Madbouly was accompanied by several ministers and senior officials, including Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, and Mohamed Abou Saada, Chairperson of the National Organization for Urban Harmony.

According to the Cabinet spokesperson, the tour focused on efforts to revive major streets in downtown Cairo under a comprehensive master plan designed to rehabilitate historic and Khedival Cairo and restore the district’s distinctive architectural and cultural identity.

The inspection also included newly opened traffic corridors intended to improve mobility and ease congestion between Cairo’s historic areas.

Madbouly said projects to revive historic Cairo are receiving strong government support and are being implemented at an accelerated pace alongside Egypt’s wider urban expansion and infrastructure agenda. He said the efforts reflect the state’s vision of achieving integrated urban development while preserving the capital’s historical character.

The prime minister began the tour by inspecting restoration works at Qasr al-Tahrir, the former headquarters of Egypt’s Foreign Ministry overlooking Tahrir Square. The building was originally constructed in 1907 as a palace for Princess Neamatallah, daughter of Khedive Tawfiq, and designed by Italian architect Antonio Lasciac.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber said the project includes restoring the building’s facades, surrounding gardens and public spaces, in addition to installing modern lighting systems and rehabilitating mosaic and decorative marble elements to preserve the palace’s historical and architectural significance.

He added that the first phase of restoration works, covering facades overlooking the Arab League headquarters and the Semiramis InterContinental Hotel, has reached 95% completion, while the second phase is focused on the main facade facing Tahrir Square.

Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Mohamed Abou Bakr noted that the palace became the official headquarters of Egypt’s Foreign Ministry in 1930 and hosted international delegations and diplomatic figures for decades, making it part of Egypt’s modern diplomatic history.

During the downtown tour, Madbouly also attended the launch of the “Art Street” initiative in the Bourse Triangle and Sherifein Street area, implemented in cooperation with Cairo Governorate and the Academy of Arts.

The Cairo governor said the initiative seeks to transform public spaces into open platforms for artistic expression through activities including painting, music, singing, dance, puppetry and caricature art. The programme aims to make arts more accessible while supporting emerging talent.

He added that the initiative forms part of the broader “Bridges of Creativity” strategy, which also includes the “Music and Arts Kiosk” project to host performances in parks and public gardens, alongside plans for a specialised centre dedicated to supporting and training young artists.

Madbouly observed a range of performances during the event, including ballet inspired by Russian, Italian and Spanish schools, as well as traditional Egyptian tahtib performances, tanoura dance shows and puppet theatre presentations involving dozens of young artists.

The prime minister also reviewed projects aimed at improving the visual identity of downtown Cairo through restoring historic facades, removing visual distortions, standardising commercial signage and upgrading pavements and lighting systems.

Saber said the third phase of redevelopment works, extending between Tahrir Square and Talaat Harb Square, has been fully completed after restoring the facades of 21 buildings. The fourth phase, extending toward 26th of July Street and covering 24 additional buildings, is currently underway.

The tour also included Al-Alfi Street, which has been transformed into a pedestrian cultural and tourism promenade following infrastructure upgrades, improved lighting and landscaping works, alongside a self-financing maintenance model managed by local stakeholders.

Madbouly further reviewed the redevelopment project for the Old Opera district, which includes redesigning the facades of the Opera Garage in a style inspired by the historic Cairo Opera House, as well as plans to convert the garage’s administrative building into a hotel to support tourism and investment activity in downtown Cairo.

Officials from the National Organization for Urban Harmony said restoration and urban rehabilitation efforts across Khedival Cairo will continue as part of a broader government plan to preserve the capital’s architectural heritage and historic identity.

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The tour began with a visit to Tahrir Palace, formerly the headquarters of Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where restoration works are underway to preserve the building’s architectural heritage and upgrade surrounding public spaces.

Accompanied by senior ministers and officials, Madbouly reviewed progress on façade restoration, lighting upgrades, garden rehabilitation and preservation works being implemented under the supervision of Cairo and the National Organization for Urban Harmony.

