The National Organization for Urban Harmony has awarded Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment the 2025 Best Practices in Architectural and Urban Heritage Conservation prize, recognizing the company’s leading role in restoring and managing heritage buildings in Downtown Cairo. The award was announced under the patronage of Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno and supervised by Eng. Mohamed Abu Saada, Head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony, Invest-Gate reports.

For more than a decade, Al Ismaelia has restored over 25 historic buildings across Downtown, working closely with government bodies, licensed contractors, and heritage experts to comply with preservation laws and urban planning standards. The company has reintegrated these properties into Cairo’s cultural and commercial life, making the district a focal point for both national and international attention.

Mr. Karim Shafei, chairman of Al Ismaelia, emphasized that Al Ismaelia’s journey began over 15 years ago, with a mission to revive neglected landmarks through adaptive reuse and careful restoration. “This award affirms the value of long-term commitment,” he said, highlighting the company’s team of Egyptian architects, engineers, and historians who combine technical expertise with deep knowledge of the neighborhood.

In addition to restoration, Al Ismaelia has launched projects that breathe new life into historic spaces, including Mazeej Balad, a boutique hotel in La Viennoise, the soon-to-open TamaraHaus mixed-use destination, the relaunch of Café Riche, and the redevelopment of Cinema Radio into a cultural and commercial hub.

The award jury, comprising senior figures from the Ministry of Culture and the National Organization for Urban Harmony, praised the company’s technical execution, sustainability, and contribution to preserving Egypt’s urban heritage. The recognition underscores Al Ismaelia’s role in reshaping Downtown Cairo into a vibrant, livable, and culturally rich destination.