In a bold move to reclaim its historical glory, Egypt is embarking on a grand project to revive Khedivial Cairo, transforming it into a flourishing tourist and cultural destination akin to its past reputation as the “Paris of the East.” Spearheaded by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, this initiative aims to blend the rich heritage of the area with modern amenities, including luxury hotels and cultural attractions, to attract global visitors.
Khedivial Cairo was once the vibrant heart of the city during Khedive Ismail’s reign, stretching from the Qasr Al-Nil Bridge to the Attaba area. This historic district owes much of its grandeur to the influence of French urban planner Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who was commissioned by Khedive Ismail after a transformative visit to Paris in 1867. Haussmann’s design reshaped Cairo into a city of breathtaking beauty, mirroring the elegance of Paris and earning its nickname from Western observers.
Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s unwavering commitment to reviving historic Cairo, which had suffered considerable neglect in recent years. “Without a clear vision and strong political will, the remarkable changes we see today at the Magra El-Oyoun Wall would not have been possible,” Madbouly remarked during his tour of the area.
The Egyptian government, with an impressive investment of approximately EGP 22.2 billion, is undertaking extensive redevelopment projects across downtown Cairo. These initiatives aim to restore the architectural and urban identity of Khedivial Cairo, including key sites like Azbakeya Garden, Opera Square, and the Maspero Triangle, among others.
Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El-Sherbiny detailed the comprehensive redevelopment efforts, which cover an area of 1.9 million square meters. Encompassing 1,300 buildings, 26,000 residential and administrative units, and 2,600 commercial spaces, the projects are part of a master plan to rejuvenate Cairo’s core.
The revival plan includes offering Hotels development investment opportunities for the main Government buildings that stretch through-out downtown, including the buildings of The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other National Organizations buildings. On the other hand, the Government is further planning to present the same investment opportunities in other areas like The Ministry of Tourism building in Zamalek and the Fairgrounds in Nasr city, which all represent major opportunities for investment.
The Azbakeya Garden, a central element of this revival, is being restored according to three guiding principles aimed at preserving its historical features. In addition, the redevelopment of the Maspero district and Ain El-Sira is underway, with the latter being transformed into a recreational green space, expanding Cairo’s green areas by 500 acres.
Sherif El-Sherbiny also highlighted the significance of the Fustat Gardens project, part of Egypt’s larger vision to enhance urban green spaces, making them accessible to the city’s residents.
This ambitious transformation is designed to position Cairo as a top global tourist destination, enhancing its roles in commerce, culture, tourism, and services. The restoration of these historic landmarks is not just about preserving the past but also about creating a vibrant future for the city.
Prime Minister Madbouly concluded by noting, “This area is not only the memory of Egypt but also an essential part of its civilization.” The revival of Khedivial Cairo stands as a testament to Egypt’s dedication to honoring its heritage while embracing the future, offering a unique blend of history and modernity for tourists and residents alike.
As the “Paris of the East” is reborn, Cairo’s skyline will once again reflect its storied past and its aspirations for the future, inviting the world to witness its transformation firsthand.
