Timeless heritage… bold future
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Board of Directors
Mohamed Abdelmonim al-Manshawi
Sameh Elsaid Ibrahim Hamuda
Gihan Mamdouh Muhammad Saleh
Khaled Zakaria Al-Adly
Mr. Amr Ibrahim Abu Al-Ayoun Abdel Nasser Selim
Mr. Hassan Ali Mohamed Ali
Mr.Essam Abdel Fattah Mohamed
Mr.Ahmed Ashraf Aly KwJuk
