First Establishment
The Egyptian Automobile Club was founded in 1905 and was one of the founding members of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 1922. It is considered one of the most prominent and oldest automobile clubs in the world, with its establishment largely attributed to the support of the French Automobile Club. The club was founded under the patronage of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, who ruled Egypt from 1892 to 1914. Its first headquarters was located at 25 Al-Madabigh Street, now known as Sherif Street.
The First Attempt to Establish a Car Club in Egypt
The membership fee at the club’s inception was approximately 6 Egyptian pounds, with an annual subscription fee of 5 pounds. The club aimed to bring together Egyptian and expatriate automobile enthusiasts, with the primary requirement being car ownership. As a result, the number of members remained limited. Additionally, the club focused on teaching its members driving skills and familiarizing them with the car’s components and mechanics.
Prince Aziz Hassan can be considered the leader of the “Second Transportation Revolution” following the introduction of the tram. He played a key role in establishing the club in 1905 and became its first president. The club was headquartered in downtown Cairo, with the goal of bringing together car enthusiasts and educating them on the fundamentals of driving.
The Royal Egyptian Automobile Club – 1924
Following the end of World War I, the idea of establishing an automobile club resurfaced in the early 1920s, coinciding with the increasing popularity of cars in Egypt. Serious efforts to revive the club began in 1920, led by a group of automobile enthusiasts, including Alex Koumanos, who later became the club’s director.
Before the official re-establishment, it was necessary to obtain the approval of King Fuad. The king endorsed the idea and granted the club a royal title, officially naming it the Royal Egyptian Automobile Club.
The club was officially founded on April 27, 1924, in its current building on Qasr El-Nil Street—a property donated by Princess Fatma Ismail, daughter of Khedive Ismail.
Prince Mohamed Ali, the Crown Prince and the first person to introduce the automobile to Egypt, was appointed as the club’s president. Initially, the club started with only 18 members. However, it has since grown to include over 5,300 active members, along with three times as many associate members.
Key Achievements of the Club in the 1920s
During the 1920s, the club played a significant role in organizing Egypt’s first automobile exhibition in February 1927, followed by another exhibition in 1947. Additionally, the club was instrumental in:
The club was a pioneer in organizing Egypt’s first automobile exhibition in 1927, which helped highlight the growing significance of cars in Egyptian society. This success continued with another exhibition in 1947, showcasing the latest automobile models and transportation technologies of the time.
The club played a pivotal role in enhancing tourism within Egypt by providing exceptional services to tourists and organizing events that helped promote the country’s iconic tourist destinations.
The club made significant contributions to enhancing the road network in collaboration with relevant authorities by providing expert advice and participating in maintenance and repair efforts to facilitate smoother transportation.
The club played a vital role in enriching Egypt’s automotive culture by organizing car exhibitions and races, bringing together car enthusiasts and owners in a competitive and enjoyable atmosphere.
The club provided exceptional services to its members, including facilitating customs procedures and obtaining local and international driving licenses, saving them time and effort.
The club collaborated with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, contributing to improved road safety and the promotion of a safe driving culture.