The Egyptian government has released a video showcasing the development works at the Al-Arish port, which is part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone in the Sinai region, a project that Israel has deemed concerning. The Egyptian Prime Minister inspected the ongoing developments at Al-Arish seaport, one of the key ports ready to play a vital role in transport due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, in addition to being part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. This port is also considered an important outlet for exporting Sinai products, with Egypt aiming to ensure it operates at full capacity in the near future.
For his part, the head of the Economic Zone confirmed the completion of a marine pier measuring 250 meters in length, while work continues on the eastern breakwater, which is 500 meters long and is scheduled for completion in May, with an execution rate of 80%. The construction of the western breakwater, measuring 1,250 meters, is also underway, with a completion rate of 98%, scheduled for delivery in March. Development works for a 915-meter pier are expected to be completed by August 2023, currently at 40% execution.
Dredging works by the Suez Canal Authority are ongoing and are set to be completed by April, with an execution rate of 80%. The development plan for Al-Arish port is expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2024 with a total cost of 3 billion Egyptian pounds. Upon completion of the new piers, several projects will be implemented during the current year.
Israeli media had previously commented on Egypt completing the first phase of the development of Al-Arish port by the end of this year, as part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone enhancement efforts. The Hebrew media analyzed that once developed, the port "will have significant advantages for customers, especially given its strategic location," noting that the Egyptian port will become a strong competitor to Israeli ports overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The Israeli news site "Port to Port," which specializes in transport and logistics, reported statements from Walid Jamal al-Din, head of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, to local Egyptian press: "The works in the first phase of developing Al-Arish port will conclude by the end of this year, and there is cooperation with several entities interested in the project due to the advantages provided by the marine port and its location."
