In the presence of Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Azza Fahmy Foundation for the Development of Traditional Handicrafts has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Urban Development Fund (UDF) to allocate a new building in the Darb al-Labana redevelopment zone of Historic Cairo. The site will become the future headquarters of the “Azza Fahmy School of Crafts & Creativity,” a major new initiative aimed at preserving and advancing Egypt’s artisanal heritage.
The MoU was signed by designer Azza Fahmy, founder of the Azza Fahmy Foundation, and Eng. Khaled Siddiq, CEO of the UDF. The ceremony was attended by Amina Ghaly, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and Fatma Ghaly, CEO of Azza Fahmy Jewellery, along with senior government officials and representatives of partnering organizations.
A New Hub for Craft Education in Historic Cairo
The dedicated facility in Darb al-Labana is part of an ongoing government effort to revitalize Historic Cairo—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited urban centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The planned school will serve as a regional hub for artisanal training, creative industries, and heritage preservation.
The initiative aims to provide young Egyptians with hands-on training in traditional crafts—such as metalwork, jewelry design, woodwork, and other heritage trades—while integrating contemporary design education and entrepreneurship support.
Strengthening Egypt’s Creative Economy
By combining vocational training with cultural preservation, the Azza Fahmy School of Crafts & Creativity is expected to support Egypt’s growing creative economy and offer new economic opportunities for artisans, designers, and local communities.
Prime Minister Madbouly’s presence at the signing underscores the government’s increasing focus on cultural industries as a driver of economic development, job creation, and international visibility.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
For decades, Azza Fahmy has been one of the most recognized names in Egyptian design, celebrated for elevating traditional craftsmanship into contemporary luxury. The new school is positioned to extend that legacy by cultivating the next generation of Egyptian artisans.
A timeline for the launch of the school is expected to be announced following the completion of redevelopment work in Darb al-Labana.
