Egypt is undergoing a major seismic shift, and there are few places where that is being felt more than in Cairo. The emergence of a New Administrative Capital (NAC), which has been in the works since 2015, is finally seeing fruition. Once a spectre that existed only in headlines, or between the conflicting imaginations of Egyptians who were deep in debates about the necessity of a new capital, it has nevertheless left its mark on the nation in more substantial ways. Through the NAC, Egypt has gained new forms of public transport such as the recently-constructed high-speed monorail; they’ve gained new investments in schools and businesses and the construction of the tallest tower in Africa; most of all they’ve gained the attention of several hospitality groups, looking to make the most of the NAC’s promise of a high-tech, high-end experience for residents and travellers alike.

Among them is Bangkok-based Minor Hotels, which plans to make its Egyptian debut at the NAC with the opening of the Oaks Egypt New Capital Apartments and Suites in 2025. An extension of its Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites brand, the massive 400-apartment building is already being touted as a home-away-from-home for corporate travellers and leisure tourists, spread out across two wings that will be linked together at the rooftop and ground floor, along with a spacious retail area.

“Minor Hotels’ upcoming debut in Egypt is strategically important for the group, continuing to grow our footprint in the MENA region and adding a new country to our portfolio,” Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, tells SceneTraveller. “Egypt is well known as a tourism destination for its incredible history and heritage, in addition to being an important business hub. We look forward to launching the Oaks brand in the country’s new capital and we are confident it will bring a great offering to this growing masterplan development.”

Construction on the Oaks Egypt New Capital Apartments and Suites is set to begin in 2022, and will feature 203 branded suites, numerous restaurants, a spa and gym, meeting and co-working spaces, and a rooftop pool and deck, meant to allow guests an opportunity to enjoy the cityscape of the NAC.

Minor Hotels has a total of 31 hotels from their signature Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks brands scattered across the MENA region, with plans to add their luxury NH collection and NH Hotels brands there in the near future.