The anniversary this year also comes after nine years of successful efforts to eliminate terrorism on the peninsula.

The cities of Arish, Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid are witnessing development in the sectors of construction and agriculture, said a number of strategic experts to MENA.

Security has been restored in Sinai thanks to the wise leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, said Maj. Gen. Nasr Salem, the former head of the reconnaissance service.

Construction and development have turned the Sinai Peninsula into a residential attraction, Salem acknowledged in statements to MENA Monday.

Maj. Gen. Hisham el Halabi, an advisor at the Nasser Academy, said that the political leadership has planned and implemented development projects in Sinai with the aim to connect the peninsula to the homeland.

The hard power of the Armed Forces supports the soft power of diplomacy, and both make up the “smart power”, he noted.

Such “smart power” is needed to achieve the strategic goals of the State, Halabi said, noting that it was first used by late president Anwar Sadat.

Falling on April 25 of each year, Sinai Liberation day marks the liberation of the land of Sinai from occupation back to Egyptian sovereignty.

On this day, Egyptians give tribute to officers and soldiers, whose sacrifices and efforts led to the recovery of Sinai from Israeli occupation. This day is also dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Sinai, which includes many tourist cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab.