The Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities issued Ministerial Decree No. 557 of 2026, approving the updated general strategic plans for nine villages affiliated with Qena Center in Qena Governorate.
Comprehensive Development and Modern Urban Map
The decree comes in line with the state’s vision for developing the Egyptian countryside and regulating urban development. It includes updating the strategic plans and urban boundaries for the villages of Al-Qanawiya, Al-Makhamada, Al-Ashraf Al-Bahariya, Al-Tramsa, Al-Deir Al-Gharbi, Al-Deir Al-Sharqi, Al-Ashraf Al-Qibliya, Al-Ashraf Al-Sharqiya, and Al-Asaliya.
The update is based on field reviews and full coordination with the Permanent Committee for Approving the Urban Boundaries of Cities, Villages, and Their Affiliates, in addition to a memorandum from the General Organization for Physical Planning. The aim is to accommodate population growth, provide essential services, and regulate construction activities.
Building Requirements and Strict Height Controls
The ministerial decree emphasized that implementation of the updated plans is subject to several legal and regulatory frameworks, foremost among them the Building Law No. 119 of 2008 and its executive regulations, as well as the latest amendments concerning building heights in villages.
The update also fully complies with the maximum height restrictions set out in the approval issued by the Armed Forces Operations Authority at the Ministry of Defense (Approval No. 600/2026), ensuring that the plans do not conflict with national security requirements or aviation restrictions.
Decree Enters into Force
The decree was signed by Eng. Randa El-Menshawy, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. Article Two stipulates that the decree shall be published in the official Egyptian Gazette, with the decree taking effect as of the day following its publication. This allows local administrative units in the governorate to begin issuing building permits in accordance with the new requirements.