Our Vision
Message & Vision
Maged El Said - Founder of Habiba Community
“It is my ultimate vision to establish a lively educational hub in Nuweiba.”
Lorena Rancati - Founder of Habiba Community
“I would like to see more people start doing what makes them happy”
Our Story
The story began when Maged became inspired by the natural beauty and vibrancy of the South Sinai landscape. So in 1994, he relocated his family to start a small family-run enterprise by the sea called Habiba Beach Lodge. But, due to social, economic and political shocks in the region, and the reliance on tourism, Habiba endured much loss.
Eventually our vision was adapted—with the greater goal of food security and a more responsible approach to the environment and tourism.
What started off as a growth strategy to expand operations and ensure food security, has today become Habiba’s key attraction: an organic farm in the desert that adapts cutting-edge methods in sustainable agri-tech, restoration & experimentation. Our farm was founded to help green the Sinai desert and produce organic food to improve the living conditions of the Habiba family and the local community.
Gradually, Maged began transferring his knowledge on how to farm organically to the Bedouins as well as introducing the organic farming concept to Bedouins without farms . The Habiba development model has changed the landscape in Nuweiba, inspiring many local camps and Bedouins to participate. Today in the sparsely populated South Sinai there are 72 farms, 47 of which are Bedouin owned.
And, the story goes on—growing into a myriad of interlinked projects & initiatives that continue to flourish.
The History Of Habiba
Habiba Beach Lodge founded
It is a small, barefoot place, respectful of the natural surroundings.
1994Habiba Organic Farm founded
It acts as a community-based farm to benefit the people of South Sinai.
2007Implementing WWOOF Model
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.
2009Organic Farm Certification Community Knowledge Sharing
Beginning of Seminars & Workshops
2011Partnership with Desert Research Center
Habiba Learning Center Founded
Sinai Date Palm Foundation Created
2013Cooperation and Provision of Assistance
Cooperation and Provision of Assistance to Local Organic Start-up Farms
WOMAD Project Started
2015
Start of Habiba Regenerative Learning Center
Using global knowledge transfer to create sustainable solutions through local natural resources.
2019Creation of a Research Hub
Creation of a Research Hub in Partnership with International Research Centers
Recognized as a Global Ecovillage and as an Ecosystem Restoration Camp
2020Future
Replication of the Habiba Community Model in other Egyptian Resorts
2025Touchpoints
Holistic Vision
Our vision aims to be a holistic one. Its concepts and activity are grounded in six pillars—to prepare, encourage, secure, engage, integrate and innovate. Still inspired by Maged’s original dreams, Habiba’s holistic vision continues to grow, adapt and interlace with new ideas and changing scenarios. And of course, these pillars sit on a strong base—the Habiba Community!
Our vision’s future
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency
Create to Regenerate
Educational Hub
By organizing summer/winter schools, and internships and, ultimately, by facilitating a certified master’s program with partnering universities.
