Mohamed Moussa
Cairo celebrated its 1,057th National Day with a high-profile ceremony attended by more than 50 ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations, highlighting the Egyptian capital’s growing global standing and its ongoing efforts to preserve its rich heritage while advancing sustainable urban development.
Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber attended the event alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the gathering, Saber said the strong diplomatic participation reflected the international appreciation enjoyed by Cairo, a city that has long stood at the crossroads of civilisation, culture and history.
He described Cairo as one of the world’s greatest historic capitals, noting that for centuries it has served as a centre of learning, culture and intellectual life, bringing together diverse peoples in an atmosphere of tolerance, creativity and cultural exchange.
Speaking from Al-Azhar Park, overlooking Historic Cairo, the governor said the venue symbolised the city’s enduring legacy, where ancient mosques, domes and medieval walls tell the story of Egypt’s rich civilisation across successive eras.
Saber highlighted the state’s comprehensive programme to revive Historic Cairo, describing it as one of Egypt’s flagship national development projects. He said the initiative goes beyond preserving architectural landmarks, aiming instead to integrate the city’s historic districts into broader economic, tourism and cultural development while safeguarding their unique heritage.
He outlined a wide range of restoration projects across Historic Cairo, including Al-Muizz Street, Bab Zuweila, Darb El-Labbana, Harat El-Roum, Al-Shorbagy Agency and the areas surrounding Al-Hussein and Al-Azhar. Development works have also enhanced the surroundings of the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i mosques, Al-Mahmoudiya Park, Al-Hakim Mosque, Bab El-Azb and several historic streets and passageways.
The governor also highlighted major redevelopment projects in Fustat, the Religious Complex, Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque and the Aqueduct area, which are being transformed into a world-class cultural and tourism destination celebrating Egypt’s Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic heritage.
Saber noted that redevelopment efforts have also expanded to Khedivial Cairo, with restoration work under way around Azbakeya Garden and architecturally significant districts, including the Stock Exchange area, Sherifein Triangle, Mousky and Qadi Al-Fadil. These projects, he said, are designed to restore Cairo’s historic urban character, revive its distinctive architectural identity and reinforce the capital’s position as a leading cultural, economic and tourism hub.
He added that Cairo Governorate continues to support cultural initiatives such as Art Street, which has become a vibrant platform for Egyptian creativity through visual arts, cultural performances and traditional crafts. Celebrating Cairo’s National Day, he concluded, is not only a tribute to the city’s remarkable past but also a reaffirmation of the commitment to building a future that preserves its heritage while embracing innovation, sustainable development and cultural vitality.
