Named after the 1973 battle when Egyptians crossed the Suez canal into Israeli-occupied Sinai, 6th of October is Cairo’s main satellite city.

It is located 30 km northwest of Cairo, 20 minutes’ drive from Libnan Square in Mohandiseen. A number of international secondary schools and three of Cairo’s main private universities are situated here: 6th of October University, the Modern Science and Arts (MSA) University and Masr (Egypt) Science and Technology University. As a result, many of the residents are students and families from the Middle East and North Africa.

Accommodation ranges from private compounds with villas and swimming pools to government housing in the industrial areas: but all at a fraction of the price of its Cairo equivalent. Other contrasts with Cairo include: the weather (there’s little humidity in the summer); the lack of pollution and rubbish; the space; and peace and calm. On the other hand there’s little of cultural interest and shopping and eating out is done in malls. Average rent for a two-bedroom furnished apartment: 800 LE.