The seventh edition of Turathna Exhibition 2025 concluded with remarkable success, attracting thousands of visitors from across Egypt and abroad. The event also captured the attention of international development partners interested in Egyptian handicrafts. The exhibition was organized by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, sending a clear message of support for artisans and creative entrepreneurs, and opening new horizons for marketing and export opportunities.

One of the exhibition’s highlights was the visit of representatives from the European Union, including Ms. Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation, and Mr. René, Economic Advisor at the EU Delegation to Egypt. They toured the various booths and viewed a wide range of handmade and creative products. Their visit reaffirmed the EU’s support for several exhibitors this year as part of its ongoing cooperation with MSMEDA to promote small projects, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

The exhibition was open to the public daily from Saturday, Oct 4 to 11, at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center in New Cairo, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with free entry through Gates (3) and (4). with over 1,000 exhibitors participating across more than 33 handicraft sectors. included carpets, accessories and modern clothing, ceramics and pottery, leather goods, wooden crafts, and lighting units all by talented Egyptian artisans combining creativity and modern taste.

Organizers ensured a comfortable experience for visitors by providing wheelchairs for the elderly, internal shuttle buses between gates and halls, and fully accessible pathways for people of determination. There was also a food court offering diverse dining options and an interactive map to help visitors navigate easily. In addition, a digital catalogue was made available, containing details of all exhibitors to facilitate communication and product discovery.

As part of the exhibition’s activities, a workshop titled “Effective Participation in Exhibitions – Turathna 2025” was held in cooperation with UN Women, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Government of Canada. The workshop aimed to train exhibitors on professional customer interaction and future business development strategies. This initiative demonstrated that “Turathna” has evolved beyond a traditional exhibition into a genuine platform for capacity building and new business opportunities.

The event also showcased inspiring success stories from exhibitors of different generations. Among them was 13-year-old Omar Ashraf from Dakahlia, who participated with his father in designing detailed wooden models, and Ms.

Magda Abdel Sattar, founder of the “Egyptian Touch” project, who has created job opportunities for many women through training and home-based work. As the exhibition came to a close, exhibitors and visitors alike expressed their pride in an event that has become a symbol of Egypt’s rich heritage and creative future, carrying the enduring message: “The story of our ancestors… crafted by our children.”