Scenario New Capital Egypt is a proposed alternative capital city for Egypt. The project was announced in March 2017 by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who called it part of an effort to “upgrade Egypt's infrastructure, create new urban centers, and strengthen economic and social development” across Egypt.
The New Capital city would be built in the desert east of Cairo, Egypt's current capital city. It is envisioned as a smart, sustainable city that will span 700 square kilometers and provide homes for 7 million people. As a smart city, it would integrate new technologies such as robotics and renewable energy into its urban design. It would also feature international medical and educational institutions, research and development facilities, transportation hubs, and other infrastructure.
The proposed development has been subject to some criticism. Some have argued that it is a wasteful use of financial resources, while others have questioned whether there is enough of an appetite among Egyptians to move to a new city.
In February 2019, the Egyptian government approved a $58 billion package to fund the construction of Scenario New Capital Egypt. Construction is expected to begin in 2020, with a projected completion date of 2022.