US pays $1 billion
for new embassy in Awkar

Local contractor not assigned yet

The US Embassy announced plans to build new headquarters, next to its current premises in Awkar. The new project would cost approximately $1 billion, according to Ambassador David Hale.

The embassy will be built over a period of nine years on a plot of 85,000 square meters.

The Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO) selected the US-based Morphosis Architects to design the new U.S. Embassy from among three finalists. The main local contractor has not yet been chosen.

“The new embassy will be a sustainable and eco-friendly facility,” said Hale

The design meets rigorous energy saving and sustainability goals. Landscaping and rock-scape roofs across the embassy will use water-saving native plantings. Large areas of natural vegetation throughout the site will be left intact to preserve the local ecosystem. Durable, locally sourced materials, such as sculpted, pre-cast concrete, stone, and metal panels will be used to improve longevity and reduce energy used during construction.

The US embassy will be moving for the second time. It used to be located in Ain el Mreisseh until 1983, when it relocated to its current location in Awkar.