Darak Group forges strategic partnership with Azur to enhance hospitality-led living at Crystal Alamein and Marina Eye Residence

Premier real estate developer, Darak Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Azur Hospitality to manage and operate its flagship North Coast developments, Urban Zen Crystal Alamein and Marina Eye Residence by Azur.

The colaboration reflects the company’s commitment to delivering an integrated experience that combines investment opportunities, hospitality services, and premium-quality amenities.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Sherif Kamel, Chairman of Darak Group, and Mr. Adham Garranah, Chairman of Azur Hospitality and Urban Zen, in the presence of senior executives from both groups, a number of board chairpersons and executive management representatives, as well as H.E. Mr. Zoheir Garranah, former Minister of Tourism.

For his part, Mr. Sherif Kamel, Chairman of Darak Group, stated that the partnership aligns with the company’s strategy of developing projects that go beyond offering distinguished real estate products in terms of location and design.

Kamel added that the company places strong emphasis on implementing a professional hospitality and property management platform that safeguards the long-term value of its assets while enhancing investment returns and delivering sustainable value for its clients.

He noted that Egypt’s real estate market is undergoing a significant evolution in buyer behavior, with purchasing decisions extending beyond property ownership to encompass broader considerations such as lifestyle quality, service standards, operation efficiency, and a development’s ability to maintain and grow its value over the long term.

He further explained that Azur Hospitality was selected based on its extensive expertise and strong track record in the hospitality sector, as well as in the management of hotel and tourism projects.

He disclosed that engaging a professional hospitality operator has become a key driver of success for coastal and tourism developments, particularly as competition intensifies to deliver world-class, fully integrated guest experiences.

Mostafa Mahmoud, Marketing Director at Darak Group, said that under the agreement, Azur Hospitality will provide integrated hospitality services and partial operational management for Urban Zen Crystal Alamein, while assuming full hospitality and property management responsibilities for Marina Eye Residence by Azur.

The partnership is designed to uphold the highest standards of service quality, operational excellence, facility management, occupancy performance, and long-term investment value.

Mahmoud noted that the partnership’s greatest value lies in the enhanced customer experience it delivers. Residents and property owners will benefit from a fully integrated hospitality platform covering reception, housekeeping, maintenance, security, facility management, and a wide range of daily services.

These offerings extend beyond shared spaces to include in-unit services, creating a seamless lifestyle experience that mirrors the standards of leading international hotels while maximizing comfort, convenience, and overall quality of living, he added.

He further pointed out that Urban Zen Crystal Alamein is among the landmark new developments in New Alamein City. Built on a 12,000-square-meter site with investments totaling approximately EGP 1.5bn, the project holds the distinction of being the first development in the city to secure approval from the Ministry of Tourism to operate as serviced hotel apartments.

He highlighted the project’s prime location at Kilometer 111 in the heart of New Alamein City, offering unobstructed panoramic views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Iconic Tower, Alamein Towers, Chinese Towers, Azur Hotel, Presidential Palace, headquarters of New Alamein City Authority, Heritage City, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alamein International University, and Downtown district.

According to Darak’s marketing director, the development is designed as a fully integrated lifestyle destination, featuring a private beach, panoramic swimming pools, an infinity pool overlooking both the Mediterranean Sea and New Alamein City, a state-of-the-art spa, an indoor fitness center, a landscaped promenade, retail outlets, panoramic elevators, and a sea-view meeting lounge.

Further, the project offers fully finished residences equipped with kitchen cabinetry, with unit sizes ranging from 50 to 196 sqm. Flexible payment plans extend for up to eight years, with completion and delivery scheduled for 2029.

“Marina Eye Residence by Azur is being developed on a 1,400-square-meter site with total investments of approximately EGP 1bn. The project enjoys a prime waterfront location in the heart of Marina 1, overlooking the Circular Lake and offering direct views of the lake, the Roman Theater, the natural lagoons, and the Mediterranean Sea,” Mhanoud said. “The development features a wide range of leisure and hospitality amenities, including a fully integrated social club, an aqua park, a 50-meter-high panoramic observation wheel, an outdoor fitness area, retail outlets and cafés. The project also offers fully finished residences equipped with kitchen cabinetry, with unit sizes ranging from 62 to 139 sqm. Flexible payment plans are available for up to seven years, with down payments starting from 5%, while handovers are targeted for 2029.”

Adham Garranah, Chairman of Azur Hospitality and Urban Zen, said that the partnership with Darak Group reflects a strong model for integrating real estate development with professional hospitality management.

He noted that the Egyptian market is experiencing growing demand for projects that combine high-quality real estate offerings with fully integrated hospitality services.

Garranah added that the success of hospitality-driven developments is no longer defined solely by location or architectural design, but increasingly by the presence of a professional operating platform capable of delivering a seamless, sustainable guest experience while preserving the project’s quality and long-term investment value.

Garranah further disclosed that Azur will apply the highest standards of hospitality and operation management across both Urban Zen Crystal Alamein and Marina AI Residence by Azur, overseeing services, facilities, and daily operations in line with international best practices to ensure an exceptional experience for residents and visitors alike.