Shubra El Kheima is a city in Egypt located in the Qalyubia Governorate, forming part of the Greater Cairo metropolitan area. It is the fourth-largest city in Egypt after Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. Shubra El Kheima means “hamlet of the tent” in Arabic, and it has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
The city was formerly a market town supplying Cairo with agricultural produce from the rich alluvial delta area. Because it connects Cairo to the north, Egypt’s rulers have always valued its strategic importance. In Shubra El Kheima, the first railway line in Egypt was established in 1854, running from Cairo to Alexandria. Today, the city is a bustling urban center with a diverse population and a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
Geography and Demographics
Location and Area
Located in the Qalyubia Governorate on the northern border of the Cairo Governorate, Shubra El Kheima is a city in Egypt. It is situated on the east bank of the Nile River in Lower Egypt. The city covers an area of approximately 270.68 square kilometers (104.51 square miles) and is part of the Greater Cairo Metropolitan Area.
Population and Districts
According to the most recent population estimate of 2023, Shubra El Kheima has a population of 529,337 people. The city is divided into several districts, including Shubra El Kheima 1, which is fully urban. The city’s status as a significant industrial hub has contributed to the population’s consistent growth over time.
Elevation and Climate
Shubra El Kheima has an elevation of 29 meters (95 feet) above sea level. The city has an arid climate, which is classified as BWh according to the Köppen climate classification. Warm and arid summers alternate with mild, wet winters. An average year’s temperature of roughly 23°C (73°F) and approximately 29 millimeters (1.14 inches) of precipitation are recorded.
In conclusion, Shubra El Kheima is located in the Qalyubia Governorate, on the east bank of the Nile River in Lower Egypt. It covers an area of approximately 270.68 square kilometers and is part of the Greater Cairo Metropolitan Area. Shubra El Kheima has a population of 529,337 people and is divided into several districts. At 29 meters above sea level, the city enjoys an arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
History and Culture
Historical Significance
Shubra El Kheima is located in the Qalyubia Governorate of Egypt, about 15 miles northeast of Cairo. Once a village on the Nile, Mohamed Ali constructed a palace nearby in 1908 as a rural retreat. As it developed into a significant industrial hub during the 20th Century, the area’s population shifted to include workers and their families. Shubra El Kheima played a significant role in the 2011 Arab Spring, as it was one of the areas where protests and clashes with police occurred.
Cultural Heritage
Shubra El Kheima has a rich and varied cultural heritage. The city has evidence of human habitation from the Predynastic Period onward. The Islamic decoration style can be seen in many buildings, including the Shubra El Kheima Palace. The city is also home to several Coptic churches, such as the Church of Saint George and the Church of the Holy Virgin.
Religious Communities
Shubra El Kheima is home to diverse religious communities. The city has a significant Coptic Christian population, with several churches and monasteries. The city also has a significant Muslim population, with several mosques. The Al-Fath Mosque is one of the most notable mosques in the city. Despite occasional tensions, the religious communities in Shubra El Kheima generally coexist peacefully.
Economy and Industry
Industrial Hub
Shubra El Kheima is a major industrial hub in Egypt. It is the fourth-largest city in the country after Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. The city has a strategic location along the Nile River, which has made it an ideal location for industrial development. The industrial sector in Shubra El Kheima is diverse, with a range of industries including textiles, chemicals, plastics, and food processing.
Textile and Cotton Production
Shubra El Kheima has a long textile and cotton production history. The city boasts one of the biggest textile industries in Egypt, which has greatly contributed to the economic growth of the area. The city has many textile factories producing various products, including cotton yarn, fabrics, and garments. The cotton industry in Shubra El Kheima is also significant, with many cotton gins and cottonseed oil mills located in the city.
The textile and cotton industries in Shubra El Kheima have contributed significantly to the city’s economy and helped make it one of the major industrial centers in Africa. The high demand for the city’s cotton and textile products, both domestically and abroad, has aided in job creation and stimulated regional economic growth.
