A modern mixed-use complex in New Cairo combining a large shopping mall with hotels and offices. Features IKEA, a large food hall, international fashion, and a cinema multiplex.
Cairo Festival City Mall is a large-format mixed-use retail and lifestyle complex located in New Cairo's 5th Settlement district, approximately 25 kilometres east of central Cairo along the Cairo–Suez Road. The development is part of the Festival City master-planned community developed by Al-Futtaim Group, replicating the brand's successful formula from Dubai and Riyadh. The Egyptian complex opened in phases from 2017 onward and combines the shopping mall with attached hotels, offices, and residential towers.
The mall spans approximately 185,000 square metres of gross leasable area and is anchored by three signature tenants: IKEA (one of only two IKEA stores in Egypt), a large-format Carrefour hypermarket, and a VOX Cinemas multiplex — among the most modern cinema facilities in Cairo. The retail floors between these anchors house an extensive mix of international mid-to-premium brands including Zara Home, H&M, Marks & Spencer, MAC cosmetics, Pandora, Tommy Hilfiger, and dozens of regional and Egyptian fashion and lifestyle retailers.
The food offer is one of the strongest of any Cairo mall. A dedicated dining terrace on the upper floor contains over 30 sit-down restaurant chains, and the food court on the lower level adds fast-food options including both international and Egyptian chains. The atmosphere skews younger and more international than older-generation Cairo malls, reflecting the affluent demographic of New Cairo's residential communities.
Parking is plentiful, with surface and structured parking for thousands of vehicles. Access from central Cairo requires private transport or ride-share, as public transport connections to New Cairo's 5th Settlement remain limited. The mall's proximity to the American University in Cairo (AUC) New Cairo campus influences its shopping-hours pattern — weekday evenings are almost as busy as weekends due to student traffic.
| Hours | Daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
|---|
Highlights
- IKEA anchor store — one of only two in Egypt — with full furniture, homewares, and food hall offer
- VOX Cinemas multiplex with luxury seating options and Arabic and international screenings
- 30+ sit-down restaurants on a dedicated upper-floor dining terrace alongside a full lower-level food court
- Carrefour hypermarket for groceries, electronics, and household goods at competitive prices
- International mid-to-premium brands including Marks & Spencer, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC, and Pandora
Tips for visiting
- IKEA visits require at least two to three hours; arrive early on weekends as the car park fills by mid-morning.
- VOX Cinemas offers premium seating options including recliners — worth booking online in advance for new Arabic releases on opening weekends.
- The upper-floor dining terrace is significantly more varied and comfortable than the food court; budget 200–400 EGP per person for a sit-down meal.
- New Cairo's 5th Settlement has limited public transport links — arrange a ride-share or private car in advance rather than relying on a street taxi.
- Weekday evenings are nearly as busy as weekends due to proximity to AUC campus; Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are the quietest windows.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cairo Festival City Mall and how do visitors reach it from central Cairo?
Cairo Festival City Mall is in New Cairo's 5th Settlement district, roughly 25 kilometres east of central Cairo along the Cairo–Suez Road. Private cars and ride-share apps are the practical options; journey time from Tahrir Square is approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport connections to this area are limited.
Is there an IKEA at Cairo Festival City Mall?
Yes. Cairo Festival City Mall houses one of only two IKEA stores in Egypt, offering the full Swedish furniture and homeware range including the IKEA restaurant. It is the primary reason many Cairo families make the trip to New Cairo specifically.
What cinema is at Cairo Festival City Mall?
The mall contains a VOX Cinemas multiplex, one of the most modern cinema chains operating in Egypt. Screenings cover Arabic films, Hollywood releases, and Bollywood titles, with standard and premium seating configurations available.
What international brands are available at Cairo Festival City Mall?
The mall carries a broad range of international brands including Zara, H&M, Zara Home, Marks & Spencer, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC cosmetics, Pandora, and numerous other mid-to-premium fashion and lifestyle retailers. Egyptian and regional brands are also well represented in the fashion and food sectors.