The research problem is that the outputs of the general strategic plans of cities are difficult to rely on in
the preparation of the detailed plans and that most of the proposals included in these schemes have not
been implemented. The aim of the research is to identify the difficulties of preparing the general
strategic plans and the obstacles encountered in the planning of services, especially the educational
services.

The research relied on the qualitative approach to obtaining, classifying and analysing the
required data. The semi-structured interview method was used for six consultants who participated in
the preparation of strategic plans for different cities in the governorates of Upper Egypt and lower
Egypt, in addition to a representative of the General Authority for Urban Planning and a representative
of the Regional Center for Planning and Urban Development in Region IV. Data was analyzed using
(CAQDAS) software. The research has identified and categorized these difficulties and constraints
into codes and themes so that methodological or practical steps can be taken to resolve them. The
research found that the most important difficulties in the preparation of strategic plans according to the
point of view of the planners are "land properties","community participation" and "planning
standards". The research also identified and categorized the causes of these challenges and reached
some recommendations so that they could be overcome.