Cairo, Egypt – [18 September 2025]: Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment has been named the winner of the 2025 Best Practices in Architectural and Urban Heritage Conservation award. The announcement was made under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, and the supervision of the National Organization for Urban Harmony, led by Eng. Mohamed Abu Saada.
The award honors Al Ismaelia’s long-standing work in Downtown Cairo, where the company has spent over a decade acquiring, restoring, and managing heritage buildings in full coordination with government entities and in accordance with preservation laws, engineering codes, and urban planning regulations. To date, Al Ismaelia has restored over 25 buildings across the district, conducting detailed documentation, working with licensed heritage contractors, and reintegrating properties into Cairo’s active commercial and cultural life.
“Today, Downtown Cairo is drawing not only national, but global attention, and many initiatives are now underway to reshape its future,” Karim Shafei, Chairman of Al Ismaelia, stated. “At Al Ismaelia, this journey started over 15 years ago. We’ve restored iconic buildings, adapted them for new uses, and brought life back to neglected spaces, one property at a time. Our team includes Egyptian architects, engineers, historians, and property managers who understand the fabric of this neighborhood and the complexity of working within it. This award affirms the value of that long-term commitment. We take pride in being an Egyptian company that invests in heritage with the same care, precision, and regulatory coordination expected of world-class preservation efforts.”
Al Ismaelia is an Egyptian company with 100% Egyptian management. Its work is informed by a deep understanding of Downtown Cairo’s history, community, and urban fabric. Beyond physical restoration, the company has also reactivated several buildings through hospitality ventures that respect the architectural character of each site.
These include Mazeej Balad, a boutique hotel housed in the historic La Viennoise building, and the soon-to-open TamaraHaus - a mixed-use destination that brings together design, hospitality, entertainment, and retail under one roof. Al Ismaelia is also preparing the relaunch of Café Riche and is developing Cinema Radio into a cultural and commercial hub featuring offices, retail units, and public events. These projects are designed to preserve Downtown’s built heritage, while also reintroducing it as a vibrant destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
The award jury included senior figures from the Ministry of Culture and the National Organization for Urban Harmony, with a focus on technical execution, long-term sustainability, and contribution to Egypt’s urban heritage. The accolade showcases Al Ismaelia’s central role in the ongoing renovation of Downtown Cairo, an area of unique cultural and architectural value. It affirms the company’s commitment to ensuring that Egypt’s heritage is preserved through practical action, technical rigor, and long-term investment.