Monday, 25 May 2026
Cairo unveils new craft center to revitalize historic heritage
In a landmark move signaling a new chapter for Cairo’s historic center, Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, has overseen the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Urban Development Fund and the Azza Fahmy Foundation for Developing Handicrafts. This partnership will see the creation of a cultural and training center in the storied district of Darb al-Labana—nestled near the city’s world-famous Citadel and within the UNESCO-listed Historic Cairo area. The initiative coincides with the launch of the 2025 Fustat Winter Festival, reaffirming the city’s dynamic role on the cultural map.
This ambitious project aims to restore and rejuvenate the district surrounding the Citadel—breathing life into Cairo’s famed urban fabric and rich heritage while transforming the area into a thriving beacon for traditional crafts and artisanal arts.
Carefully designed by a team of heritage architecture specialists to preserve the spirit and authenticity of old Cairo, the new center will inhabit a purposefully restored building that spans 2,370 square meters, directly across from the House of Egyptian Architecture. Its design pays homage to the unique architectural character of Cairo, seamlessly blending elements that reflect its local identity.
The center will become a living hub of creativity: Exhibition and lecture halls will invite visitors to discover Egypt’s timeless crafts, while training workshops will nurture new generations of artisans. Dedicated areas will support craftspeople, and boutique studios will host international artists-in-residence, fostering a creative dialogue that stretches from Cairo to the world. On-site shops will showcase and sell exquisite handicrafts—each piece a testament to Egypt’s artisanal excellence.
The project is deeply rooted in the legacy of Azza Fahmy, Egypt’s pioneering jewelry designer. Decades ago, Fahmy broke into the traditionally male world of Khan El-Khalili’s workshops as the first woman to master the art of jewelry-making, before establishing her brand that now shines brightly from London to Riyadh, celebrated across the Middle East and beyond.
Today, the Azza Fahmy Foundation carries forward this heritage—training new artisans, reviving traditional crafts, and ensuring that age-old skills are adapted with modern design sensibilities to meet contemporary global tastes.
The Prime Minister described the memorandum as a model of successful partnership between the state and cultural leaders, with the dream of transforming historic Cairo into an “open-air museum” of crafts—a space where living heritage is shared, appreciated, and protected for future generations.
For Eng. Khaled Seddik, head of the Urban Development Fund, the new center is set to become a cornerstone for revitalizing the Darb al-Labana area—key to the broader Historic Cairo Revival Project and restoring the district’s status as a beacon for traditional arts.
This endeavor isn’t just about building a center; it’s part of an extensive urban renewal plan encompassing the restoration of old buildings, upgrading public infrastructure, reorganizing pathways in ancient alleys, and enhancing the environmental quality around the Citadel and the lush Fustat Hills Park.
The expected impact is transformative: The project will turn Darb al-Labana into a vibrant cultural and tourist hub, bolster Egypt’s creative economy, create new jobs for artisans, and invite visitors from around the globe to experience the authentic soul of Cairo.
Central to the initiative is the vision of embedding heritage crafts into Egypt’s modern creative industries—revitalizing “Made in Egypt” as a global identity, strengthening exports, and ensuring that the legacy of craftsmanship thrives in contemporary markets.
With the Azza Fahmy Foundation’s proven expertise in elevating Egyptian heritage to international acclaim, the project carries both cultural and economic promise. It’s about blending tradition and innovation—providing urban spaces where artisans can grow alongside contemporary creative industries, without losing the magic of the past.
Early estimates suggest this center will be the model for similar initiatives across other historic neighborhoods—integrating education, showcase, production, and artistic residency under one creative roof. It’s a vital pillar of Cairo’s Historic Revival Strategy for 2030—ushering one of the world’s greatest cities into an inspiring new era.