Qatar eyes $3.5 billion investment in Egypt’s Mediterranean coast

Qatar is in talks to invest $3.5 billion in a new development along Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, according to Bloomberg. While details about the exact location and scope of the project remain undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of negotiations, sources familiar with the matter expect an agreement to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Under the proposed terms, Qatar would provide an initial $1 billion payment, with the remaining funds to be disbursed over the following year.

If finalized, the deal would represent another major Gulf investment in Egypt’s coastal development. In 2024, the United Arab Emirates signed a $35 billion agreement granting it development rights along the same stretch of coast now under Qatari consideration.

The prospective investment comes at a critical time for Egypt. Economic pressures fueled by regional tensions—particularly the Israel-Iran conflict—have strained Egypt’s currency and financial markets. The disruption also briefly halted natural gas imports from Israel, forcing Egypt to reduce gas supplies to industrial plants and rely on diesel alternatives.

Unlike the UAE’s agreement, which included converting central bank deposits into investment assets, Qatar’s proposed $3.5 billion would represent entirely new capital.