Monday, 25 May 2026
Cairo plans to transform historic streets into pedestrian-only zones
Cairo Governorate plans to close several streets to vehicular traffic and designate them as pedestrian-only zones in Downtown Cairo and Heliopolis. These changes align with ongoing development projects to restore the cultural and historical character of these heritage-rich areas, transforming them into vibrant tourist destinations. Downtown Cairo and the Korba area in Heliopolis are key heritage zones that the state is working to preserve.
In Downtown Cairo, the governorate will close streets, particularly in the Borsa area, along with Al-Alfi, Al-Sharifein, and surrounding roads in the historic Khedivial Cairo district. This district is home to approximately 500 architecturally significant buildings, some over 150 years old. Ongoing development projects aim to revitalize Khedivial Cairo by enhancing its visual appeal, preserving distinctive building facades, removing visual clutter, and standardizing shop signage to align with the area’s historic character.
In Heliopolis, Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Cairo’s Governor, highlighted the development of Ibrahim Pasha Street in the Korba area, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Development, Cairo Governorate, and the National Urban Coordination Authority, according to Youm7. This project, spanning from Al-Ahram Street to Baghdad Street, seeks to preserve the area’s unique heritage while restoring its aesthetic and cultural appeal. Ibrahim Pasha Street will be transformed into a pedestrian-only zone with organized public spaces, safe and smooth pathways, and two designated public seating areas equipped with fixed benches designed to complement the area’s aesthetic.
The project also includes upgrading shop and café facades with unified color schemes and signage designs, installing heritage-style lighting, adding waste bins, and planting trees to enhance the street’s ambiance. The development ensures a balance between commercial activities and pedestrian mobility to create a safe, attractive, and harmonious urban environment that reflects the area’s architectural and historical identity.
The governorate has launched the third phase of Khedivial Cairo’s development to restore its cultural charm and transform Downtown Cairo into a unique tourist destination. This phase covers the area from Tahrir Square to Talaat Harb Square and involves restoring historic buildings with unique architectural designs. The project is supported by collaboration with the Union of Banks and local residents through self-financed efforts.
Property owners are encouraged to participate in the restoration process in coordination with the governorate. Currently, seven out of ten targeted buildings between Tahrir Square and Talaat Harb Square are under development, with efforts focused on restoring facades, standardizing shop signage, and removing encroachments to revive the classic Khedivial aesthetic.
Governor Saber emphasized the importance of community participation, noting that a residents’ association for Ibrahim Pasha Street has been formed to incorporate local needs and suggestions into the project. A similar association is being established for Downtown Cairo to ensure ongoing maintenance and preservation. The broader vision is to transform Cairo’s historic sites into open-air museums, similar to developments in the Citadel and Al-Hussein areas, to boost tourism while creating a sustainable blend of modernity and heritage.
Downtown Cairo is being reimagined as an open-air museum, with restored buildings, unified shop facades, and cleared sidewalks to reflect the elegance of the Khedivial era. The National Urban Coordination Authority is designing these facades based on historical images to ensure authenticity. These efforts aim to make Cairo a modern yet historic city, balancing cultural preservation with contemporary urban functionality.