Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt PM meets Nazlet al‑Samman residents to discuss development plans
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met residents of Nazlet al‑Samman in Giza on Saturday to discuss government plans to redevelop the area overlooking the Pyramids, stressing that any project would be carried out with the full participation and consent of local inhabitants.
Madbouly, who visited Giza to inaugurate several development and public‑service projects, said the government had decided to move ahead with developing the neighborhood in partnership with its residents, aiming to transform it into what he described as a “civilized area” fit for one of the world’s most important tourism sites.
He said all buildings and activities around the Pyramids plateau must meet appropriate standards under a coordinated master plan, adding that improving infrastructure, streets and urban conditions would help attract more tourists.
Madbouly told residents he had come “to reassure you about the state’s intentions” and that “nothing will be implemented without your participation and conviction.” He emphasized that the goal was to revive the area while keeping its residents in place as the main beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy, Giza Governor Ahmed al‑Ansari, officials from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, project consultants, MPs from Giza and representatives of the local investors’ association.
Madbouly said Egypt had already begun reviving historic districts in Old Cairo, pointing to work in Fustat, around the Magra al‑Oyoun aqueduct and in downtown Cairo. The redevelopment of Nazlet al‑Samman, he said, had long been a personal ambition.
He acknowledged that many buildings in the area lack proper permits. Authorities, he said, would provide temporary solutions until a full regularization process is agreed after Eid al‑Adha, in coordination with the Giza governorate. He also noted that the number of hotel rooms already identified in the area could rise from around 4,000–5,000 to as many as 15,000–20,000 once development is complete.
Madbouly said the government would draft an agreed‑upon master plan with residents, who would help shape a more attractive environment for visitors while preserving the area’s traditional character.
Hossam al‑Shaer, chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, thanked the prime minister on behalf of attendees, calling the visit “historic.” He praised the government for adopting the redevelopment proposal, saying investors and residents had worked for decades under challenging conditions.
Al‑Shaer said Nazlet al‑Samman was a unique tourism asset facing the Pyramids and predicted that the new development plan could attract an additional two to three million tourists, noting that hotel capacity would be able to absorb increased demand, citing international precedents such as Marrakech.