BusinessTravel Guide
CAIRO
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The historical masterpiece with a modern touch
C A I R O
CAIRO
The historical masterpiece with a modern touch erfectly positioned on the river Nile, Cairo is a historical hub of Egypt, with endless heritage monuments nestled up to modern skyscrapers and all the luxuries that you would expect and require as a modern-day business traveller. As one of the largest cities in the MENA region, Masr – the Egyptian Arabic name for Egypt itself – provides the perfect backdrop for a working trip, easily accessible by Cairo International
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The historical hub of Egypt is showing the business world what it’s made of as one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful megacities Writer: Phoebe Calver Airport which is the largest in Africa. No matter your schedule, no trip would be complete without a trip to the Giza Pyramids in the nearby Saqqara Pyramid complex, where visitors can gain a glimpse into Egypt’s rich history, seeing the first-step pyramid built by the architect Imhotep, for the third dynasty
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Pharoah, Djoser. If you are looking for an escape from the busy streets of Cairo, which have been known over the years to make Manhattan look like an empty street, a quiet respite can be found on the Gezira Island of Zamalek, with upmarket shopping available. However if you are looking for a slightly more cultural escape then the Egyptian Museum is a must-see, with enough ancient Egyptian artefacts to last a lifetime. The bustling and, at times, slightly overwhelming atmosphere in Cairo is a small price to pay for experiencing the energy that the city has to offer its visitors.
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Facts & Figures
The Business End C A I R O H A S been a hub of industry for many years, hence why this has manifested into creating a wide business travel network in the city. Alongside the oldest and largest film and music industries in the Arab world, the city also hosts the world’s second-oldest institution of higher learning; AlAzhar University. As a result, many international businesses and organisations have placed their regional headquarters in the city, adding to the already electric atmosphere Cairo has to offer. Despite its modern attributes, the pace of business is slower in Cairo than the working culture in European countries and further afield, with a typical business
Country:
Egypt
Languages:
Arabic, English, French
Area:
453 kilometres squared
Currency:
Egyptian Pound
Time zone:
UTC +2
Dialling code:
+20
Internet TLD:
.eg
Climate:
Arid desert climate
day running from 8am to 2pm in the summer, then 9am to 1pm with an extra two hours between 5pm and 7pm in the winter. It is also important to remember that no business is conducted on a Friday - the Muslim holy day therefore offering up the perfect opportunity to explore your surroundings should the opportunity present itself. Not only is Cairo’s infrastructure geared up for large-scale business travel, but it is also bolstering its smaller start-up presence in the city, creating a whole new corner of the market for investment and industry developments. Cairo is constantly buzzing with opportunity, creating an environment rife with enthusiasm for business.
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C A I R O
Outlook recommends “Cairo is one of the world’s great megacities. As beautiful as it is crazy, and as rich in historic finery as it is half dilapidated, Cairo tends to be a city that travellers love and hate in equal measures” – Planet Ware
RETAIL
HOTELS
Khan al-Khalili
Fairmont Towers Heliopolis
Loft Gallery
Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah
Fair Trade Egypt
Conrad Cairo
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
ARTS & CULTURE
Great Pyramid of Khufu
Egyptian Museum
Sphinx
Al-Azhar Mosque
Pyramid of Khafre
Coptic Museum
FOOD & DRINK Citadel View Zööba Abu Tarek
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Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel
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Out & About CAIRO IS the perfect city to accommodate a busy business traveller’s schedule, and as beautiful as it is manic, your trip there will provide endless variety to your day. Of course no trip to Cairo would be complete without a trip to its famed pyramids at the Giza complex, and as the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World standing, and as the only one remaining largely intact, it is not to be missed. If you are looking for a leisurely stroll to escape some of the city’s madness, then Zamalek is one of Cairo’s most dynamic spots to do so. In recent years it has thrived as a hub for young, connected and affluent Egyptians and with an area no larger than New York’s Central Park, it is the perfect place to explore between meetings. In the evenings you can tap into the authentic Egyptian cuisine available at Zooba, reminiscent of Istanbul’s Beyoglu eateries and also located in Zamalek, before turning in to your five-star accommodation for the night. Cairo provides a plethora of hotels for your needs as a business traveller, including Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, a luxury hotel located on the banks of the Nile and the perfect
location for both getting to meetings and exploring Cairo itself. Cairo will provide you with a business trip like no other, the ability to surround yourself with vast and striking history and the modern convenience required for a productive trip.
Fixed prices, no games Avoiding trouble while hiring Cairo local taxis Transfer prices are quoted per vehicle (not per person) for a whole group to any location or hotel in Cairo, including VAT. This is an exclusive transfer service - not a shuttle and you will not need to share a taxi, a minibus, a coach or a limousine with anyone else.
+20 1011 972 766 www.cairoairporttransfer.com
We handle one day tours in Cairo, including transfer, sightseeing tickets, and a tour guide
Book your transport now!
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C A I R O
Transport Links
THE CITY is very well connected, allowing for speed and precision in your travels, and with Cairo International Airport standing as the second biggest airport in Africa, it is well serviced by many national partners. If you need to hit the ground running with your busy work schedule, the airport offers exclusive services that will pick you up at the gate, carry out all immigration procedures for you and collect your luggage while you are able to work in a comfortable arrival lounge; this can all be pre-booked prior to your arrival in Cairo.
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Public transport can be slightly less relaxing to navigate, particularly if you are trying to make your way to downtown Cairo in a taxi. Should this be the case, it is preferable to use a meter as fixed prices will more often than not be double the price you would pay. With the introduction of Uber and Careem, transport around Cairo has become a lot easier, the cars are clean and the drivers professional. The cost is also often lower, however this can depend on traffic. Cairo is also home to Africa’s first and most far reaching metro system,
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with three lines that cover most of the main districts. If you are feeling bold when exploring then give it a try. The metro stops running around midnight and starts again at 6am, but with no timetables, the departures are very frequent and will get you from A to B in the best time. Although the large white, red and blue public busses covering the entire city are very cheap and efficient, they are also crowded at all times which may not leave you feeling as fresh and ready for your day ahead as you’d hope. However, with an abundance of options, there will always be something to suit your needs.
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Pyramids at Giza
“The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4,000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids have invited the obvious questions: ‘How were we built, and why?’ Centuries of research have given us parts of the answer. “Built as massive tombs on the orders of the pharaohs, they were constructed by teams of workers tens-of-thousands strong. Today they stand as an awe-inspiring tribute to the might, organisation and achievements of ancient Egypt.” – Lonely Planet
Al-Azhar Park
Khan al-Khalili
“No visit to Cairo is Complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk. Shop owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will have you lost among alleys for hours. Put your haggling skills to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, t-shirts, galabiyyas, belly dancing costumes, or anything for that matter. When your shopping’s done, dont miss out on a traditional cup of tea at the famous Fishawi’s cafe.” – Egypt Travel
“The Al-Azhar Park is important for tourists to Egypt because this hilly site is surrounded by the most significant historic districts of Islamic Cairo. This is one of the primary destinations for many visitors to the city, and this new park located in its heart provides many advantages, including a wonderful view of the surrounding area. “The creation of the 30 hectare (74 acre) Al-Azhar Park on Al-Darassa, by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, came when his highness the Aga Khan decided to donate a park to the citizens of Cairo in 1984, out of the Islamic belief that we are all trustees of Gods creation and therefore must seek to leave the world a better place than it was before us. This decision was made during the 1984 conference The Expanding Metropolis: Coping with Cairos Urban Growth.” – Tour Egypt
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BusinessTravel Guide ENQUIRIES joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
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