From Real Estate to Hospitality: SAMCO Holding Expands Confidently into New Frontiers

In a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, a few players stand out—not merely for delivering outstanding projects, but for building institutional frameworks rooted in vision, innovation, and sustainability. Among these is SAMCO Holding, a leading force in both real estate development and hospitality across the region. The company has positioned itself at the intersection of strategic foresight, robust execution, and smart expansion into vital sectors.

In an exclusive interview with Realty Catalogue, Eng. Hesham El-Foly, Head of Commercial Sector of SAMCO Holding, unveils the company’s strategic move to blend real estate investment with hospitality through their latest venture, TheFive, in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. Partnering with top international hotel operators, the project reflects a bold shift toward value-driven, high-return developments. The discussion also highlights SAMCO’s participation in Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where the official signing of Holiday Inn Express with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ishraq Hospitality marked a milestone in the company’s growing regional ambitions.

Let’s start with TheFive, your most recent project that’s generating a lot of buzz. What’s the concept behind it, and why did SAMCO decide to move into hospitality?

TheFive is not your typical real estate project. It is a holistic investment experience, rooted in functional diversity and innovative design. We’re developing five standalone buildings across five feddans, each with a distinct purpose. At the heart of it is the hotel tower branded under Holiday Inn Express, part of the global IHG Hotels & Resorts group. This flagship component reflects our drive to integrate hospitality at a world-class standard within the real estate framework.

What distinguishes the Holiday Inn Express within TheFive from other hotels in the New Capital?

This isn’t just another hotel—it’s a hospitality hub that captures SAMCO Holding’s philosophy of merging high-yield real estate with professionally operated, globally recognized hospitality brands. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Strategic Location:

Situated along a major axis linking districts R2 and R3, the hotel enjoys proximity to both the New Capital Airport and the Olympic City. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers and business professionals looking for convenience and accessibility.

2. Smart Short-Stay Concept:

The hotel embraces the Short Stays model, catering specifically to modern travelers with brief stays. It offers a highly efficient, comfortable experience through functional, thoughtfully designed spaces.

3. Regional Operating Expertise:

The hotel will be managed by Ishraq Hospitality, a prominent regional operator, ensuring top-tier service standards with deep local market understanding. We’re also committed to hiring a majority of Egyptian professionals—this supports the local economy and optimizes operational efficiency without compromising service quality.

4. Prestigious Launch Platform:

We’re proud to have signed the hotel agreement during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, a move that highlights global confidence in our project and positions it as one of the most important hospitality ventures in the region.

5. Complete Guest Experience:

The hotel offers modern, well-appointed rooms, cutting-edge business amenities, and premium services that guarantee maximum comfort and luxury. Backed by IHG, the project aims to attract guests from all over the world, bolstering the New Capital’s role as a key destination for tourism and business.

Egypt seems to be actively promoting hospitality investment. How do you interpret this trend from a developer’s standpoint?

The current support for licensing hotel apartments and hospitality-related services reflects the government’s vision to boost tourism and non-traditional revenue streams. As developers, we’re responding with products tailored to these dynamics. Hospitality real estate now yields annual returns of 30–35%, often in hard currency. It’s a lucrative opportunity, and TheFive is our direct answer to this economic shift.

How do you see SAMCO Holding’s position in this evolving landscape?

SAMCO Holding is a well-established entity with roots dating back to 1994. We have a dedicated construction arm—SAMCO Construction—which enables precise, high-quality execution without relying on external contractors. Additionally, our strong financial position allows us to self-finance our projects, ensuring delivery on time and with the promised quality. These strengths differentiate us significantly from other developers in the market.

What’s your message to investors eyeing the Egyptian real estate market, particularly in hospitality?

Simply put: hospitality real estate is the market’s dark horse right now. Growth is not only certain but also underpinned by clear government strategy. Egypt is preparing to welcome millions of visitors in the coming years, and the New Capital will be a central gateway. TheFive offers investors a chance to be part of this transformation—with stable, guaranteed returns.

Can you share more design and amenity details about TheFive?

Absolutely. The project’s design merges classical elegance with contemporary flair, led by architect Omar Aqeel. It includes mixed-use buildings featuring administrative, commercial, medical, and serviced apartment units. Key amenities include advanced security systems, high-speed internet, panoramic elevators, and fully equipped meeting rooms. Additionally, green spaces and leisure zones are incorporated to enhance comfort and user experience.

What payment plans do you offer for investors interested in units within TheFive?

We offer flexible payment options designed to meet diverse investor needs. Buyers can start with a down payment of just 10%, with the balance spread over up to 12 years—interest-free. This structure ensures easy financial planning while maximizing returns from a high-potential project.

Finally, what is SAMCO Holding’s future vision for its projects in Egypt?

We aim to be pioneers in delivering innovative, multifunctional real estate that responds to evolving market needs. Our focus remains on integrating living, working, and leisure spaces within a unified development strategy—while maintaining excellence and sustainability. Looking ahead, we plan to expand into new territories both in Egypt and abroad, leveraging strategic partnerships that increase the value of our projects and deliver exceptional returns to investors.