AmCham Egypt Annual Real Estate Conference
“Egypt Rising: Real Estate as a Regional Powerhouse”
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27th, 2026
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS BIOS
Welcome Remarks:
Ms. Sylvia Menassa
Chief Executive Officer, AmCham Egypt
Regional Chief Executive Officer, AmCham MENA Council
As the chief executive officer, Sylvia Menassa leads an organization that serves and connects more than 2,300 members representing all sectors. Under her leadership, AmCham Egypt has solidified its position as the leading private sector organization in the country. Ms. Menassa has been instrumental in enhancing the U.S.-Egypt business relationship through various initiatives. These include coordinating policy advocacy efforts on behalf of Egypt’s private sector, managing several Doorknock and business missions to and from the U.S., and conducting awareness-building activities aimed at enhancing the economic and business environment and encouraging investment. In addition to her role at AmCham Egypt, Ms. Menassa also serves as the chief executive officer for the AmCham MENA Regional Council, for which AmCham Egypt is the Permanent Secretariat. In this capacity, she coordinates the activities of 12 countries, working to enhance interregional business and investment.
Ms. Menassa’s dedication to AmCham Egypt spans over 30 years, during which she has held various positions including chief operating officer. In this role, she managed the operations and oversaw the implementation of AmCham Egypt’s program of work. Ms. Menassa holds a M.Sc. in Solid State Science and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from The American University in Cairo. She was a Ph.D. Fellow in Biophysics at Georgetown University.
Mr. Mohamed Abdalla
Chair, AmCham Real Estate Committee
Chairman, Coldwell Banker
Mohamed Abdalla is a trailblazer in the real estate and financial sectors, with over 30 years of experience. His career spans remarkable achievements in both equities and real estate, establishing him as a prominent figure in Egypt’s business landscape.
In 2001, Eng. Abdalla made history by pioneering the institutionalization of the real estate brokerage sector in Egypt, founding Coldwell Banker Egypt, the country’s first premier real estate full-service provider. This accomplishment came after his exceptional success in establishing and managing InterCapital Securities, Egypt’s leading securities brokerage firm in the 1990s. InterCapital Securities later became a part of EFG-Hermes, the largest investment bank in the region. Abdalla's work in real estate and securities set the stage for his continued success in business ventures.
Today, Mr. Abdalla serves as the Chairman of Coldwell Banker Egypt and Coldwell Banker Intercontinental Affiliates, which holds the franchise for Coldwell Banker in 36 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. Coldwell Banker Egypt now boasts 16 branches and employs over 340 real estate agents, earning multiple prestigious awards at international real estate conferences in the USA for its success and growth. Under Abdalla’s leadership, the company has become the number one international master franchise in the region.
In 2010, Abdalla co-founded Acumen Holding, further cementing his presence in the financial sector. The holding company has three main subsidiaries: Acumen Securities Brokerage, Acumen Asset Management, and Acumen Advisory and Activism, all of which have flourished under his vision and strategic direction.
Abdalla is also an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Egypt, where he co-founded and chaired the Real Estate Committee since its inception in 2003. He has been a frequent participant in the AmCham Egypt Door Knock Missions to Washington D.C. over the past 20 years, advocating for Egypt’s interests in international forums.
Economic and Real Estate Market Overview
Mr. Ayman Sami
Country Head - Egypt Office, Jones Lang LaSalle Misr
Ayman Sami is Country Head for JLL in Egypt. He is a real estate leader with over 25 years of experience, specializing in project development, asset management, and real estate advisory.
He currently oversees retail, consulting, research, hospitality, office and business space, valuations, property and asset management, as well as project and development services in Egypt. Ayman works closely with regional and global teams to uphold the highest professional and technical standards across all service lines, ensuring the delivery of best-in-class real estate solutions.
Under Ayman’s leadership, JLL’s Egypt division has grown into the most successful of its kind in the country, setting industry benchmarks and driving market innovation. His ability to develop and execute tailored real estate strategies, optimize investment opportunities and manage large-scale projects has positioned him as a key figure in Egypt’s evolving real estate landscape.
