Egypt launched the first Fustat Winter Festival in Old Cairo. The festival would last until December 5, as it aims to spotlight on reviving the domestic tourism and the heritage crafts. It also aims at promoting the historical places in Old Cairo.
Prominent musician Omar Khairat performed, in the presence of Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli and other Ministers.
Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Urban Development Fund and the Azza Fahmy Foundation for the Development of Handicrafts and Traditional Industries to establish an integrated cultural and training center for teaching handicrafts in the Darb al-Labbana area. The signing took place on the sidelines of the launch of the 2025 Fustat Winter Festival, held at Fustat Hills Park.
Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli stated that the memorandum of understanding signed represents an important step toward creating an open-air museum of handicrafts in Historic Cairo, ensuring the sustainability of these crafts and their transmission to future generations. He added that the initiative also serves as a model of integration between the state, civil society, and cultural pioneers in preserving the authentic Egyptian identity.
Engineer Khaled Seddik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Urban Development Fund, stated that the memorandum of understanding aims to establish a cultural and craft center in the Darb al-Labbana area of the Khalifa district in Cairo. The center will serve as a nucleus for reviving and developing Egyptian handicrafts and heritage, and for restoring Historic Cairo’s role as a beacon of traditional arts and crafts.
Seddik added that this cooperation reflects the state’s efforts to support creative industries and heritage crafts, highlighting the importance of engaging leading figures in this field. He noted that Engineer Azza Fahmy is one of the most prominent Arab designers who have advanced the art of jewelry design and craftsmanship, bringing Egyptian heritage to the international stage.
The Chairman explained that the Crafts Cultural Center project, established through the Azza Fahmy Foundation for the Development of Handicrafts and Traditional Industries, will be housed in a building owned by the Urban Development Fund in Darb al-Labbana, opposite Beit al-Ma'mar. The building, with a built-up area of approximately 2,370 square meters, has been designed to function as a cultural hub for crafts, hosting exhibitions, events, and training workshops.
He added that the project was designed by the Urban Development Fund in cooperation with architects specializing in historical and heritage architecture, with the aim of preserving the urban fabric of the area, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Engineer Khaled Seddik further indicated that the center is expected to include the Azza Fahmy of Creativity and Design, the Azza Fahmy Training Foundation, exhibition and lecture halls, as well as small hotel-style studios for international artists. It will also feature service areas and retail outlets showcasing the work of artisans and trainees.
Source: Egypt Today
