Orascom Pyramids to invest $10 million in Giza Plateau expansion

Orascom Pyramids Entertainment, the tourism operator behind the mega-development of Egypt’s Giza Pyramids Plateau, plans to invest an additional EGP 500 million ($10.12 million) next year, as it targets higher visitor spending and up to EGP 3.5 billion ($70.88 million) in revenue.

The company, owned by Orascom Investment Holding, the Egyptian conglomerate led by businessman Naguib Sawiris, is ramping up investment as Egypt’s tourism sector attracts sustained private capital and global attention.

Orascom Pyramids’ Investment to reach $40 million by 2027
Orascom Pyramids aims to increase its total investment in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Giza Pyramids area to approximately EGP 2 billion ($40.5 million) by 2027. This builds on the EGP 1.5 billion ($30.37 million) already deployed through self-financing, according to Executive Chairman Amr Gazarin.

The fresh capital will focus on enhancing visitor services, upgrading operational infrastructure, and expanding a calendar of cultural and entertainment events designed to improve the overall experience.

The investment also aligns with Egypt’s efforts to position the Grand Egyptian Museum as a global tourism anchor, capable of driving longer visitor stays and boosting surrounding economic activity. The next key test will be whether increased investment translates into higher visitor spending once the Grand Egyptian Museum reaches full operating capacity.

Driving higher visitor spending
The company expects revenue generated from the Giza Plateau this year to reach between EGP 3 billion ($60.74million) and EGP 3.5 billion ($70.88 million), supported by rising visitor numbers and improving service standards. Orascom Pyramids targets around five million visitors to the Giza Pyramids area next year, while the Grand Egyptian Museum is projected to attract approximately six million visitors.

Rather than expanding the physical footprint of the site, the company is focusing on increasing the quality of services to encourage longer stays and higher spending per visitor.

Preserving heritage while scaling operations
Gazarin noted that the protected status of the Giza archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, limits geographic expansion due to its historical sensitivity and ongoing excavations.

As a result, future development will prioritize operational efficiency and maximizing the existing site’s potential without compromising its archaeological integrity.

The company is also investing in premium tourism offerings, including dining and hospitality experiences such as Khufu’s Restaurant and 9 Pyramids Lounge.

Tourism strategy shifts toward experience-led growth with Orascom Pyramids
The expansion reflects a broader shift in Egypt’s tourism strategy toward monetizing visitor experiences through premium services rather than increasing capacity.

For businesses across hospitality, transportation, retail, and cultural tourism, stronger visitor engagement at the Giza Plateau, which began in 2021, and GEM could unlock new opportunities tied to higher tourist spending. If visitor and revenue targets are met, the Giza Plateau could emerge as a model for balancing heritage preservation with commercially sustainable tourism development.