Merbad Palace

Merbad Palace (Arabic: سراي المربد sarāy al-mirbad) is an historic Ottoman garrison and governor's mansion in Bab el-Mutasarref, Nasser City, constructed between 1833 and 1850, which serves as the seat of the Prime Minister of the Arab Union. The corps de logis (front façade) of the palace (officially the South Leg) faces southwest along University Avenue, while its opposing North Leg faces northwest along the Sharkas River and Patrice Lumumba Avenue; the pair are joined at their near and far ends, respectively, by the West Pavilion (its view of Victory Square obstructed by the Mustadérat, a domed rotunda within palace grounds which encloses a large forum hall) and East Colonnade (the structure's longest side which faces east along Palace Street, consisting of the upper three levels supported by rows of columns at the ground and main levels), altogether enclosing the palace's central cour d'honneur.

Merbad Palace serves as the seat of the Government of the Arab Union: the North Leg and West Pavilion encompass the residence and workplace of the Prime Minister of the Arab Union, while the Mustadérat constitutes the official meeting place of the Council of Ministers (the top executive organ and cabinet of the Prime Minister); the South Leg and East Colonnade remain unoccupied, and are open to the public as historical space with daily guided tours hosted by the National Museum). The entire palace complex is a National Heritage Site under the protection and stewardship of the Ministry of Culture.

The main palace structure consists of seven levels: the cellar (storm/bomb shelter), basement (storage, utilities and Armoury), ground floor, first (main) floor, second and third floors, and garret. The Mustadérat consists of three levels: the ground level (foyer and offices), main (forum) level, with vaulted ceiling through dome level (observation gallery occupying base of dome). Below the Mustadérat and surrounding grounds is a private, three-level underground parkade, which is accessible via stairs/elevator to the foyer, well as through the basement of the main building which the parkade's upper level abuts.