Marakez – Shaping Egypt's Urban Future

Marakez — Redefining Egypt’s Urban Lifestyle

Vision & Legacy of Marakez

In Egypt’s dynamic real estate landscape, Marakez Development has quickly risen to become one of the most recognizable names in modern urban planning and lifestyle-driven living. From New Cairo to 6th of October City, and from Ras El Hekma’s pristine North Coast to the Delta’s bustling heart, Marakez has reimagined what it means to live, shop, work, and play in one integrated environment.

At its foundation lies the strength of the Fawaz Al Hokair Group, a Saudi Arabian powerhouse that began humbly in 1989 with just two menswear stores opened by three visionary brothers: Fawaz, Salman, and Abdul Majeed Alhokair. That simple beginning planted the seeds of what would become a diversified empire spanning fashion, retail, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality, financial services, and of course, real estate development.

For decades, the Al Hokair Group has demonstrated a knack for spotting untapped potential in new markets. Their foray into Egypt was no different. They saw in Egypt not just a real estate market, but a country on the verge of urban reinvention — one with a growing middle class, a booming youth demographic, and a government committed to reshaping its cities. With that foresight, Marakez was founded in 2015, not as a conventional developer but as an ambitious lifestyle creator. Its goal? To build Egypt’s largest mixed-use development and management company, with projects that go far beyond simple residential compounds.

From Fashion to Real Estate: The Fawaz Al Hokair Story

It’s impossible to understand Marakez without appreciating the DNA of the Al Hokair Group. The Group grew from fashion retail into one of the most significant conglomerates in the Middle East. Today, it operates more than 2,100 retail stores across 16 countries, representing 80+ international brands. Alongside this retail dominance, it manages 17 shopping malls covering more than 1.6 million sqm of retail space.

That retail-first DNA gave Marakez a unique advantage when it entered Egypt. Most developers focused on homes; Marakez focused on destinations. Homes were important, yes, but they were just one part of a larger vision — a community built around experiences. Whether it’s a mall in Tanta, a business hub in New Cairo, or a residential tower in 6th of October, Marakez developments pulse with activity. They’re built to attract foot traffic, foster engagement, and create spaces where people feel connected.

The Birth of Marakez Egypt

Marakez entered Egypt with a bang in 2010, before its formal establishment as a real estate arm, with the landmark opening of Mall of Arabia in 6th of October City. At the time, Mall of Arabia redefined retail in Egypt. It wasn’t just a shopping mall — it was an entertainment destination, a dining hub, and a social gathering spot. For many Egyptians, it became a lifestyle anchor, signaling how Marakez would approach development going forward: retail + leisure + community + home.

By 2015, the Group had formalized its Egyptian expansion by creating Marakez Developments. This wasn’t just a subsidiary; it was the centerpiece of a new strategy to transform Egypt’s real estate sector. A carefully assembled team of young Egyptian talents was tasked with carrying this vision forward, blending international expertise with local insight.

Design Philosophy & Innovation

Marakez doesn’t just build houses or malls — it crafts ecosystems. Each project is meticulously planned to offer a seamless journey across all aspects of life.

• Residential areas provide modern homes, from apartments and villas to penthouses.
• Retail zones introduce curated shopping experiences, anchored by both global brands and local favorites.
• Leisure and wellness spaces ensure every community has gyms, sports clubs, walking trails, and green pockets.
• Workspaces and offices make it possible to live and work within one integrated district.

The philosophy is simple yet powerful: when all these elements come together, they create a complete lifestyle, reducing commutes, enhancing quality of life, and making daily routines smoother.

Innovation is embedded in every detail. District 5 New Cairo, for instance, was conceptualized around two journeys: the Live Journey and the Play Journey. Together, they represent a blueprint for how Marakez thinks about human experience: living comfortably, playing vibrantly, and belonging authentically.

Contribution to Egypt’s Real Estate Landscape

In less than a decade, Marakez has already transformed Egypt’s urban story. Its developments span over 4 million sqm of prime land, representing billions in investments. Each project has elevated the standard of what Egyptians expect from a residential community or mixed-use hub.

• With District 5 New Cairo gained not just homes but a complete ecosystem — retail, offices, residences, and entertainment under one roof.
• With AEON Towers, West Cairo received a skyline-defining landmark that reimagined high-rise living.
• With Ramla North Coast, Ras El Hekma saw the arrival of a destination blending summer luxury with vibrant community spirit.
• With Crescent Walk, Egypt was introduced to a community built around greenery and serenity.
• With Mall of Arabia, Egypt’s retail sector reached global standards of design and experience.

Each of these projects is a chapter in Marakez’s story — a story still unfolding as the developer continues to expand into new cities, new sectors, and new opportunities.

Compounds by Marakez

District 5 New Cairo — The Beating Heart of East Cairo

Set across 200 acres, District 5 is more than a development; it’s a destination within a destination. Half of its land is devoted to premium residential neighborhoods offering more than 1,700 units — from villas and townhouses to sleek modern apartments. The other half is reserved for lifestyle: offices, shopping promenades, dining venues, entertainment zones, and wellness facilities.

