Creative Districts’ Blueprint for Egypt’s Design Scene

After three successful editions of Cairo Design Week, the event has become a must-watch for young and established designers, emerging designers, students, and design enthusiasts alike. Everyone anticipates its return, drawn not only to the exhibitions but also to the narratives, collaborations, and cultural moments it creates. Behind this growing influence is Creative Districts, founded by Hisham Mahdy and Yosra Sherra, the entity that manages, and curates the week and transforms it into a year-round creative vision.
As Hisham Mahdy explains, “The preparation for Cairo Design Week happens all year long. It’s the flagship project of Creative Districts with countless moving parts - scouting, shaping concepts and developing narratives.” Over time, the team has built a strong network of connections, and creative collaborations, forming the backbone of a broader approach that extends beyond singular events to multiple projects throughout the year.
Creative Districts is developing three pillars of work; flagship projects - such as Cairo Design Week - bring together standout talents across design, art, and fashion. On the other hand, The second encompasses temporary projects, including the Fashion Design District, led by Creative Districts in collaboration with Maison Pyramide and celebrity stylist Mai Galal, as well as Salon Samiha, which took place during this year’s Design Week. The third pillar centers on permanent projects that create long-term value, with new announcements coming soon. Across all three, the initiatives consistently aim to activate heritage spaces, celebrate cultural touchpoints, and create room for experimentation. 
As Yosra Sherra explained, “Creative Districts simply aims to reinvent how culture is being experienced.” This philosophy was exemplified in Salon Samiha, which revived the former palace of Princess Samiha Kamel as a living cultural salon during Design Week. Drawing on the Princess’s legacy and the building’s historic character, Creative Districts created an immersive experience of curated spaces, sound, and storytelling that revived the spirit of artistic and intellectual exchange once hosted there. Developed in collaboration with Else Lab and Communitas, the project reflects Creative Districts’ research-driven approach to transforming heritage into vibrant, contemporary experiences. This methodology ensures that every project - be it a design-led platform, temporary concept or permanent  destination -  carries a consistent purpose: celebrating Egyptian identity, nurturing talent, and fostering meaningful collaborations. By combining creativity, cultural insight, and strategic partnerships, Creative Districts has established itself as a company capable of producing both impactful short-term initiatives and enduring contributions across the region.