Sharm El-Sheikh Becomes 1st Egyptian Green City to Join Global ICLEI Network
Ahmed Emam
Egypt marked a significant milestone in its environmental journey as Sharm El-Sheikh was officially declared the first Egyptian green city to join the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a global network dedicated to sustainable urban development.
The announcement was made by Minister of Environment0 Yasmine Fouad during a high-level ceremony attended by South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb, and Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, Director of the Green Sharm Project.
Fouad described Sharm El-Sheikh's inclusion in ICLEI as the culmination of a years-long transformation, positioning the city as a national and regional leader in environmental sustainability.
She traced the city's green journey back to 2018, when Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference, which brought international attention to the rich ecosystems of South Sinai and highlighted the country's commitment to integrating local communities in the management of natural reserves.
Momentum grew further when Sharm El-Sheikh hosted the COP27 UN Climate Conference in 2022. Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive, the city underwent sweeping upgrades, implementing nearly 40 environmental projects to prepare for the summit and to serve as a model for sustainable tourism.
The minister emphasized that the success of sustainability initiatives hinges on public participation, noting that 'the human being is the foundation of sustainability.' She called on citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits such as recycling, resource conservation, and the use of renewable energy, stressing that environmental change begins with individual choices.
The city's green credentials include major investments in solar power, sustainable transport, and waste management. Among the standout achievements are the installation of solar panels generating 51 megawatts of electricity, the construction of 145 kilometers of bicycle lanes, and the implementation of shared bike systems and electric buses. Community engagement has also played a vital role, particularly in solid waste management and biodiversity protection.
Governor Khaled Mubarak hailed the ICLEI membership as a national accomplishment and a direct result of Egypt's strategic vision for sustainable development. He underscored that the green transformation of Sharm El-Sheikh aligns with South Sinai's sustainable development strategy, endorsed by President El-Sisi in 2024, which aims to position the city as a global hub for green tourism.
'Sharm El-Sheikh is no longer just a tourist destination; it is becoming a blueprint for how cities in the region can thrive economically, socially, and environmentally,' Mubarak said. He pointed to the 'Green Sharm' initiative as a turning point, driven by five integrated pillars: clean energy, waste reduction, sustainable transport, water conservation, and biodiversity.
He also highlighted future plans, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels, increased support for local initiatives, and expanded partnerships with the private sector and international donors. So far, the city has attracted more than \$19.7 million in green financing, with further investments expected.
In turn, Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, head of the Green Sharm project, described the city's ICLEI membership as a pivotal step toward its transformation into a sustainable city. He noted that Sharm El-Sheikh is now the fourth Arab city to join the international network. Aliewa also unveiled an online portal listing all certified green hotels, dive centers, and eco-friendly facilities — a tool designed to guide tourists seeking sustainable travel options.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb praised the city's achievement and Egypt's broader commitment to sustainability. He described Sharm El-Sheikh's transformation as a model for international green development, noting that the city's hosting of COP27 brought global attention to its environmental efforts and solidified its status as a beacon of climate leadership.
Dieb applauded Fouad's role as Egypt's ministerial envoy to COP and her efforts in coordinating across government agencies to raise environmental standards in the city. 'Sharm El-Sheikh's success is a testament to what's possible when leadership, vision, and international cooperation come together,' he said.
