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

It’s seems to have crept up on us this year, but Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and the scramble for flowers, chocolates and other clichés begins. We’ve got nothing against flowers and chocolates, but Cairo is serving up a bevy of special dining options, spa packages and even some Mother’s Day bazaars where, who knows, maybe you’ll find something other than perfume, tacky jewellery boxes that you thought looked good in the shop and other closet bric-a-brac to-be.

Mother’s Day celebrations begin this Friday at Galleria40, with an all-day exhibition organised by online shopping mogul, Style Treasure, showcasing the work of top-notch local jewellery and fashion designers with several other accessories set to be on show.

The Gala Events, meanwhile, hosts a Mother’s Day Bazaar at Americana Plaza featuring local designers and craftsmen displaying their products, including Dokan Gallery, Christy Crafts and 7oley Accessories amongst others, while more traditional and authentic crafts specialist, City of the Dead will play host to Sultan’s Fair; a special Mother’s Day event featuring some of the best craftsmanship and artistry from hand-blown glass, pottery to silver inlay brass.

Elswehere, Bazarna Events hosts its annual Mother’s Day event, Mama’s Day, at Downtown Katameya Mall, which sees top local designers’ crafts, gifts and accessories on show , as well as a special collection of eyewear, scarf and home accessories brought all the way from Jordan.  

On Saturday a huge Mother’s Day Festival is s et to take place at Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek; the all-day festival features live music, games and entertainment for kids, as well as another shopping bazaar. Meanwhile, Le Pacha 1901 hosts its own Mother’s Day bazaar, with local handbag and jewellery designers displaying their goods.

By this point, you should have a gift ready to go – now for the day itself.

Mother’s Day special hotel offers begin on the day itself (Monday) at Fairmont Nile City, with special spa and dining packages.

The hotel’s Willow Stream Spa is offering a special 45% discount on a package that that includes anti-aging facial treatment, a back massage, hair and nail sessions, while the rather plush Saigon Restaurant & Lounge is putting together a special set menu dinner later in the evening for 280LE++ per person.

Meanwhile, Four Seasons Nile Plaza has a special spa package of its own that includes floral foot scrub, gentle dry exfoliation and invigorating body wrap; not to mention a selection of lavish Mother’s Day restaurant offers, where you can treat your momma to a special brunch at Bella escorted by soothing guitar tunes for 365LE++, a Dim Sum buffet at 8 restaurant for 420LE++ or enjoy Upper Deck’s amazing view of the city while savouring its special menu. 

Elsewhere, in New Cairo’s Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski is hosting special family time this Friday, with a special Mother’s Day brunch by the pool and a 50% discount for parties of three and above.