Latest news with #AlIsmaeliaforRealEstateInvestment
CairoScene
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Inside Egypt's First Artisanal Teahouse: Tchaï
Nestled in the court of Tamara Haus, a landmark-in-the-making, Tchaï is the latest experiment from Karim and Hourig Mekhtigian. At first glance, Tchaï appears to be a boutique teahouse in downtown Cairo, a serene nook of salted chocolates and tea-infused calm. But to call it that is to miss the point entirely. Tchaï is not a café. It's a portal. Nestled in the court of Tamara Haus, a landmark-in-the-making, Tchaï is the latest experiment from Karim and Hourig Mekhtigian, a duo whose creative universe spans product design, gastronomy, art toys, and spatial storytelling. Tamara Haus itself - a joint effort by Alchemy Experience, Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, and a constellation of contemporary Egyptian designers - functions as both time capsule and time machine. A living dialogue between Cairo's multi-layered past and its imagined future. And at the centre of it all? A cup of tea. 'When Tchaï was still an idea,' Hourig recalls, 'you [Karim] looked at me and said, I want a chocolate that goes like this.' The result? Tchaï's now-iconic offering: dark chocolate laced with butterscotch, salt, and olive oil, spiked with seasonal infusions like rose or cinnamon. It sounds experimental, but lands like memory - familiar, comforting, inexplicably precise. This, in essence, is Tchaï's design philosophy: a cohabitation of Cairo's cultural residues, interpreted through taste. The menu is fluid, seasonal, emotionally curated. 'It's comfort food - familiar flavours, put differently,' Hourig says. Think Armenian pastries alongside Egyptian herbal infusions. The eclecticism isn't forced, it's architectural. 'Design and food are like puzzles,' Karim explains. 'We build with ingredients the same way we build with lines.' That scaffolding is visible across Alchemy Experience, the design studio Karim co-founded with Emy Hussein and Mohamed Fares. Their vision isn't just to build objects or spaces, but to orchestrate encounters. Tchaï embodies this: a slow, sensory antidote to Cairo's chaotic pulse. It invites visitors not just to consume, but to linger - to feel. And this is where Tchaï breaks from its counterparts. 'We don't want to be too sophisticated,' Hourig says. 'It's about warmth.' Still, the sophistication is there - tucked behind the fig-scented candles from Analogue, in the art toys from Kyme, in the presence of D'HippO, a sculptural reimagining of Tawaret, the ancient protector goddess, now standing upright in the teahouse court like a myth retold for the modern city. More than just a culinary concept, Tchaï is part of a wider project. Tamara Haus, set for full completion in 2026, is already a crucible of Cairo's creative present. With upcoming hotel rooms, rooftop restaurants, and immersive design collaborations, the space expands what hospitality can mean. It is not about service; it is about sensation.
Daily News Egypt
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Al Ismaelia, Coventry University Cairo partner on urban development education
Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment and Coventry University Cairo Branch at The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH) launched a collaboration on May 6, 2025, to link academic learning with practical urban development in Downtown Cairo. The initiative aims to give students direct experience in the area's revitalisation and enhance architectural education standards in Egypt. Unveiled at a media roundtable at Consoleya, the partnership will integrate academic training with fieldwork across architecture, interior design, product and graphic design, digital media, and film production. Students will work on Al Ismaelia's Downtown sites, research development challenges, and explore design in a historically layered, evolving city. The collaboration aims to prepare students for urban work by allowing them to shape real projects and learn to balance heritage, function, and design. 'Education doesn't stop in the classroom. Downtown Cairo, with its historic architecture and layered urban character, offers an unparalleled setting for applied learning,' said Philopateer Dimitri, Deputy CEO of Al Ismaelia. 'What we're trying to do is simple: bring students into the field, let them work on real challenges, and help them understand how buildings, branding, and spaces affect everyday life. At the same time, we're supporting their growth as professionals.' Al Ismaelia has been involved in Downtown Cairo's revival for the past decade, focusing on adaptive reuse, sustainable renovation, and heritage preservation, aiming to balance modern needs with cultural legacy. Under the agreement, Al Ismaelia will provide internships, host student exhibitions, and incorporate student projects into urban development. Student work will include redesigning spaces, re-evaluating pedestrian movement, and creating visual identities for Downtown that reflect its heritage and future. For Coventry University, the partnership aligns with its goal of more practice-based programs. Students will research adaptive reuse, sustainable real estate, and public space branding, topics relevant to Cairo's development. 'Part of our mission is to ensure students learn concepts, but more importantly, apply them,' said Prof. Dr. Yasser Sakr, President of The Knowledge Hub Universities, Coventry University Egypt's branch host. He added, 'Partnering with Al Ismaelia was a natural choice for us. Few companies in Egypt have demonstrated the same level of care, expertise, and long-term commitment to sustainable urban development. This approach offers our students a rare opportunity: to learn from a living example of how heritage, modern design, and community needs can come together successfully. This partnership allows our students to see their work take shape in the real world, and to understand the weight of designing in a city like Cairo.' Al Ismaelia plans to expand such collaborations to other Egyptian universities to support students and elevate architectural thinking, adaptive reuse, and cultural preservation. 'There's an opportunity here to rethink how we build,' Dimitri added. 'We want to work with students who are curious, capable, and eager to get involved, and we want to show them that Egypt's cities are places that need thoughtful design and solid execution.'