With deep expertise across the full project development life cycle, Ayman has successfully led market research, feasibility studies, investment planning, execution, and long-term asset management. His strategic insights and hands-on approach have helped businesses and investors navigate complex market conditions, enhance operational efficiencies, and achieve sustainable growth.
Prior to his current role, Ayman held senior leadership positions in real estate and development, contributing to significant projects across commercial, retail, hospitality and mixed-use sectors. His career is defined by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and value-driven real estate solutions.
Mr. Mohamed Youssef
CEO, Dcode Economic and Financial Consulting
Mohamed Youssef is the Chairman and CEO of Dcode Economic & Financial Consulting, and a macroeconomist, political-economy advisor, and development consulting leader with over 25 years of experience spanning government, international development institutions, and the private sector. He supports senior decision-makers, including CEOs, boards, ministers, regulators, and development partners, in understanding economic and political dynamics across frontier and emerging markets, translating them into clear strategic, commercial, and policy implications.
Prior to Dcode, Mohamed held senior roles at Egypt’s Ministries of Economy, Foreign Trade, Finance and the Social Fund for Development, leading national reform initiatives and programmes supporting SMEs and private sector development.
Mr. Youssef holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the American University in Cairo and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Bath, UK. He is a Doctorate candidate at the University of Bath focusing on decision-making in public institutions and the adoption of scenario planning and foresight in government policy.
Opening Keynote Speech: Egypt’s Real Estate Sector: 2026 and Beyond
H.E. Sherif El Sherbiny
Minister of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities
Sherif Magdy El-Sherbiny is the Egyptian Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, appointed in July 2024. He is a prominent figure in urban development, recognized for his role in managing new city projects and for being among the top real estate policymakers in the Middle East.
Sherif El-Sherbiny holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Zagazig University. His early career included work in the utilities and design departments. Before becoming Minister in July 2024, his career included roles such as Head of the New Administrative Capital Authority, Head of the 6th of October City Authority, Head of the Shorouk City Authority, and Deputy Head of New Cairo City Authority. He was recognized by Forbes Middle East in April 2025 as a top public sector real estate leader.
Since his appointment as Minister, El-Sherbiny's priorities have focused on developing fourth-generation cities, public housing initiatives like "Sakan Kol El Masryen" and "Haya Karima." He is also working to strengthen private sector partnerships, launch housing initiatives for Egyptian expatriates, and promote sustainable urban development. El-Sherbiny is considered a technocratic cabinet member with experience in urban development.
Moderated By:
Mr. Ayman Amer
Co-Chair, AmCham Real Estate Committee; Group General Manager, SODIC
Ayman Amer is SODIC’s Group General Manager. Amer has over 20 years of experience across the Real Estate, Project Management, and Construction industries in North Africa. Amer previously held the position of SODIC’s Chief Operating Officer, where he headed the development business unit, and oversaw operations from land acquisition and project development to the marketing and sales of SODIC’s developments. Amer previously served as SODIC’s Chief Business Development and Procurement Officer, where he was responsible for setting and monitoring SODIC’s procurement strategy across all divisions, as well as expanding the company’s land bank and forming strategic partnerships with operators. Prior to joining SODIC, Amer spent four years as Procurement and Cost Control Manager at Turner International Middle East (TIME), following his post as Senior Procurement Engineer at Orascom Construction Industries (OCI). Amer holds a BSc in architectural engineering from Cairo university and a diploma in project management from The American university in Cairo as a Certified International Procurement Professional.
Session I: “Real Estate as a Catalyst for Economic Growth: Urbanization, Infrastructure and New Cities”
Panelists:
Eng. Amin Serag
CEO, Hyde Park Developments
Amin Serag serves as the CEO of Hyde Park Properties for Development since August 2015, following a successful tenure as CEO at Orascom Development and Management from January 2008 to July 2015, where responsibilities included overseeing significant real estate projects and acting as Master Developer. Prior experience includes Head of Property Operations at Vodafone Egypt from December 1998 to July 2007, focusing on real estate management and negotiations. Amin Serag holds a Master of Business Administration from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Faculty of Engineering, complemented by additional studies at The American University in Cairo.
