Egypt pushes ahead with restoration of Khedival Cairo, PM inspects progress

Egypt is pressing ahead with a major restoration of Khedival Cairo to revive the historic downtown district as a cultural and tourism hub, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said on Saturday.

The government aims to preserve the district’s architectural and urban character while eliminating distortions, unifying shop signs and restoring façades to their original design, Madbouly said in a Cabinet statement.

Minister of Housing Sherif El-Sherbiny said each building is being studied individually and restored by specialised technicians under the supervision of the Housing Directorate.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber described the project as a national priority backed by political leadership, with plans to repurpose historic buildings, create pedestrian-only zones such as El-Shereifen Triangle and the stock exchange area, and transform parts of the city into open-air museums.

The restoration is unfolding in phases: Tahrir Square has been completed, followed by works from Talaat Harb Square to Mostafa Kamel Square via Kasr El-Nil Street. The third phase, now under way, covers Talaat Harb Street between Tahrir and Talaat Harb squares, supported technically by the National Organisation for Urban Harmony.

Saber said the initiative seeks to revive Khedival Cairo’s cultural role, enhance its tourism appeal and reaffirm its position as one of Egypt’s most prominent architectural landmarks.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser