Exclusive Interview with Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports

Sports Tourism: An Investment in Infrastructure and Global Achievements

Over the last decade, Egypt has experienced a remarkable transformation in its approach to and investment in sports. No longer limited to stadiums, clubs, and competitive venues, sports in Egypt have become a significant driver of economic growth, international recognition, and social development. Leading this transformation is the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the leadership of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, whose vision closely aligns with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s strategy to position Egypt as a global hub for sports tourism. This vision leverages the country's geographical and cultural advantages while building on rapidly expanding infrastructure, youth empowerment initiatives, and international partnerships.

Sports tourism, once viewed as a supplementary aspect of traditional tourism, is now a fundamental pillar of Egypt’s investment agenda. The rationale is straightforward yet profound: sporting events attract athletes, delegations, and fans from around the world, all of whom contribute to increased hotel occupancy, transportation, hospitality, and cultural exploration. Moreover, each championship or training camp hosted in Egypt underscores the country’s capacity to offer safe, world-class facilities while showcasing its rich heritage and tourism assets. This results in a dual return on investment: immediate economic benefits combined with long-term reputational gains.

The statistics reveal a compelling story. Between 2018 and 2025, Egypt expanded its sports and youth facilities from just over 8,700 to more than 11,500 nationwide, representing a growth of more than 100% in less than a decade. These facilities, which include multi-purpose stadiums as well as specialized arenas and youth centers, have empowered nearly every governorate to compete on the international stage. As a result, Egypt has emerged as a trusted host for global tournaments across various sports, including handball, squash, modern pentathlon, swimming, and wrestling. The successful hosting of the 2021 Handball World Cup during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a milestone in organizational resilience and demonstrated Egypt’s capability to meet international standards under challenging circumstances.

Equally important is the collaborative approach between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other national institutions, particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Together, they have redefined sports events as cultural showcases, integrating tailored tourist programs that allow visitors to experience Egypt beyond the stadiums. This blend of sports and tourism has transformed Egypt into more than just a venue; it is now a destination where competition meets culture, and athletic excellence converges with history.

Beyond tournaments, Egypt’s strategy places as much emphasis on people as it does on infrastructure. Since 2018, over 1,600 youth programs have reached nearly 70 million young people, with the ministry making youth empowerment a central aspect of its mission. These initiatives extend beyond sports into political, social, and cultural spheres, shaping the next generation into active contributors to Egypt’s national development.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy reflects on Egypt’s journey, its achievements on the international stage, and the government’s forward-looking ambitions, from strengthening its dominance in individual sports like squash to potentially hosting the world’s most-watched event, the FIFA World Cup. His insights reveal how Egypt is transforming sports into both a driver of economic progress and a symbol of national pride.

Egypt’s cities consistently host continental and international championships across various sports. What role does the ministry play in developing this sector?

“Under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, sports tourism is a top priority for the ministry, viewed as a key component of sports investment. It yields a dual benefit: economic growth through hotels and services, and developmental progress through infrastructure enhancements. By 2025, the number of sports and youth facilities capable of hosting international tournaments across nearly every governorate has reached approximately 11,554, a significant increase from 8,731 in 2018 (over 100%). This foundational development has positioned Egypt as a global sports hub.”

What are the main forms of support and attraction the ministry provides for these sporting events?

“Our support encompasses robust infrastructure, administrative and organizational expertise, and seamless coordination with all state institutions to facilitate hosting procedures. We offer indoor halls, stadiums, swimming pools, sports cities, specialized medical units, and disability sports clubs. Additionally, we run programs to train young administrative cadres, enabling them to manage tournaments at the highest level, a capability that has earned Egypt the trust of international federations.”

Is there an existing protocol or coordination with the Ministry of Tourism or the Tourism Promotion Authority in this area?

“Sports and tourism are inextricably linked, acting as two sides of the same coin. We maintain continuous and integrated coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Tourism Promotion Authority to jointly promote tournaments and develop tailored tourist programs for delegations and athletes. This collaborative effort has transformed sports championships into powerful platforms for showcasing Egypt globally, highlighting its appeal not only as a sports destination but also as a rich cultural and tourism hub.”

Which global tournaments hosted by Egypt have had the most significant impact on its tourism and hospitality sectors?

“Major championships include the 2021 Handball World Cup, held under exceptional circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased Egypt's organizational capabilities. We also hosted World Championships in modern pentathlon, wrestling, swimming, and squash, as well as continental tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations in football. These events directly impacted hotel occupancy, boosted tourism, and stimulated the local economy.”

What continental or global events are held annually in Egypt?

“Egypt has established itself as a prominent destination for many international federations. We now host World Championships and international tournaments in sports such as modern pentathlon, squash, swimming, and judo, among others. From 2018 to 2025, Egypt has continuously hosted a total of 529 sports events and activities. Additionally, many international teams are choosing Egypt for their training camps, thanks to the country's excellent facilities and services.”

What are the financial returns for hotels and tourism facilities in 2023 and 2024, and what is expected for 2025?

“The financial figures vary from one tournament to another, but the overall benefits are undoubtedly substantial. We're talking about hundreds of millions of pounds being injected into the national economy, benefiting hotels and hospitality services. The year 2023 saw significant activity, which has continued to expand into 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate even greater returns as new global championships are hosted and plans for sports tourism are expanded.”

Hotels and resorts are increasingly focusing on incorporating sports facilities and fields.

“The investment approach of integrating sports fields and facilities within hotels and resorts is a strong strategy. This development enhances Egypt’s capacity to host more events and training camps, thereby improving our ability to attract international delegations. The ministry supports this trend because it fosters a connection between the tourism and sports sectors.”

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi demonstrates a strong interest in sports and frequently attends major events. What is your perspective on this presidential support?

“President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s support for sports is unparalleled, as evidenced by the numerous achievements we have made. His Excellency has attended the opening ceremonies of many international tournaments, conveying a message of confidence to the world that Egypt is a capable and safe country. Furthermore, this support has resulted in significant investments exceeding EGP 15.5 billion in developing sports infrastructure, establishing sports as a cornerstone in the development of the Egyptian citizen.”

What tournaments or events is the ministry planning to host soon for their significant tourism and economic impact?

“We continuously strive to host major global championships. Our efforts are focused on securing tournaments at both the Olympic level and in popular sports. We aim to be a future host for the FIFA World Cup, while also solidifying Egypt's status as a leading venue for individual sports such as squash and modern pentathlon.”

How have Egypt's sports achievements enhanced its international standing?

“Today, Egypt leads the global rankings in four international sports federations and is among the top ten worldwide in eleven Olympic federations. We have 15 athletes ranked as number one in the world in individual sports. Additionally, Egypt has 35 presidents of federations, 39 vice-presidents, and 112 members in international and continental committees. All of this has established Egypt as a significant player on the global sports stage.”

What youth programs has the ministry implemented to enhance the development of Egyptian citizens?

“We have launched over 532 upbringing programs that have benefited approximately 24 million participants, as well as 1,150 youth programs that have reached nearly 70 million young men and women. From 2018 to 2025, annual participation opportunities have totaled around 16 million. These initiatives align with the state’s vision to empower youth politically, economically, culturally, and socially.”

A final message for readers of Sports & Fitness?

“Today, Egypt is not only a country that hosts tournaments but also a model for how sports and youth can promote comprehensive development. With the support of our political leadership and the dedication of Egyptian youth, we continue to build on our achievements. Our goal is to make sports and sports tourism one of the most significant drivers of the national economy in the New Republic.”