Bedeir Rizk highlights sustainability shift in real estate sector at BEBA UK mission
Sustainability in Egypt’s real estate sector has evolved from a niche consideration into a structured element of development frameworks, according to Bedeir Rizk, chief executive of Paragon Adeer.
Speaking on Wednesday during the British Egyptian Business Association’s (BEBA) 2026 Business Mission to the United Kingdom, Rizk said developers pursuing certified sustainable projects previously received limited market recognition and operated with relatively few enabling mechanisms, but that conditions have since changed.
He said a key development has been the introduction of government incentives linked to sustainability performance, including increased allowable built-up area for projects that meet recognised certification standards. This, he added, has helped embed sustainability as a measurable and incentivised component of project design rather than a voluntary feature.
Rizk also pointed to growing momentum in green finance, with banks and financial institutions increasingly offering preferential lending terms for certified sustainable projects.
He cited green financing initiatives from the National Bank of Egypt as an example, including lending facilities with relatively low premiums above policy rates. While still in early stages and accessible to a limited number of developers, he said such instruments indicate a broader shift in capital allocation toward environmentally sustainable development.
Despite progress, Rizk said further opportunities remain, particularly in expanding tax incentives, strengthening regulatory frameworks and scaling up financial products supporting sustainability across the wider market. He said the overall trajectory was positive, with sustainability increasingly embedded in both policy reform and investment decisions.
He also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, particularly with UK expertise, in supporting the development of smart, integrated and innovation-driven real estate projects in Egypt.