ALBAWABA - The recently built presidential palace in Egypt's New Administrative Capital has captured the attention of world leaders and social media alike as a symbol of architectural magnificence.
Leaders from Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other member countries gathered at the palace for the "Group of Eight" economic cooperation conference.
With remarkable features like a "Sacred Lake," which represents wealth and progress, and the main entrance that resembles the "Winged Sun Disk," a symbol of power and protection in pharaonic culture, the palace's design pays respect to ancient Egyptian civilization.
The inside is decorated with elaborate Arab-Islamic patterns, such as Quranic writings that include the word "Egypt." A young Egyptian lady sowing wheat is a traditional artwork that highlights Egypt's historical position as a supplier.
The new palace has been likened by many to France's famous "Palace of Versailles." Mahmoud Badr, an Egyptian MP, posted a photo of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the meeting, ogling the building's magnificence.
Leaders from throughout the world praised the palace. Najib Mikati, the interim prime minister of Lebanon, called it "a masterpiece" and praised Egypt for constructing such an impressive meeting space.
The palace is situated in the New Administrative Capital, one of the most ambitious smart city initiatives in the world. The metropolis, which is four times the size of Washington, D.C., and spans 180,000 acres, is expected to eventually accommodate nearly 6.5 million people.