Eng. Mohamed El Assal
CEO and Managing Director, Misr Italia Properties
Mohamed Khaled El Assal is the CEO and Managing Director of Misr Italia Properties (MIP), with over 16 years of experience in the real estate sector. He has played a central role in shaping the company’s evolution and long-term growth, successfully managing a diversified portfolio and leading its expansion into key strategic destinations across Egypt, including New Cairo, the New Administrative Capital, the Red Sea, and the North Coast. A forward-thinking and visionary leader, Mohamed Khaled is deeply committed to building in alignment with Egypt’s national development goals, sustainability agenda, and broader socio-economic priorities. He believes that real estate development goes beyond construction, viewing each project as an opportunity to create long-lasting value for communities, the environment, and future generations. Sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and shared value creation are embedded into his leadership philosophy and the company’s strategic direction.
As a developer, Mohamed Khaled adopts a holistic approach that considers lifestyle, wellness, technology, and human-centered design as core pillars of every development. Under his leadership, Misr Italia Properties focuses on creating integrated destinations that enhance quality of life, incorporate smart technologies, promote well-being, and respond to evolving consumer needs, while maintaining environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. In his role as CEO, Mohamed Khaled defines the company’s vision and leads its execution through disciplined, KPI-driven performance management. His primary areas of focus include revenue growth, construction excellence, and the optimization of SG&A, while maintaining a strong emphasis on innovation, feasibility, and long-term profitability. His ability to anticipate market trends and translate them into actionable strategies has been instrumental in sustaining the company’s competitive edge.
Mohamed Khaled is also a strong advocate of organizational excellence and governance. He champions a performance-driven culture, reinforces robust corporate governance frameworks, and ensures that the leadership team sets the right tone at the top while remaining fully committed to the company’s ongoing business transformation initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture from Misr International University (2005) and is ISO 9001:2008 Quality Assurance certified. He also holds a Project Management Certificate from the American University in Cairo, completed interior design studies at Colombini Casa Group in San Marino, and a real estate marketing program at Keller Williams Worldwide in the United States.
Moderated By:
Mr. Ibrahim El Missiri
Co-Chair, AmCham Real Estate Committee; Group CEO, Abu Soma Development Company - Somabay
Mr. Ibrahim joined Somabay in 2012 as Director of Development and assumed his current role at the end of 2014. He is responsible for managing the Somabay group of eleven [11] companies, comprised of ASDC the master developer of the 10 million sqm peninsula, 5-Hotel Companies, and other related subsidiaries all operating in Soma Bay on the Red Sea in Egypt. During that time, Ibrahim led the transformation of Somabay from a collection of resort hotels to a high-end mixed-use destination comprising 10 hotels, 2,500 homes, marina, and 2.5 golf courses along with all the associated ancillary services. Ibrahim started his career in construction where he worked with Bechtel the largest construction company in the world at the time for around 14 years across various business units; including hotels, infrastructure, aviation, ports, high-speed rail across 3 continents. His experience included work on some signature projects such as the New Doha International Airport [the second largest airport in the world] and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, UK [Transferring the main London Terminal for the Eurostar from Waterloo to St Pancras]. He also worked for shorter spells with Orascom and CH2MHill. The latter part of his career has been in real estate development, starting with Dubai World’s International Arm [Limitless] as they set up in North Africa. This was followed by four years working on the transformation of MNHD to becoming one of the fastest growing private sector developers in Cairo and finally Somabay. El Missiri graduated from the American University in Cairo in 1994 with B.Sc. in Construction Engineering with High Honors. He then got his M.Sc. Degree from University College London in 1999 in Built Environment after being awarded the British Chevening Scholarship.
Session II: “Shaping Egypt’s Real Estate Growth: Opportunities and Regulatory Strategies”
Panelists:
Eng. Tarek Shoukry
Chairman, Economic Affairs Committee, House of Representatives
Eng. Tarek Shoukry, the Chairman of Arabia for Real Estate Investment and Tourism, Chairman of Real Estate Development Chamber of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and the Vice President of New Cairo Investors Association, as a speaker at the Decision Makers Conference during its 8th Round of the "Real Estate & Investment".
