Mount Sinai, a site of profound religious significance to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, has been named as the location for a luxury mega resort as part of Egypt’s ambitious ‘Great Transfiguration Project.’ The project, highlighted by the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS), includes the development of high-end hotels, shopping centers, and villas to promote spiritual, medical, and environmental tourism in the region. The plan, however, has sparked significant opposition from religious leaders and local communities.
Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens, the head of the Church of Greece, has publicly denounced the project, expressing concern about the expropriation of the Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine, located at the foot of Mount Horeb. He warned that the construction poses an existential threat to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the area. The monastery, which is the only remaining site of ancient monastic architecture from the early Byzantine period, holds immense historical and religious value. The UNESCO World Heritage designation highlights the site’s importance not only to Christianity but also to Judaism and Islam, underscoring the gravity of any disruption to its status.
Local communities, including the Jebeleya tribe, who are also known as the Guardians of St. Catherine’s Monastery, have expressed outrage over the construction. According to BBC reports, their homes and eco-camps were demolished with minimal compensation, with some families receiving nothing at all. Ben Hoffler, a British travel writer working with the Sinai tribes, criticized the project as an imposition from outside interests, stating that it would fundamentally alter the communities’ way of life and their connection to their homeland.
The SIS reported that Egypt welcomed nearly 16 million tourists in 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year. While the development project is framed as a step towards boosting tourism and economic growth, critics argue that it neglects the voices of the local population and could irreparably damage the region’s cultural and religious fabric. As the debate continues, the future of Mount Sinai’s status as a sacred site remains uncertain against the backdrop of these contentious developments.