Egypt’s New Capital, an ambitious project in the middle of the desert, is slowly emerging. This 270-square-kilometre mega-city redefines Egypt’s urban future, with ultramodern infrastructures and a bold vision. A true 21st-century oasis, the project blends modernity, sustainability and progress.
In 2015, Egypt launched a titanic project: the New Capital, a megalopolis located some 30 km east of Cairo, stretching over 270 square kilometers in the heart of a desert plain. Eight years later, this futuristic dream is taking shape and aims to revolutionize the Egyptian way of life. Estimated to cost 60 billion dollars, this pharaonic project decided upon by the country’s strongman, President Al-Sissi, includes 21 residential districts, 25 districts dedicated to economic and governmental activity, as well as ultramodern infrastructures.
By the end of 2023, a large part of the government administration will begin a slow transition out of Cairo. As part of this move, the unthinkable is already taking shape in the heart of the desert: a vast park, artificial lakes, almost 2,000 educational establishments, a technological innovation center, almost 700 hospitals and clinics, over 1,000 places of worship, a stadium with a capacity of 90,000 spectators, and hotels with a projected total of 40,000 rooms. This metamorphosis is accompanied by ultra-modern infrastructure, including solar farms, an electric rail link to Cairo and a brand-new international airport terminal.
At the root of this grandiose project was the need to relieve congestion in the current Egyptian capital, Cairo, with its incessant city traffic and ageing buildings costly to renovate. Home to over 21 million inhabitants – a fifth of Egypt’s ever-growing population – Cairo was becoming untenable. To counter this trend, Egypt launched a new towns program in the 1970s, aimed at attracting the population to more modern cities.
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