The Abdeen Court has adjourned proceedings in a case brought by the Egyptian Foundation for Environmental Rights over the future of El-Zohriya Garden in Zamalek, postponing the hearing until July 19.
El-Zohriya Garden, which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, is one of Cairo’s oldest historic botanical gardens.
The foundation is seeking a formal record of the garden’s condition and disclosure of the authorities responsible for its redevelopment, according to its lawyer, Ahmed El-Saeedy. The government’s counsel requested additional time to review the case file and submit defense memorandums. Arguments are expected to resume at the next session, El-Saeedy told Al Manassa.
The court postponed the hearing after the government’s lawyer asked for time to review the case file and submit defense memorandums, the lawyer said. Arguments are expected to resume at the next session.
Filed as case No. 475 of 2026 before the Court for Urgent Matters, the petition asks that a Ministry of Justice expert be appointed to conduct an inspection of the historic botanical garden and document its present state. The group also wants the court to examine whether an environmental impact assessment was carried out and whether redevelopment plans comply with heritage preservation rules.
At the center of the dispute is a redevelopment plan unveiled in September 2025, which envisioned restaurants, a small hotel, and recreational facilities. Environmental and heritage advocates objected, warning that such projects could breach restrictions limiting construction to 2% of the garden’s area as per guidelines for Zamalek.
The Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development previously issued a report titled “Boundaries and Principles for Preserving Zamalek,” setting out the rules for dealing with gardens on the Cairo island.
The report said “clubs and public gardens are environmental zones that must be protected by reducing building footprints,” limiting construction to no more than 5% of land area for clubs and 2% for public gardens. It also said club buildings may not open onto surrounding streets.
In September, El-Saeedy lodged a complaint with the cabinet through the government’s portal, urging suspension of all projects at the garden until the redevelopment plan is published in full. He also called for its compliance to be tested against constitutional provisions, the urban harmony guide, and regulations governing heritage gardens in Zamalek.
Despite months passing since the plans have been made public, the authority carrying out the project and its final details remain undisclosed. Concerns resurfaced in May when markings appeared in the garden.
