Cairo Design Week has quickly established itself as one of the region’s most dynamic celebrations of creativity. Since its debut in 2022, the event has transformed Cairo into a living gallery, spotlighting Egyptian heritage while opening space for innovation.
What Is Cairo Design Week Aiming for
The festival’s mission is to position Cairo as a new hub for creativity and innovation, while also highlighting Egypt’s design heritage. The focus on Heliopolis’ historic architecture gives the event a strong heritage theme, blending the city’s past with contemporary expressions of design.
What To Expect This Year
Cairo Design Week 2025 will take place from November 20 to 29, spreading across three main design hubs in the city: Heliopolis, Zamalek, and Downtown Cairo. Each district will have its own launch date, with Heliopolis opening on November 21, Zamalek on November 22, and Downtown on November 23. This year’s edition is set to be the biggest so far, featuring large-scale art and design installations, interactive exhibitions, pop-up showcases, live performances, creative workshops, panel talks, cultural programmes, and guided heritage trails.
No Portfolio? No Problem!
The festival will also highlight new talent through the CDW Universities Initiative. A strong emphasis will be placed on inclusivity, ensuring the programme appeals not only to professionals but also to students, emerging talents, and the general public. Through initiatives with universities, young creatives will have greater opportunities to showcase their work and engage with industry leaders.
Design Until You Are Seen
Ticket sales are expected to start on September 25, with further announcements to follow. The 2025 theme, “Design Until I See You”, is inspired by Aristotle’s phrase, “Speak so I may see you”. Founded by Hisham Mahdy, the event continues to celebrate Egyptian design while creating a platform for collaboration between local, regional, and international creatives.
Cairo Design Awards 2025
The week will conclude with the Cairo Design Awards, which will return for its seventh edition. These awards continue to recognise excellence across a broad spectrum of design fields, from architecture and interiors to product and visual design.
Cairo Design Week continues to shape the city’s identity as a global hub for design, balancing its rich heritage with forward-looking creativity.
