Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris is investing an additional 500 million Egyptian pounds ($10 million) to accelerate the transformation of the Giza Plateau into a year-round destination for concerts, sporting events, and premium tourism. According to Bloomberg, through Orascom Pyramids Entertainment, Sawiris is increasing investment in the UNESCO World Heritage site by roughly one-third, taking the company’s total investment in the redevelopment project to approximately 2 billion Egyptian pounds ($41 million).
The new investment will fund the acquisition of 30 electric hop-on, hop-off buses to improve visitor mobility across the archaeological site and the construction of a 15,000-seat open-air sports and events pavilion designed to host international concerts, sporting competitions, and cultural performances. Amr Gazarin, Executive Chairman of Orascom Pyramids Entertainment, said the company aims to significantly increase visitor numbers while positioning the plateau as one of the world’s leading heritage entertainment destinations. The Egyptian government will continue to receive all ticket revenue from the pyramids, while Orascom generates income through hospitality, premium tours, sponsorships, commercial leases, and event hosting.
The redevelopment forms part of a long-term agreement between Orascom Pyramids Entertainment and the Egyptian government to modernise visitor experiences without compromising the site’s historical integrity. The company expects large-scale events to generate as much as 200 million Egyptian pounds ($4.1 million) in revenue during 2026, with performances by international artists, including Shakira, already scheduled. The investment also complements ongoing upgrades to the Giza Plateau, including improved transport infrastructure, enhanced visitor services, and a new sound-and-light experience.
For Egypt, the expanded investment underscores the growing role of private capital in modernising the country’s tourism sector while preserving globally significant heritage assets. Analysts say transforming the Giza Plateau into a year-round cultural and entertainment destination could substantially increase visitor numbers, strengthen tourism revenues, and reinforce Egypt’s position as one of the world’s premier travel destinations.
