Makadi Bay: The Underrated Investment Powerhouse 2026
Makadi Bay is emerging as one of the Red Sea coast’s most compelling investment opportunities in 2026. With prices 30–50% below neighboring Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna, major infrastructure catalysts underway, and rental yields reaching 8–12%, this once-overlooked destination is rapidly closing the gap. Here’s why smart investors are paying attention.
Why Makadi Bay? The 2026 Investment Case
Makadi Bay sits along the Red Sea coast, approximately 30 km south of Hurghada International Airport. For years, it lived in the shadow of its more famous neighbors — Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna. But 2026 marks a turning point. A convergence of mega-developments, infrastructure upgrades, and shifting buyer demographics is transforming Makadi Bay into a serious investment destination.
Here’s the key number: property prices in Makadi Bay average $600–$1,000 per square meter, compared to $950–$1,640 in Sahl Hasheesh and even higher in El Gouna. That’s a 30–50% discount — with comparable rental yields.
Price Comparison: Makadi Bay vs Sahl Hasheesh vs El Gouna
| Metric | Makadi Bay | Sahl Hasheesh | El Gouna |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Price/sqm (Residential) | $600–$1,000 | $950–$1,640 | $1,200–$2,500+ |
| Studio Starting Price | ~EGP 7.1M (~€40K) | ~€40,000 | ~€60,000+ |
| Gross Rental Yield | 8–12% | 10–12% | 8–10% |
| Annual Appreciation | 15–22% | 15–25% | 12–18% |
| Year-Round Demand | ✅ Growing | ✅ Strong | ✅ Established |
The takeaway is clear: Makadi Bay offers a lower entry point with yield and appreciation rates that compete head-to-head with premium destinations. For investors seeking “buy in , earn in EUR” exposure, this is the sweet spot.
The Mega-Developments Changing Everything
Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay — 1,636 Keys
The world’s largest all-inclusive Rixos resort is taking shape in Makadi Bay. Operated by Rixos Hotels (50% owned by Accor), this 1,636-key mega-resort includes:
- Phase 1: 815 keys including villas, 12 restaurants, 2,400 sqm spa, beach lounge, 1,500 sqm meeting space
- Phase 2: 23,000 sqm water park and upgraded remaining inventory
- Owner: Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development
The Rixos effect is significant — international hotel brands drive tourist traffic, which drives rental demand, which drives property values. Investors who buy before the resort completes typically see the strongest capital appreciation.
Stella Lagoon Resort & Spa — Opening August 2026
A brand-new 5-star resort is opening its doors in August 2026, right in the heart of Makadi Bay:
- 150 new rooms (new build) adjacent to the existing Stella resort complex
- 8 à-la-carte restaurants with dine-around concept
- Massive water park “Nunia Aquarena” (heated in winter)
- All-inclusive Plus package, direct beach access with house reef
- Exclusive distributor: Alltours (German market — strong signal for European demand)
The Alltours partnership is particularly noteworthy — it signals strong German tourist demand, which is the backbone of Hurghada’s rental market.
Makadi Heights Expansion — Now 4.75 Million sqm
Orascom Development Egypt, one of the region’s most established developers, expanded Makadi Heights by adding a 1.021 million sqm seafront plot in January 2026, bringing the total masterplan to 4.75 million sqm. Key details:
- Building footprint: only 15% — 85% green spaces, lakes, and lagoons
- Elevation: 78 meters above sea level (panoramic Red Sea views)
- 18-hole PGA golf course, aqua park, marina, schools, medical facilities
- Payment plan: 10% down, installments over 6–7 years at 0% interest
- Prices from 5,060,000 (apartments) to 26,120,000+ (villas)
Siyal Villa Collection — Luxury Year-Round Living
Orascom’s latest phase targets buyers seeking permanent residences rather than vacation homes:
- 20.5 acres, only 11% building density
- 3-Bed Twin Villas: from 24M (~144–160 sqm)
- 4-Bed Villas: from 34M (~175–208 sqm)
- 5-Bed Villas: available on request
- Direct Red Sea views, premium finishes, delivery January 2029
Rental Yields: What Can You Actually Earn?
Makadi Bay’s rental market benefits from dual demand drivers: short-term tourist stays and long-term expat rentals.
