Overview

Hussein Salem (Arabic: حسين سالم; 11 November 1933 – 13 August 2019) was an Egyptian–Spanish entrepreneur whose activities spanned tourism, real estate and energy. He built a reputation as a behind‑the‑scenes dealmaker and was frequently associated with major development projects in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Salem held Spanish citizenship and spent his later years living abroad.

Business activities and holdings

Salem founded and led hospitality and investment firms, including HKS Group, which operated resorts such as Maritim Jolie Ville in Sharm El Sheikh. He was a co‑owner of the East Mediterranean Gas Company (EMG), the private firm that arranged exports of Egyptian natural gas to neighboring markets. His projects combined tourism development with infrastructure and property investments, shaping the modern resort profile of parts of the Sinai coast.

Roles and relationships

  • Developer: Promoted and financed hotels, resorts and associated facilities in Sharm El Sheikh.
  • Energy investor: Co‑owner of EMG, involved in regional gas export arrangements.
  • Political connections: Longstanding ties to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, serving at times as an informal adviser and ally.

Following the 2011 political upheaval in Egypt, Salem became the subject of investigations and legal proceedings relating to land transactions and the terms of gas export agreements. Egyptian authorities pursued charges that led to trials and convictions in his absence in some cases, while Spanish courts and extradition processes also featured in his later biography. He lived for many years outside Egypt and died in Spain in 2019.

Legacy and significance

Salem is often credited with helping turn Sharm El Sheikh into a major international resort destination, earning nicknames that reflect his influence on the area’s development. At the same time, his career illustrates the close intersections of business and politics in late‑20th and early‑21st century Egypt: his commercial achievements were accompanied by persistent allegations of preferential treatment and corruption. Histories of modern Egyptian tourism and energy policy commonly mention him as a prominent, controversial figure.