Satellite images show construction of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital has accelerated after a period of slower progress.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi launched the project in 2015 and it is estimated that it will cost more than $100 billion. The plan revives long-standing visions of past presidents to build a new seat of power beyond historically crowded Cairo.
Why It Matters
The new capital is another example of a broader regional trend where Middle Eastern and Arab governments, especially in the post–Arab Spring era, have turned to large-scale construction projects to project progress, attract investment, and respond to internal political criticism.
These megaprojects often aim at showcasing commitments to sustainability through incorporating green spaces, renewable energy, and environmentally conscious infrastructure to align with global trends and national image-building efforts.
What To Know
Satellite images from Google Earth that were captured in March 2025 showed significant construction progress at the site, located nearly 28 miles east of Cairo.
Known as the New Administrative Capital where government functions have already transitioned, the city includes cultural and architectural highlights such as e a 70-story tower — already the tallest in Africa — alongside religious sites including the Middle East’s largest cathedral and a grand mosque.
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The Octagon, set to be the new headquarters of Egypt’s Ministry of Defense, is a massive complex in the new capital, that could exceed the Pentagon in scale as Egypt aims for what would be the world’s most massive military building, according to local media reports.
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The project includes residential zones intended for various income levels, from middle-income apartments to luxury villas. However, many Cairo residents have voiced frustration over the high costs, saying the housing remains out of reach for the average citizen despite promises of broader accessibility.
The plan has faced criticism over cost priorities amid Egypt’s economic struggles, which have prompted multiple devaluations of the pound—from around 7 EGP to the dollar in 2015 to nearly 50 today. Urban planning experts have also criticized the project for prioritizing car-centric infrastructure over pedestrian-friendly design, arguing that it departs from contemporary principles of human-centered urban development.
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Envisioned as a vast urban oasis twice the size of New York’s Central Park, the Green River Park is designed as a river-like chain of expansive parks. it is designed to stretch over 20 miles and link neighborhoods across the capital. The government hopes the landmark will draw millions of visitors annually, according to state media reports.
What Happens Next
The Egyptian government is accelerating infrastructure work in the New Administrative Capital—completing roads, transit systems, and government zones—to support the relocation of ministries and residents.
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