Egypt unveils plans to build new capital east of Cairo

The Egyptian government has announced plans to build a new capital to the east of the present one, Cairo.

Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the project would cost $45bn (£30bn) and take five to seven years to complete.

He said the aim was to ease congestion and overpopulation in Cairo over the next 40 years.

The announcement was made at an investment conference that aims to revive the Egyptian economy.

The gathering, in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, has attracted pledges worth $12bn (£8bn) in aid and investment from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Madbouly said the population of greater Cairo, estimated at about 18 million, was expected to double within 40 years.