Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt nears completion of major renovation at Historic Cairo market
As part of Egypt’s ongoing drive to modernize its urban centers, Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt's Minister of Local Development, visited the Ataba Market in central Cairo to inspect the progress of a major renovation project. The first phase of this ambitious redevelopment is nearing completion, with approximately 90% of the work already finished, and a total investment of 38 million Egyptian pounds (approximately $794,000 USD) allocated from the ministry's investment plan.
The restoration project targets Ataba Market in the bustling Mouski district—a historical and commercial hub in Cairo. The works include upgrading infrastructure and modernizing three key streets: Al-Asili, Al-Gohary, and Youssef Naguib. These improvements come after vendors were temporarily relocated to facilitate the construction process. The project also features enhancements to the facades of notable period buildings, such as the Tiring and Primos buildings, aiming to revive their architectural elegance and align with the area’s visual identity.
During her site visit, Dr. Awad received in-depth briefings from ministry officials and representatives from the National Organization for Urban Harmony and the construction company leading the project. They confirmed 100% completion of new utility networks and infrastructure upgrades, while ongoing efforts focus on restoring building exteriors and installing new shop signs in coordination with the urban harmony authority.
Dr. Awad highlighted the importance of maintaining the historical and aesthetic integrity of the area, insisting on careful restoration of the distinctive architectural styles and the removal of any unsightly overhead wires from building facades. The minister further emphasized the need to keep streets free from unregulated vendors and prevent post-restoration clutter to ensure a well-ordered, visually appealing commercial environment.
The renovation is being carried out with sensitivity to the livelihoods of local shop owners and market vendors, with Dr. Awad underlining the need to adhere to the development schedule. She also called for ongoing coordination between all stakeholders to maintain the district’s unique character and to reinforce its standing as a commercial and cultural landmark in the heart of Cairo.
This urban renewal initiative is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to preserve its historic neighborhoods while supporting economic activity and improving quality of life for residents and traders alike.