This study contains an in-depth investigation of the work of GUPs in both countries, based on an extensive research and several meet-ups with the selected GUPs in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Cairo. The research focused on 1) the roots and reasons behind their emergence; 2) their structure and legal, financial and organizational models; 3) the strategies, methods and tools that have been applied; and 4) the risks, challenges and opportunities shaping their current decisions.