Officials said the palace, originally designed in 1907 by Italian architect Antonio Lasciac as a residence for Princess Neamatallah Tawfik, daughter of Khedive Tawfik, later became the headquarters of Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1930 and hosted numerous diplomatic events and international delegations over several decades.

The prime minister then toured a number of downtown streets and squares as part of Cairo’s ongoing visual identity enhancement programme targeting the revival of Khedivial Cairo.

According to Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, authorities have completed several phases of façade restoration extending across Tahrir Square, Talaat Harb Square and surrounding streets, including the rehabilitation of more than 20 heritage buildings to restore their original architectural character.

Madbouly also inspected redevelopment works at Al-Alfi Street, which has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly cultural and tourism corridor through infrastructure upgrades, granite paving, landscaping, façade restoration and improved lighting systems.

Officials highlighted a maintenance model adopted in the area through a self-funded owners’ association responsible for financing ongoing upkeep and preserving the district’s upgraded appearance.

The tour also included the historic Opera district redevelopment project, which aims to revive the area’s architectural identity through restoring surrounding heritage facades and redesigning the current Opera Garage façade to reflect the style of the former Egyptian Opera House.

Authorities are also studying plans to convert the Opera Garage administrative building into a hotel as part of efforts to support tourism and maximise the use of state-owned assets in central Cairo.

Madbouly later travelled via the newly developed Salah Salem corridor to inspect ongoing works in the districts of Sayeda Aisha and Sayeda Nafisa.

The upgraded Salah Salem axis extends nearly three kilometres from the Citadel area to Fustat and was implemented in cooperation with the Armed Forces Engineering Authority to ease congestion and improve connectivity between Old Cairo and surrounding neighbourhoods.

During the tour, the prime minister reviewed plans to transform Sayeda Aisha Square into an open-air museum and tourism promenade reflecting the district’s historical and cultural significance.

Madbouly also inspected a series of artistic murals being developed beneath Al-Abageya Bridge, featuring mosaics and heritage-inspired artwork intended to enhance the visual identity of the area and integrate artistic elements into major urban development projects.

The prime minister further reviewed the new Sayeda Aisha transport terminal, developed to replace the previous temporary station that had contributed to severe traffic congestion near Al-Misbah Mosque.

Officials said the new terminal can accommodate nearly 1,000 vehicles while maintaining existing transport routes, as part of broader efforts to modernise public transport infrastructure and eliminate informal parking areas.

The tour additionally highlighted restoration works underway at several historic mosques and Islamic landmarks in the Sayeda Aisha district, including Al-Misbah Mosque, Al-Ghouri Mosque, and the minarets of Qawsun and the Sultanate Mausoleum.

During his downtown visit, Madbouly also attended the launch of the “Street of Art” initiative in the Bourse Triangle and Sherifein Street area, implemented in cooperation with the Academy of Arts.

The initiative aims to transform Cairo’s streets into open-air cultural spaces through live performances, music, painting, theatre, puppetry, caricature art and traditional Egyptian folklore shows.

Officials said the project aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and reflects the state’s broader strategy to support cultural industries, preserve national identity and strengthen Cairo’s position as a cultural and tourism destination.

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Awad held a meeting with Hossam El-Shaer, chairperson of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, to discuss sustainable investment opportunities. The meeting was attended by Sherif Abdel Rahim, chief executive of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, alongside ministry assistants, advisors, and officials.

The minister stipulated that development proposals for the Peace Park, an upgrade to the Ras Mohammed Reserve visitor centre, and an environmental project in the Nabq Reserve—which must align with its specific investment map—are required to be presented to ministry nature protection experts and technical bodies for rigorous review before any approvals are issued.

Awad stated that any investment in natural assets must adhere to strict controls to protect ecosystems from negative impacts. She emphasised that proposed projects in the Peace Park must align with the city’s environmental identity and cultural heritage, improving the tourist experience without harming natural resources, to qualify the site as a global ecotourism destination. The ministry’s approach, she noted, merges economic development with nature conservation by ensuring projects use materials and designs harmonious with their surroundings.

Environmental investment is currently a state priority, Awad said, characterising it as a promising pathway to develop resources, boost the green economy, and support growing local and international demand for ecotourism.

