Misr Al Gadida

Black and white photo of an elegant, historic arcade with arches and domed towers, overlooking a street with vintage cars and pedestrians.

Timeless heritage… bold future

About Us

For over 120 years, Developments has stood as a symbol of visionary urban planning and timeless community building. Born in the heart of Heliopolis, a city founded on the promise of progress, we were never just about constructing homes, but about shaping places where life and culture could truly thrive. Today, our legacy lives on in every street, every neighborhood, and every life we touch. We are the link between a storied past and a dynamic sustainable future, guided by the enduring spirit of Heliopolis and a commitment to innovation. As we continue to evolve, we build with purpose, partner with visionaries, and lay the foundations for a new Egypt - one inspired by heritage and powered by success.

3 rd

Oldest Real Estate Company in the world

120+

Years of Urban Development

EGP 4B

Market Value of assets in New Heliopolis City

1300 +

Acres of land for development

3 +

ISO Certificates

Large white sign reads '120 Years of Legacy Reimagined' in English and Arabic in front of a historic building with arched windows and red-and-white striped stonework.

Vision

We proudly carry forward a legacy that began in 1905, one rooted in building contemporary, integrated neighborhoods that endure and inspire. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, our vision remains grounded in our origins: to shape vibrant, future-ready communities that set new benchmarks for urban development in a new Egypt.

Decorative arched doorway with geometric glass pattern, ornate columns, and detailed tilework in an indoor setting.

Mission

For over 120 years, Masr Al Gedida Developments has stood as a symbol of visionary urban planning and timeless community building. Born in the heart of Heliopolis, a city founded on the promise of progress, we were never just about constructing homes, but about shaping places where life and culture could truly thrive. Today, our legacy lives on in every street, every neighborhood, and every life we touch. We are the link between a storied past and a dynamic sustainable future, guided by the enduring spirit of Heliopolis and a commitment to innovation. As we continue to evolve, we build with purpose, partner with visionaries, and lay the foundations for a new Egypt - one inspired by heritage and powered by success.

Brand Values

RESILIENCE

We embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Our projects are built to withstand the test of time, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and the ability to adapt to a changing world.

AUTHENTICITY

We believe in creating spaces that are true to their origins, reflecting the unique identity and culture of each community. Our projects are grounded, ensuring that every development feels timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.

COLLABORATION

We believe in the power of working together. By fostering partnerships, we create innovative solutions that reflect shared goals and collective vision. Through collaboration, we turn ideas into impactful realities.

SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to creating spaces that endure—both for the environment and the people who inhabit them. Our approach to sustainability ensures that every project we undertake contributes to a healthier planet and a brighter future.

INNOVATION

We embrace innovation as a key driver for the future. We actively explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to improve and enhance the communities we create. While we respect our rich heritage, we continually seek ways to evolve and shape a modern, sustainable future.

Historical Timeline

1905 - The Vision Begins

In 1905, a bold dream took root in the sands northeast of Cairo. Belgian industrialist Baron Empain, with the blessing of Khedive Abbas Helmi II, was granted 2,500 hectares of land and the right to build a railway line, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Egypt’s most iconic cities. That same year, the Société des Travaux Publics du Caire was established in Brussels to spearhead construction, and Belgian architect Ernest Jaspar was commissioned to design the majestic Heliopolis Palace Hotel—the first architectural beacon of a visionary city. From these foundations, a new era of modern urban living began to rise, marking the birth of Heliopolis and the legacy of Misr Al Gedida.

A historic building with a dome, featuring arched windows and a sandy foreground, set against a clear sky and distant coastline.

A black-and-white photograph of a historic street scene featuring ornate colonial buildings, a wide road, and vintage cars.

1905

1906 - Foundations Beneath and Beyond

1906 marked a year of momentum and belief. Beneath the desert sands, the city’s lifeblood was laid, with its water mains and a vast 5,000-cubic-meter reservoir setting the stage for sustainable living at the time. Above ground, construction began on the grand Heliopolis Palace Hotel, destined to become a symbol of elegance and ambition. That same year, the Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oasis Company was officially founded under Egyptian jurisdiction, with a capital of 15 million Belgian Francs. Endorsed by a Khedival decree, the company sparked such public confidence that share subscriptions were oversubscribed a hundredfold—an early sign that Heliopolis was not merely a plan, but a future that inspired all of Egypt.

Vintage advertisement for Heliopolis, Egypt, showcasing the luxurious Heliopolis Palace Hotel and nearby recreational activities.

Black and white photo of an ornate, historic palace with a domed tower, surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees.

1906

1907-08 - A City in Motion

After the first map of Heliopolis was produced in 1907, the vision of a connected, modern Heliopolis moved from blueprint to reality by 1908. The Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oasis Company proudly inaugurated a 16-kilometer tram line, linking the heart of Downtown Cairo to the rising city in the desert. Extending the Ataba–Abbassia line of the Tramways Du Caire all the way to Heliopolis, this milestone transformed accessibility and redefined urban living. What began as an idea was now in literally in motion, bridging the capital’s past with the promise of a radiant new future.

