Khaled Abbas, Chairperson of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), has highlighted the central role of Egypt's real estate sector in driving investment and exports, while showcasing the ongoing transformation of the New Administrative Capital (NAC). Speaking at the opening of the ninth edition of the Think Commercial Roundtable—held under the patronage of the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities and the Real Estate Development Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries—Abbas underscored that real estate would remain a cornerstone of Egypt's investment landscape. He described the New Capital as a living model of sustainable urban and economic expansion. Abbas noted that government ministries and agencies have been operating from the New Capital for the past two years. Following the upcoming elections, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Central Bank of Egypt will also relocate, establishing the NAC as a fully integrated administrative and economic hub. He explained that ACUD is currently managing a 40,000-feddan project that includes residential, commercial, and administrative buildings, supported by essential infrastructure to serve both residents and investors. Among the company's flagship projects are a 1.5 million cubic metre water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment facility, both of which reflect the scale of ACUD's ambition to deliver a self-sustaining urban model. Abbas revealed that ACUD is preparing to offer around 30% of its available land to investors, including plots in the New Financial District ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 square metres. The offering, expected to be announced before the end of this month, is projected to generate between EGP 15–20bn, with potential to exceed that figure. He added that the company plans to finalise four to five new partnerships, each covering 300 to 500 feddans. Around 10 investment requests have already been received from both Egyptian and Arab developers, with a particular emphasis on service-related projects, which Abbas identified as the most vital investment area at present. "The ACUD is carefully studying market demand and trends to set fair pricing, with the aim of serving 50,000 residents in the current phase," Abbas said. "By the beginning of next year, the number of residents and tenants is expected to rise to 750,000, driving demand for services across commerce, administration, education, and healthcare. To ensure serious commitments, we offer facilities to credible developers while taking strict measures against non-compliant ones." Abbas further announced that construction of the New Capital's second phase will commence at the beginning of next year, following the completion of the first phase. He also confirmed the completion of contracts for the 1,800-feddan industrial zone, with work on its core infrastructure already underway, reaffirming ACUD's adherence to project timelines despite prevailing economic challenges. He reported that investments in the New Capital reached approximately EGP 50bn this year, matching last year's levels. The city's total assets now stand at around EGP 360bn, while profits since the start of 2025 amount to EGP 35bn. Additionally, ACUD has paid nearly EGP 9bn in taxes to the state during the current year. Abbas concluded by stressing that the New Administrative Capital was designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating water reuse, solar energy, electric buses, robotics applications, and international expertise to deliver a fully integrated smart city.