Awad directed the ministry’s investment committee to expedite decisions on investor offers once submitted. She affirmed the state welcomes private sector partnerships in ecotourism projects, provided there is full compliance with environmental standards to preserve natural resources for future generations.

The Ministry of Local Development and Environment is currently upgrading environmental infrastructure and visitor services at nature reserves, implementing a modernised system to manage tourist activities in cooperation with the private sector. The ministry states these efforts are designed to balance development with nature protection and enhance Egypt’s regional position in nature reserve management.

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In its latest report, Leveraging Natural Beauty: Unlocking Egypt’s North Coast Residential and Hospitality Markets Potential, JLL said the region has evolved from a seasonal summer retreat into a year-round coastal destination attracting both regional and international capital.

The report identified strategic government initiatives, major infrastructure upgrades and partnerships with international developers as the primary drivers behind the North Coast’s accelerated growth, particularly in key hotspots including Sidi Abdel Rahman, Ras El Hekma and New Alamein City.

Ayman Sami, Country Head of JLL Egypt, said the market now offers substantial opportunities for regional and international investors, supported by policy reforms and government-led urban planning initiatives aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2052 strategy.

According to the report, residential demand is being driven primarily by second-home buyers, including affluent Egyptian families, expatriates seeking investment and vacation properties, and GCC investors attracted by the Mediterranean coastline, favourable climate and integrated resort communities.

JLL noted that the North Coast’s residential supply pipeline is witnessing a significant westward expansion, supported by the Western North Coast Development Project. While Sidi Abdel Rahman currently accounts for around 43.5% of completed residential inventory, Ras El Hekma is expected to dominate future development activity by 2030, representing nearly 38.2% of the projected residential pipeline of approximately 126,600 units.

The report highlighted the strategic importance of Ras El Hekma’s planned integrated city project, which spans around 170 million square metres and is backed by a $35bn partnership with Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ. The development is expected to attract nearly $150bn in foreign investments over the long term.

Meanwhile, New Alamein City is being positioned as a permanent urban and economic hub integrating residential districts, educational institutions and commercial activities to encourage year-round occupancy rather than seasonal use.

JLL said the residential market has recorded exceptional price growth over the past two years, with average residential prices per square metre surging by nearly 390% across all districts and property types between 2023 and the third quarter of 2025.

Villas posted the sharpest increase, with prices climbing by more than 519% to approximately EGP 298,800 per square metre. Townhouse prices rose by 361%, while apartments and chalets recorded increases of around 277%.

Western districts, particularly Ras El Hekma, experienced the strongest appreciation, with prices rising from EGP 43,667 per square metre in 2023 to nearly EGP 217,768 in the third quarter of 2025.

The hospitality sector is also playing a central role in reshaping the market. Existing hotel inventory currently stands at around 4,000 hotel keys, with supply projected to increase to approximately 6,700 keys by 2030, representing growth of nearly 67%.

JLL expects hospitality investments along the North Coast to contribute around $40.7bn between 2026 and 2030, accounting for nearly 30% of total hospitality investments in the market during that period.

Despite the strong outlook, the report advised investors to closely monitor seasonal demand patterns, infrastructure delivery timelines and currency fluctuations when evaluating future opportunities along Egypt’s rapidly expanding North Coast.

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The project reflects a partnership between the two companies aimed at developing a hospitality destination in one of Egypt’s key tourism areas, combining hotel management expertise with real estate development experience.

According to the companies, the hotel will offer direct views of the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with a concept focused on blending Egyptian heritage with contemporary hospitality standards.

The launch ceremony was attended by government officials, business leaders, representatives from the tourism and real estate sectors, and media figures. The event included the unveiling of a hotel room mock-up, along with entertainment performances and a dinner reception.

The companies said the project is part of broader efforts to support Egypt’s tourism sector and expand hospitality offerings in areas surrounding major historical attractions.

Triumph Hotels Management and M|A Group stated that the project aims to contribute to the growth of Egypt’s tourism and hospitality market while enhancing accommodation options near the country’s major archaeological landmarks.