What makes District 5 unique is its dual philosophy. The Live Journey emphasizes comfort, tranquility, and green surroundings, while the Play Journey introduces excitement, recreation, and social interaction. The two merge seamlessly, giving residents a rare balance of peace and vibrancy. District 5 is not just where people live — it’s where they belong.

AEON Towers 6th of October — Living Above the Skyline

In West Cairo, AEON Towers rise like modern sculptures against the horizon. These sleek towers offer fully finished apartments, serviced apartments, and penthouses, each designed with panoramic views across 6th of October City.

But AEON is not just about height; it’s about perspective. Living here means waking up above the bustle, enjoying a horizon that stretches endlessly, and experiencing amenities that elevate daily life. From rooftop pools and gyms to community lounges and concierge services, AEON represents a cosmopolitan lifestyle rarely found in Egypt.

Ramla North Coast — A Coastal Retreat in Ras El Hekma

On the white shores of Ras El Hekma, Ramla stretches across 406 acres, blending seaside serenity with vibrant summer energy. Villas, chalets, and apartments line the coast, designed to maximize views of turquoise waters and soft sands.

Ramla is built for both relaxation and activity. Beach clubs, water sports facilities, pools, and entertainment hubs bring the coast alive. At the same time, wide promenades, landscaped gardens, and private retreats give families space to slow down and savor. It’s not just a summer escape — it’s a community designed to create lasting memories.

Crescent Walk — Where Green Meets Modern Comfort

In New Cairo, Crescent Walk redefines community living through an emphasis on green, open landscapes. Built over 118 acres, this development reserves a large portion for parks, outdoor spaces, and services. The result is a serene environment that feels like a breath of fresh air amidst Cairo’s bustle.

Homes here are modern and functional, yet they open onto a world of greenery. Playgrounds, jogging paths, and community facilities ensure Crescent Walk is more than a residence — it’s a lifestyle destination.

Mall of Arabia — Egypt’s Retail Icon

Opened in 2010, Mall of Arabia in 6th of October City is still considered Egypt’s retail giant. Spanning hundreds of thousands of sqm, it brings together global brands, local designers, entertainment hubs, cinemas, and dining experiences.

For many, Mall of Arabia isn’t just a shopping trip — it’s a day out. It set the standard for integrated retail in Egypt, blending fashion, food, and leisure into one continuous experience.

Mall of Tanta — Bringing Modern Retail to the Delta

In the Gharbia Governorate, Mall of Tanta represents Marakez’s vision of decentralizing lifestyle destinations. It delivers world-class retail, dining, and entertainment to an underserved region, ensuring that luxury is not confined to Cairo or Alexandria.

Mall of Mansoura — A Landmark for the Delta

Similarly, Mall of Mansoura is designed as a retail and leisure anchor for Egypt’s Delta. Modern design, international brands, and diverse facilities make it a magnet for residents across the region, reinforcing Marakez’s role in shaping not just Cairo, but all of Egypt’s cities.

Town Center — Everyday Convenience

For communities in Cairo, Town Center offers a more compact but equally vibrant lifestyle hub. It balances retail, services, and entertainment in a location designed for quick, accessible experiences.

Villa M Zamalek — Lifestyle in the Heart of Cairo

In Zamalek, Villa M represents a boutique lifestyle project blending history, charm, and modernity. This development showcases Marakez’s ability to adapt — not every project is vast; some are intimate, tailored, and curated for unique urban settings.

Additional Enriched Projects

Beyond these, Marakez continues to explore new launches and expansions, reinforcing its portfolio with mixed-use hubs, boutique communities, and business spaces. Each upcoming project is guided by the same philosophy: integrated living with a lifestyle-first approach.

Why Choose Marakez?

A Trusted Legacy

At its core, Marakez is built on the strength of the Fawaz Al Hokair Group, a regional giant with decades of success across retail, real estate, and lifestyle development. This legacy gives Marakez not only financial stability but also the expertise to deliver large-scale, world-class projects consistently. Every development it has launched — from Mall of Arabia to District 5 — reflects a history of trust, credibility, and excellence.

A Lifestyle Beyond Walls

What sets Marakez apart is its commitment to lifestyle-first communities. Homes are not built in isolation; they are embedded in environments where shopping, dining, entertainment, and wellness all exist side by side. Whether you’re strolling through District 5’s promenades, enjoying the coastal breeze in Ramla, or savoring greenery in Crescent Walk, you’re experiencing a community designed for the rhythms of everyday life.

Communities that Grow With You

Marakez projects are future-ready ecosystems. They are designed to evolve, supported by retail anchors, business hubs, and leisure spaces that remain relevant for decades. Living in a Marakez community means investing in a destination that adapts with you, your family, and your needs.

Choosing Marakez means choosing more than a property. It means entering a carefully curated lifestyle shaped around convenience, connection, and community. It means trusting a developer with global expertise and a local heartbeat. Above all, it means belonging to places designed not just for today, but for the future of Egypt’s urban story.