The advisor to the President for Local Development and Chairman of the National Committee for the Protection and Development of Historic Cairo, along with Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber, chaired a meeting to follow up on the implementation of the Khedivial Cairo restoration project and the future vision for the area. The project aligns with the state's comprehensive plan to revive Downtown Cairo, preserve its historical and architectural identity, and enhance the quality of services, infrastructure, and the urban landscape.
During the meeting, Governor Saber stated that the project consists of four main phases: the first phase covered Tahrir Square, the second extended from Talaat Harb Square to Mustafa Kamel Square, the third includes the Opera Square precinct stretching to Talaat Harb Square, the fourth runs along Qasr El-Nil Street between Mustafa Kamel and Opera Squares, and the 26th of July Street precinct up to Opera Square, with concluding Talaat Harb Street restoration extending to 26th of July Street. He also said the project is a collaborative effort with the National Organization for Urban Harmony.
Saber also urged setting firm deadlines for the restoration of Downtown properties, maximizing the use of existing assets, and organizing activities aligned with Historic Cairo under the supervision of relevant authorities, civil society organizations, and local residents. He also urged prompt and effective execution.
Saber further urged to coordinate with all stakeholders to achieve optimal results within the approved timetable, alongside holding periodic cultural and artistic activities to boost social and cultural activity, and the integration of heritage features into the urban scene to restore vitality to Downtown Cairo.
Saber added that each street or district must have a coherent and integrated plan addressing traffic flow, signage, lighting poles, pavements, and markets, supported by an operational plan to guarantee adherence to timelines.
Moreover, Saber emphasized the importance of cooperation with civil society, stakeholders, and property owners to ensure sustainable development and economic activities. He also directed ongoing on‑the‑ground campaigns to restore order on the streets and remove encroachments.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Khaled Fouda urged strict adherence to the timelines for finalizing all restoration works, noting that the project includes the restoration of heritage façades, street repairs, improved lighting and utilities, and regaining the visual identity of historic buildings, thereby restoring Khedivial Cairo’s status as a cultural, touristic, and heritage destination.
Fouda also praised the efforts of the Cairo governorate and its executive bodies, adding that the project represents a model of cooperation between government, the private sector, and civil society to regain Downtown Cairo's vitality and turn it into a distinguished cultural and historical hub.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmad Anwar El-Adl, deputy Cairo governor; Mohammad Abu Saada, Head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony; Medhat Abdel Rahman, Head of the Fatimid Cairo Authority at the Central Agency for Reconstruction; Amr Attia, Chairman of the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels; Khalil Shaat, Chairman of Misr Real Estate Assets Company; Maha Abdel Razek, CEO of Misr Real Estate Assets Company; Counselor Mohammad Abazid, Legal Advisor to the Sovereign Fund; and Dr. Abdullah El-Sherif, Assistant Advisor to the President for Local Development.
🖋️Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
