With a spectacular new resort property opening this year, another on the way and one of the most impressive hotel developments in the Middle East also taking shape, the upscale Crowne Plaza brand is poised to make a major impact in Egypt.

Increased economic liberalisation, further privatisation and improved oil prices are set to provide further impetus to the Egyptian economy in 2000. The Egyptian economy has been sailing confidently over the past couple of years, according to a report issued by the International Financing Institute.

The £188 million ($302 million) Mubarak television studio complex, which is being constructed by the UK/Norwegian Kvaerner Construction International, is taking shape just outside Cairo.