New Cairo

New Cairo is a modern satellite city within the Cairo Governorate of Egypt and the metropolitan area of Greater Cairo, whose formation was first initiated by a presidential decree in 1995 during the presidency of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Administratively, it is officially part of the Eastern Area of Cairo city, but like all new settlements in Egypt, it is directly governed by the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA). The city was established in 2000 as part of Egypt's strategic effort to alleviate the chronic congestion of Greater Cairo by decentralising population and economic activity. As of 2024, New Cairo covered 99,814 acres (40,393 Ha), and is made up of a mix of residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres, and institutional zones. It is home to several gated communities, private universities, malls, international schools, and corporate headquarters, positioning it as a hub for Cairo’s upper and elite classes. Its development reflects Egypt’s broader neoliberal urban planning strategies, aimed at attracting private investments and promoting modern and western lifestyles. According to the 2017 census, New Cairo's three qisms (police districts) had a combined population of 297,387 residents (also see population section below). The city could eventually host a population of 5 million. When compared to 6th of October, also built with the hopes of alleviating the strain on Cairo, more homes are being rented out in New Cairo. New Cairo has attracted both praise and criticism. While it is seen as a model for modern urban expansion, it is also scrutinised for social exclusivity and limited accessibility for lower-income classes.