AD: Tracking the Growth of Egypt's New Capital

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2 days ago

AD: Tracking the Growth of Egypt's New Capital
With ministries, universities, cultural landmarks, and growing residential communities in place, the New Capital is preparing for Phase 2.
Fifty kilometres east of Cairo, Egypt's New Capital is shifting from an ambitious blueprint to a functioning urban centre. Conceived as part of a broader national plan to expand and modernise the country's urban footprint, the city now houses ministries, universities, cultural landmarks, and a growing residential population—while laying the groundwork for its next phase.
The master developer is the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), a joint stock company operating under the Egyptian Tax Authority. ACUD is self-financed, carries no debt, and is responsible for overseeing the capital's phased development, infrastructure, and urban planning.
Phase 1, which covers the government district, major residential zones, and core infrastructure, is 70% complete and operational. Around 25,000 families live in the city, alongside 50,000 government employees, 12,000 university students, and 20,000 school pupils. The Egyptian Cabinet has operated from here for two years, with all ministries now based in purpose-built offices.
Education has emerged as a cornerstone of the New Capital's development. Six universities are already in operation—including the University of Hertfordshire, Egypt University of Informatics, the European Universities in Egypt, the Universities of Canada in Egypt, the German International University, and The Knowledge Hub. School options range from the Nile Egyptian International Schools to the Royal Canadian School-Cairo, New Capital English Schools, Cadmus International Schools, Citadel International School, and NIS by Dr. Nermien Ismail.
Civic and cultural landmarks have also taken shape. The City of Arts and Culture has hosted concerts from Egyptian soprano Amira Selim and international artists such as Michael Bublè. Egypt's Islamic Cultural Center and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ stand as architectural and symbolic anchors for the city.
Connectivity, often a critical measure of a new city's viability, has been prioritised. The New Capital links to Cairo and New Cairo through an expanded road network, with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) already operational and the Monorail set to follow. Inside the city, an internal bus network connects to LRT and Monorail stops, supplemented by New Capital Cab and ride-hailing services like Uber, Careem, Indrive, and Didi. From the city centre, New Cairo is a 30-minute drive; central Cairo takes around 90 minutes.
The city's lifestyle offering continues to expand, from hospitality like St. Regis Almasa New Capital to wellness, leisure, and retail spaces. Public services, including hospitals and municipal facilities, are being integrated alongside residential and commercial developments.
With Phase 2 now in the master planning stage, the New Capital is positioned to scale further—adding new districts, facilities, and transport links. For Egypt, it is both a statement of intent and a long-term investment in reshaping how its cities grow. For those already living, working, and studying here, it is a place not in theory, but in practice.