On Monday, October 7, 2024, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, announced the country’s celebration of Arab Housing Day under the theme “Enhancing Participation and Transparency in Urban Planning.” The event coincides with World Habitat Day and serves as a reminder of the importance of housing as a fundamental human right, and the vital role governments play in fulfilling this right through effective policies and ambitious plans.
Minister El-Sherbiny highlighted that over the past decade, Egypt’s urban renaissance has been driven by the implementation of the national strategic plan for urban development, “Egypt 2052,” which was championed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. A significant portion of the plan’s objectives has already been achieved ahead of schedule. The state has also expanded private sector involvement in urban development projects, with investments exceeding one trillion Egyptian pounds, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.
The Minister also emphasized Egypt’s determination, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, to make transformative strides in housing and urban expansion as part of the “Egypt Vision 2030.” Despite economic challenges and global increases in construction costs and material prices, Egypt continues to press forward with its projects, including efforts to provide adequate housing for citizens across all social strata.
Achievements in Housing and Urban Development
Since 2014, the Ministry of Housing has launched various projects aimed at social housing, including the “Housing for All Egyptians” initiative, which offers housing options across different income levels. El-Sherbiny stressed that the Ministry is committed to improving infrastructure and ensuring balanced urban growth, focusing on the development of smart cities that incorporate advanced technology to enhance quality of life. To date, 38 new fourth-generation cities are under construction, designed to be fully integrated with services and facilities.
Additionally, the “Decent Life” presidential initiative, aimed at developing Egypt’s rural areas, is progressing steadily, with the first phase nearing completion. The initiative also includes efforts to rehabilitate unsafe areas by constructing tens of thousands of replacement housing units in safe, fully serviced environments.
Sustainable Housing and Green Building
Minister El-Sherbiny underscored Egypt’s focus on ensuring the sustainability of housing projects by supporting the real estate sector and promoting advanced construction technologies. Recent amendments to the executive regulations of the Building Law have simplified the process of obtaining building permits, encouraging safer and healthier urban development. Moreover, the Ministry is working on introducing green building standards in line with Egypt’s strategic vision for sustainable development.
Egypt to Host the 12th World Urban Forum
In recognition of Egypt’s leadership in urban development, the country has been selected to host the 12th World Urban Forum from November 4-8, 2024, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Egypt is the first African nation to host the event in over 20 years, which highlights its regional and international role as a center for development, urbanization, and peace. The forum will provide a platform for Egypt to showcase its urban development experience and discuss global challenges related to housing and the urban environment.
