The Founder’s Vision and Legacy
The Founder
Zewail City was founded by Nobel Laureate Dr. Ahmed Zewail as a national project for scientific renaissance—built on the belief that knowledge is the foundation of progress. His vision continues to inspire an institution that empowers talent, advances discovery, and creates lasting impact for Egypt and the world.
Dr. Ahmed Zewail was the first Egyptian and Arab to receive a Nobel Prize in Science, and a global advocate for the role of knowledge in shaping societies. Deeply connected to Egypt’s legacy as a cradle of civilization and discovery, he believed that the future of nations depends on education, scientific leadership, and the ability to transform ideas into real development. His lifelong mission was to help Egypt reclaim its role regionally and globally through science, opportunity, and innovation.
The Vision
Dr. Zewail’s vision was rooted in a simple truth: meaningful social and economic progress begins with strong education and advanced scientific research. He believed that empowering a new generation of leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs was essential for Egypt to thrive in the modern world—through critical thinking, creativity, and exposure to cutting-edge fields aligned with national and market needs. Zewail City was created to capture this ambition and demonstrate how science can become a national power that elevates productivity and builds a knowledge-based economy.
From Vision to Impact
Zewail City was designed as an integrated ecosystem that connects education, research, and innovation—ensuring that discovery does not remain within academic walls, but translates into real-world value. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic research priorities, the City supports scientific advancement that responds to pressing challenges, from health and energy to frontier science and emerging technologies. This model reflects Dr. Zewail’s belief that sustainable development is built through industries and solutions powered by research outcomes, serving society and contributing to national progress.
Education
Research
Innovation
Milestones Timeline
2000
The Cornerstone Of The Vision
On January 1, 2000, the cornerstone of Zewail City of Science and Technology was laid in Sheikh Zayed District, 6th of October City, in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Zewail, Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid, and senior government officials.
2012
December 20,Legal Status Confirmed
The City’s legal status was established through Law 161, issued on December 20, 2012. The law outlines Zewail City’s aims and constituents, as well as its financial and administrative structures.
Present
Continuity of Operations During the Transition
Throughout the campus development phase, Zewail City’s University of Science and Technology and Research Institutes continued operating at the Sheikh Zayed campus, while the headquarters in Garden City remained fully functional—ensuring continuity in education and research.
2011
A National Revival
After years of delays, the January 25 revolution in 2011 renewed national momentum and led to the revival of the initiative. Dr. Ahmed Zewail was asked by the Egyptian government to form the Supreme Advisory Board and re-launch the project on its original site.
May 11,-Establishment as a National Project
On May 11, 2011, the Cabinet of Ministers issued a decree to establish the National Project for Scientific Renaissance and named it Zewail City of Science and Technology.
November 1 — Official Inauguration
Zewail City was officially inaugurated on November 1, 2011, launching its early operations in two buildings belonging to the Egyptian government at the Sheikh Zayed premises.
2014
April 9 — Land Granted for the Permanent Campus
On April 9, 2014, Presidential Decree 115 granted 198 acres to Zewail City for the construction of its permanent campus in October Gardens, 6th of October City.
Construction of the New Campus
Under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces began managing the construction of the permanent premises of Zewail City.
With strong national will and belief in the power of knowledge,
Zewail City continues to move forward with confidence in its mission. As its motto reflects,“Egypt Can”
Legacy Today
Dr. Ahmed Zewail’s legacy lives on through Zewail City’s continued commitment to excellence, integrity, and societal relevance. Guided by the spirit of “Egypt Can,” the City remains a platform for ambitious minds to learn, discover, and innovate—shaping the future through knowledge and impact.
