Egypt is building a massive new desert city called Jirian, located west of Cairo. The project was unveiled on Sunday and is part of Egypt’s ambitious plan to transform the barren desert into a thriving metropolis. Jirian will feature an artificial canal derived from the Nile River, which will wind through the city and provide irrigation for surrounding agricultural lands.
The city is designed to be a beacon of modernity, with industries, logistics platforms, and homes for millions of families. The Egyptian government hopes Jirian will create approximately 250,000 jobs. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli described the project as a “revolution in urban and development planning.” The city will include luxury residences, 80-story skyscrapers, international universities, hospitals, an eco-friendly hotel, commercial zones, and a cultural and media district.
Jirian is part of Egypt’s larger Nile Delta initiative, which aims to reclaim over 3.9 million acres of desert land to boost strategic crop production and reduce the nation’s food import bill. The city will be located minutes away from the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and the nearby Sphinx International Airport.
egypt unveils its grand desert vision
However, Egypt’s push for rapid urbanization under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has led to a significant increase in the nation’s external debt. Since 2015, Egypt’s foreign debt has quadrupled, reaching $155.2 billion by the end of 2024. This raises concerns about the financial sustainability of such expansive projects.
To support these developments, Egypt has sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. The reliance on external funding underscores the precarious nature of Egypt’s economic strategy and prompts questions about the long-term viability of its development plans. The development of Jirian also takes place against the backdrop of Egypt’s ongoing water security issues.
With 97% of its fresh water derived from the Nile, Egypt is deeply concerned about the potential impact of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam. As Egypt forges ahead with its ambitious urban plans, the world watches closely to see how these projects will shape the nation’s future. The success of projects like Jirian will depend on their ability to harmonize urban development with environmental stewardship and navigate the challenges of debt and resource management.
