MARAKEZ announced its sponsorship of The Local Show (TLS), a YouTube-based docu-series created by Egyptian-American designer Ramzi Makram-Ebeid and directed by Sherif Nakhla. The collaboration underscores MARAKEZ’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting authentic Egyptian design, Invest-Gate reports.
Season 1 of The Local Show spotlights four architectural landmarks — Basuna Mosque, St. Mary’s Church, Bayt Yakan, and Bayt al-Razzaz — exploring how contextual, community-driven designs shape Egypt’s architectural identity. Through seven episodes, the series features insights from architects Waleed Arafa, Ikram Mounir Nosshi, Ramses Ikram Nosshi, Sherif Morgan, Youssef Ragheb, Alaa El Habashi, and Omniya Abdel Barr, highlighting the importance of sustainability, functionality, and cultural continuity.
The launch event of The Local Exhibit at Villa M, Powered by MARAKEZ, took place on November 8, 2025, in Zamalek. Co-curated by Ramzi Makram-Ebeid and Malak Shenouda, the exhibit showcased the historical and contemporary significance of the featured landmarks through photography by Yehia El-Alaily and Essam Arafa, as well as selected archival content. The immersive experience celebrated Egypt’s creativity across architecture, art, food, and culture.
Dasha Badrawi, Executive Vice Chairman of MARAKEZ, stated: “We are proud to support The Local Show as it sheds light on Egypt’s architectural treasures and the creative minds shaping them. This partnership aligns with MARAKEZ’s vision of nurturing community-driven innovative developments that celebrate culture, creativity, and identity.”
Produced by Ramzi Makram-Ebeid, Founder of Human Nature Design, the series aims to engage a diverse audience of architects, designers, students, and cultural enthusiasts. By sharing authentic local stories through a modern lens, The Local Show strengthens appreciation for Egyptian design and heritage across generations.
At the event, panel discussions featured Waleed Arafa, Ramzi Makram-Ebeid, and Sherif Nakhla, moderated by Sarah Sarofim. Commenting on the initiative, Makram-Ebeid said: “Design and architecture have always been a central passion in my life. Creating The Local Show was a way to share that love—creating an educational and immersive experience for our viewers. Our partnership with MARAKEZ marks a step forward in championing context-driven, conscientious design that honors community, heritage, functionality, and sustainability.”
Through this collaboration, MARAKEZ reinforces its position not only as a leading real estate developer but also as a curator of Egypt’s modern lifestyle and design culture.