Speakers to Watch Out for at 2025 Cairo Design Week

Creative Industry Summit is teaming up with DeForum to bring a dedicated stage to the Museum of Islamic Ceramics during Cairo Design Week. From November 23rd to 28th, the stage will host local and international voices across design, interiors, architecture, and creative processes, offering five days of talks, discussions, and insights into the region’s most innovative projects.

The collaboration brings together three key players in Egypt’s creative scene: Creative Industry Summit, which has connected thousands of speakers and hosted hundreds of hours of content across workshops, talks, and events since 2014; DeForum, the Egyptian Design Forum that organises panels, exhibitions, and awards to support the local design community; and Cairo Design Week, the annual city-wide event that turns streets, heritage sites, and public spaces into venues for design installations, discussions, and public engagement.

From visionary architects to global design leaders, the lineup promises to highlight the diversity and ingenuity of the design world. Here are some of the key speakers to look out for…

Shadi El Ghoneimi | Managing Partner & Head of Design, El Ghoneimi International


Shady El Ghoneimi brings over a decade of experience in large-scale hospitality, architectural and interior projects, focusing on combining innovation with functionality in design execution.

Shewekar | Principal Interior Designer & Managing Director, Shewekar Design Studio


Shewekar Design Studio, led by its eponymous principal, is renowned for crafting interiors that balance aesthetics with functionality. Their projects showcase meticulous attention to detail and a contemporary approach to traditional design principles.

Ahmed Fayyad | Co-Founder of FR Partnership 

Ahmed Fayyad is a minimalist designer and co-founder of FR Partnership, known for clean, functional, and refined architectural and interior projects.

Mona Hussein | Founder of Mona Hussein Design House

Mona Hussein Design House creates interiors and spaces that merge elegant and practical design tailored to space, culture, and the lifestyle of each client.

Hassan Fekri | Founder & CEO, DABS Design and Build Services

Hassan Fekri is the driving force behind DABS, a design and build consultancy known for delivering high-end interiors and architectural projects. His approach integrates precision, innovation, and creativity across all stages of design.

Gabriele Cavallaro | CEO & Co-Founder, Isola Design Group


Gabriele Cavallaro leads Isola Design Group, a company with a reputation for visionary design solutions. Cavallaro will share insights into how global design strategies can intersect with local culture and context.

Hala Ibrahim Saleh | Founder & CEO, TDF+ / Founder, KOOK


Hala Saleh has made a mark as a multidisciplinary design entrepreneur, founding TDF+ and KOOK to push the boundaries of experiential and interior design in Egypt. Besides being the district curator behind the Zamalek district in Cairo Design Week, her work explores the intersection of functionality, storytelling, and cultural identity.

Karim El Hayawan & Nehal Leheta | Co-founders & Principal Designers, Design Point Studios


El Hayawan and Lehata lead Design Point Studios, a firm recognised for its thoughtful approach to architecture and interiors. Their projects often combine creativity, photography and out-of-the-box aesthetics with functional design, creating spaces that are both striking and practical.

Nelly El Sharkawy | Architect & Photographer / Cofounder & Managing Partner of Cairopolitan


Nelly El Sharkawy merges architecture with photography to explore spatial narratives. At Cairopolitan, she leads design projects that blend technical excellence with artistic vision, offering a unique perspective on modern Egyptian design.

Karim El Assal | Head of Design & Managing Partner, Segments Architects

Karim El Assal heads Segments Architects, delivering architectural and interior projects that emphasise creativity, technical rigor, and cultural relevance.

Yasmin Noureldin | Interior & Furniture Designer / Founder of Space by Yasmin


Yasmin is known for her work that blends character with context. Whether it’s reflecting a project’s narrative, a client’s personality, or a subtle thread of Egyptian identity. The spaces she creates are always unique, intentional, and deeply personal.

Mohamed Badie | Founder of Badie Architects

Mohamed Badie is known for his unconventional play with void and space. His projects often show commitment to contemporary living that prioritises material honesty and spatial coherence. 

Raef Fahmi | Founder of RFA


Raef Fahmi is the founder of RFA, a design practice celebrated for its forward-thinking architecture and interior design solutions across the MENA region.

Waleed Arafa | Founder and Principle of Dar Arafa Architecture

Waleed Arafa heads Dar Arafa Architecture and is known for projects like the Basuna Mosque, combining innovative, conscious design with contextual sensitivity.

Mohamed Fares | Co-Founder, Alchemy / Founder, MF & Associates

Mohamed Fares is behind Alchemy and MF & Associates, where he fuses contemporary design practices with sensory design, creating spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Mohamed Attia | Production Designer


Mohamed Attia is known for his groundbreaking work in production design, including the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. He, along with Mohamed Fares, will break down their creative process, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at large-scale, high-impact design projects.