Creative Industry Summit (C-S) and Cairo Design Week (CDW) are joining forces once again to elevate Egypt’s design landscape with an unprecedented collaboration featuring not one but two stages within historic areas of the Cairo Citadel. Building on the previous edition’s success, this year promises to be even more monumental.

Immersed in the timeless ambiance of Yusuf’s Well, the Design Stage will provide a wealth of inspiration for design enthusiasts, from insider insights into the Cairo Design Award to empowering sessions for budding designers.

Moreover, the Fashion Stage, housed in Dar Al Darb, promises a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of fashion. In collaboration with Maison Pyramide and Mai Galal, this stage will host dynamic sessions with industry giants, as well as explore the latest trends and designs from the region.

At the helm of Creative Industry Summit stand two dynamic figures, Mai Salama and Neamat Khalil, whose vision has propelled the summit to unprecedented heights. With decades of combined experience, this power duo has made it their mission to nurture Egypt’s creative economy and help put the country on the global design map.

“We really believe in all the individual efforts of putting Egypt on the map. We are about the creative economy and design is a massive element in it,” Mai Salama tells SceneHome. “We’ve held the summit in impressive venues but this is something else, it’s an unparalleled backdrop.”

The Design Stage will be showcasing the four winners of the Dokan Design Competition, whose innovative benches will be produced and displayed throughout the week, highlighting the fusion of creativity and functionality. After the week is over, the benches will be showcased at Dokan Boutique by Image Home Department Store.

In partnership with renowned Italian furniture brand Natuzzi Italia, Image will host PJ Natuzzi, Chief Brand Officer of Natuzzi Italia and Chief Creative Officer of Natuzzi Group and Italian artist Marc Antonio to share insights and inspiration from the forefront of design innovation on the Design Stage. Furthermore, in collaboration with Photopia and the US Embassy, the Design Stage will host a session with American photojournalist Ed Kashi.

Additionally, SceneHome will be hosting panel discussions in the design stage, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore the latest trends in design, colour and visual storytelling. Plus, audiences can meet the speakers in the SceneHome booth, providing a unique opportunity for engagement and intimate interactions.

“We’re not just here to entertain, we’re here to educate and uplift. Our sessions inside the Cairo Design Award jury will demystify the design process, empowering aspiring talents to reach new heights,” Salama says. “Inside the jury room intends to educate why someone won or didn’t, what the jury looked for and what goes on inside the war room.”

With a focus on education and empowerment, both stages will offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for designers of all levels. “These sessions will be a guidebook to give them an insider peek. Our goal is to equip every designer with the tools they need to succeed. It’s about fostering creativity and nurturing talent.”

Last edition, Creative Industry Summit held its stage in the renovated Ghernata Palace in Heliopolis. Reflecting on Cairo Design Week’s remarkable journey, Salama says, “CDW from day one didn’t start small, it started massive and it makes us proud and honoured to be part of it.” This sentiment underscores the commitment of both organisations to support the ecosystem and foster its growth and maturity.

"I hope that anyone flying in for the week sees the quality of work done in this country," Salama adds. "Anyone attending the week will learn something about design and will be able to connect with someone they maybe wouldn't know how to reach outside the creative summit."

As Egypt's premier design event, spanning across Heliopolis, Downtown Cairo, Cairo Citadel, Maadi, and Zamalek, Cairo Design Week continues to push boundaries and celebrate creativity. And with the Creative Industry Summit by its side, the future of Egypt's design scene looks brighter than ever.

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