SOM Unveils Masterplan for New Coastal City in Egypt
The Alam Al Roum project integrates seawater lagoons into a new Mediterranean urban development.
1New Mediterranean Urban Project
Architecture firm SOM has revealed the masterplan for Alam Al Roum, a new city located near Marsa Matrouh in Egypt. The development spans 20.6 square kilometres along 7.2 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. This ambitious project aims to transform the region into a year-round cultural destination rather than a seasonal resort area.
2Innovative Water Management Systems
The city design features 22 kilometres of seawater-connected lagoons that weave through the built environment. These lagoons serve a dual purpose, providing swimmable areas for residents while acting as critical infrastructure for stormwater management. The masterplan incorporates natural interventions like riparian buffers and stabilized dunes to protect the vulnerable coastal landscape.
3Climate Responsive Urban Design
SOM principal Thomas Hussey stated the design responds to climate change realities by orienting buildings to utilize coastal breezes and natural sunlight. The entire development will be elevated to accommodate changing coastal conditions. These strategic architectural choices aim to ensure long-term resilience against rising sea levels and shifting environmental patterns in Egypt.
4Diverse Functional Urban Districts
Developed for Qatari Diar, the city includes beachfront and lagoon-side residential neighborhoods alongside town centers. The plan incorporates specialized zones such as an education district, a business hub, and extensive golfing facilities. A grand boulevard serves as the urban spine, connecting an international marina directly to an inland mobility hub.
5Cultural and Hospitality Infrastructure
The waterfront downtown area is designed to host a variety of cultural amenities including an amphitheatre, a lighthouse, and a yacht club. Markets and a mosque are also planned to foster community life. These facilities are intended to establish the city as a vibrant, permanent hub for tourism and local residents.
6Phased Development Timeline
Construction for the first phase of Alam Al Roum is scheduled to commence in 2030. This initial stage will cover a four-square-kilometre area, focusing on the beachfront stretch and the primary town-center marina. This phase establishes the foundational infrastructure necessary for the subsequent expansion of the larger 20.6-square-kilometre masterplanned urban environment.
7Strategic Vision for Egypt
Qatari Diar CEO Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani emphasized that the project sets a new benchmark for integrated coastal development in the Mediterranean. By combining nature, hospitality, and daily life, the developers aim to reflect the unique character of Egypt’s north coast while moving beyond traditional, limited-use seasonal resort models.
8Broader Context of Development
This project follows Egypt's recent efforts to establish a new capital city east of Cairo, which also involved design contributions from SOM. The Alam Al Roum development represents a continued trend of large-scale, masterplanned urban projects in Egypt, leveraging international expertise to drive economic growth and modernize the nation's infrastructure landscape.