Greater Damietta City, a significant urban agglomeration in Egypt, encompasses several interconnected towns that collectively contribute to the region’s economic vitality. This composite city, comprising Damietta, Ezbet El-Borg, Ras El-Bar, and New Damietta, exemplifies a dynamic integration of historical, geographical, and economic factors. The amalgamation of these towns not only enhances regional cohesion but also provides a robust foundation for economic development and reform. Each town brings its unique attributes and economic activities to the collective entity, creating a multifaceted urban landscape with substantial potential for growth and investment. By examining the individual characteristics of these towns and their collective impact, it becomes evident how Greater Damietta City is poised to play a pivotal role in Egypt’s broader economic reform programme. This interconnected urban area represents a strategic asset with diverse opportunities for economic advancement and regional development.
Ezbet El-Borg
Ezbet El-Borg is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile opposite Ras El-Bar. It serves as the natural extension of the northern part of main Damietta City, with no natural barriers separating the two. The majority of Ezbet El-Borg’s inhabitants are engaged in fishing, as it houses more than half of Egypt’s fishing fleet. Additionally, there is a significant shipbuilding arsenal for vessels operating in regional and international waters. The local economy relies heavily on these industries, making Ezbet El-Borg an essential part of the maritime sector in the region.
Ras El-Bar
Ras El-Bar is a triangular peninsula of flat, sandy land, bordered by the western bank of the Nile and the Mediterranean Sea. This geographical position is where the Nile meets the sea, resulting in the mixing of fresh and saltwater. The town’s unique location has historically contributed to its development as a summer resort.
The history of Ras El-Bar as a summer destination dates back to the first half of the nineteenth century. At that time, people visited the town by sailboat for leisure activities, including picnics, fishing, and sports. Today, investments are focused on developing chalets for summer rental, catering to the influx of visitors during the peak season. All property in Ras El-Bar is state-owned, falling under the jurisdiction of the governorate, which controls the development and utilisation of land in this area.
New Damietta City
New Damietta was established with the intention of opening new investment horizons across various fields. The town is located approximately 4.5 km from Damietta Port and is surrounded by appealing green spaces, such as palm forests and fruit trees, to the east and south. New Damietta has become a distinctive tourist destination due to its modern infrastructure, including a well-developed transportation network and communication systems that facilitate investment activities.
Covering 18 square km along the Mediterranean Sea, New Damietta is projected to accommodate 270,000 people by 2020. The town’s coastline is designated for tourism development, making it one of the most significant attractions in the region. This focus on tourism aligns with broader economic goals, positioning New Damietta as a key player in Egypt’s efforts to diversify its economic base and attract investment.
A Golden Economic Square
Greater Damietta City is interconnected in such a way that it forms what could be called the golden economic square, comprising Damietta, Ezbet El-Borg, Ras El-Bar, and New Damietta. This interconnection is not merely physical but also economic and social, creating a cohesive regional unit.
These four towns share a range of historical, geographical, and economic factors that contribute to their unity. The ease of access between them, coupled with familial ties and shared customs, strengthens their collective identity. The economic synergy is evident in the integration of jobs across these towns, while the historical context highlights their shared experiences in resisting various forms of aggression throughout Egypt’s history.
Geographically, there are no significant natural or political barriers between the parts of Greater Damietta City. The towns are harmoniously integrated, with spatial proximity facilitating easy movement. For example, a car journey from Damietta to Ezbet El-Borg takes about 15 minutes, to Ras El-Bar around 7 minutes, and to New Damietta approximately 15 minutes. This close connectivity enables the towns to function as a single, large entity with distinct yet interrelated components.
The ethnic relationships within Greater Damietta City are noteworthy. Inter-marriages between residents of Damietta and Ezbet El-Borg, and vice versa, are common. Many property owners in Ras El-Bar primarily reside in Damietta, and numerous Damietta residents own additional properties in New Damietta, with some New Damietta inhabitants originating from Damietta. This interconnectedness reflects deep-rooted social bonds that contribute to the city’s integrated character.
Behaviours and customs are strikingly similar across Greater Damietta City. Residents celebrate the same festivals at the same times, and their culinary practices are distinct from other parts of the country. The local weddings, particularly the renowned Damietta procession (zaffa Dumyati), are celebrated in a unique manner, distinguishing them from other regional practices.
Economically, Greater Damietta possesses a diverse range of activities, industries, crafts, and commercial enterprises that are not found elsewhere. Many residents engage in multiple occupations, such as carpenters and fishermen, and businessmen frequently operate across various sectors, including fishing, furniture, marine transportation, tourism, sweets, and dairies. This multifaceted economic activity highlights the dynamic nature of Greater Damietta’s economy.
Greater Damietta City exhibits a distinct economic and cultural identity compared to the rest of the governorate and the country. It boasts unique economic activities, geographical features, and human resources. In contrast, the remainder of the governorate represents typical countryside characteristics and has recently been annexed from other governorates, further distinguishing Greater Damietta.
The Competitive Capabilities of Greater Damietta City
Investments and economic projects in Greater Damietta City generate numerous job opportunities, effectively reducing unemployment while enhancing income and living standards. They stimulate the creation of new work prospects and foster smaller complementary projects tailored to the needs of larger enterprises. Additionally, these investments attract foreign capital, further boosting local income. The influx of external workers invigorates domestic market circulation and local commerce. By increasing commercial activity and trade within Damietta Port, these projects draw significant capital through crucial import and export operations. Moreover, the resulting economic activities enhance the expertise of those working in these fields, contributing to a robust and dynamic economic environment.
Damietta possesses several competitive capabilities that set it apart from other cities, revealing investment opportunities and developmental prospects. Damietta is positioned to become a leading export city and attract local and international investment. Key competitive advantages of Greater Damietta City include:
- An abundance of skilled, educated, and affordable workforce suitable for various industries, particularly furniture, dairies, shoes, and shipbuilding, alongside skilled workers from neighbouring governorates.
- A modern road network connecting Damietta to other governorates and Maghreb countries, including international roads passing Damietta Port. The railway and major roads link Damietta to Cairo, Alexandria, and Ismailia. Marine routes via Damietta Port serve Mediterranean countries, Europe, North America, and the Far East. The river road via the Nile and the canal linking Damietta Port to the Nile mouth further enhance its export potential.
- Damietta’s location and climate offer natural advantages for attracting industrial and tourism investments.
- Damietta has accumulated competitive characteristics over time, particularly in the economic and industrial sectors, suitable for establishing exporting projects in furniture, dairies, and shipbuilding.
- The presence of a large and significant port is a crucial competitive feature.
- There are untapped competitive capabilities in tourism investment and development.
The integration of the towns within Greater Damietta City provides a compelling model of regional development, showcasing how interconnected urban areas can drive economic growth and diversification. The synergistic relationship between Damietta, Ezbet El-Borg, Ras El-Bar, and New Damietta creates a robust economic framework, offering significant opportunities for investment and industrial expansion. The distinct economic activities and shared cultural traits reinforce the city’s unique position within Egypt’s broader economic landscape. With its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and diverse workforce, Greater Damietta is well-positioned to leverage its assets for continued growth and development. As Egypt advances its economic reform programme, Greater Damietta stands as a testament to the potential of regional integration and targeted investment strategies. Its continued evolution promises to enhance its role as a pivotal economic hub, contributing significantly to the national economy and serving as a model for other regions aspiring to similar growth and cohesion.