Dokki
Cairo’s Dokki district lies near the Nile, in the west of the Egyptian capital, and is one of the city’s most westernised areas. It is the city’s business hub, the home of the big banks, modern buildings and multinational companies, and the haunt of the country’s ‘beautiful’ and multiracial people. Some say that the name of the district comes from the Dokky family, who had lived in this part of Cairo since time immemorial until they moved to Menoufia.
On a visit to Dokki, you will see the embassies of the most important countries of the world, including Russia, Somalia, France, Chad, the Czech Republic, Pakistan, and Ethiopia. There are 56 in all; the only place with more is neighbouring Zamalek, another modern Cairo district, located to the north of the Nile island of Gezira.
Dokki is also known as the ‘district of schools’, as within it are over 100 schools of all kinds: public, private, language schools, and so on. It is well served by public transport, as it has two metro stations (Bohooth and Dokki), with a third under construction. There are also any number of bus routes connecting the area with the city’s main points of interest, such as the Opera House, the Egyptian Museum, and the busy Khan Al Khalili market. The neighbourhood is also home to countless cultural institutions, including libraries and Cairo’s Cervantes Institute. Consequently, large numbers of foreign students live here, creating a young, vibrant, safe and joyful ambience.
As you would expect, being a business and residential area, Dokki tends to be cleaner and less chaotic than other areas of the city, with plenty of restaurants. There are restaurants of all kinds, so whatever your budget or tastes, you will find something here to suit you — from gourmet establishments with renowned chefs to ‘fast food’ or street food stalls. There are also cafés and discos, places where you can enjoy a drink and music, including live music.
The main apartment and office blocks are situated in this convenient, pleasant district, where big business is conducted against views of the Nile and the pyramids. In this area, you will also find the lovely Amman square, the University of Cairo, the Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens.
Interestingly, this district also has a shooting club where fighters of both genders and all ages compete in tahtib contests. Tahtib is a martial art involving long, wooden sticks; it dates back to the time of the Pharaohs, and has now been revived as a sport in Egypt. For 3,000 years, it was used in military training, and for the subsequent 2,000 years, it has formed part of the folk tradition of Upper Egypt.
Although this is one of Cairo’s most modern neighbourhoods, it nevertheless has its own rambling stories, unique traditions, and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. You will find this a place of contrasts, so we recommend you come and enjoy this colourful, multicultural neighbourhood, with its mix of people from every corner of the world living together in peaceful harmony.
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