Modern Egypt

Discover Egypt's Beauty

Egypt's new capital city is named the New Administrative Capital (NAC). Located in the desert about 45 km east of Cairo, it began construction in 2016 and serves as the country's new center for government and administration. The NAC aims to relieve congestion and pollution in Cairo, house 6-12 million people, and includes new government buildings, the Presidential Palace, the Parliament, and the Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa.

Key Features and Goals:

• Purpose:

  To decongest Cairo, reduce pollution, and provide a modern, high-tech administrative center for Egypt.

• Location:

  A desert area east of Cairo, with an estimated size of Singapore.

• Key Buildings:

  Includes a new Presidential Palace, Parliament building, and the 385m Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa.

• Infrastructure:

  The city features 16-lane highways, smart grids, solar power, and the Green River Park, a large green space for recreation.

• Population:

  Designed to house 6 to 12 million people, with government entities and major banks beginning to relocate.

• Progress:

  The Presidential Palace and Parliament have been built, with the Parliament beginning operations in April 2024. Many government employees have also moved into the new city.

Cairo

New Capital

Alexandria

Egypt's second-largest city and its principal port, located on the Mediterranean coast. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it rose to become a major center of Hellenic civilization and learning in the ancient world. Today, it combines a rich history with modern industry and is a popular tourist destination.

History

• Ancient capital and knowledge hub: For nearly a millennium, Alexandria served as Egypt's capital under the Ptolemaic and Roman empires. It was home to the legendary Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city attracted leading intellectuals, including Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes.

• Decline and rediscovery: Following the Muslim conquest in 641 AD, Alexandria eventually lost its status as the capital, which moved to Fustat (modern-day Cairo). Earthquakes in the 14th century destroyed the lighthouse, and the city shrank significantly over centuries.

• Modern revival: The city was rebuilt in the 19th century by Muhammad Ali, attracting a diverse mix of foreign residents. Following the 1952 revolution and the Suez Crisis, most foreign communities departed, and the city became more integrated into modern Egyptian society

Things to do

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina

  : A modern, state-of-the-art library and cultural center, built in 2002 to commemorate the legendary ancient library. It features a main reading room, several museums, a planetarium, and art galleries.

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

  : One of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, this ancient Roman necropolis was tunneled into the bedrock in the 2nd century AD. The burial chambers feature a fascinating blend of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art and architecture.

• Citadel of Qaitbay

  : This 15th-century defensive fortress was built on the site of the former Pharos Lighthouse. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

• Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater

  : A 25-meter-high granite column stands in the remains of the ancient Serapeum. Nearby is the site of Kom el-Dikka, featuring a restored Roman amphitheater.

• Montazah Palace Gardens

  : Explore the sprawling gardens of this former royal residence, which served as the summer home of King Farouk. The property is set along the sea and offers lush landscaping.

• The Corniche

  : A lengthy seaside promenade stretching along the harbor, ideal for a leisurely stroll. It features markets, restaurants, and historical sights.

• Royal Jewelry Museum

  : Located in the former palace of Princess Fatma El Zahra, this museum displays the opulent jewelry and artifacts of the Muhammad Ali dynasty

Visiting Alexandria

• Best time to visit: The most pleasant weather is during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid, but the Mediterranean breeze makes it a popular season for domestic tourism.

• How to get there: The city is served by

  Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)

  , which has international flights. Many travelers also fly into

  Cairo (CAI)

  and take a vehicle or train to Alexandria.

• Getting around: Alexandria has an extensive public transportation network of buses, minibuses, and trams, in addition to plentiful taxis

Giza

Today, Giza is a major part of the Greater Cairo metropolis and is an important center of Egyptian culture and industry. Notable modern features of the city include:

• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

  : Scheduled for a full opening on November 1, 2025, this will be the largest archaeological museum in the world and is located near the pyramids.

• Cairo University

  : Founded in 1908 and moved to Giza in 1924, it is a hub for higher education.

• Giza Zoo

  : Established in 1891, it is the first zoo on the African continent.

• Sphinx International Airport

  : Opened in 2019, this airport allows tourists to bypass the traffic of central Cairo to visit Giza

Travel and history

• The ancient pyramids and temples were built overlooking the ancient capital of Memphis, which was located just across the river.

• During the New Kingdom, pharaohs continued to venerate the ancient site. An example is the Dream Stele of Thutmose IV, which stands between the Sphinx's front paws.

• The Great Pyramid remained the tallest building in the world for over 3,800 years until the construction of Lincoln Cathedral in 1311 AD

New Alamein is a recently built "fourth-generation city" in Egypt, established in 2018 on the North Coast, featuring both a modern tourist/residential area along a 14km Mediterranean waterfront and a historical sector preserving the area's World War II significance. The city is designed to be an integrated, sustainable hub for tourism, education, and government, with plans to host millions of residents and act as Egypt's "summer capital".

