Hussein Sabbour: Born to be Multimillionaire

Tasneem Khalil 15 Jun 2023

Hussein Sabbour is a distinguished figure in the real estate industry, known for his extraordinary success in the field. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the real estate sector in Egypt. He has been involved in the development of various residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects throughout the country. Sabbour has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in the real estate industry over the years. This expertise enabled him to make informed decisions, identify profitable opportunities, and navigate challenges with confidence.

Hussein Faiq Sabbour, born in 1936, witnessed various transformations not only in the real estate field but also in the Egyptian economy before passing away at the age of 85. He graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University in 1957 and obtained diplomas in road planning in 1958 and basic development in 1962. He opened a consulting office in Nasr City in the year of his graduation.

Hussein Sabbour Group

Al Ahly Sabbour Development

In 1994, Sabbour had an ambitious vision to establish one of the first engineering consulting companies in Egypt, which later merged with the strongest and most empowering real estate companies. He founded Al Ahly Sabbour Development as a joint-stock company. In 1998, a partnership was established with the National Bank of Egypt, which is now a long-term partnership with shares distributed at a ratio of 60:40 between the Sabbour family and the National Bank, respectively. Sabbour served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director. Al Ahly Sabbour Development currently stands as a leading real estate developer with a portfolio of more than 20 projects throughout Egypt. The company has played a vital role in shaping the architectural landscape in Egypt and has worked on numerous prestigious projects like:

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Challenges and Achievements

Hussein Sabbour witnessed a challenging period in his professional life after his friends left him, and he took on the responsibility of managing the engineering office alone. During this time, laws were enacted to regulate rent rates, causing a significant decline in the construction sector. This led to the closure of his office. However, he later shifted his focus to the industrial sector when the government nationalized industries. However, Al Ahly Sabbour Development was not the only achievement of the late businessman. Sabbour established Sabbour Consulting Office in 1957, which later branched out into three consulting offices. He also served as the President of the Shooting Club in 1992.

Apart from his private work, Sabbour was involved in managing public institutions. He chaired the Egyptian-American Council overseeing the American military aid to Egypt during the 1980s and 1990s, which exceeded $1 billion annually.

Sabbour held positions as a board member of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, Chairman of the Egyptian Businessmen's Association, and Vice President of the Arab Businessmen's Union. He also served as a board member of the Export Council for Egyptian Construction, the National Company for Construction and Development, the Center for Development of Higher Studies and Research in Engineering Sciences at Cairo University, the Egyptian Red Crescent Society's Supreme Council, and Chairman of the Engineering College Alumni Association at Cairo University.

He also contributed to the establishment of the Union of Consultants from Islamic Countries based in Istanbul and served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors in its first four years. Sabbour played a role in the formation of the Round Table for African Businessmen based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and served as its Vice President for four years. Hussein Sabbour

Key Success Factors

One of the secrets to Hussein Sabbour's success lies in his ability to formulate a clear vision for his real estate ventures and develop effective strategies to bring them to fruition. Having a long-term perspective and a well-defined roadmap helped him lead sustained growth and success. As commitment to delivering projects of the highest quality is often a distinguishing factor in the real estate sector, Hussein Sabbour prioritizes quality in design, construction, and finishes to ensure that his developments stand out and attract insightful buyers. Hussein Sabbour's success may also stem from his deep understanding of market dynamics, including trends, demands, and preferences. Being able to anticipate market shifts and align projects accordingly allows him for a competitive edge and the ability to cater to evolving customer needs. While these factors are likely contributing to Hussein Sabbour's success, it is important to recognize that his achievements are the result of a combination of hard work, dedication, strategic decision-making, and a deep passion for the real estate sector.

Second and Third Generation

The second generation of Sabbour continued to deliver high-quality project. Ahmed Sabbour, the current managing Director of Al Ahly Sabbour, carried on the success stories of the company and founded Landmark Sabbour that established a number of distinguished projects like Zoya North Coast, One Ninety New Cairo, Layan New Cairo.

The grandchildren of Hussein Sabbour, who represent the third generation of the family, are determined to enter the field of industrial activity in a substantial manner. They have devised a plan to establish a factory that requires an investment of 70 million pounds. This decision exemplifies their ambitious vision and strong aspiration to expand their business ventures and achieve success in a new industry. The establishment of this new factory presents an opportunity to capitalize on the knowledge and experience gained by previous generations, while also fostering creativity and innovation in the production of top-quality goods. The decision to establish the new factory aligns with the family's strategic vision to invest in the industrial sector and diversify their sources of income. Recognizing the pivotal role of industry in economic development and job creation, they seek to contribute to this vital sector.

Through their substantial investment in the new factory, the third generation aims to stimulate growth, expand their business ventures, and generate fresh employment opportunities, consequently fostering community development. The success story of Hussein Sabbour can inspire workers in the real estate field as he was known for his emphasis on sustainable design and development practices. He has incorporated eco-friendly features and technologies into his projects to reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency. His work has gathered recognition and honor within the real estate industry. His projects have received prestigious awards for their architectural design, quality, and contribution to the urban fabric.

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