1. BACKGROUD INFORMATIONThe West Cairo Region (WCR) is a rapidly growing subregion in Greater Cairo with an estimated population of over 8 million. The urban population in Greater Cairo is expected to increase from 20.9 million in 2020 to 28.5 million by 2035. WCR encompasses both existing settlements (cities and villages) and new cities. It hosts several important economic and social assets; including three airports; four industrial zones; and one of Egypt’s largest public transportation hubs. The Region’s vary widely; from historic sites and tourist attractions to residential and commercial areas. It has experienced significant urban development; combining modern urban areas with shopping centers; businesses; and residential neighborhoods alongside more traditional and rural areas.However; WCR faces a series of challenges according to regional and city plans; studies and reports. These include an uncontrolled urban sprawl; mobility infrastructure developed without integrated planning; real estate pressure on agricultural land; and an unbalanced territorial developement compared to East Cairo. However; these are opportunities to strengthen linkages between new cities and existing settlements; improve urban governance; and spur economic development through integrated territorial planning. Forward looking plans and investments can promote balanced urban growth in WCR and other subregions within Greater Cairo.The subregion is characterized by a fragmented urban pattern with both existing and new settlements. Existing settlements fall under the jurisdiction of Giza Governorate; which is subordinate to the Ministry of Local Development (MoLD). Giza is the most prominent city; with a current population of about 4 million inhabitants. The six new cities in WCR – like all new Egyptian cities - are administrated and governed by the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA); which operates under the Ministry of Housing; Utilities; and Urban Communities (MoHUUC).The main objective of this assignement is to formulate an integrated development strategy for West Cairo Region; including a spatial plan and a comprehensive vision for the subregion. This strategy will prioritize key sectors for development. The project is led by MoHUUC and NUCA; funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) with technical support from the World Bank. Six new cities in the western part of the Greater Cairo Region (GCR) - 6th of October; Sheikh Zayed; New October; New Zayed (Extension of Sheikh Zayed City); October Gardens and New Sphinx City - are under the jurisdiction of NUCA. The West Cairo Region has significant regional linkages; including Sadat new city; reclamation projects in Nubareya and the New Delta; Alexandria; the Northwest Coast; and the New Valley Governorate. 2. OBJECTIVESThe specific objectives of this assignment are to (i) develop new models of development for West Cairo by formulating future spatial growth scenarios (spatial plans); (ii) propose related policy reforms; (iii) conduct dedicated analyses using innovative tools (e.g.;remote sensing; spatial modelling) on focus areas such as walkability; transit-oriented development; greenery; climate adaptation and urban productivity; and (iv) identify; prioritize and sequence key investments and/or reform areas.This West Cairo Region Spatial/Structural Plan will build on existing national government strategies; including Egypt’s Strategy for Sustainable Development (Egypt’s Vision 2030); the National Strategic Plan for Urban Developent 2052; the Strategic Framework for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience; the National Climate Change Strategy 2050; and the Egypt’s Digital Platform (see indicative list in Annex A). The WCR Spatial/Structural Plan is part of a broader smart cities strategy (SCS) carried at the national level (National Strategy for Smart and Sustainable New Egyptian Cities); for which a parallel Request for Proposal was launched. The national SCS aims to promote sustainable and resilient urbanization in Egypt’s new urban communities; creating a forward-thinking framework that integrates innovative technologies; sustainable practices; and inclusive urban development principles. The strategy covers several pillars; including urban development; sustainable environment; institutional development and governance; economy; mobility and transportation; utilities and infrastructure; information and communications technology (ICT) and data platforms.