Egypt Set to Launch Middle East’s Biggest Astronomical Observatory in 2025

According to El Watan News, Dr. Gad El-Qady, Dean of the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, confirmed plans to launch the biggest astronomical observatory in the Middle East. The observatory will cost a total of one billion Egyptian pounds to build and is set to open in 2025.

Dr. El-Qady also explained that this will be the starting point for the launch of the biggest city for astrological studies, research and space discovery in the Middle East, and will support the much-anticipated Egyptian Space Agency. The observatory will replace the current astronomical observatory in Katameyya, which has been facing various issues due to light pollution and the tall buildings surrounding it. The location of the observatory is yet to be determined, but will either be in South Sinai, North Hurghada or South Hurghada.

 The observatory will be part of a planned city dedicated to everything related to astronomical sciences, which will host observatories, and research and teaching centres, according to Dr. El-Qady. He also commented that the protection of intellectual property will be prioritized for all research conducted at the city for astrological studies and the observatory once they are in operation.

Dr. El-Qady also said that the observatory is part of a long-term strategy to put Egypt on the map as pertaining to astronomical and space sciences as well as the observation of satellites. The project is heading in the same direction as Egypt’s Vision 2030, alongside the launch of the Egyptian Space Agency, and the global advancement of astronomical and space technologies that are anticipated to accompany these ambitious projects.