Egypt Is Building A New Super Capital City

Egypt, a country bridging Northeast Africa and the Middle East, is renowned for its ancient civilization, which is one of the oldest in the world. This land of the #Pharaohs is famous for its iconic pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Nile River, which has been the lifeblood of its culture and economy for thousands of years. Today, Egypt grapples with modern challenges like population growth, economic development, and political stability, all while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Egypt Is Building A New Super Capital City:

Egypt has embarked on a monumental project to construct a new administrative capital, envisioned to alleviate the overcrowding and congestion in Cairo, the current capital. This unnamed city, often referred to as the New Administrative Capital (NAC), is being built 45 kilometers east of Cairo on a vast 700 square kilometers of land, an area equivalent to Singapore. The project, initiated under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, aims to house up to 6.5 million people and includes plans for government offices, residential areas, and a comprehensive infrastructure that includes universities, hospitals, and a central business district. The city is designed with modern technology at its core, featuring smart city elements like electronic monitoring of infrastructure and security, solar panels, and cashless payment systems.

The construction of this new capital is part of Egypt’s broader initiative under the Egypt Vision 2030 program, which seeks economic development and urban renewal. The NAC is expected to feature Africa’s tallest skyscraper, the Iconic Tower, and other superlative structures like the world’s largest cathedral and mosque. The project is not without controversy, however; critics argue that the cost, estimated to be over $58 billion, is exorbitant, especially amidst Egypt’s economic challenges. They question the prioritization of such grandiose projects over addressing more immediate needs like poverty, education, and healthcare. There’s also skepticism about the city’s accessibility for the average Egyptian, with concerns that it might become a luxury enclave rather than a solution for Cairo’s overcrowding.

Despite these criticisms, the government has moved forward with the project, with significant infrastructure already in place. The first phase, which includes government buildings and housing for civil servants, has seen partial completion, with thousands of government employees already relocated. The city also boasts environmental features like the Green River Park, aiming for sustainability through native flora and water management. The development is also expected to stimulate economic growth through job creation and by attracting international business to a new financial hub. However, the long-term success of this ambitious project will hinge on its integration into the broader socio-economic fabric of Egypt, ensuring it benefits more than just the elite or state apparatus.