Eng. Shourky has 27 years of experience in the real estate development sector, he also established Arabiano, one of the largest 'above average' housing projects in 1998 in New Cairo. Over a period of only four years, from 2006 until 2010, Shoukry succeeded in launching and completing a number of leading projects in the sector.
Eng. Shoukry is considered one of the most prominent figures in the real estate sector, through his outspoken stance on many issues related to the sector with officials and competent authorities; in his capacity in several NGOs and the Real Estate Development Chamber in the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI). Shoukry holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Alexandria University in 1987.
Mr. Karim Shafei
Chairman, Al Ismaelia Real Estate Investment
Chairman of Al Ismaelia and the master mind behind the Downtown Rehabilitation Project. Shafei is a passionate entrepreneur who has successfully founded and managed an impressive number of companies. His passion for Downtown has been the driving force behind the inception of Al Ismaelia, aimed at regaining Downtown’s lost centrality as Cairo’s city center, and the heart of its society.
Mr. Tamer Badreldin
Managing Director, Arkan Palm for Real Estate Development
Tamer Badreldin is the Managing Director of Arkan Palm, a key subsidiary of Badreldin Group, where he combines industrial expertise with a forward-looking vision for urban transformation, spearheading the development of West Cairo’s most ambitious and strategically significant mixed-use destinations.
At Arkan Palm, Tamer leads a portfolio of landmark developments that reshape the urban landscape of West Cairo. Under his leadership, the company delivers integrated destinations that seamlessly combine residential, commercial, hospitality, and financial components, creating dynamic, sustainable communities designed for long-term value. Notable projects include 205, a ‘city within a city’ fully integrated mixed-use development blending residential, commercial, hospitality, medical, retail, cultural, and entertainment experiences in Sheikh Zayed City, One33, a premium, sustainability-focused residential neighborhood, and Kayan, a vibrant community centered on efficiently designed living spaces and outdoor lifestyle integration.
Tamer also serves as Chairman of Diyafa Hotels, the owner and operator of Crowne Plaza West Cairo – Arkan, where he is driving the expansion of Arkan Palm’s hospitality footprint. Through strategic partnerships with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), he is overseeing the growth of the hospitality offering within the 205 projects, while simultaneously positioning the 205 Financial District as a premier hub for banking and financial services in West Cairo through collaborations with leading financial institutions.
Prior to his roles in the real estate and hospitality sectors, Tamer founded El Badr Plastic Company, a packaging manufacturing firm that he successfully scaled and listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange. His entrepreneurial journey also includes co-founding the Egyptian Entrepreneur Business Forum and serving on the board of the Egyptian Council of Youth-Led NGOs, underscoring his long-standing commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and civic development in Egypt.
Tamer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Washington State University. His leadership is marked by an entrepreneurial drive, strategic foresight, and a deep belief in creating communities that are not only functional, but also meaningful, inclusive, and enduring.
Mr. Ahmad Touni
CEO, Redcon Properties
With over 35 years of experience across architecture, construction, project and facilities management, and real estate development, Touni brings a wealth of industry insight and a proven track record. Throughout his career, he has led numerous strategic initiatives that have delivered accelerated growth and maximized return on investment. Known for managing multicultural teams and pioneering innovative practices, Touni is recognized as one of the early adopters of progressive development models that have reshaped Egypt’s real estate landscape. He is also a member of the UN Global Compact Network. Prior to joining REDCON Properties, Touni served as CEO of La Vista Developments in 2021, where he led a strategic transformation and established a robust corporate structure governed by sound governance principles. He also held the position of CDO at City Edge Developments, playing a key role in overseeing the delivery of landmark real estate projects. Earlier, he was CEO of Smart Villages Development and Management in 2016, where he successfully rebranded the company and enhanced its status as Egypt’s premier business hub. Among his most notable accomplishments was his tenure at Al-Futtaim Real Estate Group, where he led the development of Cairo Festival City, a flagship integrated development encompassing residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment components. Touni also contributed to key national initiatives, serving as a member of the technical committee at the Ministry of Culture for the Grand Egyptian Museum project and as a board member of the Shorouk City Authority.