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Speaking at The Investor Conference, Mounir underscored the government’s prioritization of the tourism sector, with a particular focus on expanding hotel capacity and maximizing the value of Egypt’s unique tourism assets. He noted that the Authority is working under clear directives to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The Authority’s efforts are concentrated in key tourism regions, notably South Sinai and the Red Sea, the latter serving as Egypt’s most significant tourism hub. Over the past 35 years, the Authority has added nearly 110,000 hotel rooms and more than 106,000 tourism housing units. Together, these account for approximately 250,000 units, nearly half of Egypt’s total hospitality capacity.

Despite this progress, Mounir emphasized that current figures remain below Egypt’s true potential, given its globally competitive offerings. He revealed that the Authority is recalibrating the tourism investment framework, with a particular focus on addressing inefficiencies in tourism housing.

A central pillar of the reform involves converting a portion of the 106,000 underutilized housing units into fully serviced, hotel-managed assets. This shift is expected to improve operational efficiency, boost investment returns, and integrate idle inventory into the formal tourism ecosystem. Linking these units to international hotel management systems and booking platforms would further enhance Egypt’s competitiveness and service quality.

Mounir highlighted that existing infrastructure across tourism development zones is already equipped to support expansion without requiring substantial new land allocations. Many projects remain incomplete, offering significant opportunities to increase capacity within current masterplans.

The strategy reflects Egypt’s broader vision to position itself among the world’s leading tourist destinations, delivering stronger returns for investors and improved experiences for visitors alike.

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The discovery, made by a Supreme Council of Antiquities rescue excavation mission, reveals a complete cultural sequence spanning the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the continuous settlement at the site is highlighted by the discovery of a ‘Tholoi’ style circular bathhouse and a Roman villa, which demonstrate advanced urban planning and welfare during those eras.

The site provides a comprehensive model of the evolution of residential and service architecture in ancient Alexandria, said Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector. Excavators uncovered advanced water facilities, including a small swimming pool connected to the Roman villa that features an integrated water management system.

Abdel Badie added that the mosaic floors utilised both *Opus Tessellatum* and *Opus Sectile* techniques, reflecting the diversity of artistic schools present in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

The excavation yielded a variety of movable artefacts, including marble statues of the deities Bacchus and Asclepius, as well as a headless statue believed to depict Minerva. Researchers also recovered coins, oil lamps, pottery, and fragments of stamped amphorae, which indicate prosperous commercial and cultural activity and wide-ranging Mediterranean trade relations.

The findings fill an archaeological gap in the previously under-studied southeastern sector of ancient Alexandria, according to Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities. Hussein noted that the results support and help re-evaluate historical maps of the city, particularly the work of Mahmoud Bey El Falaki. El Falaki’s maps represent one of the earliest scientific attempts to reconstruct Alexandria’s urban layout using a combination of astronomical measurements, topographical studies, and historical analysis.

Hussein said the discoveries confirm the area remained within the city’s walls until the Byzantine era, before its importance declined due to changes in urban planning.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated that the discovery redraws the urban map of ancient Alexandria and serves as a qualitative addition to its archaeological record. Fathy said the find reflects the city’s historical importance as a cultural centre and underscores ongoing efforts to balance heritage preservation with sustainable development plans through rescue excavations.

The excavation spanned several months, according to Ibrahim Mostafa, head of the mission and director of the central district. Mostafa said the team has begun initial restoration of the discoveries before transferring them to specialised laboratories. Authorities are currently studying the display of the most prominent pieces at the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, while excavations at the site continue.

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The delegation included chief executives from prominent companies operating in the German market, such as Bentour Reisen, Sancarbarlaz Tours, Biblische Reisen, Ferien Touristik, Coral Travel, and DER Tour. The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board, and Ashraf Mohieldin, Director General of Giza Antiquities.

The discussions took place as part of a familiarisation trip organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in co-operation with the German Travel Association, running until 27 April. The visit aims to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in one of Egypt’s most important source markets.

Talks covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional developments and their implications for global tourism flows, as well as industry challenges such as rising aviation fuel costs. Participants also reviewed global tourism trends, with particular focus on inbound travel to Egypt, which continues to show positive performance indicators.