Key Features and Components

• Location:

  Situated in the Marsa Matrouh Governorate along the Mediterranean coast, west of Alexandria and near the historic Alamein area.

• Master Plan:

  The city is divided into three main sectors:

  • Tourist District: Features a 14 km waterfront, including luxury resorts, hotels, commercial centers, entertainment venues, and a yacht harbor.

  • Historical District: Located near the Alamein Cemetery, preserving the region's World War II history through a dedicated heritage area.

  • Urban/Residential District: Includes government buildings, residential neighborhoods, universities (like Alamein International University), schools, and research centers.

• Infrastructure:

  The city boasts modern infrastructure, including water stations, electricity and sewage networks, and wide roads to facilitate access.

• Development Goals:

  New Alamein aims to become a major center for tourism and education, provide housing for millions, and offer a high standard of living for its residents, similar to what is seen in other new cities or "million cities" projects in Egypt

Significance

• New Concept:

  It introduces a new model for tourism on the North Coast, moving away from private resorts to create an open, integrated tourism city.

• Economic Hub:

  The city is developing into an economic hub with commercial projects, business centers, and upscale residential areas, with a goal to host luxury tourism.

• Modern & Historical Integration:

  New Alamein uniquely blends futuristic urban development with the preservation of a significant historical site, creating a multifaceted destination

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa, known for its mix of ancient history and modern energy. Situated on the banks of the Nile River, it is the gateway to the pyramids and ancient city of Memphis.

Top attractions

• Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

  : Just outside of Cairo, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is a must-see. The Pyramids and Great Sphinx date back nearly 5,000 years.

• The Egyptian Museum

  : Located in Downtown Cairo, this museum houses the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun collection.

• Khan el-Khalili

  : This is a vast, bustling marketplace in the heart of Islamic Cairo where you can haggle for spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs in a medieval atmosphere.

• Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo)

  : A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area features stunning medieval Islamic architecture with numerous mosques, fountains, and narrow, winding streets.

• Coptic Cairo

  : This historic area contains some of the country's oldest Christian churches, including the famous Hanging Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

• Cairo Citadel

  : Built in the 12th century by Salah ad-Din, this massive stone fortress offers panoramic city views and is home to the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

• Nile River

  : Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise with dinner and entertainment, or take a felucca (a traditional sailboat) ride to see the city from the water

Culinary scene

Cairo offers a diverse dining scene, from high-end restaurants with Nile views to famous street food.

• For authentic street food: Try a bowl of koshary (a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils with a spicy tomato sauce) at

  Koshary Abou Tarek

  or Egyptian street food classics at

  Zööba

• For traditional Egyptian dining:

  Al Khal Egyptian Restaurant

  offers an authentic experience in a lovely poolside courtyard, while

  Abou El Sid Restaurant

  is known for its traditional decor.

• For a Nile view:

  Zitouni

  provides upscale Egyptian dining with a magnificent view of the Nile River, and the

  Crimson Bar & Grill

  offers a stylish rooftop setting overlooking the river

Transportation tips

• Getting around: The Cairo Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, though traffic is notoriously congested. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Kareem are also widely used.

• Airport information: For unofficial travel, make sure your passport and visa requirements are in order well before you arrive, as processing times can be long

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cairo is from September to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Egyptian summers can be extremely hot

Egypt's New Railway

Egypt Railway First high-speed rail network, a 2,000 km, three-line system designed to connect 60 cities and link the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts, with an expected total cost exceeding $23 billion. This electric system, featuring Siemens Mobility's Velaro high-speed trains, is intended to revolutionize transportation by providing efficient passenger and cargo transport, reducing travel times and carbon emissions, and promoting regional development and new economic corridors. The project is being constructed in phases, with the first segment linking Ain Sokhna to Alamein and Marsa Matrouh.

Key Features and Goals

• Africa's first high-speed rail:

  The network is the largest of its kind on the African continent, aiming to become the world's sixth-largest high-speed rail system upon completion.

• Multi-line, fully electric system:

  The network comprises three lines to handle passengers, cargo, and regional growth, all powered by electricity.

• Connectivity:

  It will connect 60 cities, linking the port cities of Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Alamein and Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean.

• Economic benefits:

  The project aims to reduce reliance on road freight, lower transportation costs, create jobs, and foster new economic and housing development along the rail corridors.

• Environmental benefits:

  The network is expected to significantly lower CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability

Components

• Rolling stock:

  The system will include 41 high-speed trains, 94 regional trains, and 41 freight locomotives.

• Infrastructure:

  The network includes two main depots and five maintenance points, along with a central control and monitoring center

Project Status and Phases

• Phased construction: The ambitious project is being built in three phases, with land works beginning as early as 2021 and construction for the first segment underway.

• Train delivery: Egypt received the first Velaro high-speed train for the project in 2025

Giza

Alexandria

New Alamein

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