The 27-year-old fell out of favour at The Riverside last season and is unlikely to play a major role for Boro in the Championship next term.
His former club Ahly are ready to swoop for his signature should he choose to leave England.
"I have spoken to Shawky and he is interested in a return to Ahly," team head coach Hossan Al-Badri told Al-Hayat TV.
"He is still considering an offer from Qatar so everything is far from complete. But we will definitely be doing our best to sign him in the transfer window."