The oldest area in Maadi is El Sarayat, composed
mostly of villas and low rise buildings. It is the most affluent part of Maadi
along with the adjacent Degla area. These two areas are recognizable by the
high number of roundabouts, quiet atmosphere and greenery.
There are many flats in Maadi, most in lowrise
buildings. There are several highrises along the Corniche by the river, as well
as in the newer, eastern part of the town, known as Degla.
Maadi lies on the river Nile about 12 km upstream
from downtown Cairo, on the east bank. The river is parallelled by the
Corniche, a waterfront promenade of the kind found in many Egyptian towns. The
main road into Cairo follows the Corniche. There is no bridge across the Nile
at Maadi; the nearest one is Mounib towards central Cairo.
Maadi is the least densely populated neighbourhood
in Greater Cairo, and much of the town is inhabited by well-to-do Egyptians, as
well as expatriates,[1] many of whom are connected with embassies,
ambassadorial residences and international corporations located in Maadi. In
particular, the Peruvian, Mexican, Japanese, Mongolian and Argentinian
embassies, among others, are located in Maadi. The Cairo office for the USAID
is also located in this suburb.
Atmosphere
In some parts of Maadi, most notably the buildings
around Cairo American College, there is virtually no traffic noise. The
abundant greenery bears little resemblance to most of the crowded areas seen in
urban Cairo, and belies Maadi\'s desert location.
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