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Bowls, smoothies, nut butters, protein add-ons, you can build the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you've already worked out (even if you haven't). Mistiqa MV Ras El Hikma, La Vista Bay & Amwaj The rare spot that lets you have fool, ta'meya, and mana'eesh at 9 AM without judgment. It's giving levant brunch meets Egyptian nostalgia with a tan. If you're in Ras El Hikma or La Vista and need something hearty before your sea dip, this is your move. Ladurée Marassi Marina This is the kind of breakfast that comes with a side of posture. You're getting eggs, maybe a croissant, maybe a tart, but definitely something that photographs well. End your meal with a pistachio macaron and pretend your summer budget isn't crying. Cult Hacienda White & Almaza Bagels by the beach? Always a good idea. Cult keeps it simple with solid coffee, great service, and the kind of breakfast that fills you up without slowing you down. 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The skewers slap, the sand-colored interiors scream understated luxury, and it's one of the few places where the hype is fully earned. Sachi by the Sea Almaza Bay & Marassi Marina You already know. This is where you go when the group chat says 'somewhere nice' and no one's in the mood to debate. Sushi, seabass, soft lighting (on its own island), your parents will love it, your date will love it, and honestly? You'll love it too. Izakaya Marassi Marina Loud, moody, and somehow always fully booked. Izakaya brings the whole Nikkei vibe to Marassi with loud cocktails, louder music, and ceviche that disappears in under two minutes. Esca LYV Ras El Hikma Esca's new Ras El Hikma spot feels like a secret you kind of want to gatekeep. Mediterranean with flair, beautiful without trying, and everything tastes like it was plated by someone with immaculate handwriting. The Lemon Tree & Co. Hacienda White The return of this OG coastal legend is for those who brunch like it's performance art and dine like the soft launch is being filmed. Always theatrical, sometimes dramatic, never boring. Galambo Hacienda White Seafood, sunsets, and that one friend who always orders oysters "for the table." Galambo is for those who want their dinner with ocean breeze and a side of maritime fantasy. Stanley Marassi Marina Back for another round in Marassi Marina, Stanley has already earned its place as a comfort spot with just the right touch of cool. It's nostalgic for the people who discovered it last summer, and still feels fresh enough to keep you coming back for more. Bar G Marassi Marina New kid, big energy. Bar G is the new exclusive spot to impress everyone you know. SAX Marassi Dinner-slash-live-show-slash-potential-core-memory. You're not just eating, you're clapping between bites and trying not to drop your fork during the sax solo. The Smokery Bianchi A coastal classic that refuses to disappoint. Whether you're there for the sushi or the seafood pasta, Smokery Bianchi is for people who eat dinner in white linen and mean it. Scalini Hacienda White Now with a new coastal home, Scalini is back to remind you that no one does Italian comfort like they do—especially when it's paired with sunset lighting and just the right amount of smug. San Carlo Marassi Marina After conquering London's food scene, San Carlo has officially docked in Marassi Marina, bringing its polished Italian classics and signature Mayfair flair. Pier88 Almaza Bay Pier88 doesn't change. It just relocates. Same energy, same menu, same DJ slowly transitioning from jazz to house while you're halfway through your burrata. Lucida Coast Hacienda Red At this point, Lucida is a Sahel classic, reliable, chill, and always a good idea. 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Favilla Hacienda Red Quiet, tucked away, and great for when the group chat goes radio silent and you're the one making the call. Comfort dishes and enough space to actually hear each other. Gaby's Lakeyard Hacienda Bay & Telal With locations in both Hacienda and Telal, Gaby's is your go-to for casual, crowd-pleasing plates. It's reliable, relaxed, and always has something for the one friend who only eats pasta. L'Asiatique Marassi Marina Pan-Asian for the family that considers soy sauce a love language. Sushi, noodles, curries—it's a flavorful break from the grilled-everything cycle. Piccolo Mondo Marassi Marina Italian classics in Marassi Marina that won't cause a family feud. Think pastas, pizzas, and that one seafood risotto that always disappears first. Izmir Saray Seashell Turkish food in Seashell? Sign us up. but Great for shared plates and anyone who's craving kebab over calamari. Blaze Marassi Marina Easygoing and versatile, Blaze is the kind of place where lunch can turn into dinner without anyone noticing. Burgers, sandwiches, pastas—it's all here, and no one will complain. Umami Lavista Cascada & Lavista Bay East Lavista's own family-friendly spot for when you're craving variety but don't want to overthink it. BEACH BITES BRGR Branches all over Sahel The OG burger truck that's somehow at every compound and every memory you have of Sahel. Whether it's 2 PM or 2 AM, BRGR is always there when you need it most. Howlin Birds Diplo Diplo's go-to for fried chicken that actually bites back. Spicy, crunchy, and messy enough to ruin your white beach outfit in the best way possible. Dina Farms Diplo, Mountain View Ras El-Hikma, Dunes Mall & Marina 5 Sweet, savory, stuffed, or plain—they've somehow made every version of Egyptian feteer available in one place. It's giving roadside stop, but the kind that feeds your entire group and your childhood. 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Crepe 2000 Marina 5 A Marina classic. This is where Nutella met bananas and never looked back—best enjoyed at 1 AM, slightly sunburnt, and very happy. Soufflé Hacienda White A true OG that's been fueling sweet tooths and sugar highs since before 'soft launch' was a phrase. Molten, chocolatey, and always a little dramatic.
