The Ultimate Guide to Trade Fairs and Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026): Gateway to the African and Middle Eastern Markets
Cairo has firmly established itself as the preeminent exhibition hub connecting Africa with the Middle East and global markets. The city’s strategic geographical position, combined with Egypt’s ambitious economic development initiatives, has transformed it into a dynamic commercial crossroads where international businesses converge to access emerging markets. With major venues like the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) and Cairo International Convention Center (CICC) hosting world-class events year-round, Cairo offers unparalleled opportunities for trade, networking, and market expansion across diverse industrial sectors.
The Egyptian government’s strong support for the exhibition industry is evident through the high-level patronage of key events. Many major exhibitions operate under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El Sisi or other senior government officials, reflecting the strategic importance placed on these platforms for economic development. This official endorsement has elevated Cairo’s position in the global exhibition landscape, attracting leading international companies seeking to establish or expand their footprint in the region. The city’s exhibition calendar now features specialized events covering virtually every sector of the economy, from traditional industries like textiles and agriculture to cutting-edge fields such as renewable energy and digital technologies.
Table: Main Exhibition Venues in Cairo
| Venue | Location | Key Features | Major Events Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) | New Cairo | Egypt’s largest purpose-built exhibition complex with extensive indoor and outdoor spaces | EDEX, PLASTEX, Food Africa, EGYPS |
| Cairo International Convention Center (CICC) | Nasr City | Central location with multiple conference halls and exhibition spaces | Cairo InterLeather, specialized trade shows, consumer exhibitions |
| Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski | New Cairo | Luxury hotel with premium exhibition facilities | High-end specialized conferences and boutique exhibitions |
Cairo’s exhibition landscape is remarkably diverse, with events scheduled throughout the year to serve various industrial sectors. The following sections provide detailed information about major upcoming events, organized by industry for easy reference.
Egypt’s strategic energy position, particularly following recent natural gas discoveries and ambitious renewable energy initiatives, has made Cairo a focal point for regional energy dialogues. The energy sector exhibitions in Cairo bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and technological innovators to shape the future of energy in Africa and the Middle East.
Table: Major Energy Sector Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026)
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Focus Areas | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVs – Electrify 2025 | 18-20 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, sustainable transportation | Emerging technologies in electric mobility for the MENA region |
| EGYPES 2026 | 30 Mar-1 Apr 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Energy transition, oil & gas, renewable integration | Held under presidential patronage; focuses on “Transforming energy through collaboration, action, and realism” |
| EGYPS – Egypt Petroleum Show 2026 | 30 Mar-1 Apr 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Oil & gas exploration, production, refining | Major industry gathering with international delegations and cutting-edge technology showcases |
| Solar & Storage LIVE 2026 | 21-22 Apr 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Solar energy, battery storage, renewable technologies | Key platform for renewable energy stakeholders in MENA region |
| Egypt Energy 2026 | 12-14 Oct 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Power generation, transmission, renewable energy | North Africa’s leading power and renewable energy exhibition (formerly Electricx Egypt) |
The energy sector events in Cairo are particularly significant given Egypt’s pivotal role as an energy hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. As noted by industry leaders, “Egypt has become a pivotal energy hub – connecting resources, infrastructure, and markets that shape tomorrow’s energy flows”. These exhibitions serve as critical platforms for addressing the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demand while transitioning to more sustainable systems. The upcoming EGYPES 2026, for example, will convene global energy leaders under the theme “Transforming energy through collaboration, action, and realism” to drive investment and innovation for a resilient, diversified energy future.
Egypt’s rapid urbanization and megaproject developments have created substantial demand for construction technologies and materials, reflected in Cairo’s robust construction exhibition sector. These events showcase everything from basic building materials to sophisticated construction technologies and urban planning solutions.
Table: Major Construction and Infrastructure Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026)
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Focus Areas | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Big 5 Construct Egypt 2026 | 23-25 Jun 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Building materials, construction technologies, project management | International building & construction exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations |
| Egypt Infrastructure & Water Expo 2026 | 23-25 Jun 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Infrastructure planning, water management, utilities | Focuses on Egypt’s ambitious infrastructure plans for rapid population growth |
| Egypt Projects 2026 | 5-7 Sep 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Construction materials, building technologies | Comprehensive range of products and solutions for Egypt and Middle East construction markets |
| Cityscape Egypt 2026 | 23-26 Sep 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Real estate development, property investment, urban planning | Egypt’s leading real estate event connecting professionals, homebuyers, and investors |
| The Design Show 2026 | 14-16 May 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Architecture, interior design, product design | Cosmopolitan exhibition featuring residential and commercial design innovations |
The construction sector exhibitions in Cairo address Egypt’s ambitious development agenda, including new capital city projects, transportation networks, and housing developments. As noted in event descriptions, Egypt Infrastructure & Water Expo specifically caters to “Egypt’s ambitious plan for the country’s infrastructure catering to Egypt’s rapid population growth”. These exhibitions attract international suppliers seeking opportunities in one of the region’s most dynamic construction markets, with Cityscape Egypt serving as a particularly important platform for real estate investment and development trends.
