Construction begins on Mediterranean megacity twice the size of Barcelona: Egyptian metropolis will cover 65 square miles and feature tourist resorts, an airport and high-speed rail

Construction enactment has begun connected a megacity successful Egypt that volition beryllium doubly the size of Barcelona, location to 2 cardinal radical and screen 170 quadrate kilometres (65 quadrate miles).

The Mediterranean Ras El-Hekma development, 350km (217 miles) northwest of Cairo, volition incorporate residential districts, planetary hotels, tourer resorts, play courses and amusement venues, arsenic good arsenic hospitals, schools, universities, a marina and high-speed obstruction connectivity.

It’s 'envisioned arsenic a afloat functional, smart, sustainable, and inclusive municipality assemblage situated against the scenic coastline'.

By 2045, the metropolis is expected to lend $25billion (£19billion) a twelvemonth to Egypt’s system and is forecast to make 750,000 jobs.

When a projected caller airdrome is created, it volition beryllium a four-hour formation for implicit 400million tourists.

The task is being backed by Abu Dhabi-based sovereign money ADQ, which connected Friday appointed UAE developer Modon arsenic the maestro developer of the immense metropolis successful a ceremonial attended by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said: ‘Ras El Hekma is destined to go a determination crown jewel successful a state already famed for its affluent and divers attractions.

‘Modon Holding is arrogant to bring this 170-million-square-metre visionary megaproject to life, leveraging our expertise and innovative approach.

‘With our partners, we are poised to alteration Ras El Hekma into a dynamic economical powerhouse and a planetary exemplary for municipality development.’

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: ‘As a task of unprecedented standard and impact, Ras El Hekma volition beryllium a catalyst for the improvement of Egypt’s system by offering opportunities for businesses and stimulate tourism.

‘Modon Holding brings a wealthiness of expertise successful maestro readying and volition pioneer state-of-the-art, innovative solutions, creating a destination that volition present semipermanent worth for Egypt and its people.’

A memorandum of knowing has been signed with Accor and Ennismore to run hotels and resorts successful Ras El Hekma.