Combined images of( From L to R) Engineer Hany Milad, Head of the Gold, Karim Shalaby, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Fairs and Jewelry Chamber Chamber Member Amr Al-Maghraby.
The event will take place from November 23 to 25 at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center in the Fifth Settlement, under the auspices of the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, supervised by the Gold and Jewelry Chamber and the Egyptian Assay and Weights Authority.
The initiative aims to support Egyptian jewelry designers by providing them with a professional environment to showcase their hand-drawn and digital sketches, interact directly with industry stakeholders, and gain exposure to both the local job market and international buyers. For the first time, NEBU will host a space where creativity is at the center—positioning the café as a nucleus for transforming the exhibition into a recruitment platform for the entire gold and jewelry sector.
The Designers Café offers an open, café-style setting where designers display sketches rather than physical jewelry pieces. This allows them to present ideas freely, receive feedback from traders and factory owners, and explore employment opportunities—whether in full-time positions in factories or as freelancers working with multiple clients. The space also creates opportunities for collaboration with international buyers attending NEBU, helping local talent understand global trends while showcasing Egyptian creativity on an international stage.
“Last year, when we organized the design competition, we were amazed by the turnout,” said Engineer Hany Milad, Head of the Gold and Jewelry Chamber. “The number of participants was impressive, but what really stood out was the brilliance of the designs. It showed us that Egypt is full of creative individuals who can make a real impact if they are integrated into the industry. That’s why we decided to create a direct platform for them to meet factory owners and traders. NEBU should become an annual hub where talent meets opportunity.”
The decision to dedicate a supported space to designers is also a response to changing market dynamics. As Chamber Member Amr Al-Maghraby explained, “Design is the most critical factor in this sector. An innovative design sells itself without needing much persuasion. Egyptian consumers now have refined tastes, and international markets are highly competitive. We cannot compete on price alone—we need distinctive, original designs that reflect Egypt’s unique culture and creativity.”
By encouraging local designers, the initiative also aims to reduce Egypt’s reliance on replicating international designs and instead develop products that carry an authentic Egyptian identity. This could make Egyptian jewelry more competitive in export markets, while also satisfying the growing appetite among domestic buyers for originality and exclusivity.
Vision Fairs, the exhibition organizer, underlined the importance of design as the foundation of jewelry as both an art form and a commercial product. “Jewelry is art worn on the body. Without innovative design, the industry cannot grow,” said the company’s CEO. “That is why we doubled the prize for the design competition this year, drawing inspiration from Egypt’s Nubian heritage. Enhancing the Designers Café was another natural step—we wanted to create a free and interactive space where designers can connect with traders, and gain real insight into both the Egyptian and international markets.”
Participation in the Designers Café is open not only to Egyptians but also to designers from around the world for a nominal fee, reflecting NEBU’s phased plan to expand into a global hub. This international element is crucial: by welcoming foreign designers to interact with Egyptian talent, NEBU fosters a cultural and creative exchange that can help elevate Egypt’s industry while providing international participants with exposure to the local market.
The exhibition’s leadership hopes that this model will help transform NEBU into more than just a commercial showcase. By blending exhibitions, competitions, and training with recruitment opportunities, NEBU could evolve into an annual gateway for the next generation of jewelry designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. The initiative also aligns with Egypt’s broader efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its exports and to position itself as a regional hub for creativity and craftsmanship in the gold and jewelry sector.
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