Cairo’s manufacturing exhibitions reflect Egypt’s industrial diversification strategy and its growing role as a production hub for African and Middle Eastern markets. These events span traditional manufacturing sectors like textiles and leather to advanced industrial technologies and logistics solutions.
Table: Major Manufacturing and Industrial Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026)
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Focus Areas | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo InterLeather 2025 | 19-21 Dec 2025 | Cairo International Convention Center | Leather products, footwear, tanning technologies | 20th edition; premier leather exhibition in Egypt and Middle East |
| PLASTEX 2026 | 11-14 Jan 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Plastics, rubber, chemicals, machinery | 20th Arabian-African Exhibition for Plastics Industry; MENA’s most influential plastics meeting place |
| Handling Expo 2025 | 18-21 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Material handling, storage equipment, logistics | 23rd International Exhibition for Material Handling & Storage Equipment |
| MACTECH 2025 | 18-21 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Machine tools, components, safety equipment | Pan-Arab/African exhibition for machine and hand tools |
| AIRTECH 2025 | 18-21 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Compressed air technology, accessories | International exhibition for compressed air technology in Egypt |
| Metal & Steel 2025 | 6-8 Sep 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Metal production, steel structures, fabrication | International exhibition for steel structures and metal forming |
The manufacturing exhibitions in Cairo serve as critical platforms for industrial modernization and technology transfer. PLASTEX, for example, has established itself as “the Middle East and North Africa’s most influential meeting place where leading plastics and rubber companies convene”, providing international brands with market entry opportunities in the MENA region. Similarly, Cairo InterLeather represents the region’s premier leather exhibition, with organizers reporting participation from over 67 countries and attracting thousands of trade visitors seeking business opportunities in Egypt’s growing leather industry. These manufacturing events typically feature not only product displays but also machinery demonstrations and technical workshops addressing industry-specific challenges.
Egypt’s agricultural heritage and growing food processing sector are well-represented in Cairo’s exhibition calendar, with events covering the entire value chain from farm production to finished consumer products and hospitality services.
Table: Major Food, Agriculture and Hospitality Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026)
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Focus Areas | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Africa 2025 | 9-12 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Food, beverage, agro-industry | Africa’s first and largest agrofood exhibition; 10th edition in 2025 |
| SAHARA 2026 | 22-24 Sep 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Agriculture, food, horticulture | International exhibition for agriculture and food for Africa and Middle East |
| Agri Expo 2026 | 17-19 Jan 2026 | Cairo International Convention Center | Agriculture, farming | Specialized agricultural exhibition |
| Cafex 2026 | 11-13 May 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Hospitality, catering, coffee, beverages | Egypt’s leading specialized expo for hotel, café, restaurant industry |
| Propak MENA 2026 | 2-4 Jun 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Food processing, packaging | Africa’s most comprehensive event for processing & packaging in food & beverage industry |
| FI Africa 2026 | 2-4 Jun 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Food ingredients, natural foods | International food ingredients exhibition in Africa |
Food Africa deserves particular attention as “Africa’s first and largest agrofood exhibition”, marking its 10th edition in 2025. The event has grown into an essential platform for industry leaders, exporters, and buyers, with the 2024 edition attracting over 31,000 visitors and 1,018 exhibitors from 35 countries. As one exhibitor noted, “Food Africa provides an excellent platform for buyers and importers to showcase their products and export capabilities”. The exhibition also features specialized pavilions like Fresh Africa for produce and Dates Africa for date producers, reflecting the segmentation and specialization within Cairo’s food industry events.
Beyond the major industrial categories, Cairo hosts numerous specialized exhibitions serving niche markets and emerging sectors. These events, while sometimes smaller in scale, provide crucial networking and business opportunities within specific professional communities.
Table: Notable Specialized Exhibitions in Cairo (2025-2026)
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Focus Areas | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo ICT 2025 | 16-19 Nov 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Information technology, telecommunications | International telecommunications and IT trade fair of the Arab world |
| Pharmaconex 2025 | 1-3 Sep 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Pharmaceutical industry | International pharmaceutical exhibition for North Africa and Middle East |
| Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025 | 1-4 Dec 2025 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Defense, security, military technology | Under presidential patronage; only defense event covering Africa and Middle East |
| Africa Health ExCon 2026 | 15-18 Jun 2026 | Egypt International Exhibition Center | Healthcare, medical equipment | Major healthcare exhibition for African market |
| World Urban Forum 2026 | 17-22 May 2026 | Cairo International Convention Center | Urban development, culture | International forum on urban development |
The specialized sector events in Cairo cater to professional communities with specific needs. EDEX, for example, operates under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and represents “the only defence and security event that covers Africa and the Middle East”, attracting official delegations from over 100 countries. Similarly, Cairo ICT has established itself as the premier telecommunications and IT event in the Arab world, reflecting Egypt’s growing digital economy. These specialized events often include high-level conferences alongside exhibition components, creating platforms for policy discussions and professional development within their respective sectors.