Moderated By:
Mr. Ziad A. Gadalla
Association Partner, White & Case
Ziad Gadalla is a partner of MHR & Partners in association with White & Case.
Ziad's practice focuses on project finance, banking & finance, energy, mining, and infrastructure. He is ranked as a "Leading Partner" by Legal 500 in the Energy and Projects & Infrastructure from 2023 till 2025.
Prior to joining MHR & Partners in association with White & Case, Ziad worked for an international law firm in Cairo.
Keynote Panel Discussion: "Egypt’s Real Estate Investment Market"
Guest Speaker:
Mr. Sherif Elkilany
Vice Minister of Finance for Tax Policies, Ministry of Finance of Egypt
Sherif El-Kilany is a prominent Egyptian finance official, currently serving as Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policies, where he plays a central role in shaping Egypt’s fiscal and tax policy framework in support of national economic objectives.
With more than 30 years of experience in business advisory and public finance, El-Kilany is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He has held several senior roles and served on key taxation and fiscal policy committees, contributing to the development of tax legislation, regulatory reform, and policy implementation.
In his current capacity, El-Kilany is focused on advancing tax policy reform, enhancing compliance, and supporting sustainable economic growth, with an emphasis on creating a transparent and competitive fiscal environment for businesses operating in Egypt.
Panelists:
Mr. Hazem Badran
Co-CEO and Managing Director, Palm Hills Developments
Hazem Badran has been the Co-CEO and Managing Director of Palm Hills Developments since mid-2021. Prior to joining Palm Hills Developments, Hazem Badran was CI Capital’s Co-CEO. Badran brings more than 22 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking in the MENA region. During his most recent position, Badran played a significant role in turning around CI Capital to be the premium investment bank and financial services group in Egypt since he joined in January 2013. Prior to that, Badran had a nine-year career at EFG Hermes, where he played a notable role as a senior executive in growing the EFG Hermes franchise into the largest investment bank in the MENA region. Badran held numerous key positions at EFG Hermes including CEO of EFG Hermes for the Levant, and Managing Director for Promotion Department and underwriting coverage. Badran holds a BA in Business Administration from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and has completed courses in Investment Assessment, Project Finance and Risk Analysis at the Harvard Institute Badran is a Board member of Taaleem Management Services and also chairs the Investments Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.
Mr. Tamer Nasser
CEO, City Edge Developments
Mr. Nasser assumed his current position in 2024. City Edge Developments was established in 2017 as a partnership between the New Urban Communities Authority and the Housing & Development Bank. The company develops residential projects, commercial malls, hotels, restaurants, and administrative offices. It has projects in different destinations across Egypt, having launched 17 since inception. In 2024, the company recorded $968 million in total gross sales and launched six new projects. Nasser was the CEO and Managing Director of Heliopolis for Housing and Development before joining the company.
Under Mr. Nasser’s guidance, City Edge Developments has achieved notable operational milestones, including record-breaking sales figures and a diversification of its project portfolio. His strategic direction has also yielded strong financial results, maximizing returns for shareholders and contributing significantly to urban development initiatives within new cities.
Engineer Nasser secured the 89th position on Forbes Middle East’s list of the Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders for 2025, placing him among 16 prominent Egyptian leaders featured on the list. This latest accolade follows his recent recognition as one of the “Most Inspiring and Influential Figures” at the Leaders celebration in 2024, further highlighting his exceptional leadership of City Edge.
Looking ahead, Mr. Nasser aims to continue driving the company’s growth through the expansion of its project portfolio, with a strategic focus on integrated commercial developments, and to further increase the company’s sales volume, which reached EGP 49 billion in 2024.
Engineer Tamer Nasser’s appointment as CEO of City Edge Developments took effect in September 2024. He initially joined the company in January 2024 as Chief Operating Officer.
With an extensive career spanning over 33 years, Engineer Nasser is a respected expert in project management, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to his current role. His involvement in the real estate sector commenced in 2008 with Emaar Misr, where he served as a Quality Assurance and Control Manager. He subsequently held key leadership positions at Emaar Misr and Imkan Developments before his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Heliopolis Housing and Development in 2020.
Moderated By:
