ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria is a city in Egypt located on the Mediterranean coast. It was founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great and became an important centre of trade, culture, and learning in the ancient world. The city was home to the Great Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant libraries of antiquity, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Alexandria served as Egypt’s capital for nearly a thousand years before losing its political importance. It was a key centre for Greek and Roman civilisation, attracting scholars, scientists, and philosophers. The city played a major role in the spread of Hellenistic culture and later became an important hub for Christianity and Islam.

Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city and an important economic centre. It has a major port, industries, and educational institutions. The city’s historical significance attracts tourists, and its cultural heritage is preserved in museums and archaeological sites. Though much of ancient Alexandria is lost due to natural disasters and urban development, it remains a symbol of Egypt’s rich history. Alexandria continues to be a vital city for trade, education, and cultural exchange in the modern era.

As of 2025, Alexandria has a population of about 5.6 million and serves as a key economic and cultural hub. It covers an area of 2,818 km², with an urban centre spanning around 300–400 km². The city operates under Egypt’s governorate system, with Mohamed El Sherif as its governor. Alexandria’s GDP is around $36 billion (2024), driven by industries such as tourism, trade, and manufacturing.

The city has ten districts, including Al-Montaza, Sharq, Wasat, Al-Amriya, Al-Gomrok, Al-Mina, Borg El Arab, Agamy, West Alexandria, and East Alexandria. It is served by Borg El Arab International Airport and has postal codes ranging from 21500–21999. The official time zone is EET (UTC+2).

• Gabbari Necropolis: Discovered by chance in 1997, the Gabbari necropolis is one of the largest burial sites in the world, dating back to 3rd century BC.
• New Library of Alexandria: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, completed in 2002, can hold 8 million books and has a reading room for 2,500 readers.
• Oldest Tram System in Africa: Alexandria has Africa’s oldest tram system, dating back to 1860, making it one of the oldest in the world.
• Eratosthenes and Euclid: The Greek scholar Eratosthenes first calculated the Earth’s circumference in Alexandria. Euclid, the father of geometry, also lived and worked there.
• Egypt’s Largest Port: Alexandria is Egypt’s largest port, with four harbours. The Western Harbour handles 60-70% of Egypt’s total imports and exports.
• Population and Area: As of 2025, Alexandria has a population of 5.6 million and covers 2,818 km², making it Egypt’s second-largest city.
• GDP and Economy: Alexandria’s GDP is estimated at $36 billion (2024), driven by trade, industry, and tourism.
• Borg El Arab Airport: Alexandria is served by Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), which replaced El Nouzha Airport as the city’s main airport.
• Mediterranean Trade Hub: The Port of Alexandria is a major Mediterranean trade hub, connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia.
• Historic Landmarks: Alexandria is home to famous sites like the Citadel of Qaitbay (built on the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria) and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites.

The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by the City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise the City Council on all major issues affecting the City. Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

The liquidation of municipal autonomy was the prelude to an increasingly centralised control of urban administration through the governorate. Since the revolution led by Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1952, the president of the republic has appointed the governor, who is assisted by an elected local council; the governorate is responsible to the Ministry of Local Affairs.

In terms of city services, Alexandria is generally on a par with other urban governorates of Egypt, providing electricity and pure drinking water to all but a small percentage of homes. However, pollution of the beaches is a continuing health hazard. The city has been blamed for pumping vast quantities of sewage into the Mediterranean, although efforts have been made to control the release of untreated effluent.

Alexandrians receive medical services at a number of private and public clinics and hospitals

Alexandria is a governorate in Egypt and operates under Egypt’s national government. The Governor of Alexandria is appointed by the President of Egypt and is responsible for managing public services, urban planning, and infrastructure development. As of 2025, the governor is Mohamed El Sherif.

The city is divided into ten districts, including Al-Montaza, Sharq, Wasat, Al-Amriya, Al-Gomrok, Al-Mina, Borg El Arab, Agamy, West Alexandria, and East Alexandria. Each district has a local administration that oversees municipal services such as waste management, transportation, and public facilities.

