New Administrative Capital

This New Administrative Capital travel guide covers the best things to do in New Administrative Capital: the Iconic Tower, its great mosque and cathedral, and the Green River park. Below you will also find the best time to visit New Administrative Capital, how to get there and around, and a choice of hotels in New Administrative Capital.

About the New Administrative Capital

The New Administrative Capital lies in the desert about 45 to 50 km east of central Cairo, between the capital and the Suez Canal. Announced in 2015 and developed by the Administrative Capital for Urban Development company, it was planned to relieve congestion in Cairo and house the country’s parliament, ministries and presidential offices. Government bodies began moving here in 2023, and the city continues to grow, with business, residential, education and leisure districts at different stages of completion.

Visitors come for the wide boulevards, landmark buildings on a huge scale and new public spaces. A half-day or day trip from Cairo is the best way to see it.

What to see

Central Business District and the Iconic Tower

The skyline is dominated by the Iconic Tower, at about 394 m the tallest building in Africa, surrounded by a cluster of office, hotel and residential towers designed by the architectural firm Perkins and Will and built by a Chinese state contractor. A public observation level near the top has been announced; check whether it is open before you visit.

Al-Fattah Al-Aleem Mosque

Opened in January 2019, this mosque is one of the largest in Egypt, with tall minarets, white stone facades and an ornate interior of chandeliers and carved wood. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times when dressed modestly.

Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ

Inaugurated the same week, the Coptic Orthodox cathedral is among the largest churches in the Middle East. Its twin bell towers and domed interior face the mosque across the city; the pairing was meant as a symbol of national unity.

Islamic Cultural Center and Masjid Misr

The Egypt Mosque, opened in 2023 within the Islamic Cultural Center, is a vast complex with one of the world’s tallest minarets and a museum of Quran manuscripts.

Green River and Capital Park

The Green River is a long linear park planned to run through the city, with the first section, the central park, laid out with lawns, lakes, walking and cycling paths and play areas. At weekends it fills with families.

Government District and the Octagon

The government district holds ministries, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Cabinet in a grand formal axis. South-west of the city, the Octagon, the vast eight-sided headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, is visible from the road but closed to the public. Photography of military and government buildings may be restricted.

Arts and Culture City and Olympic City

The Arts and Culture City includes a large opera house and theatres used for festivals and concerts, while the Olympic City has a major stadium and sports halls that host international events.

How to visit

Most sights are spread out, so a car with driver or an organised tour is the easiest way to see them. Allow at least half a day, and start early to avoid the heat. Some areas are still construction sites, so ask locally which buildings are open. Bring your passport, as there are security checkpoints.

Last checked October 2026. The city is still being built, so opening dates and transport links change: confirm before you go. Sources: thenationalnews.com, railwaygazette.com, perkinswill.com, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org.