bay. The 10 km² peninsula south of Hurghada shows how the local private sector can build a fully integrated destination with resilient infrastructure, a coherent architectural identity, and long-term international hotel partnerships—well before government incentives or heavyweight Gulf developers appeared on the scene.
From desert spit to destination (1995 – today)
- 1995 – Abu Soma Tourism Development Company broke ground on roads, power, and utilities.
- 1999 – Sheraton Soma Bay, the first hotel, opened; high-end projects rapidly followed.
Gulf capital behind the growth
The Saudi-based Olayan Group became a cornerstone shareholder in Abu Soma, providing the patient capital that kept infrastructure and hotel roll-outs on schedule—a signal example of Gulf investment moving into Egyptian luxury resorts.
Why the setting works
Soma Bay sits on a private headland framed by the Red Sea on three sides. The master plan is underpinned by low-density zoning, partial solar generation, and rigorous environmental standards, ensuring the coral-rich waters and desert backdrop remain the star attractions.
The current hotel line-up
| Flagship property | Positioning & highlights |
|---|---|
| Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay | Moroccan-inspired, private beach, destination spa |
| Sheraton Soma Bay Resort | Pharaonic-themed, 18-hole golf & family recreation |
| The Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso | Gary Player course, region-leading thalasso centre |
| Robinson Club Soma Bay | 4-star active lifestyle, multisport programmes |
| The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge | 4-star dive/surf lodge, youth-driven vibe |
| Palm Royale Resort | Caribbean style, expansive beach |
| Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma | 5-star premium all-inclusive |
| JAZ Soma Beach | 4-star, soft-sandy shoreline |
| Mövenpick Waterpark Resort & Spa | 5-star, family waterpark focus |
| Sentido Caribbean World Soma Bay | 5-star, tropical ambience |
| Amarina Abu Soma Resort & Aquapark | 5-star, aquapark aimed at families |
Target capacity: c. 3,000 keys once current pipeline completes.
What’s next—new flags inbound
- Anantara Soma Bay – Minor Hotels’ luxury Thai brand debuts in Egypt.
- Autograph Collection by Marriott – 194-key boutique resort slated for 2027 opening.
A playbook for gated resort success
Soma Bay’s formula combines strict access control, mixed hotel-residential precincts, signature sports assets (Gary Player golf, the region’s largest thalasso spa), and year-round wind & dive activities that keep European guests on extended stays. Its independent governance model, sustainable reinvestmen,t and blue-chip operator roster now serve as the benchmark for every forthcoming private destination on Egypt’s Red Sea—including Emaar’s much-anticipated Ras Soma.
No comment