Samih Sawiris is the Founder of Orascom Development Holding, a major player in hospitality and real estate with assets in Egypt, Switzerland, Montenegro and Oman. He is also Chairman of the El Gouna Film Festival Board of Directors, set to host its ninth edition from the 15th to the 23rd of October 2026 in El Gouna. In September 2026, Orascom Development Holding announced that, together with Muriya, it is moving ahead with the development of the Hawana Salalah and Jabal Sifah projects, alongside the Sawda Island project, with investments exceeding USD 90 million.