Egypt to divert Nile River water for new luxury desert city project

On June 1, Egypt unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a desert city west of Cairo, redirecting around 7% of the country’s annual Nile River water quota to support the development.

The government aims to channel approximately 10 million cubic metres of Nile water daily through the site of the proposed Jirian City, a 6.8 million square metre development located 42 kilometres from central Cairo, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The diverted water will also support the adjacent 2.28 million-acre New Delta agricultural initiative, according to project officials.

The plans form part of a broader strategy to tackle Egypt’s growing water scarcity, power challenges, and deepening economic crisis. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the project is designed to boost land value and increase the return on state assets through “non-traditional, innovative ideas”.

Three private developers have signed agreements to deliver the scheme in partnership with Mostakbal Misr for Sustainable Development, a state entity affiliated with the military. The project is set to include luxury housing, commercial zones, a yacht marina, and a free economic zone.

By Aghakazim Guliyev