City Guide: Cairo

AfricaEgypt
Written By Cat

Published: June 2026

Introduction

Greater Cairo is the largest metropolitan area in Africa and the Middle East, encompassing Cairo, Giza, New Cairo and the rapidly developing New Administrative Capital (NAC), officially inaugurated as Egypt’s new seat of government in 2024. The metropolitan region is home to more than 20 million people and serves as Egypt’s political, financial, industrial and commercial centre. (Wikipedia)

The city region accounts for a substantial proportion of Egypt’s economic output and is the headquarters location for major Egyptian corporations, multinational companies, government institutions and international organisations. Key sectors include financial services, construction, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, logistics, healthcare, tourism, technology and professional services.

For UK businesses, Greater Cairo acts as the principal gateway to Egypt’s market of over 100 million people and provides access to North Africa, the Middle East and East Africa. The UK remains one of Egypt’s leading investment partners, with opportunities across renewable energy, infrastructure, financial services, education, healthcare and technology.

A major development shaping the business landscape is the New Administrative Capital, located approximately 45 kilometres east of Cairo. Designed as a smart city and business hub, it contains government ministries, a Central Business District, diplomatic quarter, convention facilities and significant commercial real estate developments. (Wikipedia)

Business Travel

Greater Cairo is primarily served by Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt’s largest airport and one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs. Located northeast of central Cairo, the airport typically provides journey times of 30–60 minutes to major business districts, depending on traffic. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, with flight times generally between five and six hours.

The New Administrative Capital is also served by Capital International Airport, supporting the development of the new government and business district. (Wikipedia)

Transport within Greater Cairo includes the Cairo Metro, extensive road networks and modern transport projects linking New Cairo and the NAC. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are widely used by business travellers and are generally the most convenient means of transport for meetings across the city.

The principal business accommodation areas include Downtown Cairo, Garden City, Zamalek, New Cairo, Heliopolis and the emerging hotel districts within the New Administrative Capital. International hotel brands operate extensively throughout these locations.

Business culture is relationship-oriented and relatively formal. Personal introductions and trust-building remain important elements of commercial negotiations. English is widely used in international business environments, although Arabic remains the primary language of commerce and government. Meetings may not always start precisely on time, and flexibility is often beneficial when scheduling appointments.

Business travellers should remain aware of traffic congestion when planning meetings and follow current FCDO travel advice for security updates.

Key Business Districts and Commercial Areas

Downtown Cairo and Garden City remain important centres for government affairs, banking, legal services, multinational corporations and diplomatic activity. The British Embassy and many international organisations are located in this area. (GOV.UK)

New Cairo has emerged as one of Egypt’s most important modern business districts, hosting corporate headquarters, technology companies, financial institutions and premium office developments. The district offers excellent conference facilities and international-standard accommodation.

Smart Village, located west of Cairo, is Egypt’s leading technology and business park. It hosts multinational technology firms, telecommunications companies and government agencies.

The New Administrative Capital (NAC) is becoming Egypt’s newest commercial hub. Its Central Business District contains major office towers, government institutions, financial services facilities and conference venues, while the diplomatic quarter is attracting embassies and international organisations. The district is designed around smart-city infrastructure and enhanced transport connectivity. (dar.com)

Events and Exhibitions

Cairo ICT (November) is Egypt’s largest technology exhibition and conference, covering digital transformation, telecommunications, cybersecurity, fintech and artificial intelligence. It is highly relevant for UK technology firms. Website: https://www.cairoict.com

EGYPS – Egypt Energy Show (February) is one of the Middle East and Africa’s leading energy events, bringing together oil, gas, renewable energy and infrastructure stakeholders. Website: https://www.egyps.com

Big 5 Construct Egypt (June) focuses on construction, infrastructure and building technologies, attracting contractors, developers and investors. Website: https://www.big5constructegypt.com

TransMEA (typically autumn) covers transport, logistics and infrastructure development across Egypt and the wider region. Website: https://www.transmea.com

ICT and Smart Cities conferences in the NAC are increasingly being hosted within the New Administrative Capital’s convention facilities, reflecting its growing role as a centre for government and corporate events. (Ahram Online)

These events provide UK companies with access to government decision-makers, investors, distributors and regional partners across North Africa and the Middle East.

Useful Business Information

  • Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (summer UTC+3)

  • Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

  • Business hours: Typically Sunday–Thursday, 09:00–17:00

  • Public holidays: Islamic and national holidays can affect business schedules

  • Mobile and internet: Strong 4G coverage and expanding fibre connectivity

  • Electrical plug type: Type C and Type F, 220V

  • Payment methods: Cards widely accepted in business districts; cash remains common

  • Business languages: Arabic and English

Useful Links and Contacts for UK Businesses

Cat
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