Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed the continuation of state efforts to revive Cairo’s historic and heritage sites and develop surrounding areas to enhance their tourism appeal.
He also ordered the implementation of a “Greening Cairo” project to transform vacant land into green spaces, the presidency said.
Sisi issued the directives during a meeting on Saturday with Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Osama Al-Azhari, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, Presidential Adviser for Urban Planning Major General Amir Sayed Ahmed and Head of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority Major General Walid Aref.
The president stressed the importance of completing the inventory and documentation of all assets and properties belonging to the Egyptian Awqaf Authority to preserve the endowments and ensure their optimal use in line with the conditions set by their founders.
He also directed the continued development of the authority’s real estate assets and closer co-operation with specialised companies and property developers.
The meeting reviewed efforts to revitalise Cairo’s Islamic and historic landmarks, including the restoration and development of several historic mosques and shrines. Plans to establish integrated tourist routes linking historical and heritage sites were also discussed.
Al-Azhari reviewed progress on ongoing restoration and revitalisation projects, saying their completion would transform the “heart of Cairo” into an open-air tourist destination capable of attracting more visitors.
Saber highlighted efforts to revive a number of historical, Islamic and Khedival-era landmarks, as well as rehabilitate and develop infrastructure in and around historic areas.
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms for enhancing co-operation with specialised companies and property developers to maximise the use of the Awqaf Authority’s real estate assets.
