Sharm El Sheikh has achieved a historic environmental milestone by becoming Egypt’s first city—and only the fourth in the Arab world—to join the ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities. This development reinforces Egypt’s growing role in global sustainability efforts and highlights Sharm El Sheikh’s emergence as a regional leader in eco-friendly urban transformation.
Coinciding with its induction into the network, the city launched its official sustainability platform, www.greensharm.org. The website serves as a digital hub, offering detailed insights into the city’s green initiatives, environmental progress, and community-led projects. It also acts as a resource for visitors, providing updated information on eco-tourism options, environmentally responsible accommodations, and sustainable activities available in the area. According to Mohamed Aliwa, the Green Sharm Project Manager, the platform is designed to increase public awareness and facilitate transparency around the city’s green transformation.
The city’s sustainability success is the result of a coordinated four-year effort involving multiple national and international partners. The Ministry of Environment worked in tandem with the South Sinai Governorate, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to implement a comprehensive vision for a greener Sharm El Sheikh. These collaborative efforts aimed to balance tourism with sustainability, ultimately positioning the city as a model for other urban centers in the region.
South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda stated that this recognition reflects Sharm El Sheikh’s pioneering role as the first environmentally certified tourist destination in Egypt and the wider Middle East. He emphasized that the city’s transformation is anchored in several key areas: renewable energy adoption, sustainable public transportation, water resource management, waste reduction strategies, and the protection of local biodiversity.
Among the city’s tangible environmental actions is the ban on single-use plastic bags in 50 hotels, which Governor Fouda confirmed as a critical step in reducing plastic pollution. This initiative supports broader efforts to minimize waste and promote responsible consumption in the tourism sector.
Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad added that a total of 39 sustainability projects have been completed to strengthen the city’s infrastructure, particularly its capacity to host international conferences and events. These developments are aligned with Sharm El Sheikh’s growing reputation as a green venue for global dialogue and diplomacy.
Fouad also highlighted that investments in renewable energy within the city have reached EGP 800 million. These funds have facilitated the generation of 51 megawatts of clean electricity, contributing significantly to the city’s energy transition and supporting its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
With its new status in the ICLEI network, Sharm El Sheikh is expected to play an even greater role in international sustainability conversations, sharing best practices and learning from other green cities across the globe. The city’s advancements not only enhance its environmental profile but also reinforce Egypt’s broader agenda for sustainable urban development.