Zahw Assiut: Madinet Masr's first villa community in Upper Egypt on the West Assiut plateau
Launched on 21 June 2023 as Madinet Masr's first project outside Greater Cairo: 104 acres of standalone, twin and townhouse villas plus the signature Z-Villa, beside Badr University and Assiut Airport.
Zahw: the moment Madinet Masr decided to build for Upper Egypt
On 21 June 2023, Madinet Masr for Housing and Development opened a brand-new chapter in its history by launching Zahw Assiut. This was not simply a geographic addition to the map; it was the company's first project outside Greater Cairo and its first step into Upper Egypt, making it a symbol of the national expansion announced with the new "Madinet Masr" brand. The project sits on the western plateau in West Assiut, directly facing Badr University in Assiut, less than 6 minutes from Assiut International Airport and about 15 minutes from the city centre.
Zahw spans 104 acres, roughly 42 hectares, and the company plans to accommodate more than 1,250 residential units inside its gates. Phase 1 is the practical starting point, with 297 villas on a built-up area of 63,000 m². Unlike Madinet Masr's New Cairo projects that mix apartments and villas, Zahw is a villas-only community, giving it a quiet, elevated residential character that suits the plateau and local culture in Assiut.
The residential mix includes standalone villas, twin villas, townhouses and family villas, plus a signature unit called Z-Villa. The idea behind this unit is that it represents the project's architectural identity: European design accented with an Arabic touch, a studied footprint that guarantees privacy, and a facade that does not repeat in the developer's other products. The plan is completed by everyday services: a 20,000 m² sports club, a 15,000 m² commercial zone, a mosque, a swimming pool and round-the-clock security. Official handover targets roughly 3 years from contracting, placing the project among the near-term options for anyone looking for a villa in Upper Egypt.
On pricing, property portal listings start from EGP 4.7 million, but we stress that this figure is indicative and not unified, and no confirmed average price-per-metre data is available for the project yet. Buyers should contact the developer directly for an accurate offer that matches the unit type and position inside the master plan.
Zahw location: the West Assiut plateau beside the university and airport
Zahw was not placed randomly in Assiut. Madinet Masr chose it on the western plateau in West Assiut, a raised area with cleaner air and wider views than the city centre. The project directly faces Badr University in Assiut, attracting families who want to live near the university and investors targeting rental demand from students and faculty.
Proximity to Assiut International Airport — less than 6 minutes by car — adds clear travel value, especially for those flying regularly to Cairo or the Gulf. The project is also about 15 minutes from downtown Assiut and its commercial and medical services, balancing plateau tranquillity with practical city access.
| Destination | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Badr University in Assiut | Directly facing |
| Assiut International Airport | < 6 minutes |
| Downtown Assiut | ~15 minutes |
| Cairo | ~350–400 km |
| Western Desert Road | Fast access |
Zahw phases and villa types — what does Z-Villa mean?
Zahw begins with Phase 1, which contains 297 villas only, spread across a built-up area of 63,000 m². This villa focus keeps population density low and privacy high, suiting Upper Egyptian families looking for stable homes away from high-rise towers. The rest of the planned total (+1,250) will be released in later phases whose details have not yet been announced.
Zahw's residential products vary to cover different needs: a standalone villa for maximum privacy, a twin villa balancing space and price, a townhouse for smaller families and a family villa with more room. The Z-Villa is the project's distinctive unit: a design that symbolises the Z in Zahw, combining a compact footprint with architectural luxury and acting as the project's signature that has no equivalent in Madinet Masr's other products.
Zahw Assiut prices 2026 — indicative and subject to update
| Unit type | Notes | Indicative starting price (EGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone villa | Highest privacy and space | — |
| Twin villa | Suits extended families | — |
| Townhouse | Relatively affordable villa entry | — |
| Z-Villa | Unique signature unit | — |
| General entry point (portals) | Marketing entry price | 4,700,000 |
The indicative price shown on property portals for Zahw Assiut starts from EGP 4.7 million, but there is no official unified price list from the developer breaking down each unit type. Verified average price-per-metre data is also not available for the project yet. The table above is therefore only a classification guide; the actual price is set when you contact the sales team directly.
