Emirati Businessman Mohamed Alabbar Eyes a Bold New Future for Downtown Cairo

Emirati Businessman Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar, has his sights set on Downtown Cairo. Drawing inspiration from Dubai’s Downtown and Beirut’s Solidere, he wants to turn the historic heart of the city into a modern, world-class destination.

What Alabbar Wants to Do

Alabbar’s plan is bold. Emaar has approached the Egyptian government to explore ways to redevelop Downtown Cairo, aiming to transform its streets, restaurants, and hotels into a high-end urban hub. He believes a 40–50 feddan development could rival Dubai’s Downtown, which attracts 120 million visitors annually.

How People Are Reacting

Public opinion is divided. Many see the project as a step toward modernization and a boost for tourism. Others worry it could strip Downtown Cairo of its historic charm, replacing cultural landmarks with commercial spaces. There’s also a question of accessibility—will this project benefit everyday Egyptians?

Social media discussions reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some calling it a much-needed upgrade and others questioning whether it’s the right approach for Cairo’s heritage.

Alabbar’s Bigger Plans for Egypt

Downtown Cairo isn’t the only area on Alabbar’s radar. Emaar has partnered with Midar on a $3 billion project in New Cairo, covering 500 feddans. His long-term goal? To push total investments in Egypt from $18 billion to $25 billion within three years.

He also believes Egypt needs a massive expansion of its hospitality sector, arguing that the country must triple its hotel capacity to attract 70 million tourists annually. In his view, the demand is there—it’s just a matter of infrastructure catching up.

Alabbar’s Downtown Cairo project has potential, but its success depends on several factors. If everything aligns, it could reshape the capital’s landscape.

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