Cairo – October 29, 2026: Uptown 6 October for Development and Investment has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based Fashion House Group (FHG), a company specializing in the development and operation of outlet centres, to support the development and operation of Fashion House International Outlet Egypt at Grand Uptown Mall (GUM) in New October City.
With planned investments exceeding EGP 6 billion, the project aims to introduce the first integrated outlet destination of its kind in North Africa, combining shopping, fashion, hospitality, entertainment, and business facilities.
The agreement was announced during an event held at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence in Giza, attended by representatives of partner companies, institutions, and the media. The event also included the signing of strategic agreements in education, real estate investment, fund management, and digital technology.
Under the MoU, Uptown 6 October will benefit from Fashion House Group’s international experience in outlet centre development and operations, including leasing strategies, attracting international brands, tenant mix management, marketing, and operations.
Grand Uptown Mall (GUM) is a planned mixed-use destination with a targeted total leasable area of approximately 90,000 sqm, according to its preliminary master plan. Emtelak Real Estate Investment Fund is participating as a strategic investment partner.
The project is designed as an integrated commercial destination under one architectural roof, inspired by Egypt’s historical marketplaces, which served as centres for trade and social interaction. GUM will bring this concept into a modern setting, combining Egyptian heritage with international expertise in retail destination development.
The preliminary master plan includes Fashion House International Outlet for international brands, GUM Luxury House for luxury products, and The Fashion House Street, an interactive fashion destination for fashion shows and events.
The project will also feature Fashion Boutique Hotel, VIP Theatre for film screenings and private events, Family Arcade for family entertainment, and Business Club for meetings and business activities, alongside restaurants, cafés, and cultural and entertainment spaces.
In addition, GUM will include Egypt Crafts Gallery, showcasing Egyptian handicrafts and products from different governorates, as well as an e-commerce platform offering online shopping, delivery services, and Click & Collect. The platform is expected to serve customers across Egypt, with potential future expansion into regional and African markets.
GUM is expected to support commercial and tourism activity in New October City by attracting visitors and shoppers. The project features a contemporary neoclassical design, with covered shopping walkways, central spaces, and glass ceilings. The first phase is scheduled to open in October 2028, subject to the completion of designs, technical studies, construction, and regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the partnership, Eng. Ahmed Abouzaid, Chairman of Uptown 6 October Group, said: “Through GUM, we aim to introduce the first integrated international outlet destination of its kind in North Africa. The project draws inspiration from Egypt’s heritage of marketplaces and presents it through a modern concept. Our goal is not simply to develop another shopping mall, but to create a destination that combines retail, culture, hospitality, and entertainment, strengthening Egypt’s position as an attractive market for investment, tourism, and shopping.”
Abouzaid added: “Our partnership with Fashion House Group reflects our commitment to working with international experts in developing and operating commercial destinations. The planned EGP 6 billion investment in the project also supports our strategy of developing mixed-use projects based on the integrated township concept, attracting investment, supporting business activity, and strengthening New October City’s position as a growing urban and economic destination.”
Brendon O’Reilly, Managing Director of Fashion House Group and Fashion House Outlet Centres, said: “Egypt offers promising opportunities for the international outlet retail concept. We look forward to bringing our experience in outlet centre development and operations, along with our relationships with international brands, to create a destination that combines shopping, fashion, hospitality, and entertainment. Grand Uptown Mall offers an opportunity to introduce a model that builds on our European experience while meeting the needs of the Egyptian market.”
Fashion House Group has more than 25 years of experience in the outlet sector, with operations and projects in Romania, Poland, and Russia, and partnerships with more than 250 international brands. O’Reilly also serves as Chairman of the Outlet Retailer and Developers Association (ORDA).
As part of its expansion in the education sector, Uptown 6 October Education signed an agreement with GSM Holding to establish GSM Egypt, a company specializing in the development, management, and operation of schools, universities, and educational institutions in Egypt.
The event also included the announcement of an extension to the British International School agreement from 15 to 25 years, supporting long-term partnerships in education. The agreement was signed by Ron Packard, CEO of GSM Holding.
In the investment sector, the event included a presentation of Emtelak’s real estate investment platform, the announcement of its investment fund and digital application, and the signing of an agreement with Alpha Financial Investment Management to manage the Emtelak Real Estate Investment Fund and prepare for the launch of its initial subscription prospectus, “Emtelak Tharwa.”
The agreement aims to develop real estate investment solutions supported by digital technology and was signed by Dr. Ahmed Darwish, Chairman of Alpha Financial Investment Management.
In the real estate technology sector, Uptown 6 October signed an agreement with international company ROX to establish RAQAM Real World Assets, focusing on blockchain-based solutions for real estate asset tokenization and digital registration, in line with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The agreement was signed by Sarmad Daneshmand, CEO of ROX Custody.
Abouzaid emphasized that the agreements support Uptown 6 October’s strategy of building partnerships across real estate development, retail, education, investment, and technology. He added that these partnerships aim to diversify business activities, increase the long-term value of the Group’s projects, and maintain high standards of execution and operations.
Uptown 6 October specializes in developing integrated urban communities based on the township concept, combining residential, commercial, administrative, and entertainment facilities. The company focuses on innovative and sustainable projects that deliver long-term value to customers and investors through local and international partnerships.
Its services include real estate development, construction, land management, and asset management, supported by a team with more than 100 years of combined experience in real estate investment and development.
Fashion House Group specializes in developing, managing, and operating outlet shopping centres, with more than 25 years of experience in European markets, including Romania, Poland, and Russia.
The Group works with more than 250 international and local brands, providing expertise in leasing, marketing, operations, and retail centre management. Fashion House Outlet Centres in Romania are part of Liebrecht & wooD, a European commercial real estate development group established in 1991.