In the heart of South Academy in the Fifth Settlement, Golden View Development Company launched its latest project, TO-GTHER.
This project goes beyond offering conventional real estate units. Instead, it introduces for the first time in Egypt the fully integrated concept of Income-Generating Properties.
This model has already proven successful in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
This launch comes at a time when the Egyptian real estate market is experiencing one of its largest booms. The sector contributes over 20% to the country’s GDP. It also ranks among the sectors most capable of driving the economy and generating direct and indirect employment.
The Egyptian government has taken unprecedented steps in urban development. Examples include the New Administrative Capital, accommodating millions, and New Alamein City, placing Egypt on the global tourism map. Other cities include New Mansoura, Galala, and the Fifth Settlement. The latter has been reimagined as a prime hub for upscale investment.
Amid this momentum, the question arises. How does real estate transform from a mere store of value into an asset generating sustainable income? Moreover, how does the private sector innovate models that add tangible value for both investors and the market?
In this context, REALTY CATALOGUE spoke with entrepreneur Ahmed El-Sayed, Chairman of Golden View. The discussion focused on TO-GTHER and his vision for the future of real estate investment in Egypt.
REALTY CATALOGUE: To start, some say the Egyptian real estate market is crowded with projects. What is new about TO-GTHER?
Ahmed El-Sayed: The Egyptian real estate market is still growing and full of opportunities for expansion.
What’s new with TO-GTHER is that it does not offer traditional units. Instead, it presents a unique investment model based on professional asset management for the owners.
The project includes office spaces managed by Regus. It also features serviced apartments managed by BirdNest and an internationally managed hotel by Hilton Garden Inn. In addition, flexible office spaces are in partnership with Regus – IWG and managed by BirdNest. A retail mall will feature global brands.
Therefore, an investor is not just buying a unit. They are joining a fully operational ecosystem that provides regular returns.
REALTY CATALOGUE: But why South Academy? Some consider the area already saturated.
Ahmed El-Sayed: On the contrary, South Academy is far from saturated. It lacks this type of integrated project. At the same time, it is the vibrant heart of New Cairo.
We are talking about a surrounding area with over 2,400 villas, 8 schools, and the CIC University. This creates a substantial residential and educational population. It drives demand for hotels, hotel units, offices, and restaurants.
This density does not indicate saturation. Rather, it underscores the need for a project of this scale.
Additionally, its strategic location near the North and South 90th-axis and the Ring Road makes it highly connected. It links the core of the Fifth Settlement with surrounding areas. As a result, it serves local residents while attracting visitors from outside.
REALTY CATALOGUE: We would like to delve into the project details regarding spaces and components.
Ahmed El-Sayed: The project spans a total area of 42,000 sqm. Over 20,000 sqm are dedicated to green spaces and landscaping. Around 6,500 sqm are allocated to water features and artificial lakes.
- Hotel: Approximately 170 rooms with modern design, fully operated by Hilton Garden Inn.
- Hotel Units: Around 350 fully furnished units managed by BirdNest.
- Office Spaces: Flexible, fully equipped offices managed by Regus, targeting companies and entrepreneurs.
- Retail Mall: Stores, restaurants, and cafes with both local and international brands. This creates a complete entertainment and service destination.
REALTY CATALOGUE: You mentioned international partners. Could you elaborate on their roles?
Ahmed El-Sayed: Investor confidence is built on strong partnerships. That’s why we chose reputable names, each adding value:
- EHAF: One of the largest engineering consultancies in the region. Globally ranked 13th among commercial players, 7th in hospitality, and 38th for innovative design. EHAF supervises execution to ensure global standards.
- Hafez Consultant: An Egyptian consultancy with over 50 years of experience and more than 1,500 projects. They craft the architectural vision, blending functionality and aesthetics with a high-end identity.
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Operating over 8,500 hotels across 123 countries. Their presence guarantees global standards, high service levels, and strong occupancy rates.
- BirdNest: Specializes in managing and leasing hotel units, overseeing over 500 units locally and internationally across 15+ projects. BirdNest ensures guaranteed returns and premium experiences.
- Regus – IWG: The leading brand in flexible offices within IWG’s network of over 3,500 centers in 120 countries. Regus ensures fully equipped smart work environments.
- Orange: Global telecommunications company experienced in 75+ smart projects in Egypt and 23 countries. Responsible for IT infrastructure, smart energy, monitoring systems, and AI-driven management.
- Okoplan: Award-winning landscape design firm providing a harmonious vision for greenery and water features.
- RDJW: UK-based company specializing in quality review and final handover on behalf of owners. They have experience in 500+ global projects.
These partners give TO-GTHER genuine investment weight. They assure investors that their units will be professionally managed from day one.
REALTY CATALOGUE: The concept of income-generating properties is still new to the Egyptian market. How would you explain it to readers?
Ahmed El-Sayed: The concept started in Europe and the U.S. in the 1960s with hotel and tourist rental units. Later, it expanded to Dubai, Turkey, and Spain.
Simply put, the investor doesn’t look for tenants themselves. A professional management company operates and leases the asset. The investor receives regular guaranteed returns.
This shifts the culture from buying a dormant asset to buying a productive asset.
In Egypt, this model was delayed because the market focused on residential housing. However, with growing tourism and increased demand for hospitality services, now is the right time to introduce this concept.
REALTY CATALOGUE: It is often said that real estate investment involves long waits before returns are realized. How do you respond?
Ahmed El-Sayed: That perception relates to traditional projects where investors buy and wait for years. In projects like TO-GTHER, the unit is not dormant but professionally managed.
Investors start receiving returns from day one of operation. This is made possible through a global management ecosystem including Hilton, BirdNest, and Regus. As a result, investors enjoy sustainable yields.
REALTY CATALOGUE: How does the project align with Egypt’s urban development strategy?
Ahmed El-Sayed: Today, the government focuses not only on building but on quality of life. We are seeing smart cities, green spaces, and integrated projects. TO-GTHER reflects this approach practically.
- It creates direct and indirect employment in hospitality, management, and services.
- It attracts foreign investment through global entities like Hilton and Regus, boosting investor confidence.
- It enhances the surrounding area’s value by creating a comprehensive destination.
- It contributes to government targets for hotel units, supporting tourism. Egypt plans to expand hotel capacity by 500,000 rooms in the coming years.
- It offers an investment model that introduces income-generating assets aligned with Egypt’s sustainable economy.