Fathy outlined the Ministry’s tourism strategy, which centres on leveraging Egypt’s diverse and globally unique tourism offerings. The approach focuses on expanding and enhancing tourism products and experiences, while opening new destinations to attract a broader range of international visitors.

He highlighted emerging opportunities in areas such as the North Coast, alongside established cultural and heritage attractions. The Minister also pointed to specialised tourism segments being actively promoted, including the Holy Family Trail, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and other niche offerings.

In addition, Fathy noted ongoing preparations for the opening of the Aten Museum in Minya, a project expected to drive increased tourist flows to Upper Egypt.

For their part, Loidl and the accompanying delegation commended Egypt’s significant infrastructure development in recent years, noting its positive impact on the overall tourism experience. They also praised the Grand Egyptian Museum as a major addition to Egypt’s tourism portfolio, enhancing its global competitiveness.

The familiarisation programme includes visits to key tourist and archaeological sites across Cairo, Alexandria, and the North Coast, offering participants first-hand insight into the breadth of Egypt’s tourism products.

The visit also aims to introduce less conventional destinations to the German market and encourage their inclusion in future tour programmes. Officials see this as a key step towards boosting inbound tourism from Germany, while showcasing recent developments across Egypt’s tourism sector.

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During the talks in Cairo, Al-Sisi also affirmed Egypt’s commitment to de-escalating ongoing regional tensions. Sultan Saifuddin praised the Egyptian role in pushing efforts to establish peace, security, and stability regionally and globally, while striving for a better future for all peoples, according to the official presidency spokesman, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.

Sisi welcomed the Sultan alongside his sons, Prince Ja’far al-Sadiq Imaduddin, Prince Taha Najmuddin, and Prince Husain Burhanuddin, as well as the Sultan’s Cairo representative, Mufaddal Muhammad Hasan.

The Egyptian president praised the long history of relations between Egypt and the Bohra sect. He highlighted the sect’s developmental and charitable projects in the country, as well as its role in restoring archaeological sites and the mosques and shrines of Ahl al-Bayt. Al-Sisi confirmed that Egypt is keen to continue developing these mosques and will provide all possible assistance to facilitate the sect’s work in this area.

In response, Sultan Saifuddin expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he consistently receives during his visits to Egypt. The spokesman noted that the Sultan reiterated the sect’s ongoing efforts to maintain and restore the Ahl al-Bayt and archaeological mosques, and underscored his interest in increasing cultural, recreational, and religious tourism to the country by members of the Bohra community.

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The find was made by a Spanish mission from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of the Ancient Near East, led by Maite Mascort and Esther Pons Mellado. Excavations uncovered a rare Roman-era tomb containing several mummies, some wrapped in elaborately decorated linen with geometric motifs. Wooden coffins were also found, along with three golden tongues and one copper tongue—ritual objects believed to have been placed in the mouths of the dead. Traces of gold leaf applied to some mummies further highlight the richness of burial practices.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a valuable addition to Minya’s growing record of significant finds, underscoring Egypt’s cultural diversity across historical eras. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the mission also uncovered a rare papyrus inside one mummy, containing a passage from Book Two of Homer’s Iliad—the famed Catalogue of Ships—adding a remarkable literary dimension to the site.

Excavations east of Ptolemaic Tomb No. 67 revealed a trench with three partially preserved limestone chambers. In one chamber, archaeologists found a stone slab and a jar containing cremated remains of an adult, an infant’s bones, and the head of a feline, all wrapped in textiles. Another chamber held a jar with two cremated individuals and animal bones of the same species.

South of the site, terracotta and bronze figurines were unearthed, including depictions of Harpocrates as a horseman and a small statue of Cupid. Meanwhile, work in Tomb No. 65 revealed additional golden and copper tongues, Roman-period mummies, and painted wooden coffins inside a hypogeum, though the tomb showed signs of ancient looting.

Professor Hassan Amer of Cairo University emphasized that these discoveries reinforce El-Bahnasa’s importance as a key archaeological site, continuing to reveal Egypt’s layered and multicultural past.

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