At the heart of this evolution is Mohamed Amer, the CEO steering the town’s long-term strategy and cultural positioning. Under his leadership, El Gouna has grown far beyond a town enclave; it has become a thriving international community and a benchmark for future-forward city building in the region. With more than 50 nationalities calling it home year-round, El Gouna today stands as a case study in how private development, environmental stewardship, and lifestyle innovation can successfully intersect.
In this exclusive conversation with Arabian Moda, Amer reflects on the founding philosophy of El Gouna, the principles that continue to shape its identity, and how a desert coastline was transformed into one of the Arab world’s most admired living environments.
AM: As CEO of El Gouna, can you tell us about the philosophy that shaped this town?
Mohamed Amer: The core philosophy behind El Gouna is to create an international, vibrant and sustainable community, a place where people don’t simply reside, but truly belong. It’s a town designed for quality of life, where people can live, work, grow and enjoy life as it should be.
AM: El Gouna is often described as one of the most unique developments in the region. What sets it apart?
Mohamed Amer: Its organic evolution. El Gouna began as a dream and naturally grew into a cosmopolitan town that is now home to more than 25,000 permanent residents representing over 50 nationalities. That cultural blend creates a lifestyle ecosystem, not just a residential destination.
AM: Sustainability seems deeply embedded in El Gouna’s identity, not just as a trend, but as a founding value. Can you elaborate?
Mohamed Amer: Sustainability was never an afterthought here, it has been part of El Gouna’s DNA from day one. We’ve had plastic recycling facilities in operation for over 27 years, long before the global sustainability conversation became mainstream. Our approach has always been to coexist with our surroundings and to protect the natural ecosystem we are privileged to be part of.
Mohamed Amer: By constantly innovating. We curate more than 60 events a year across culture, lifestyle and sports, keeping the town’s energy dynamic and attractive. We’re also expanding into areas like co-working hubs and our own business park to accommodate entrepreneurs, remote workers and new business models. Reinvention is essential to longevity.
AM: And who is your core audience?
Mohamed Amer: Primarily, Europeans, especially from the UK, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The climate, accessibility and elevated quality of life attract people looking for a second home or a long-term base. Many residents come for a season and end up staying for years.
AM: Looking back on your leadership so far, what would you say is your proudest accomplishment?
Mohamed Amer: Building the right team. El Gouna is both a town and a brand, which means we operate at the intersection of municipal responsibility and lifestyle hospitality. That requires exceptional people. I’m proud to have assembled a team capable of upholding the standards we are known for and elevating them year after year.