Residential Units Can Be Converted Into Hotels Without Fees In Egypt

Residential buildings in Egypt can be converted into hotel establishments without additional fees from the beginning of 2026 to increase hotel capacity in vital tourist areas and accommodate expected growth in visitor numbers. The measure forms part of a package of incentives scheduled to take effect in 2026. Details were outlined by Dr Magdy Shaker, chief archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Dr Shaker said the fee exemption for converting residential properties into hotel establishments is intended to expand available accommodation in districts that draw high visitor flows. He cited Nazlet El Samman, the Pyramids and surrounding neighbourhoods as areas that would particularly benefit from the policy, noting its role in helping these locations absorb an anticipated increase in tourist arrivals.

He added that the Pyramids area is expected to see the creation of about 15,000 additional hotel rooms in the vicinity of the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids. The rooms are part of the broader accommodation expansion referenced alongside the conversion policy, with the stated aim of raising capacity in one of Egypt’s most visited destinations.