About Us
A Sustainable Future for Cairo's Heritage Suburb
The Zamalek Association for Development (ZAD), registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity under No. 1139/2023, is committed to transforming Zamalek into an environmentally sustainable green neighborhood that improves residents’ quality of life while protecting the district’s architectural and cultural heritage.
ZAD works to make Zamalek a model of sustainable urban living, preserving its distinctive identity as one of Cairo’s most valued residential, architectural, and cultural heritage districts.
Through initiatives focused on urban planning, sustainability, and heritage, ZAD seeks to enhance the neighborhood’s quality of life while safeguarding its unique character and long-term value. These priorities were shaped through consultations with Zamalek residents in 2023, leading to the creation of three committees: Environment & Sustainability, Quality of Life, and Heritage & Culture.
Leadership
Board Members
The dedicated individuals guiding the association’s vision and initiatives.
President
Treasurer
Secretary General
Member
Member
Member
Member
Three Pillars
Our Committees
Work is carried out through three committees, each managing a key area of neighborhood development.
Environment & Sustainability
Transform Zamalek into an environmentally sustainable neighborhood by increasing
green spaces and preserving the banks of the Nile.
Quality of Life
Enhance residents’ quality of life through effective urban planning that improves walkability, pedestrian mobility, safety and security, and reduces noise pollution.
Heritage & Culture
Transform Zamalek into an artistic and cultural hub and a leading tourist destination while preserving the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
The Ledger
Active Projects
Real projects making a tangible difference across Zamalek’s streets. Click any project to learn more.
Cafés & Restaurants Proliferation
Saving the Heritage Gardens of Zamalek
Tree Planting
Mealybug Combat
Pedestrian Traffic Improvement
Completed Projects
Successfully delivered initiatives that have already improved our neighborhood.
Zamalek 5K Run
Pedestrian Crosswalk
Metro Vents Beautification
D-CAF Collaboration
Street Beautification
Street Beautification
Street Beautification
Advocacy
Standing Up for Zamalek
Public Gardens
Saving Heritage Gardens of Zamalek
The Zamalek Association is working on multiple fronts to protect the neighbourhood’s heritage gardens and green spaces. Comparing satellite pictures taken between 2017 and 2024 shows that Zamalek has lost 24% of its green spaces because of investment projects. Read more…
Masala Garden
Damaged
This beloved green space has already been rented out to a private commercial company who have altered it irrevocably, destroying mature trees and permanently reducing public access.
Our position: Public gardens belong to the people. We call on authorities to enforce existing protections and halt all commercial exploitation of Zamalek’s green heritage.
Noise & Congestion
Cafés & Restaurants Proliferation
The proliferation of cafés and restaurants has become a growing concern for Zamalek, affecting the neighbourhood’s character, public spaces and residents’ quality of life. A count of cafés along 26th of July Street and in northern Zamalek identified 209 establishments. More recently, even the basement floors of heritage buildings have begun to be converted into cafés. Read more…
Decree Issued
Completed
ZAD helped to advocate for the Cairo Governor’s ban on issuing any new licenses for restaurants and cafes in the Heliopolis, Maadi, Zamalek and Garden City neighborhoods that was decreed on April 28, 2026.
Our position: Residential neighborhoods deserve peace. We call on authorities to regulate unlicensed commercial activity and enforce zoning laws that protect the character of Zamalek.
Get Involved
Support Us
Whether you’re a Zamalek resident, a heritage enthusiast, or an urban planning expert — there’s a place for you in our community. Together, we can preserve and enhance this unique neighborhood.
Powered by Generous Partners
We’re grateful to the companies and organizations whose support makes our work possible.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch.
Contact
Get in Touch
Have questions about our initiatives or want to volunteer? We’d love to hear from you.