The New Administrative Capital in Egypt: The Political Economy of the Production of Urban Spaces in Cairo

Abstract

The New Administrative Capital reshapes Egypt’s urban landscape thoroughly. Nevertheless, empirical research on its political economy and spatial imaginaries is lacking. Building on a political geography framework and extensive qualitative fieldwork, we aim at contrasting official constructions of space with an analysis of the hidden interests, actions, and power struggles between its main stakeholders. Whereas foreign and private investors are officially key to the project, our analysis demonstrates that state institutions rivaled over its control, providing the military with new rent sources. The location and seize of the new palace indicates a lack of democratic conviction whereas citizen participation is largely missing.

Keywords

• New administrative capital
• political economy
• power struggle
• Egypt
• urban development
• mega projects