$3,000 for three beach visits: Egypt’s luxury coast turns on its own homeowners

Egypt's luxury northern Mediterranean coast, a hub of exclusive resorts and gated communities, is facing backlash from homeowners over new, strict access rules. Property owners in developments like Marassi, which caters to the wealthiest 1% of Egyptians, are complaining about restrictions on guests, movement between villages, and beach access, despite having purchased homes there. For example, a $3,000 membership fee was reportedly charged for only three visits to the beach at the Al Alamein Hotel. Hanan El-Shaarawy, a homeowner, stated that they "could not freely host relatives and friends." These restrictions have sparked a wider debate about private developers limiting access to Egypt's shoreline and have led some owners to pursue legal action. The controversy has also intensified criticism of Egypt's reliance on foreign investment, particularly from Gulf nations, with some accusing the government of "begging Gulf investors and surrendering to all their conditions."