1. About Maadi
Maadi is one of Cairo's greenest, most established residential districts, sitting on the eastern bank of the Nile in the southern part of the capital. Originally planned in the early 20th century (around 1905) as a quiet, tree-lined garden suburb for the elite and foreign residents, it has kept that character ever since. Today it is widely described as the “green lung of Cairo,” prized for its shaded streets, the Nile-side corniche, and a calmer pace than the rest of the city.
The district has long been a magnet for expatriates, diplomats, and families, thanks to its concentration of international schools, embassies, sporting clubs, and reputable hospitals. The presence of diplomatic missions also gives Maadi a strong reputation for safety and security. Housing ranges from spacious older apartments and standalone villas in Sarayat and Degla to newer apartment blocks and gated compounds in New Maadi and Zahraa El Maadi, so the area serves a wide spectrum of budgets and lifestyles — from premium villa rentals favored by embassies to more affordable flats in Old Maadi and Zahraa.
2. Maadi City Location
Maadi lies on the east bank of the Nile, roughly 12 kilometers south of Downtown Cairo, within the Greater Cairo metropolitan area and under the Cairo Governorate. It is bordered by the Nile Corniche to the west and the Autostrad / Ring Road corridor to the east, which frames the district and gives it strong road and metro connectivity. The district is made up of several distinct sub-areas, each with its own feel:
- Sarayat El Maadi (Old / Maadi Sarayat) — The historic heart — grand villas, quiet leafy squares, and the highest concentration of embassies.
- Degla El Maadi — A lively, pedestrian-friendly expat favorite with a strong café and dining scene.
- New Maadi — More urban and bustling, with plenty of shops and restaurants.
- Zahraa El Maadi — More affordable housing, located toward the Ring Road.
- Maadi Corniche, Old Maadi, Laselky & Road 9 — Round out the area's residential and retail fabric.
3. Distance Between Maadi and Other Cities & Facilities
Maadi's central-south position makes it easy to reach major Cairo destinations. Approximate distances and drive times (traffic-dependent):
| Destination | Approx. Distance | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|
| Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square) | ~12 km | 20–30 min |
| New Cairo / Fifth Settlement | ~15–20 km | 25–40 min |
| Cairo International Airport | ~25–30 km | 40–60 min |
| Nasr City | ~15 km | 25–40 min |
| Giza Pyramids | ~18–20 km | 40–60 min |
| Zamalek | ~12 km | 25–35 min |
| Heliopolis | ~20 km | 35–50 min |
Maadi also sits on Cairo Metro Line 1, which connects it quickly to Downtown and onward across the city — a major convenience for residents who want to avoid traffic.
4. Maadi Key Roads
- Corniche El Nile (Nile Corniche) — The scenic riverside road forming Maadi's western edge, with Nile views and the Maadi Corniche promenade.
- The Autostrad (Saqr Quraish corridor) — A key north–south highway on the eastern side, linking Maadi toward Downtown and Helwan.
- Cairo Ring Road — Frames the eastern/southern edge, connecting Maadi to New Cairo, the airport road, and the wider ring network.
- El Laselky Street — Connects Degla and New Maadi and runs through the heart of the residential area.
- Misr–Helwan Agricultural Road — A long arterial running through southern Cairo and Maadi.
- Road 9 (Street 9) — The district's main retail and dining spine, lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants, and home to several metro stations along its length.
5. Maadi City Map
Maadi is bounded by the Nile Corniche to the west and the Autostrad/Ring Road to the east, with the railway line running through the middle and separating Sarayat from Degla. The three Metro stations — Maadi, Sakanat El Maadi, and Hadayek El Maadi — sit along the Road 9 corridor, making the area easy to navigate on foot, by ride-hailing app (Uber/Careem), or by metro. For an interactive view, search “Maadi, Cairo” on Google Maps, where you can locate each sub-area, the corniche, and the metro line.
6. Properties in Maadi
Maadi offers one of the most varied property markets in Cairo, suiting both end-users and investors:
- Apartments — From compact studios and 2-bedroom family flats to large floors and penthouses. The most common property type in the district.
- Villas & standalone houses — Concentrated in Sarayat and parts of Degla — spacious, garden-rich, and popular with embassies and large families.
- Duplexes, penthouses & full floors — Widely available across the higher-end sub-areas.
- Office & commercial space — Maadi has a deep commercial market, hosting multinational, oil & gas, and NGO offices.
Typical features in upper-tier units include spacious living and dining areas, multiple bathrooms, maid's rooms, private terraces or gardens, built-in wardrobes, fully equipped kitchens, and — in compounds — 24/7 security, underground parking, and recreational facilities. Both ready-to-move and resale options are common, with a strong long-term rental market driven by the expat community.
7. Top Real Estate Projects (Compounds) in Maadi
A number of gated communities offer premium amenities, security, and community living within the district. Notable compounds include:
Maadi Heights
A modern, family-friendly compound with villas and apartments, complete with shopping and entertainment facilities; buildings cover only a small share of the land, leaving generous green space.
Tijan Maadi
A gated community combining luxury with practical layouts, sports, leisure, educational, and healthcare services, often with flexible payment plans.
Maadi Gardens
Known for greenery and a calm atmosphere.
Rehana (Rihana) Residence
Elegant architecture and modern facilities, including a gym, spa, pools, kids' areas, and commercial shops.
Maadi Gate
Located in Zahraa El Maadi near Cairo American College, minutes from the Autostrad and Wadi Degla Club.
Ashgar Darna
Situated near Maadi Club and the Katameya area.
