About Us
A Sustainable Future for Cairo's Heritage Suburb
The Zamalek Development Association was founded in 2023 by a group of residents. The association aims to transform the area into a sustainable green suburb and improve the quality of life for its residents through sound urban planning.
It seeks to promote and protect Zamalek as a residential and heritage district with a distinctive architectural character and as a cultural and artistic hub.
The association’s priorities were determined through meetings with leading Zamalek residents and urban planning experts in May and November 2023.
Leadership
Board Members
The dedicated individuals guiding the association’s vision and initiatives.
President
Treasurer
Secretary General
Member
Member
Member
Three Pillars
Our Committees
Work is carried out through three committees, each managing a key area of neighborhood development.
Environment & Sustainability
Protecting and expanding Zamalek’s urban canopy through strategic tree planting, pest management, and green infrastructure initiatives.
Quality of Life
Improving pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and public spaces to create a more livable, walkable neighborhood for all residents.
Heritage Culture
Preserving Zamalek’s distinctive architectural character and promoting the district as a vibrant cultural and artistic hub.
The Ledger
Active Projects
Real projects making a tangible difference across Zamalek’s streets. Click any project to learn more.
Tree Planting Project
Tree Spraying Initiative
Square Tree Planting Project
Pedestrian Traffic Improvement
Completed Projects
Successfully delivered initiatives that have already improved our neighborhood.
Beautification Initiative
Tree Hedge Initiative
Tree Hedge Initiative
D-CAF Collaboration
Advocacy
Standing Up for Zamalek
Public Gardens
Protecting Our Green
Spaces
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.
Zohreya Garden
Under Threat
This historic botanical garden is at risk of being repurposed for commercial activities, threatening its ecological and cultural significance to the community.
Aquarium Grotto Garden
Under Threat
The ZAD is in consultation with the government management to advocate that any development of this unique garden is done for the benefit of the public, not just a commercial venture.
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
Food & Beverage Outlets Proliferation
Ongoing
The ZAD actively pushes back against the unchecked spread of new cafés and restaurants across Zamalek — many located in narrow residential streets with outdoor seating that block sidewalks and causes congestion. The outlets cause noise pollution and disturbances for residents especially at night.
We advocate for stricter enforcement of licensing regulations and zoning laws to protect the residential character of our community. Zamalek’s identity as a quiet, leafy residential island must be preserved for current and future generations.
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.