Egypt New City: Desert Megaproject Unveiled
Egypt is set to unveil Jirian city, a groundbreaking urban progress west of cairo as part of its Nile Delta agricultural initiative, intending to boost crop production and reduce food imports. This aspiring megaproject will feature a man-made Nile channel,transforming the desert into a hub of industry and residences. In this news update from News Directory 3, discover how Jirian aims to generate 250,000 jobs by including luxury residences, skyscrapers, and various amenities. Find out about the long-term implications of this ambitious project and its impact on Egypt’s economic future. Discover what’s next regarding the expansion of the Nile Delta project.
Egypt Unveils Jirian City: A New Nile Delta Urban Development
updated June 01, 2025
Egypt has announced plans for Jirian, a vast urban center to be built west of Cairo. The city will feature an artificial channel connected to the Nile River, transforming the desert landscape.
The jirian project is part of Egypt’s larger Nile Delta scheme, an agricultural initiative launched in 2021. The goal is to reclaim approximately 10,117 square kilometers of land west of the Nile Delta to increase the production of strategic crops like wheat and corn. This initiative aims to reduce Egypt’s reliance on food imports.
Prime Minister moustafa Madbouli, at the June 1 launch event, hailed Jirian as an “urban and development revolution.” He said the project would generate 250,000 jobs and form the core of a larger development zone. This zone, according to Madbouli, will include industry, logistics hubs, and housing for 2.5 to 3 million families.
The development is one of several megaprojects initiated by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. While officials claim these projects are vital for Egypt’s long-term growth, they have also contributed to a significant increase in the contry’s foreign debt, which has quadrupled since 2015, reaching $155.2 billion by late 2024. Egypt has also received financial support from the International Monetary Fund and the european Union.
Developers said the 7-square-kilometer city will allocate a fifth of its area to a canal connected to the Nile. This canal will serve as both a scenic attraction and a water source for irrigation. The city is planned to include luxury residences, skyscrapers, universities, hospitals, an eco-kind hotel, commercial zones, and a cultural district. Its location offers proximity to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the giza Pyramids, and Sphinx international airport.
Construction on Jirian began five months ago, with completion expected within five years.
What’s next
The Egyptian government aims to continue expanding the Nile Delta project, focusing on lasting agricultural practices and efficient water management to ensure long-term food security.