Nahla Zayed
Cairo, Egypt – October 2026: MARAKEZ, one of Egypt’s leading mixed-use real estate developers, announced its partnership with Narrative Summit 2026, which took place at Somabay from October 13–15, 2026, through SHAMS SOMA by MARAKEZ. Held under the theme “Beyond Reset,” the 10th edition brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, international experts, and media figures to explore Egypt’s economic prospects and its growing role on the global stage.
For MARAKEZ, the partnership reflected its commitment to supporting initiatives that bring together business, investment, tourism, and development around a shared understanding of Egypt’s potential. It also came at a significant point in the company’s expansion, following its entry into the Red Sea market through SHAMS SOMA, its strategic partnership with Somabay.
Narrative Summit 2026 placed particular emphasis on exports, industry, investment, tourism, and technology, examining how these sectors can contribute to a more competitive economy and strengthen Egypt’s presence in regional and international markets. Bringing these discussions to Somabay also provided a relevant setting for exploring the relationship between destination development, tourism, investment, and the wider economy.
Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Dasha Badrawi, Executive Vice Chairman of MARAKEZ, stated: “Egypt’s ability to realise its potential depends on how effectively the public and private sectors come together around the opportunities ahead. Narrative Summit provides an important space for that exchange, particularly as the conversation extends across investment, tourism, industry, and the development of destinations. For MARAKEZ, supporting this edition through SHAMS SOMA is especially relevant as we begin our journey in the Red Sea and contribute to a destination with an important role in Egypt’s tourism and investment landscape.”
Sharing her perspective on MARAKEZ’s participation, Lamia Kamel, Founder of Narrative Summit, Founder and Managing Director of CC Plus, and Co-Founder of The Global Narrative, said: “Narrative Summit has always sought to bring together perspectives that can help shape how Egypt’s opportunities are understood and communicated. MARAKEZ brings an important dimension to that discussion through its experience in developing destinations and communities, and SHAMS SOMA adds a timely perspective as Egypt continues to expand the potential of its Red Sea coast. We are pleased to have MARAKEZ as part of this edition and to see its support contribute to a broader conversation about Egypt’s next chapter.”
The 10th edition was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, and the Ministry of Finance, alongside the Egyptian Tourism Authority and the State Information Service. Their support, alongside the involvement of leading private-sector institutions, brought together policy perspectives with the experience and priorities of the business community.
The partnership also came as MARAKEZ continues to broaden its footprint across the country, building on a portfolio that spans residential, commercial, retail, and mixed-use destinations, including District 5, Ramla, Mall of Arabia, AEON, Crescent Walk, Mall of Tanta, Town Center and Mall of Mansoura. With SHAMS SOMA extending this experience to the Red Sea, the company is entering a market where destination development, tourism, and year-round living are increasingly shaping the region’s growth. Supporting initiatives that bring these themes into a wider national discussion reflects MARAKEZ’s approach to growth: expanding its portfolio while remaining connected to the broader development of the markets in which it operates.
