Dr. Ahmed Saqr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDC Development and Asset Management Company, stated that real estate asset management is considered one of the best mechanisms currently available for maximizing the utilization and development of underutilized economic resources, especially real estate assets in all their forms. Through effective management and operation of properties, investment objectives and financial gains can be achieved.
Saqr also mentioned that Egypt still lacks this type of companies in the field of real estate asset management, which SDC has been trying to provide within the Egyptian real estate market since its establishment. SDC aims to create a blend of experiences and shared knowledge between the Egyptian and English markets, in line with the needs and requirements of the Egyptian real estate market in the field of asset management.
Saqr also stated that real estate asset management plays a vital role in enhancing wasted real estate wealth within any country, and this is achieved through various mechanisms. This includes evaluating real estate assets by conducting a comprehensive assessment of all properties under ownership, including determining the current market value of the properties and analyzing the expected returns. This helps identify wasted assets and prioritize their redevelopment or disposal.
Additionally, improving property management can lead to enhancing property value and reducing deterioration and decay. Effective strategies for periodic maintenance, facility upgrades, and tenant management should be implemented. Furthermore, developing real estate assets by improving wasted or underutilized properties can involve refurbishing existing buildings, changing land use, or conducting comprehensive renovations for neglected properties. Diversifying real estate investments can also help enhance real estate wealth by expanding the investment portfolio.
Dr. Ahmed Saqr stated that investing in real estate asset management companies with a light asset management system has become the practical solution to achieve the national plan of increasing the number of hotel rooms from 220,000 to 500,000 before the end of 2028. Opening up the opportunity for efficient utilization of underutilized real estate assets, with specific standards to improve quality and efficiency, can generate billions of dollars for the national economy.
Saqr mentioned that SDC company targets the closed units in tourist demand areas in Cairo, Giza, the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and the historical cities in Upper Egypt. This will make it a prominent company in the field of residential tourism asset management in the coming period.
Saqr explained that SDC aims to apply efficient asset management standards to achieve targets and returns from managing the real estate portfolio in Egypt and England. SDC has started converting some buildings in the New Cairo, Madinaty, and Al-Shorouk areas into CO LIViNG systems with hotel standards to serve the needs of tourists and foreign students in Egypt.
Saqr further stated that SDC aims to attract international companies that have relocated to Riyadh after the Saudi government’s obligation not to grant supply tenders to companies with regional headquarters in Riyadh. This will be done by providing competitive advantages to open back offices and kitchens in the central business district to benefit from the availability of expertise and cost competitiveness in the region. Several international companies are already waiting to establish their operational headquarters in the MENA region based on their regional office model in Riyadh and their operational office in Cairo, once the Infinity Tower is delivered.
Saqr continued that SDC is collaborating with the largest real estate investment fund companies in Japan to facilitate the entry of many luxury restaurant brands, entertainment centers, and Japanese hospitality companies into the Egyptian market in the next three years. SDC is currently coordinating with the Japanese investment fund to enhance its presence in Egypt for investment. The Japanese investment fund is interested in investing in the central business district and the area surrounding the Grand Egyptian Museum. Recently, they have shown great interest in exploring the North Coast and Ras El-Hekma, and a field visit is being organized in May for the fund’s directors from Japan.
Saqr also mentioned that SDC aims to manage 2,000 hotel keys by the end of 2027 through its specialized asset management arm for managing hotel apartments with a light asset management system. This is to bridge the gap in anticipation of the expected surge in tourist demand in Egypt.
Ahmed Saqr, the Egyptian entrepreneur and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDC Development and Asset Management Company, expects that 2025 will be the biggest real estate leap in Egypt since the beginning of the new millennium, with the entry of specialized foreign real estate investment funds into the Egyptian market, in addition to the continued increase in individual purchases by Egyptians abroad and foreigners.