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Al Ismaelia to invest $5.93mln in property development during 2025
Egypt - Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment has announced its 2025 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to revitalizing Downtown Cairo as a leading cultural, touristic, and investment destination. The company unveiled several transformative projects at a memorial event marking the 130th anniversary of Khedive Ismail's passing, including the Mazeej Hotel, the launch of and plans for new hospitality and mixed-use developments. Managing 26 historic properties across 85,000 square meters, Al Ismaelia continues to pioneer adaptive reuse initiatives, restoring neglected heritage buildings and transforming them into vibrant cultural, commercial, and residential hubs that preserve the architectural character of the district while catering to modern urban needs. Karim Shafei, Chairperson of Al Ismaelia Real Estate, emphasized that Downtown Cairo is not only a historic landmark but also Egypt's future hub for tourism and investment. He highlighted the company's vision of blending world-class hospitality, digital accessibility, and dynamic urban spaces while maintaining the area's unique cultural identity. As part of its 2025 strategy, Al Ismaelia is further expanding its hospitality sector by developing two boutique hotels set to open by the end of 2026. In addition, the company is transforming 15,000 square meters of Downtown properties into a mix of hospitality, retail, and administrative spaces, reinforcing its role in the area's economic revival. Alongside these developments, Al Ismaelia is continuing its efforts to restore properties across Downtown Cairo, ensuring that they retain their historic integrity while incorporating modern functionalities that cater to contemporary lifestyles. To support its growing portfolio, the company has allocated EGP 300 million for the development of its existing properties in 2025, including serviced apartments, commercial units, and cultural venues. Shafei noted that Al Ismaelia is also exploring opportunities for a capital raise to accelerate the implementation of its vision, further strengthening its ability to transform Downtown Cairo into a vibrant and sustainable investment destination. Attracting creative industries and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains a key priority for Al Ismaelia's strategy. The company has introduced initiatives such as Consoleya, a co-working and business hub designed to provide flexible workspaces tailored to the needs of startups and small businesses, fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial environment in the heart of Cairo. One of the company's flagship hospitality projects, Mazeej Balad, is set to launch in 2025. Designed by Malak Orfy, the boutique hotel will blend Egypt's rich heritage with contemporary luxury, featuring five carefully curated suites inspired by Downtown Cairo's cultural icons. The hotel will also include a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city, providing a unique and immersive experience for guests. As part of its commitment to enhancing digital accessibility, Al Ismaelia has launched Egypt's first online platform dedicated to showcasing the history, landmarks, and cultural significance of Downtown Cairo. The platform provides visitors with self-guided walking routes, an exclusive 'Downtown Tunes' playlist on Spotify, and a 'Stories of Downtown' section that brings the district's history, culture, and music to life. Philopateer Dimitri, Deputy CEO of Al Ismaelia, emphasized that both Mazeej Balad and reflect the company's approach of merging heritage with modernity, creating an engaging and unforgettable Downtown Cairo experience for visitors, residents, and tourists. Through these initiatives, Al Ismaelia is continuing its mission to redefine Downtown Cairo as a thriving urban center that balances historical preservation with forward-thinking development.