The Alexandria Governorate works with national ministries to manage education, healthcare, and security. The Alexandria City Council helps implement local policies and monitor city development. The city has four harbours, and its port authority regulates maritime trade and logistics.

Public transport is managed by the Alexandria Passenger Transport Authority, which operates buses, trams, and taxis. The police and emergency services fall under the Ministry of Interior, ensuring law enforcement and public safety.

Alexandria’s economic administration focuses on trade, tourism, and industry. The city’s GDP is $36 billion (2024), with policies aimed at improving investment and infrastructure. The administration also oversees historic sites and cultural programs.

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Alexandria has a diverse business environment, with key industries such as trade, manufacturing, tourism, and services. The city’s strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea makes it an important centre for imports and exports, with the Port of Alexandria handling 60-70% of Egypt’s total trade.

In manufacturing, Alexandria is home to industries such as petrochemicals, textiles, food processing, and construction materials. The Borg El Arab Industrial Zone hosts many factories, including major companies in pharmaceuticals and plastics production. The Alexandria Petroleum Company and SIDPEC play key roles in Egypt’s oil and gas sector.

The tourism sector contributes significantly to the economy, attracting visitors to landmarks such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Montaza Palace. The city has numerous hotels, resorts, and cultural sites, supporting hospitality and local businesses.

Alexandria’s service sector includes banking, finance, IT, and logistics, with many national and international companies operating in the city. Alexandria University and research institutions contribute to innovation and business growth.

The private sector is expanding, providing jobs in retail, real estate, and transportation. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, industry, and trade, Alexandria continues to develop as a business-friendly city in Egypt.

Alexandria spans 2,818 square kilometers and has a population of 5.6 million (2025). Its infrastructure supports transportation, urban development, and essential utilities.

Transportation: The city has an extensive rail and road network, with the Alexandria–Cairo railway line connecting it to Egypt’s capital. The Alexandria tram system, operational since 1860, is among the oldest in the world. Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) serves as the main air transport hub.

The Port of Alexandria, with four harbours, is the largest in Egypt, handling most of the country’s maritime trade. The Western Harbour alone manages 60-70% of imports and exports.

Urban Development: The city is expanding through projects like the Borg El Arab Industrial Zone, aimed at boosting economic growth. New housing and commercial developments are underway to accommodate the growing population.

Utilities and Services: Alexandria has complete electricity coverage, and access to clean water and waste management services. The government is working on improving sanitation and urban infrastructure to support the city's economic and residential needs.

Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city, is advancing its technological landscape through various significant projects. The city is upgrading the existing 22-kilometer rail line from downtown Alexandria to Abou Qir into a high-capacity, electrified metro system. This project aims to enhance urban mobility and reduce travel times for residents and visitors.

In mid-2024, the Middle East Oil Refinery Co. (Midor) completed a modernisation project at its refinery in El Amreya Free Zone near Alexandria. This expansion increased the refinery's processing capacity from 100,000 to 160,000 barrels per stream day and upgraded its production to meet Euro 5-quality specifications, contributing to cleaner fuel production and energy efficiency.

The City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), established in 2000 in New Borg El Arab, serves as a hub for scientific and technological research. Spanning 225 acres, it hosts multiple research institutes focusing on areas like genetic engineering, advanced technologies, and environmental studies, fostering innovation and collaboration.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), established in 2009, emphasises research-based education in engineering and technology, aiming to produce graduates equipped to contribute to Egypt's technological advancement.

Borg El Arab Technological University, opened in 2022, offers programs aligned with labor market needs, focusing on practical skills in information technology, health tech, and industrial maintenance. The university aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.

As part of the BEEP project, the Horreya Center for Creativity in Alexandria has been equipped with modern facilities, including an Information Technology Center (ITC), to promote cultural and technological activities. This initiative enhances community engagement and access to technological resources.

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