Shibin al Qanatir Destination Guide

About Qalyubia Governorate in Egypt

The famous Qalyubia Governorate is situated in Lower Egypt to the north of Cairo in the Nile Delta region. The capital of this governorate is Banha. The governorate shares some land with the Greater Cairo metropolitan area with cities like Giza and 6 October City. Banha and Shubra el-Kheima are two cities that blend into the neighboring Cairo government. Some other cities that are included in Qalyubia governorate include Khanka, Qaha, Qalyub, Shibin Al-Qanater, Shubra El-Kheima, Tukh, Al Kanater Al Khairia and Kafr Shukr.

The governorate is renowned for its agricultural production, specifically fruits, vegetables, and crops. These crops consist of cotton, maize, citrus, wheat, oranges, bananas, and apricots. Also, the governorate is a leader in the production of eggs and chicken in Egypt.

Find Out More About Al Kanater Al Khairia

Al Kanater Al Khairia, or El Kanater El Khairia, is among the major cities located in the Qalyubia governorate. The governorate is situated in the north of Cairo where the river Nile divides into two branches named Damietta and Rosetta and this place marks the start of the Nile Delta. The city is located just 22 km from Cairo and is well loved for the many parks, gardens and agricultural lands surrounding it. The name Al Kanater Al Khairia refers to ‘The Dams of Welfare’ and is based on the Mohamed Ali Dam which was constructed in the year 1840 with the sole aims of saving enough water and protecting the Delta from the rising water levels after the construction of the dam. The city emerged as an important tourist destination after this dam’s construction attracting tourists from both foreign and local destinations. At Al Kanater Al Khairia Palace, the famous people of Egypt like President Sadat and King Farouk used to spend some quality time while relaxing.

Delta Barrages at Al Kanater Al Khairia

It’s believed that the foundation of a modern irrigation system in Egypt started when Mohamed Ali Pasha was in power for a span of 30 years. He was also involved in establishing the first of Egypt’s water management schemes by constructing barrages on the River Nile, one of which was at Al Kanater Al Khairia, located just 20 km from the city of Cairo. The primary aim of building these barrages was to protect the Nile Delta from getting flooded whenever the water level rose above danger levels. Also, a number of water channels were taken out from the dam in order to efficiently distribute water to the west, east and center of the Delta region. The dam is divided into two major sections which are the Damietta Branch and the Rosetta Branch.

Sightseeing in El Qanater El khairia

When visiting Al Kanater Al Khairia, there are a number of tourist attractions located in the city, primarily museums. The Irrigation Museum in Al Kanater Al Khairia is among the most popular. The irrigation Museum demonstrates and shows the many models of irrigations systems, techniques and methods which were used in Egypt in the Pharaonic Period and are still being used today in various forms. Also, there is a collection of illustrations depicting the three-dimensional maquettes of the many bridges constructed on the Nile and of the High Dam. Recently some sound and light shows have also been introduced that link onlookers to the history of irrigation systems used in Egypt since the ancient era.

Famous Factories at El Qanater El Khairia

El Mahaba Plastic Factory in El Qanater El khairia is a famous company which is working on plastic products and chemicals and is a major employer in this area. Next is the El-EMAN company, which is among the largest and oldest Egyptian companies in the fresh fruits & vegetable field, especially with regard to oranges, lemons, potatoes, onions, grapes, pomegranates, watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, mangoes, white kidney beans and more.