Leading up to 13 March when Egypt opens its doors for business at the Economic Development Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, developer have released details of more than $140bn of new real estate projects.

Foreign investors have shown an interest in Egypt, with the UAE being most active in proposing several developments across the country.

Most recent has been the announcement of what would be the country’s tallest tower. The Zayed Crystal Tower is the latest in the growing list of projects expected to be proposed during the conference. Details of the 49-storey tower have not been released but it is understood that it will be built near 6 October City.

In February, MEED reported that Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills is preparing to unveil a $80bn major development that will serve as a new capital city for Egypt. Ashraf Salman, Egypt’s investment minster, confirmed that the project, which will not be funded by the Egyptian government, will be developed entirely through foreign investment.

Dubai-based Al-Habtoor Group has also expressed its interest in developing a city project in Egypt. Khalaf al-Habtoor, who is likely to be present at the donor summit, has confirmed his company is currently conducting feasibility studies for a range of investment opportunities in Egypt.

Aside from major real estate projects, Egypt has also been announcing a number of public initiatives to address the ailing housing situation across the country.

At the forefront of this is of course the 1 million home project being developed by the UAE’s Arabtec Holding. Although the scheme has faced difficulties in recent weeks surrounding financing, it is expected that this would resolved considering the symbolic significance of the $40bn project that typifies the government’s rhetorical commitment to social development.

Egypt’s Housing Ministry has claimed it is looking to deliver 500,000 units a year, with 300,000 falling into the affordable category in order to tackle the country’s ailing housing situation.

In February the Housing Ministry claimed that the government is likely to increase the housing budget for the 2015/16 fiscal year by $3bn.

The authorities have been pressing ahead with a number of ambitious real estate projects in a bid to boost real estate and tourism.

From the government, Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly, said that he will propose a $19bn residential project during the summit. Local reports said the project will be called October Oasis and will be built 50 kilometres outside Cairo in 6 October City.

The housing ministry also revealed plans on 4 March to propose the El-Alamein Marina Tourist Center as part of the ministry’s plans to develop Egypt’s north coast.

The project, which will be built near Alexandria, is set to provide approximately 14,000 jobs, according to statement released by the ministry.

Other projects include the $655m eco-friendly mixed use development in a Cairo suburb called The Gate. In February, local developer Abraj Misr, which is financing the project, confirmed that the Vincent Callebaut designed development will start in April and completed by 2018.

Further to this, Egypt’s Central Agency for Construction, which works under the country’s Housing Ministry, has announced that it is to pump $203m into infrastructure and housing projects in the historically neglected Sinai Peninsula. According to the authorities, the investments’ aim is to upgrade 12,000 kilometres of Sinai’s main roads as well as power, social and housing projects for Sinai’s citizens.