Daily News Egypt
10-03-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Al Ismaelia to invest EGP 300m in property development during 2025
Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment has announced its 2025 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to revitalizing Downtown Cairo as a leading cultural, touristic, and investment destination. The company unveiled several transformative projects at a memorial event marking the 130th anniversary of Khedive Ismail's passing, including the Mazeej Hotel, the launch of and plans for new hospitality and mixed-use developments. Managing 26 historic properties across 85,000 square meters, Al Ismaelia continues to pioneer adaptive reuse initiatives, restoring neglected heritage buildings and transforming them into vibrant cultural, commercial, and residential hubs that preserve the architectural character of the district while catering to modern urban needs. Karim Shafei, Chairperson of Al Ismaelia Real Estate, emphasized that Downtown Cairo is not only a historic landmark but also Egypt's future hub for tourism and investment. He highlighted the company's vision of blending world-class hospitality, digital accessibility, and dynamic urban spaces while maintaining the area's unique cultural identity. As part of its 2025 strategy, Al Ismaelia is further expanding its hospitality sector by developing two boutique hotels set to open by the end of 2026. In addition, the company is transforming 15,000 square meters of Downtown properties into a mix of hospitality, retail, and administrative spaces, reinforcing its role in the area's economic revival. Alongside these developments, Al Ismaelia is continuing its efforts to restore properties across Downtown Cairo, ensuring that they retain their historic integrity while incorporating modern functionalities that cater to contemporary lifestyles. To support its growing portfolio, the company has allocated EGP 300 million for the development of its existing properties in 2025, including serviced apartments, commercial units, and cultural venues. Shafei noted that Al Ismaelia is also exploring opportunities for a capital raise to accelerate the implementation of its vision, further strengthening its ability to transform Downtown Cairo into a vibrant and sustainable investment destination. Attracting creative industries and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains a key priority for Al Ismaelia's strategy. The company has introduced initiatives such as Consoleya, a co-working and business hub designed to provide flexible workspaces tailored to the needs of startups and small businesses, fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial environment in the heart of Cairo. One of the company's flagship hospitality projects, Mazeej Balad, is set to launch in 2025. Designed by Malak Orfy, the boutique hotel will blend Egypt's rich heritage with contemporary luxury, featuring five carefully curated suites inspired by Downtown Cairo's cultural icons. The hotel will also include a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city, providing a unique and immersive experience for guests. As part of its commitment to enhancing digital accessibility, Al Ismaelia has launched Egypt's first online platform dedicated to showcasing the history, landmarks, and cultural significance of Downtown Cairo. The platform provides visitors with self-guided walking routes, an exclusive 'Downtown Tunes' playlist on Spotify, and a 'Stories of Downtown' section that brings the district's history, culture, and music to life. Philopateer Dimitri, Deputy CEO of Al Ismaelia, emphasized that both Mazeej Balad and reflect the company's approach of merging heritage with modernity, creating an engaging and unforgettable Downtown Cairo experience for visitors, residents, and tourists. Through these initiatives, Al Ismaelia is continuing its mission to redefine Downtown Cairo as a thriving urban center that balances historical preservation with forward-thinking development.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Ismaelia to launch 2 new boutique hotels in Downtown Cairo in 2025
Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, which spearheads the Downtown Cairo revitalisation initiative, has announced an investment of 300 million Egyptian pounds ($6 million) in 2025 to further develop its portfolio of historic properties, serviced apartments, commercial units, and cultural venues. The company continues to focus on adaptive reuse, repurposing heritage buildings into cultural, commercial, and residential hubs. Recent projects include Mazeej Balad, a boutique hotel designed by Malak Orfy, which merges Egyptian heritage with contemporary design, and a new digital platform providing historical insights, cultural archives, and tourism guides, according to a press statement issued on Thursday. 'By integrating world-class hospitality, digital accessibility, and dynamic urban spaces, we are ensuring that Downtown, the heart of Cairo, continues to evolve as a dynamic and accessible destination while staying true to its identity,' said Chairman Karim Shafei. He added that the company is exploring capital-raising opportunities to further 'expand its vision.' Expanding on its hospitality sector strategy, Al Ismaelia plans to introduce two additional boutique hotels by the end of 2026 and redevelop 15,000 square metres (sqm) of downtown properties into a mix of hospitality, retail, and office spaces. It is also looking to attract creative industries and SMEs, as seen in Consoleya, its co-working and business hub. The company currently manages 26 historic properties spanning 85,000 sqm. (1 US Dollar = 50.69 Egyptian Pounds) (Writing by Marwa Abo Almajd; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
