6th of October (city)


6th of October is a city in the Giza Governorate, Egypt. It is a satellite city, located adjacent to Giza, and is part of the Greater Cairo region. The city served as the capital of the now-defunct 6th of October Governorate, which was dissolved in 2011. Established as a new city in the desert, 6th of October hosts several local and international educational facilities.

Attractions and Activities

6th of October City offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike. Some notable highlights include:
  • Pyramids of Giza: Just a short drive away, these iconic structures are a must-visit for anyone in the area.

    History

The settlement was established in 1979 by the 504th presidential decree of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. It is from the center of Cairo and from the great pyramid of Giza. Despite having many unfinished or vacant buildings, the city has a total area of and is eventually expected to have six million residents.
It was announced as the capital of the 6th of October Governorate in April 2008. Following the governorate's dissolution in April 2011, in the wake of the Egyptian revolution, it was reincorporated into the Giza Governorate, to which it had originally belonged.
The city is named after the date of commencement for Operation Badr, the 6th of October 1973, which began the October War. The same date was chosen as Egypt's Armed Forces Day.
After the start of the Syrian civil war, many Syrian refugees fled to Egypt. Many of them settled in 6th of October City, which houses a significant Syrian community today.

Climate

The Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as hot desert. Its climate is very similar to Giza and Cairo, owing to its proximity to them. That being said, some places in 6th of October are a bit colder and windier than central Cairo and Giza city at night for several reasons. This is mainly because buildings and infrastructure tend to be more spaced out, accompanied by more empty spaces, allowing for wind to pick up more easily than in the densely populated centres of Giza and Cairo. Additionally, the city was built in the desert which tends to be colder and drier than the damp humid areas closer to the Nile.

Demographics

Religious landmarks

Mosques

The city is served by many mosques, the largest being El Hosary Mosque on El Tahrir St. built in the honour of an eminent Egyptian Qari, Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary.

Churches

There are several churches in 6th of October city. The most famous of them belongs to the Evangelical megachurch of Nigeria, the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Economy

6th of October City has one of the largest centralised banking sectors, business districts and industrial zones of any city in Egypt, something upon which the entire city was founded. This area contains various banking branches, businesses, warehouses, corporate offices and more within a convenient location, and provides employment opportunities for people from within the city and other parts of Giza.

Services

Some of the largest businesses with locations in 6th of October City are:
6th of October Airport is used for the transport of products and materials to and from the city. The city also houses four industrial zones.
Major factories:
  • IGA Egyptian-German Car Factory
  • Suzuki Egypt
  • Juhayna Food Industries
  • Daewoo Motors Egypt
  • Style Team Lighting
  • Franke Kitchen Systems Egypt
  • Pepsico Egypt
  • Aller Aqua Factory

    Cityscape

Residential compounds

  • Mountain View iCity October
  • Kayan
  • Keeva
  • Badya
  • Sun Capital
  • Joulz
  • Palm Parks
  • Beta Residence
  • Ashgar Residence
  • Garden Lakes
  • Kingsway
  • Mountain View 4
  • Zayed Dunes
  • Pyramid Hills
  • October Plaza
  • Beverly Hills
  • Hadaba
  • Mountain view Giza Plateau
  • Palm Hills October
  • New Giza
  • Grand Heights
  • Mountain View Chillout Park

    Headquarters

6th of October is the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football and the Egyptian Football Association. It hosts Egypt's Smart Village, the technology park and regional hub for many companies in the IT and financial sectors.
The main office of the UNHCR in Egypt, in addition to its RSD office, is located in the city as well.

Infrastructure

Education

6th of October City is home to a large student population, including many students from across Egypt as well as international students. The city attracts foreign students from Gulf Arab states, Jordan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Syria, Iraq, and Israel.
There are seven private universities in 6th of October City, including two private medical schools at Misr University for Science and Technology and October 6 University.

Universities and institutes