New Capital

The New Capital is where Egypt’s past meets the future. A land that gave the world countless monuments lasting for thousands of years is now reshaping to meet new realities. That vision has taken form in a bold, futuristic megacity designed to carry Egypt into the 21st century and beyond.

The New Capital is not just another landmark in Cairo. It is one of the most aspiring urban projects in the Middle East, designed to ease the severe burdens of Cairo while creating a new hub for government, business, culture, and modern living. This attempt is to build a city that competes with Dubai Skyline, matches Singapore’s efficiency, and reflects the deep historical soul of Cairo all at once.

The Foundation Story of The New Capital

By the mid-2010s, the population in Cairo was about 20 million people, and it had become one of the largest and overpopulated cities in the world. Besides its energy and vitality, the population created urgent problems of congestion and pollution. In 2015, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared a bold solution to resolve the congestion in Cairo and laid the foundation for long-term growth by creating an entirely new city in eastern Cairo. The construction began the following year with a vision to redirect the population to the east and to create a new mega center for Egypt’s government, finance, and culture.

Located about 45 kilometers east of downtown Cairo and 60 kilometers from the Suez Canal, the New Administrative Capital is designed to become the new seat of government. This wasn’t the first attempt at decentralization; Egypt witnessed the rise of other cities, such as 6th of October City and New Cairo. But the New Capital is on another scale entirely; it is a mega project that aims not just to move people but to redefine how Egyptians live, work, and interact in an increasingly globalized world

The plan of the New Capital includes a presidential palace, a parliament building, and dedicated space for embassies. Over 30 ministries will reposition to the New Capital. Additionally, the city will contain a government district and spaces for business, finance, arts, and future investment.

Building the City of Tomorrow

The construction officially began in 2016, backed by a mix of state-owned land sales, foreign investment, and major partnerships with Chinese firms, such as the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). The idea was not only to build housing but to establish an entire urban ecosystem, including ministries, embassies, business centers, schools, hospitals, cultural venues, and vast green spaces.

At the center of the New Capital lies the Government District. Within a few years, this district will be the beating heart of Egyptian political life. The multi-layered urban hub of the New Capital is designed to serve both Egyptians and international visitors, and it will be as follows:

• The Central Business District (CBD).
• The Green River Park.
• Residential neighborhoods.
• Cultural complexes.
• Stadiums.
• Universities.
• medical centers.

A Skyline Built for the World Stage

• The centerpiece of the New Capital’s skyline is the Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa. Rising 400 meters with 77 floors, the tower combines residential apartments, luxury offices, hotels, and observation decks with extensive views across the desert landscape.
• The Central Business District features more than 30 high-rise towers, creating a modern horizon that recalls the skyscraper clusters of Shanghai or Dubai. For Egyptians long accustomed to Cairo’s low-rise sprawl punctuated by historic domes and minarets, the New Capital offers a glimpse of what a truly 21st-century cityscape can look like.
• This grandeur isn’t limited to glass and steel. Following Egypt’s long tradition of building at scale, the New Capital has also embraced record-breaking cultural and religious landmarks.

Modern Marvels with Egyptian Spirit

• The Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques globally, and can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers. Inside the mosque hangs the world’s heaviest chandelier, an achievement of engineering and artistry.
• The Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the largest Coptic cathedral in the Middle East, provides spaces for over 8,000 worshippers, symbolizing Egypt’s religious diversity and unity.
• The New Capital Stadium, with seating for nearly 94,000, is part of a wider Olympic City complex that could one day host events on a global scale, from the African Cup of Nations to perhaps even the FIFA World Cup.

Harmony between Nature and innovation

The New Capital is not only a vision, it is also a testing ground for Egypt’s green ambitions. After hosting the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Egyptian government has shown a serious commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

The New Capital’s government district is generated by solar panels that provide 30% of its total electricity, and across the entire city, the target is for 60 to 70% of electricity to come from renewable sources. Solar panels cover rooftops, smart grids manage distribution, and even street lighting runs on renewable energy.

The New Capital also aims to recycle 100% of its waste through advanced sorting, treatment, and biomass energy programs. Smart water systems reduce waste and ensure efficient irrigation of green spaces, while AI-driven management platforms monitor energy, traffic, and environmental data in real time.

The Green River

The Green River is one of the most visible symbols of the city’s urban and sustainability-focused vision. Stretching over 35 kilometers, this vast green corridor brings a continuous line of green space into the heart of the city. It weaves through the city as a cooling, recreational, and ecological lifeline offering residents jogging tracks, picnic areas, gardens, lakes, and performance spaces. For a country often associated with deserts, the Green River is a bold declaration that Egypt is determined to make sustainability part of its urban future.

Green Standards lead to Greater Rewards

To shape a truly sustainable future, the New Capital actively encourages developers to embrace eco-friendly practices. Projects that integrate green building techniques and reach specific sustainability goals are rewarded with attractive incentives. The Development (ACUD) offers special benefits to projects that achieve internationally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards, ensuring that the city’s growth aligns with global environmental standards.

The New Capital Soul of Art and Culture

The New Capital’s design includes open, green spaces for outdoor events, including art pavilions, cinemas, and libraries. Additionally, there will be a complex for art and culture, which includes:

• Grand opera house with 20,000 seats.
• A central library spanning 9,000 meters.
• Exhibition halls spanning 8500 meters.
• Theatres, galleries, and studios.

A Revolution of Egyptian Transport

The New Capital transportation system is unlike anything Egypt has seen before. Connections to and within the New Administrative Capital are mainly the Light Rail Transit System (LRT), the monorail, and modern roads supported by an artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system. The New Capital has set out to integrate modern, smart transport systems from the very beginning.

Light Rail Transit (LRT)

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides an electrified rail link that travels up to 120 km/h, carrying over 1,300 passengers, making the journey between Cairo and the New Capital now takes less than one hour. The LRT began operations in 2022 and provides a fast link between Cairo, the New Administrative Capital, and 10th of Ramadan City.

The Monorail

The Monorail is still under construction, scheduled to begin trials in 2025. It will span over 96 km, linking eastern Cairo with the New Capital. Moreover, it will also connect with Cairo Metro line 3, ensuring an easy way to reach the heart of the city.

The New Capital International Airport

Covering about 5,000 square meters, the New Capital International Airport is a key gateway to the city. The airport connects the New Administrative Capital with both domestic and international destinations, strengthening the New Capital’s role as a global hub.

A City for Future Generations

The New Capital is more than a city; it is a vision, it tells the world that Egypt, a country celebrated for its glorious past, is equally determined to shape its future. The combination of futuristic architecture with sustainability, blending modern transport with cultural hubs, and creating spaces that invite both citizens and visitors.

Thinking of investing in the New Administrative Capital, contact us at Maqam Urban Development, and our Sales Team will guide you to make your best investment.