Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment has secured financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to speed up its ESG-led redevelopment of heritage assets in Downtown Cairo. The deal was signed at Mazeej Balad by Karim Shafei, chairperson of Al Ismaelia, and Jean-Marc Peterschmitt, managing director for the corporate sector at EBRD.
Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment signed a financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support redevelopment projects across Downtown Cairo. The funds will support deep retrofits, adaptive reuse of historic and commercial buildings, and improvements to governance and reporting frameworks.
Upcoming 2026 projects include the Mahmoud Bassiouny boutique hospitality concept, designed by young Egyptian creatives to provide immersive stays reflecting Downtown's identity, and La Viennoise Retail, featuring curated Egyptian brands alongside a dining concept to revitalize the area.
Karim Shafei emphasized that ESG principles are integral to the company's operations. "They guide how the Downtown portfolio is developed over time, from restoration and infrastructure upgrades to tenant mix and district-wide connectivity," he said.
Jean-Marc Peterschmitt noted: "We see strong potential in platforms that combine disciplined asset management with structured ESG practices, particularly in dense urban environments such as Downtown Cairo." Founded in 2008, Al Ismaelia owns 25 heritage properties spanning 85,000 square meters in Downtown Cairo.