The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Cairo once again transforms into a vibrant hub of innovation and artistry with the return of Cairo Design Week 2025, taking place from 20 to 29 November. Now in its latest edition, the festival has become a defining moment for Egypt’s creative industries, bringing together architects, designers, artists, and visionaries from across disciplines to showcase the best of design thinking and cultural expression.

A City-Wide Festival of Design

Cairo Design Week is not confined to a single venue. Instead, it unfolds across several of the city’s most characterful districts, such as Zamalek, Heliopolis, Downtown Cairo, and Maadi, each serving as an open-air gallery celebrating Egypt’s design culture. This multi-district format not only invites visitors to explore different neighbourhoods but also highlights Cairo’s diverse architectural and cultural landscapes.

What Happens in Each District

In Zamalek, the island comes alive with furniture exhibitions, interior showcases, and spatial installations. Heliopolis, with its heritage charm, hosts immersive experiences that merge design with photography.

Downtown turns its iconic buildings into creative spaces for talks, exhibitions, and pop-ups. Maadi adds a more intimate, community-oriented tone, with local studios and showrooms participating in interactive events.

Collaborations and Partners

The event is organised by Creative Districts, the driving force behind Cairo Design Week’s growing reputation as a regional platform for design exchange. Each district features a network of collaborators and hosts that contribute to the festival’s dynamic ecosystem.

Among the major sponsors, Qatari Diar stands out as the platinum sponsor for the Zamalek Design District, supporting a series of curated exhibitions and installations. Landmark Developments (LMD) also takes part as a key supporter, reinforcing its ongoing engagement with architectural and cultural initiatives across Egypt. The Downtown Design District sees strong backing from C.Reality, one of the event’s gold sponsors.

A rich array of cultural partners adds depth to the programme. In Heliopolis, Photopia collaborates with World Press Photo, PhotoVogue, Getty Images, and DMJX to curate a compelling intersection of visual storytelling and design. Meanwhile, community-focused hosts such as Al Ismaelia, Esorus, and Design Haus Maadi help bring the event to life on the ground, turning streets and buildings into immersive creative spaces.

Exhibitions, Talks and Experiences

Cairo Design Week is not simply an exhibition; it is an experience that engages the public in dialogue. Visitors can attend curated exhibitions, participate in open talks with industry leaders, explore installations by emerging designers, and discover local craftsmanship reinterpreted through a modern lens.

Cairo Design Week 2025’s Theme

The 2025 edition aims to highlight sustainability, innovation, and cultural continuity, showing how Egyptian design is evolving while staying connected to its roots. Each district presents its own narrative, encouraging participants to think critically about how design can respond to the challenges and beauty of urban life.