Nahla Zayed Under the theme “All About – إحنا,” the fourth edition celebrates the shared cultural identity, different perspectives, and creative exchanges shaping Egyptian design.
Cairo, Egypt – November 2026: What makes something feel distinctly Egyptian? Is it the materials we use, the stories we tell, or something less tangible that connects us to the spaces, objects, and ideas around us? This question lies at the heart of Cairo Design Week 2026’s campaign, “All About – إحنا,” an exploration of collective identity, creative expression, and the evolving nature of Egyptian design.
Taking place from November 19 to 28, the fourth edition of Cairo Design Week draws inspiration from the familiar Egyptian Arabic word “إحنا,” meaning “we” or “us.” More than a reference to belonging, the theme explores the shared cultural understanding that connects people, even when their perspectives, approaches, and expressions differ. It celebrates the idea that Egyptian identity is not defined by a single aesthetic, tradition, or creative language, but by the many voices that continue to shape and reinterpret it.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple yet powerful idea: what makes us part of the same culture does not necessarily make us the same. Across generations, disciplines, and creative practices, designers carry with them influences shaped by their surroundings, experiences, and the people who came before them. Some preserve traditions, others challenge them, and many find new ways to bring the familiar into the present. Together, these different approaches contribute to a creative identity that remains recognisable while constantly evolving.
Building on this narrative, Cairo Design Week brings the concept of “إحنا” to life through the power of collaboration and creative exchange. Design is rarely the result of a single perspective. It is shaped through conversations between designers and craftspeople, encounters between traditional techniques and emerging technologies, and the exchange of ideas across cultures and generations. These interactions create opportunities for unexpected outcomes, allowing new forms of expression to emerge from a shared cultural foundation.
“إحنا is about recognising what connects us without expecting everyone to think, create, or express themselves in the same way. Egyptian design has never been one thing. It is shaped by generations of knowledge, different perspectives, and the constant exchange of ideas. Through Cairo Design Week, we want to bring these voices together, create space for new conversations, and celebrate a creative identity that continues to grow and evolve with every contribution.”
Hisham Mahdy, Founder of Cairo Design Week
Extending this conversation beyond Egypt, this year’s programme will also welcome leading international and regional design voices, including India Mahdavi, the Paris-based architect, designer, and scenographer celebrated for her distinctive creative language and expressive use of colour, who also served as President of the Jury for the Doha Biennale, and Omar Al Gurg, the Emirati designer and founder of MODU Method, whose practice explores the relationship between functionality, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling. Through talks and creative conversations, their participation will introduce new perspectives to the programme, reinforcing the spirit of exchange at the centre of this year’s theme.