Note: “Maadi View” is a separate AGEC Developments project located in El Shorouk City (not within Maadi district itself), designed to evoke Maadi's character in a new-city setting.
8. Commercial Real Estate Projects in Maadi
Maadi is a genuine business hub as well as a residential one. Its commercial real estate spans:
- Office space & full floors — Along the Corniche, the Autostrad corridor, and the Engineering Towers / Golf Tower clusters — home to multinational corporations, oil & gas companies, NGOs, and embassies.
- Retail & mixed-use — Anchored by Road 9, the Maadi Grand Mall, and City Centre Maadi.
- Ground-floor & street-level retail — Throughout Degla and New Maadi, suited to clinics, cafés, showrooms, and services.
The commercial segment sees strong leasing demand thanks to Maadi's affluent demographic, expat footfall, and proximity to Downtown and New Cairo.
9. Maadi Facilities
- Healthcare — Multiple private hospitals, specialized clinics, and pharmacies serving both emergency and specialized care.
- Sports & recreation — Renowned clubs such as Maadi Club and Wadi Degla Club, plus gyms, yoga studios, and the Wadi Degla Protectorate nature reserve for hiking.
- Banking & services — Branches of major banks, co-working spaces, and community services.
- Worship — Mosques and churches throughout the district.
- Security — Enhanced safety due to the heavy diplomatic and embassy presence.
- Connectivity — Three Metro stations and easy ride-hailing coverage.
10. Schools in Maadi City, Egypt
Cairo American College (CAC)
Established in 1945 at 1 Midan Degla, Maadi. A US State Department–sponsored, not-for-profit PreK–Grade 12 school accredited by the Council of International Schools, the International Baccalaureate, and the Middle States Association. It enrolls around 960 students representing 50+ nationalities, with the vast majority of graduates continuing to universities in the US and abroad.
Maadi has one of the highest concentrations of quality schools in Cairo, covering American, British, French, and national curricula. Other respected international and language schools in and around Maadi include British, French (e.g. Lycée), German, and reputable national/language schools, making the district a top choice for families prioritizing education.
11. Universities in Maadi
Maadi itself is primarily residential and school-focused rather than a university hub, but it offers convenient access to several higher-education institutions. Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA)–affiliated and modern universities are within reach of the New Maadi / Ring Road corridor.
The American University in Cairo (AUC) main campus is in New Cairo, roughly a 25–40 minute drive via the Ring Road, and multiple other private and national universities across New Cairo and Greater Cairo are easily reached from Maadi by car or metro. Families often choose Maadi for its schools and then commute to nearby New Cairo for university-level study.
12. Shopping Malls in Maadi City
- City Centre Maadi — A major Majid Al Futtaim mall on the Katameya highway (opened 2002), home to around 86+ international and local brands, a Carrefour hypermarket, a food court, and cinemas. One of the largest retail destinations serving the area, drawing well over a million visitors a month.
- Maadi Grand Mall — A long-established multi-floor community mall at the crossroads of Roads 250/256/257, with clothing stores, cafés, pharmacies, services, and underground parking — a convenient everyday shopping spot.
In addition, Road 9 and The Platform on the Corniche provide boutique shopping, cafés, and dining in a more open-air setting.
13. Hotels in Maadi
- Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi — 255 rooms and suites overlooking the Nile, with conference facilities, the eforea spa, and multiple dining outlets (O'Nile, Dayma).
- Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi — On the Maadi Corniche, 171 rooms and suites with Nile views, geared to both business and leisure.
- Pearl Hotel Cairo & boutique options — Serve the district's steady flow of business travelers and visiting families.
14. Activities in Maadi
- Nile Corniche — Walks and boat rides along the scenic riverside.
- Wadi Degla Protectorate — Hiking, cycling, and camping in a protected desert valley on the district's edge.
- Sporting clubs — Maadi Club and Wadi Degla Club for swimming, tennis, gym, and social life.
- Road 9 & Degla — Café-hopping, boutique shopping, and a vibrant international food scene.
- Cultural & community life — Yoga studios, language classes, co-working spaces, farmers' markets, and community events popular with the expat crowd.
- Family entertainment — Cinemas and play areas at City Centre Maadi and Maadi Grand Mall.
15. Maadi Restaurants & Cafés
Maadi is one of Cairo's best dining neighborhoods, especially for international cuisine. Road 9 and Degla form the heart of the scene, lined with specialty coffee shops, European-style bakeries, and restaurants spanning Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Levantine, and Egyptian cuisine.
The Corniche and The Platform add waterfront dining with Nile views, while casual cafés throughout the district double as remote-work and social spots. The mix of upscale eateries and cozy local spots is a big part of what draws expats and young professionals to Maadi.
16. Why You Should Invest or Rent in Maadi
- Established prestige & greenery — A rare leafy, low-density district in an otherwise dense city — consistently in Cairo's top residential tier.
- Strong, stable rental demand — A large expat, diplomatic, and corporate community keeps both furnished and unfurnished rentals in steady demand, especially for villas and premium flats.
- Connectivity — Metro Line 1, the Corniche, the Autostrad, and the Ring Road put Downtown, New Cairo, and the airport within easy reach.
- Lifestyle & amenities — Top international schools, leading clubs, hospitals, malls, and a standout dining scene.
- Safety — Enhanced security from the embassy and diplomatic presence.
- Diverse price points — From premium Sarayat villas to affordable Zahraa and Old Maadi flats — flexibility for both end-users and investors.
- Resilient values — A mature, sought-after market with strong long-term demand and ongoing compound and infrastructure development.
