At a Glance
- Egypt’s largest malls blend retail, leisure, and lifestyle under one expansive roof.
- Cairo Festival City and Mall of Arabia lead Egypt’s evolving consumer landscape.
- From snow parks to sea views, Egypt’s malls redefine weekend experiences.
Egypt’s retail landscape has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Once defined by corner stores and crowded souks, the country now boasts some of Africa’s largest and most modern malls.
From Cairo’s sprawling Mall of Arabia to Alexandria’s waterfront San Stefano Grand Plaza, these shopping destinations blend retail, dining, and entertainment in one place.
Developers have responded by turning empty plots into vibrant districts of shops, cafés, and cinemas, spaces where commerce meets community.
Cairo’s skyline keeps changing. New neighborhoods bring bigger, greener, and more family-friendly malls such as Katameya and North Park. Once, trade happened in narrow alleys filled with bargaining voices; now it flows through marble corridors beneath glass roofs.
From Cairo’s suburbs to Alexandria’s coast, modern malls are redefining how Egyptians spend their weekends, connect, and see their cities. These retail landmarks show a nation blending heritage with aspiration—where tradition and modern life coexist under one roof.
Below are five malls profiled by Shore Africa that have shaped Egypt’s new consumer era.
1. Mall of Arabia – Cairo’s Retail Powerhouse
Sitting in the 6th of October City district, Mall of Arabia is Egypt’s largest. Covering more than 267,000 square meters and operated by the Saudi-based Fawaz Al Hokair Group, it houses over 900 shops, from H&M and Zara to regional favorites.
Unlike most enclosed malls, it’s open-air, lined with palms and shaded walkways that make it feel more like a resort than a shopping center. Families linger at cafés; children dart toward the fountains. Weekends bring music shows, art displays, and food festivals. It’s as much about atmosphere as it is about sales.
2. Cairo Festival City Mall – A City Within a City
Just off New Cairo’s main highway sits Cairo Festival City Mall, or CFC Mall. Built by Al-Futtaim Group, the complex stretches across 265,000 square meters and hosts more than 300 international and regional brands. IKEA anchors one end, while Marks & Spencer and Victoria’s Secret pull in the fashion crowd.
What sets it apart is The Marquee Theatre, a 1,656-seat venue that draws musicians, comedians, and stage productions. Outside, the promenade buzzes at night with light shows and the dancing fountain — a favorite backdrop for Cairo’s evening stroll. The place feels like a small town of its own, modern and relaxed.
3. Citystars Mall – Cairo’s Original Icon
Before all the others, there was Citystars Mall. Opened in 2004 in Heliopolis, it was Egypt’s first real taste of large-scale mall life. With 151,000 square meters of space and more than 750 stores, it remains one of the city’s most visited spots.
The complex is split into Stars Centre, Stars Park, and Stars Atrium, offering everything from electronics to designer labels. Add a 16-screen cinema, indoor amusement park, and direct access to the InterContinental Hotel, and you get a city landmark. Two decades on, the mall still draws about 20 million visitors a year — proof that it’s more than a shopping stop; it’s part of Cairo’s social rhythm.
4. Mall of Egypt – Where Retail Meets Snow
When the Mall of Egypt opened in 2017, it brought something Cairo had never seen: snow. Developed by Majid Al Futtaim Group — the same firm behind Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates — it houses over 400 shops across 165,000 square meters.
The star attraction, Ski Egypt, is Africa’s first indoor snow park, complete with ski slopes, snowboarding, and penguin encounters. Families and tourists pack in on weekends for the novelty alone. The mall also features VOX Cinemas, Carrefour, and dozens of restaurants, making it a one-stop escape from the city’s heat.
5. San Stefano Grand Plaza – Alexandria’s Waterfront Jewel
Facing the Mediterranean along Alexandria’s Corniche, San Stefano Grand Plaza combines retail with elegance. Part of the Four Seasons complex, the mall’s smaller footprint is balanced by its upscale mix of boutiques, jewelry stores, and restaurants.
From its polished marble floors, visitors can look out toward the sea — a view that pairs perfectly with coffee or an evening film. It’s where Alexandrians go when they want refinement without the bustle of Cairo. The sound of the waves outside gives it a calm no other mall can match.
