Cairo builds pyramid skyscraper

Project in south-east Cairo to become Egypt's tallest building

Egypt's housing ministry has revealed plans to construct a pyramid-inspired 200-m tall skyscraper in Cairo, a 30-minute drive from the original ancient structures at Giza. The steel and glass Zayed Crystal Spark complex will be located on a 190-hectare site overlooking the July 26 Road in the Sheikh Zayed City district, to the south-east of the city centre.

When built, the 49-storey tower will the country's tallest building, surpassing the 143-m high ministry of foreign affairs building, as well as the Great Pyramid at 138-m. The building will comprise two pyramids: a tall 200-m one, and a broader supportin pyramid structure at its base, however the project's architect has yet to be revealed.

Unveiling the plans to local media in early March, the country's housing minister Moustafa Madbouly described the complex as "an administrative, commercial and entertainment project as it includes buildings for various purposes, in addition to the unique 200-metre tower."

The government will present the project formally in Cairo on 22 March at an economic development conference, an event designed to boost investment for Egypt's flagging economy.