Egypt: planning a city in the desert supplied daily with 10 million cubic metres of water from the Nile

The Egyptian government unveiled an ambitious project on Sunday to establish the “Jirian City,” a sprawling residential and agricultural area spanning 6.8 million square meters in the desert, located 42 kilometers west of Cairo. A distinctive feature of this initiative is the plan to divert approximately 7% of the annual water intake from the Nile for irrigation purposes, aiming to enhance land value through innovative development techniques.

Jirian City will be hydrologically linked to the “New Delta” project, which encompasses 2.28 million acres of agricultural land. Daily, 10 million cubic meters of Nile water will be redirected to support both irrigation and urban infrastructure.

Multifamily housing, free trade zone, and marina

This groundbreaking initiative, introduced by Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly, promises high-end housing, commercial spaces, a yacht marina, and a free trade zone. The goal, he stated, is to “enhance the value of state assets and land prices” through creative, non-traditional strategies.

The project will be overseen by Mostakbal Misr for Sustainable Development, an organization associated with the military, alongside three private investors who have signed an agreement to participate.

🌇Egypt’s bold vision unveiled: Jirian City, a futuristic hub in the Nile Delta, set to transform 1,680 acres with skyscrapers, eco-hotels, and universities.
🎯The aim is to house millions, create 250,000 jobs, and enhance food security. pic.twitter.com/qEqfOX6BCL

— Sputnik Africa (@sputnik_africa) June 2, 2025

Concerns over natural resources amid a crisis

This endeavor is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to tackle pressing challenges, including a growing water shortage, limited energy resources, and a severe economic crisis. Critics voice concerns about diverting vital water from the fertile Nile Valley to support urban and commercial developments in the desert, especially as many regions already face water supply issues.

Nonetheless, the government frames this project as a strategic investment for the future, combining development with agricultural productivity while utilizing state land in response to significant economic pressures.

Aspirations to alleviate Cairo traffic congestion

The vision for Jirian City complements the ongoing construction of Egypt’s $58 billion administrative center located east of Cairo, forming part of an extensive initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital and transforming the urban landscape through ambitious infrastructural and real estate projects.

Earlier this year, Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris called for a reevaluation of the country’s major development projects, emphasizing the economic burdens imposed by its reliance on foreign currencies.