Is Sisi selling Egypt to Saudis?
Egyptian lawyers and activists voice concerns over President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision broadening the rights of Saudi nationals to own real estate in Egypt.
Yet another controversial move by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has some citizens fearing a land grab of sorts by Saudi Arabia.
Just weeks ago, Sisi caused an uproar by ceding control of two Red Sea islands — Tiran and Sanafir — to Saudi Arabia. Before that controversy quieted, the president decided to grant Saudi citizen Hamoud bin Mohammed Saleh the right to buy land previously restricted to Egyptian ownership. The decision also paves the way for broader land deals, raising questions about its legality, safety and potential consequences.
Under the May 26 decision, Saleh will be treated as an Egyptian and allowed to own two parcels of desert land previously owned by Egyptian citizens in Giza. The land is along a highway between Cairo and Alexandria.
Under a 1996 law, non-Egyptians are entitled to own two properties in Egypt, provided those properties are owner-occupied. Also, the area of each property should not exceed 4,000 square meters (1 acre), and the area should not be considered a historical site. Under the new decision, Saleh is no longer confined by these requirements and already owns a 4,400-square-meter property.