Short-Term (Airbnb / Booking.com)
- Gross yields: 8–12% annually
- Net yields: 7–10% (after management fees and maintenance)
- Daily rates: $25–$70 depending on season
- High season occupancy: 60–80%
Long-Term Rentals
- Monthly rent: $300–$600 for 1–2 bedroom units
- Gross ROI: 6–9%
- Growing demand from remote workers and European retirees
Hurghada Market-Wide Airbnb Data (January 2026)
- Median annual revenue: 538,000 (+13.6% year-over-year)
- Average occupancy: 52% (+6.1% YoY)
- Average nightly rate: 2,786 (+7.3% YoY)
- Active Airbnb listings: 3,301 (+39% YoY — growing market)
Infrastructure Catalysts Driving Growth
Hurghada Airport Expansion
Hurghada International Airport is Egypt’s second-busiest and Africa’s 6th largest. In 2024, it handled 9.64 million passengers. Air traffic surged +122% year-over-year in March 2025. Key developments:
- Third terminal planned (capacity to 10–15M passengers/year)
- World Bank/IFC leading privatization tender (launched December 2025)
- Connected to 193 cities worldwide in 2025
Flight Connections
Makadi Bay is accessible from major European and Russian cities:
- Russia: ~96 flights/week from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Ufa, and more (avg. 5h 7min flight time)
- Germany: Condor, Eurowings, Air Cairo
- UK/Europe: easyJet, Wizz Air
- Middle East: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), flydubai, Qatar Airways
Price Appreciation: The Numbers
Egypt-wide property prices rose 18–24% nominally in 2024–2025 (6–10% inflation-adjusted). The 2025–2026 forecast sits at 12–18% nominal growth. In gated communities along the Red Sea coast, the appreciation has been even stronger — properties in Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna rose 25% between 2024 and 2025.
Makadi Bay specifically has seen 15–22% annual appreciation in select phases, with Phase 1 of Makadi Heights already sold out — a strong demand signal. As Rixos and Stella Lagoon come online, analysts expect further price convergence toward Sahl Hasheesh levels.
Who Is Buying in Makadi Bay?
The buyer profile is shifting. Previously dominated by European vacation-home seekers, Makadi Bay is now attracting:
- German and British buyers seeking Euro-denominated rental income
- Russian investors drawn by direct flights and ruble payment options
- Egyptian diaspora investing from the Gulf states
- Remote workers looking for affordable coastal living
- Retirees from Europe seeking year-round warm climate at lower cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Makadi Bay?
Yes. Foreigners can own freehold property in Egypt, including Makadi Bay. Properties over $50,000 qualify for a 1-year renewable residency permit. MAMO Property handles the full legal process for international buyers.
What is the minimum investment for residency?
$50,000 = 1-year residency, $100,000 = 3-year residency, $200,000 = 5-year residency. These thresholds apply to the property purchase price.
Is Makadi Bay better value than Sahl Hasheesh?
For pure investment ROI, Makadi Bay offers a lower entry point with comparable rental yields (8–12% gross). Sahl Hasheesh commands premium pricing due to its established community and beach infrastructure. If you’re looking for maximum upside potential, Makadi Bay’s lower base price means more room for appreciation as mega-developments complete.
What payment plans are available?
Most Makadi Heights developments offer 10% down payment with installments over 6–7 years at 0% interest. Some developers offer 15–20% down with extended terms up to 10 years.
How do I get started?
Contact MAMO Property for a free consultation. We’ll match you with the best Makadi Bay investment based on your budget, goals, and timeline.
Why Choose MAMO Property?
MAMO Property (Mamo Management Real Estate Marketing L.L.C.) is a licensed real estate marketing and management agency based in Hurghada. We specialize in helping international investors navigate the Red Sea property market.
- 📋 Commercial Registry: 282312 — Category C
- 🏛️ Tax ID: 779-072-677
- 🤝 Partnerships with 20+ leading developers in Hurghada
- 🌍 Multilingual team (English, Russian, German, Arabic)
- 📊 Free investment ROI analysis for every property
Ready to invest in Makadi Bay?
📞 WhatsApp: +20 115 298 0998
🌐 Website: mamoproperty.com
✉️ Email: info@mamoproperty.com
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Co-founder of MAMO Property, real estate specialist in Hurghada with 16+ years experience in Egyptian property market.