In conclusion, Shubra El Kheima is a big city with a diverse economy, and the industrial sector is one of the key drivers of its economic growth. The city’s strategic location along the Nile River and its long textile and cotton production history have made it an ideal location for industrial development. The textile and cotton industries in Shubra El Kheima are significant contributors to the city’s economy and have helped to make it a major industrial center in Africa.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Cairo Metro and Railways
Shubra El Kheima is well-connected to the rest of Cairo and beyond through various modes of transportation. The first in Africa, the Cairo Metro, has two stations in Shubra El Kheima: Shubra El Kheima Station and Rod El Farag Station. These stations are part of Line 2 of the Cairo Metro, which runs from Shubra El Kheima to Cairo University, extending to Giza. The metro is a fast and convenient way to travel around Cairo and is used by millions of commuters every day.
In addition to the metro, Shubra El Kheima is also served by the Egyptian National Railways. The city has its railway station, which provides connections to other cities in Egypt, including Alexandria, Tanta, and Mansoura.
Road Network
Shubra El Kheima is well-connected to the rest of Cairo and the surrounding areas through an extensive road network. The city is located on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, a major highway connecting Cairo to Alexandria. Several other major roads, including the Cairo-Ismailia Road, the Cairo-Suez Road, and the Cairo-Belbeis Road, also serve the city.
The road network in Shubra El Kheima is constantly being upgraded and expanded to accommodate the growing population and economy of the city. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in recent years, including the construction of new highways and the expansion of existing ones.
Overall, the transportation and infrastructure in Shubra El Kheima is well-developed and provides easy access to other parts of Cairo and beyond. Whether by metro, railway, or road, commuters can travel quickly and efficiently to their destinations.
Landmarks and Attractions
Shubra El Kheima, Cairo, Egypt, has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several landmarks and attractions worth visiting. In this section, we will explore two of the most popular ones.
Shubra Palace
Shubra Palace, also known as the Palace of Shubra, is a historic palace in the Shubra district of Cairo. It was built in the 19th Century by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of modern Egypt. The palace is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and features stunning gardens and fountains. Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms, including the harem, reception hall, and throne room. The palace also houses a museum that showcases artifacts from Egypt’s rich history.
Fountain Pavilion of Mohamed Ali Pasha
The Fountain Pavilion of Mohamed Ali Pasha is another popular attraction in Shubra El Kheima. It is located in the Garden City district of Cairo and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Nile. Muhammad Ali Pasha built The pavilion in the 19th Century, featuring a large fountain in the center. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the pavilion’s gardens or take a boat ride on the Nile to get a closer look at the pavilion.
Whether you are interested in history or architecture or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Nile, Shubra El Kheima has something for everyone. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning landmarks, it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular destinations in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Shubra El Kheima?
Shubra El Kheima is a bustling city located in the Qalyubia Governorate, along the northern edge of the Cairo Governorate. While it may not be as well-known as some other cities in Egypt, it offers many interesting attractions for visitors to explore. Some of the top attractions in Shubra El Kheima include the Mohamed Ali Palace, the Shubra El Kheima Botanical Gardens, and the Shubra El Kheima Zoo.
Can you recommend some popular dining spots in Shubra El Kheima?
There are several great dining options in Shubra El Kheima for visitors to enjoy. El Tawfiqeya, which offers mouthwatering Egyptian food, and El Abd, which is well-known for its delicious shawarma, are two of the most well-liked locations. For those looking for something more upscale, the Le Pacha 1901 restaurant offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of the Nile.
What is the significance of Shubra El Kheima in Egyptian history?
Shubra El Kheima has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. During the 1800s, a market town supplied Cairo with agricultural produce from the rich alluvial delta area. In the early 1900s, Mohamed Ali built a palace in the area as a rural retreat. Today, it is primarily inhabited by workers and their families and is a major industrial hub in Egypt.
How can I find a map of Shubra El Kheima?
Finding a map of Shubra El Kheima is easy, thanks to the internet. Numerous results, including Google Maps and other mapping services, can be found with a quick internet search. Visitors can also find maps at local tourist information centers or hotels.
What are the best-guided tours available in Shubra El Kheima?
Several great guided tours in Shubra El Kheima allow visitors to explore many attractions. Some of the most popular tours include the Mohamed Ali Palace Tour, the Shubra El Kheima Botanical Gardens Tour, and the Shubra El Kheima Zoo Tour. Visitors can also find several private tour companies that offer customized tours of the city.
What is the postal code for Shubra Al Khaymah?
The postal code for Shubra Al Khaymah is 13511. Visitors should include this code when sending mail or packages to the city to ensure they arrive at their intended destination.
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