Inhabited Land in Egypt to Double to 14% as Part of 2030 Plan

The Egyptian government is set to double its inhabited land area from 7% to 14% of the country’s total landmass by 2030, according to a government statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting. The expansion falls under the state’s broader goal of redistributing the population, relieving pressure on the Nile Valley and Delta, and promoting economic growth through new urban settlements.

The plan involves the continued rollout of new cities, infrastructure projects, and integrated communities across the country’s deserts and coastal regions. These include developments tied to national megaprojects such as the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein, and the Decent Life initiative, which is aimed at upgrading conditions in rural villages.

According to the Cabinet, the urban expansion is part of Egypt’s national strategy for sustainable development, which seeks to balance population growth with land use and improve living conditions across governorates. The government highlighted that new road networks, water supply systems, and social services are being prioritised to ensure these areas are viable for long-term settlement.