As part of Egypt’s ongoing national effort to modernize urban environments and reinvigorate traditional markets, Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Awad led a high-level delegation to Port Said this week, in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), to unveil a strategic urban redevelopment proposal targeting the El-Arab district.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents by transforming neglected public spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and economically productive areas. The initiative forms a cornerstone of a broader national agenda to promote sustainable urban development across Egypt’s governorates.
Dr. Awad emphasized the significance of the proposed plan, stating, “We are working diligently to provide better public services, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Egyptian citizens. The El-Arab development project reflects our dedication to inclusive urban transformation in coordination with international partners.”
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Renewal
During a strategic session held with Port Said Governor Major General Mohab Habashy and senior provincial officials, the joint delegation presented the design proposal for the revitalization of El-Arab’s public spaces. The vision encompasses enhancements to the district’s pedestrian pathways, lighting infrastructure, and shading systems within the market areas, all while preserving the visual and cultural identity of the neighborhood.
The design aims to elevate both the aesthetic and functional dimensions of the urban space—improving walkability, boosting safety, and fostering commercial vitality. The long-term goal is to cultivate an urban environment that encourages economic growth, draws in visitors, and increases purchasing power within the community.
Community-Led Development and Participatory Planning
Central to the initiative is a participatory planning model, ensuring that local voices are integral to the decision-making process. A workshop convened with representatives from the El-Arab community allowed stakeholders to voice their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for the future of the neighborhood.
Governor Habashy welcomed the collaborative nature of the proposal, highlighting the importance of engaging local communities in shaping their own urban environment. “Development must be inclusive. By involving local stakeholders at every stage, we ensure that the project meets both the practical and cultural needs of the people it’s intended to serve,” he stated.
Building on a Proven Model
Dr. Awad noted that the El-Arab redevelopment builds on the success of previous projects, most notably the transformation of Cairo’s historic Attaba Market. That project has become a benchmark for how urban design can seamlessly integrate architectural heritage with economic functionality and social inclusion.
The Port Said delegation included top officials and experts from both the Ministry of Local Development and UN-Habitat. Among them were Eng. Zezi Kamel, Head of Strategic Management at the Ministry, Eng. Tarek Mahmoud, Eng. Iman Hassan and Eng. Lubna Anous of UN-Habitat, and Dr. Mohamed Salehin, urban planning professor at Ain Shams University, who is serving as the project’s chief consultant.
Senior local government figures in attendance included Dr. Amr Othman, Deputy Governor, and Major General Amr Fikry, Secretary General of the Governorate, alongside neighborhood heads from El-Arab and El-Manakh and project director Eng. Zeinab El-Gabbas.
