Egypt doubles inhabited land to 14% as urban expansion accelerates: Housing Minister

Egypt’s inhabited land has expanded from 7 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent in 2015 as the country doubles down on urban expansion, with new cities, sustainable communities and coastal hubs central to its growth strategy, Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny said on Sunday.

Speaking at the opening session of the Builders of Egypt Forum, Minister El-Sherbiny credited President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership for driving rapid progress in urban development through close coordination between key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Transport and the Future of Egypt Authority.

Minister El-Sherbiny said the government is pressing ahead with plans to develop 22 green cities, including New Alamein and the New Administrative Capital. He also highlighted major national projects, such as the Decent Life initiative to upgrade rural villages, the redevelopment of informal areas like the Maspero Triangle, and efforts to restore historic and religious sites, including the Great Transfiguration project in Saint Catherine.

“We are now focusing on the north-western coast, aiming to create a sustainable urban centre with universities, industrial zones, and specialised medical facilities,” Minister El-Sherbiny said, pointing to New Alamein and a planned integrated coastal city designed to attract investment and improve living standards.

He added that several investment conferences are scheduled to highlight opportunities along Egypt’s prime coastal areas.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser