CIB tower angers Zamalek residents, experts and officials

An unusually large and sturdy steel tower is currently under construction in the middle of the Gezira Sporting Club in Zamalek - just north of 6th of October Bridge. This relatively ugly tower has been causing outrage among residents, club members and various organizations since construction started about a month ago. The builders have disregarded cultural heritage preservation laws as well as locals' complaints.

Most bewildered observers initially thought it was an electrical or mobile tower, until some researched the topic and found that what is being constructed is a pole for an over-sized Egyptian flag to float over Cairo and be seen from every viewpoint. The flag will potentially compete for the world’s largest flag competition and enter the Guiness Book of Records.

The concept was apparently conceived by Commercial International Bank (CIB) staff two years ago, and recently received approval by Egypt’s National Defense Council.

“Our staff came up with the idea to create a huge flag that could be seen by anyone from all over Cairo,” said Hesham Ezz al-Arab, chairman of CIB. “And just recently, we got the approval.”

Despite its nationalistic intentions, various groups criticize the project as a publicity stunt.