Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is preparing a comprehensive restructuring of its cemetery system, with plans to relocate more than 2,100 feddans of existing burial grounds to newly designated sites outside major urban areas by 2030, according to a well-informed government source.
The move is part of a wider national effort to reorganize, modernize and regulate a sector long considered both sensitive and fragmented. For the first time, the state is entering a formal partnership with the private sector to develop and rehabilitate cemeteries, the source said, noting that consultations are currently underway between government bodies and a private company to design new burial complexes built to unified architectural and functional standards.
Under the plan, cemeteries that can be preserved or restored will undergo rehabilitation, while those in poor condition or located in zones prioritized for urban development will be transferred to new, fully equipped sites outside the current city limits. The government aims to coordinate this transition in a way that maintains respect for cultural norms and minimizes disruption to families.
The source added that historical and archaeological cemeteries are also part of the development framework, but emphasized that these sites will not be demolished or structurally altered. Restoration efforts will be carried out under strict heritage-preservation guidelines to ensure full protection of Egypt’s historical legacy.
Cemetery management has attracted growing state attention in recent years, particularly as informal urban expansion has encroached on heritage-rich areas and placed pressure on available land within densely populated cities. As part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy, authorities aim to free up space for urban renewal projects while simultaneously creating modern, organized cemeteries that offer improved infrastructure and consistent standards across governorates.
The initiative also seeks to address public concerns over deteriorating burial grounds, insufficient maintenance and the lack of unified regulations governing cemetery construction. By shifting large portions of the burial system outside urban boundaries, officials hope to reduce congestion, safeguard archaeological zones and create a more sustainable long-term framework for cemetery management.
Development efforts in the Imam Al-Shafi’i and Sayyida Nafisa areas in recent years have sparked public controversy after the removal of several historic tombs, prompting criticism from local residents and heritage advocates. Officials say the new plan is intended to avoid similar tensions by clarifying preservation rules and ensuring that historically significant cemeteries are protected.
The government is expected to announce further details once agreements with private-sector partners and relevant ministries are finalized.
