Overview
- The Octagon officially opened this week, and authorities say the complex covers about 90 square kilometres, making it the largest military headquarters in the world by area.
- Officials describe the site as eight connected buildings with 13 strategic and logistical zones and two central command centres equipped with modern communications and artificial intelligence tools.
- President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi attended the inauguration and appeared publicly in military uniform for the first time in more than ten years, calling the project a sign of national resolve.
- The government and observers put the cost at roughly €50 billion, and critics say the megaproject adds to Egypt’s heavy external debt load of around €143 billion and its strained public finances.
- The Octagon is the latest in a string of large infrastructure projects under Sisi since 2013 and could deepen pressure on public spending, shape security policy, and affect IMF discussions over further financial support.