Urban Laws in Harmony or at Odds With Knowledge-Based Urban Policies: A Case Study on Egypt

Abstract

The UN Habitat New Urban Agenda deals with cities as an opportunity rather than a threat. Moreover, at the heart of every UN Habitat report you can find the call for knowledge and evidence-based policies as well as the call for reforming housing regulations and norms. However, an observer on Egypt's urban policies and regulations might find them at odds with each other. This chapter will start by briefly listing the major knowledge-based recommendations by UN Habitat, providing a brief history of Egypt's modern urban laws and policies accompanied by explanations of certain social factors. Finally, Egypt's current urban laws will be studied and evaluated in light of the above-mentioned recommendations.