Navigating Cairo’s exhibition landscape requires careful planning and preparation. Whether attending as a visitor or exhibitor, understanding the local context and practical considerations will significantly enhance your experience and business outcomes.
Registration and Timing: Most exhibitions in Cairo offer online pre-registration, which is highly recommended to avoid queues and often provides free or discounted entry compared to on-site registration. Exhibition hours typically run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some specialized B2B events may have restricted hours or dedicated professional periods. The best time to visit for serious business discussions is usually mid-week during exhibition hours, as weekends (Fridays and Saturdays in Egypt) can be more crowded with general public visitors for consumer-oriented shows.
Strategic Planning: With multiple exhibitions sometimes occurring simultaneously at different venues, careful scheduling is essential. For international visitors combining multiple events, consider grouping visits to exhibitions at the same venue (like EIEC) on consecutive days to minimize transit time. Many exhibition organizers provide mobile apps or digital planners to help optimize your schedule, and these tools often include features for booking meetings with specific exhibitors in advance.
Venue Accessibility: The Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in New Cairo is approximately 45-60 minutes from central Cairo and Cairo International Airport, depending on traffic conditions. The Cairo International Convention Center (CICC) in Nasr City is more centrally located, approximately 30 minutes from the airport and major hotel districts. Transportation options include:
Accommodation Strategy: Hotels near exhibition venues fill quickly during major events, so early booking is essential. For EIEC events, consider accommodations in New Cairo, Nasr City, or Heliopolis districts. For CICC events, Nasr City offers the closest proximity. Many exhibition websites partner with accommodation services offering special rates for attendees.
Networking Strategy: Egyptian business culture values personal relationships, so allocate sufficient time for relationship-building rather than rushing from booth to booth. Many exhibitions organize matchmaking programs and networking receptions that facilitate targeted business connections. As one Food Africa exhibitor noted, “We successfully networked with industry companies and specialized visitors, leading to fruitful deals during the event”.
Cultural Considerations: Business interactions in Egypt typically begin with personal conversation before transitioning to commercial discussions. Have business cards available (with Arabic translation on the reverse side if possible), and be prepared for longer meeting times than in Western business contexts. Most educated Egyptian business professionals speak English, but learning basic Arabic greetings is appreciated.
Follow-up Protocols: Timely follow-up after exhibitions is particularly important in the Egyptian market. Plan to reconnect with contacts within one week of meeting, referencing specific discussion points from your interaction at the exhibition. Many successful exhibitors report that the most valuable business outcomes from Cairo exhibitions materialize in the months following the event through sustained relationship development.
Cairo’s exhibition industry is evolving rapidly in response to regional economic developments and global trends. Several key directions are shaping the future landscape of trade fairs in the Egyptian capital.
The exhibition calendar demonstrates increasing specialization within traditional sectors. Rather than generic “industrial” exhibitions, Cairo now hosts highly focused events targeting specific niches like compressed air technology (AIRTECH), material handling (Handling Expo), and coatings technology (Egypt Coatings Show). This specialization reflects market maturation and allows for more targeted business matching. Similarly, within the food sector, specialized pavilions like Fresh Africa and Dates Africa within the broader Food Africa exhibition enable focused engagement with specific product categories.
Two cross-cutting themes are increasingly prominent across Cairo’s exhibition landscape: digital transformation and sustainability. Technology-focused events like Cairo ICT continue to grow, while traditional sector exhibitions increasingly incorporate technology components, such as the Leather Technologies section within Cairo InterLeather. Sustainability considerations are particularly evident in energy sector events like EGYPES, which focuses on “Transforming energy through collaboration, action, and realism” as the region navigates energy transition challenges.
Cairo is strengthening its position as the primary exhibition hub for Africa and the Middle East. As noted by EGYPES organizers, “Egypt has become a pivotal energy hub – connecting resources, infrastructure, and markets”. This regional leadership is reinforced by the high-level government patronage of major events and Egypt’s improving infrastructure for international business. Looking forward, Cairo’s exhibition industry appears poised for continued growth, particularly as Egypt implements its sustainable development strategy and positions itself as a gateway between African, Middle Eastern, and European markets.
Cairo’s exhibition landscape offers unparalleled access to the growing markets of Africa and the Middle East across virtually every industrial sector. The city’s strategic geographic position, combined with strong government support and improving infrastructure, has established it as a must-attend destination for international businesses seeking regional expansion. From massive cross-sector events like Food Africa and PLASTEX to specialized exhibitions targeting niche technologies, Cairo provides platforms for market entry, partnership development, and industry intelligence gathering.
The diversity and frequency of events means that businesses can find relevant exhibitions throughout the year, while the concentration of multiple related events often allows for efficient combined visits. As the exhibition industry continues to mature with greater specialization and integration of technology, Cairo’s importance as a commercial crossroads is likely to increase further. For businesses with interests in the region, a strategic approach to participating in or visiting Cairo’s exhibitions can yield significant competitive advantages through direct market access, partnership opportunities, and insights into regional development trends.
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