Twelve Arab and foreign countries have submitted requests to purchase plots of land for their embassies in Egypt’s new administrative capital, according to Khaled Abbas, chairperson of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), owner and developer of the new city, speaking to Al Manassa.
Abbas said at least a further 19 plots—ranging in area from 2,500 to 2,800 square meters—have already been allocated to Arab and foreign states. These plots are designed to accommodate an embassy building, a residence for the ambassador, and housing for diplomatic staff.
ACUD this month introduced a new land allocation system that prioritizes investors who pay in US dollars if multiple bids are submitted for the same plot.
A source familiar with land sales at ACUD told Al Manassa that land prices in the diplomatic district have risen to $800 per square meter since last year, up from $640 in 2023.
The masterplan for the new capital includes 1,500 feddans (6 square kilometers) allocated to the diplomatic quarter, with plot sizes tailored to each country's needs.
Ownership of the ACUD is split among Egypt’s military and housing authorities: 29% belongs to the National Service Projects Organization, 22% is held by the Armed Forces Land Projects Agency as non-cash equity (the land), and the civilian Urban Communities Authority holds the remaining 49%.
The new capital is designed to house key governmental institutions, including the presidential palace, parliament, and ministries, alongside a diplomatic district, and an international airport. Its urban zones will cover approximately 460 square kilometers and include 25 residential neighborhoods, 1.1 million housing units, and 40,000 hotel rooms.
On Monday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the inauguration of a new headquarters for regional and country-level United Nations offices in the new city. El-Sisi emphasized that this move underscores Egypt’s “unwavering commitment to supporting the United Nations and promoting its role in various fields.”
