Rapid growth of Egypt’s new capital captured in NASA satellite images

Recent NASA satellite images reveal the swift expansion of Egypt's new capital, located about 28 miles east of Cairo. 

The city's construction was prompted by Cairo's severe congestion and pollution, resulting from decades of urban migration. In response, the government announced plans in 2015 to build a new "administrative capital" in the desert, with an estimated cost exceeding $58 billion. The city, yet to be named, is set to become the new hub for government and business operations.

Construction began soon after the announcement, and nearly a decade later, the city is already taking shape. The images show significant developments, including a massive sports complex featuring Africa’s second-largest stadium aimed at catching the attention of the Olympic committee. Other key infrastructure includes government buildings like the Ministry of Defense and a 10-kilometer park with walking and cycling paths, as reported by Newsweek.

More than 1,500 families have moved to the new capital, with the population expected to reach 10,000 by the end of the year. Several government ministries are now operational in the new city, and the Egyptian parliament has held sessions in its modern new building. Additionally, several banks and businesses are reportedly considering relocating their headquarters to the new location.