Black and white image of a streetcar turning along a curved track, with historical buildings lining a wide, empty road.

Historic building with a domed roof, featuring arched windows and balconies, viewed from a stadium with seating in the foreground.

1907

1921 - A New Partnership

In 1921, the evolution of Heliopolis entered a new chapter—one rooted in collaboration and national commitment. Under a landmark accord between the Egyptian Government and the Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oasis Company, the state pledged to provide essential infrastructure and public maintenance, ensuring the city’s long-term growth and vitality. As part of the ambitious Heliopolis Housing Scheme, both parties agreed to secure 600 homes for government officials, solidifying Heliopolis not just as a model of modern planning, but as a living, breathing extension of the nation’s future.

A black and white image of a building with a lamp post in the foreground, set against a clear sky.

A black and white image of a building under construction surrounded by scaffolding, with a clear sky and a tree in the foreground.

1921

1931 - Purposeful Expansion

By 1931, Heliopolis had grown into a thriving urban sanctuary, and its future was once again secured through a landmark accord. The Egyptian Government and the Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oasis Company signed a new agreement, replacing the original 1905 terms, to regulate future expansions and grant the right to develop an additional 5,000 hectares for residential use. This year also witnessed the completion of the Masr El-Gedida Mosque, commissioned by the Wakf Ministry and built by Ahmed Bey Helmy, standing as a spiritual and architectural emblem of the community. At the heart of the suburb, 934 properties were owned by CER-HOC, while private ownership had grown to 1,217 homes. With 25 schools educating over 4,000 students, Heliopolis was no longer just an idea; it was a living model of progress, education, and harmony.

A black and white image of a tall building featuring a clock tower, set against a cloudy sky.

A high angle view of a building, showcasing the architecture in black and white. The image captures both indoor elements like an altar and outdoor surroundings.

1931

1949 - A Renewed Chapter Begins

The legacy of Heliopolis took a bold step forward in 1949 with the founding of ImmobilièreMasr El Guedida, S.A.E. Established by Royal Decree and headquartered in Cairo, the company was spearheaded by Baron Empain alongside Crédit Foncier and key investors, marking a renewed commitment to the suburb’s growth and prosperity. That same year, the Association de l’Hôpital d’Héliopolis achieved a milestone of compassion and civic vision, raising the funds needed to begin construction on a new hospital. These developments signaled not just expansion, but a deeper investment in the health, structure, and future of a community built to endure.

A black and white photo depicting a city scene with a road lined by buildings and trees, under a cloudy sky. Cars are parked along the street near a government building.

A black and white image of a street featuring cars and buildings, with a clear sky above, including an intersection in an urban area.

1949

1960 - A Turning Point in Legacy

The year 1960 marked a pivotal transformation in the Heliopolis story, a moment where legacy was restructured to meet a new national vision. The Cairo Electric Railways & Heliopolis Oases Company was officially liquidated, giving way to Mo’assaset Dahyet Masr El-Gedida, a state institution created to carry the torch forward. Amid broader shifts, the Egyptian government initiated the seizure of Empain’s assets, formally establishing Heliopolis as a national suburb. Infrastructure kept pace with ambition as a new pipeline was laid to connect Heliopolis to Cairo’s expanding water network. Heliopolis continued to evolve, rooted in legacy and shaped by progress.

Black and white photo of a city street scene featuring vintage storefronts and signage, including a pharmacy, bookshop, and jewelry store, with pedestrians walking and a classic car driving by.

Black and white historic image of Baron Empain Palace featuring intricate architecture and tall towers, situated on a landscaped lawn with a paved pathway.

1960

1991 - From Heritage to Enterprise

The Heliopolis Company for Housing & Development (HC-HD) was officially established as a subsidiary of the state-owned Holding Company for Construction and Development in 1991, ushering in a new era of institutional evolution. That same year, HC-HD was listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), marking its entry into the public market and positioning it at the intersection of legacy and modern enterprise. This transformation was made possible under Law 203/1991, known as the Public Sector Enterprise Law, which redefined Egypt’s economic landscape by leveling the playing field between public and private entities. HC-HD stood as a symbol of how history and progress could coexist, rooted in tradition, yet ready to compete and grow in a dynamic new environment.

17) Ornate, multi-arched building facade illuminated at night by streetlights.

18) Street view of a distinctive building with arched colonnades and a tower, lined with cars and shops under a clear sky.

1991

1995 - Public Investments

In 1995, Heliopolis Company for Housing & Development took a decisive step toward transparency and growth by officially listing on the Egyptian Exchange. On September 27th, 10% of the company’s shares were offered for public trading, marking a milestone in HC-HD’s journey from a state-rooted institution to a market-driven enterprise. This move not only expanded investor access but also reflected a broader national shift toward economic liberalization, anchoring the company’s historical roots while paving the way for a more competitive, publicly engaged future.