New Cairo

New Cairo, a city belonging to the Cairo Governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt, is one of the largest among the new cities in terms of area. The city falls into the category of third-generation cities based on a presidential decree issued in 2000. It is composed of a large number of districts that encompass various social levels, including economic, middle-class, upper-middle-class, and upscale.

The New Cairo City falls under the jurisdiction of the New Urban Communities Authority, which has allocated a significant portion of the land within the city for real estate development companies to establish investment and luxury housing projects. The authority has undertaken pioneering projects, such as the Mubarak Housing Project, the Future Society Housing, family housing, and open housing initiatives.

Overview of New Cairo

Among the authority's accomplishments is the establishment of 34,845 housing units, including those designated for youth and the future. Additionally, they allocated non-governmental land parcels for various projects. The city boasts a full range of services, meticulously divided to ensure the comprehensive implementation of infrastructure services alongside various other services, including healthcare, cultural, commercial, educational, and religious services.

The New Urban Communities Authority has been diligent in providing essential infrastructure and services in New Cairo City, considering it is one of the largest new cities ever constructed. The authority has focused on the following activities and services:

Public Utilities in New Cairo

• Water supply is ensured through a massive water purification station located in the nearby city of Al-Obour. The authority is working on the construction of additional water stations and networks of varying sizes.
• Sanitation services are managed efficiently, with a mechanical sewage treatment station completed in the first phase. The city boasts an advanced sewage network throughout.

Service Activities

• The authority has provided a variety of educational services, including nurseries, schools, and universities.
• Healthcare services include medical centres, public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies.
• Religious services are offered through several places of worship.
• Entertainment services are dispersed within the city, in addition to active commercial activity that covers a wide range of products.

Key Landmarks and Districts in New Cairo

New Cairo City encompasses a wide range of neighbourhoods that vary in terms of economic and living standards. Here are some of the prominent neighbourhoods:

Narges District

Located near the famous Fifth Settlement, the Narges District is one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in New Cairo City. It accommodates residents from various social classes, ranging from middle-class to upscale. This neighbourhood offers all the amenities and services one might need, including luxurious compounds.

Banafseg District

Ideal for its strategic location, Banafseg District is close to the well-known 90th Street and the Ring Road. It comprises a mix of villas and apartment buildings, accommodating residents with various economic backgrounds. The district is known for its higher property costs, including both apartments and villas.

Beit El Watan Area

This area in New Cairo city is one of the regions developed by the New Urban Communities Authority itself. It was carefully chosen for its unique and strategic location, situated between Madinaty and Al Rehab City. It is near key landmarks within New Cairo, such as 90th Street, Suez Road, and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Axis.

Numerous residential compounds have been constructed in this area, including Bliss Compound in the Eighth District of Beit El Watan, Oras as a complementary district, and the Alexa Compound, among other significant compounds.

Fifth Settlement Area

Some mistakenly assume that the Fifth Settlement is synonymous with New Cairo. However, this is a common misconception. The Fifth Settlement is one of the first five districts established within New Cairo. It was among the initial areas developed by the New Urban Communities Authority, and it offers the essential aspects of urban life.

This district is home to several vital landmarks within New Cairo, including the New Cairo Institute of Information Technology. It also hosts some of the most renowned shopping malls, such as Seven Stars Mall, Merhaba Mall, and Silver Star. The Fifth Settlement also features the upscale Katameya Heights Compound, making it an attractive residential area within New Cairo.

Abu Al-Hawl Area

Abu Al-Hawl is considered a distinguished neighbourhood within New Cairo. It is a prime investment area, not due to high land prices but rather because it offers a relatively low price per square meter. Residential units in this area are typically found in low-rise buildings, making it suitable for families. Moreover, it is close to the Petrified Forest within the nearby natural reserve.

New Cairo City's Size

New Cairo City, with an area of 343 square kilometres (equivalent to 85,000 acres), is one of the largest new cities in the world. In 2016, it saw an addition of 15,000 acres through a ministerial decree. The city is located to the east of Cairo, neighbouring significant areas such as the New Administrative Capital and Ain Sokhna.

New Cairo enjoys a moderate climate year-round, with temperatures being five degrees lower on average than those in Cairo. The city's current population is estimated at 4.9 million, and despite its high population density of 40,040 individuals per square kilometre, its primary purpose is to alleviate the population pressure in Cairo.

Prominent Real Estate Developers in New Cairo

New Cairo has witnessed substantial growth in the real estate market, attracting major real estate development companies. These companies have undertaken extensive projects due to the city's favourable conditions and successful investment opportunities. Some of these prominent developers include:

• Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG): A leading real estate developer known for its extensive projects in Egypt and abroad. TMG has built a significant land bank spanning 45 million square meters.
• Palm Hills Developments: A prominent developer with a portfolio of 40 million square meters distributed across various new cities. The company is known for its upscale projects featuring excellent designs, attractive pricing, and flexible payment plans.
• Orascom Development: Backed by Naguib Sawiris, Orascom Development is a well-known developer. It possesses an extensive land bank of 50 million square meters distributed across multiple new cities in Egypt. The company guarantees the success of its projects, ensuring they meet high-quality standards, offer comfort, and exhibit elegance.
• Emaar Misr: Emaar Misr is an international corporation that has significantly contributed to real estate development in Egypt. With a land bank of 15 million square meters exclusively within new cities, the company delivers exceptional projects in terms of location and quality.
• Pyramids Real Estate Developments: Established in 1984, this company has gained a solid reputation over the years. It focuses on excellence in design and construction, using premium materials. Additionally, the company provides top-notch infrastructure services and various recreational activities.