Egypt revitalizing Historic Cairo as heritage capital for Arab, Islamic worlds: PM

CAIRO – 16 May 2026: Egypt is working to restore Historic Cairo’s civilizational status, in line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s vision of shifting administrative functions to the New Capital, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Saturday.

The move aims to save and revitalize Historic Cairo as a cultural and heritage capital for Egypt, the Arab world and the Islamic world, Madbouly added in televised remarks during a tour to inspect renovation works in the area.

Madbouly said that when the New Capital project was launched, some critics argued it would amount to abandoning Old Cairo and lead to its deterioration. However, the opposite has occurred, he stressed.

He added that at the time, President El-Sisi has directed to ease pressure on Old Cairo and allow for its revival and restoration through focused efforts to develop and rehabilitate its heritage districts.

Madbouly said that, today, he has been keen to visit two major historic districts in Cairo: Khedivial Cairo; and Islamic and Historic Cairo.

He pointed out that development works in Khedivial Cairo included the restoration and upgrading of the old Ministry of Foreign Affairs building to the highest standards, in addition to the rehabilitation of historic buildings across the district.

He also referred to the works carried out in Tahrir Square during the ceremony of transferring the Royal Mummies, which extended to all surrounding buildings and streets.

The prime minister also spoke about his inspection of Talaat Harb Street, Boursa Triangle, and Sherifein Street, which is now referred to as Art Street.

Madbouly said he had directed the governor of Cairo to organize weekly events in Art Street and other areas within Historic Cairo to support young artists and promote cultural tourism in Egypt through artistic performances reflecting authentic Egyptian identity.

He noted that he also inspected the Opera area and Alfi Street to follow up on ongoing development works in line with the state’s modern vision.

This includes the establishment of hotels, large administrative buildings and upscale retail outlets, as well as the conversion of some streets into pedestrian zones, in a move aimed at enhancing the aesthetic value of Khedivial Cairo and reinforcing its status as a cultural and tourist destination, he added.

Madbouly further said that development works are continuing in the areas surrounding the mosques of Sayyida Nafisa, Sayyida Aisha and Imam Al-Shafi’i, as well as nearby districts, with the aim of transforming them into spaces befitting Egypt’s long history.

He noted that some existing buildings and activities were not compatible with the historic nature of these areas and that a significant portion has already been relocated.