Latest Zahw Assiut updates — through July 2026
- 2023-06
Official launch of Zahw
Madinet Masr announced Zahw on 21 June 2023 as its first project outside Greater Cairo and its first in Upper Egypt, on 104 acres in West Assiut facing Badr University, with more than 1,250 planned units.
- 2023–2026
Construction and ongoing sales
Since launch, work has continued on the 297-unit Phase 1 across 63,000 m² built-up, with standalone, twin, townhouse and Z-Villa units offered to local buyers and purchasers from outside Assiut.
- 2026-07
Zahw presence on property portals
In July 2026, Zahw Assiut listings appeared on several property portals with an indicative entry price of EGP 4.7 million, 5–10% down payment and instalments up to 7 years, emphasising proximity to the airport and university.
Questions buyers ask about Zahw Assiut — with verified answers
Where is Zahw Assiut located?
Zahw Assiut sits on the western plateau in West Assiut, directly facing Badr University in Assiut and less than 6 minutes from Assiut International Airport, about 15 minutes from downtown Assiut. The site benefits from main roads linking the plateau to the rest of the city, placing it close to the university, the airport and public services at the same time.
Is Zahw Madinet Masr's first project in Upper Egypt?
Yes. Zahw was launched on 21 June 2023 as Madinet Masr for Housing and Development's first project outside Greater Cairo and its first step into Upper Egypt. It marks a strategic turning point in the company's national expansion plan after the 2023 rebrand.
What does Z-Villa mean in Zahw?
Z-Villa is Zahw's signature unit type. It combines a compact footprint with high privacy and architectural design that blends European character with an Arabic touch. The Z references the project name Zahw, and the unit is meant to offer a modern villa built to quality standards that match Upper Egyptian families looking for a gated, fully integrated community.
How can I book a villa in Zahw Assiut from Cairo?
Buyers from Cairo or any other governorate can book through the Madinet Masr sales team or its authorised agents, paying a reservation deposit, selecting the unit and completing the contract according to company procedures. We recommend arranging a virtual or on-site tour to the project on the West Assiut western plateau to view available units and orientations before signing.
What are Zahw Assiut prices in 2026?
Indicative prices for Zahw Assiut start from around EGP 4,700,000 based on listings on property portals. There is no official unified per-square-metre price list from the developer, so the figures rely on marketing ads and vary by villa type, size and offer. Contact the developer directly for an updated quote.
What are the payment plans for Zahw?
Payment plans for Zahw start with a down payment of 5% to 10%, with instalments extending up to 7 years according to available sources. Some campaigns advertise additional flexible instalment plans, and cash discounts are available for outright payment. The exact plan depends on the unit and current offer, so verify terms at contracting.
When is Zahw Assiut delivered?
The project targets Phase 1 handover in roughly 3 years from contracting, based on the official June 2023 launch statement. Some sources refer to delivery within 3 years from project launch, meaning the date may differ depending on the contract date, so confirm the schedule written in your purchase agreement.
What unit types are available in Zahw Assiut?
Zahw is villas-only. The mix includes standalone villas, twin villas, townhouses and family villas, plus the Z-Villa as the project's signature unit. Phase 1 starts with 297 units on a built-up area of 63,000 m², and the company plans more than 1,250 units across the project's full phases.
What facilities does Zahw Assiut offer?
The project includes a 20,000 m² sports club, a 15,000 m² commercial zone, a mosque, a swimming pool and 24/7 security and CCTV, alongside extensive green spaces and architecture that mixes European character with traditional Arabic touches.
Who is the developer of Zahw?
Zahw is developed by Madinet Masr for Housing and Development (MNHD), listed on the Egyptian Exchange under ticker MASR.CA. The company was founded by the state in 1959 to develop East Cairo districts and has expanded into a national developer with a freehold land bank exceeding 12.8 million m².