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In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the investment value of modern urban communities, Uptown 6th of October Development & Investment Group announced the signing of 5 key agreements and strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with a selection of top-tier local and international partners. These partnerships span retail, education, real estate investment, fund management, and digital technology, coinciding with the reveal of development plans for its flagship project, Grand Uptown Mall (GUM), in New October City, with targeted investments exceeding EGP 6 billion.

North Africa's First Integrated Outlet Center in Partnership with UK-Based "Fashion House Group"

As a highlight of the event hosted by the Group—attended by real estate industry leaders and media representatives—a strategic MoU was signed with the UK's Fashion House Group (FHG), a company specialized in the development, management, and operation of outlet centers, to support the development and operation of Fashion House International Outlet Egypt within Grand Uptown Mall.

This partnership aims to deliver the first-of-its-kind integrated outlet destination in North Africa, combining shopping, fashion, hospitality, entertainment, and business. The venture leverages FHG’s international expertise in commercial mix management, tenant leasing strategies, brand recruitment, and operational marketing according to global standards.

Grand Uptown Mall Details: An Integrated Destination with a Contemporary Vision

The GUM project is being developed in strategic partnership with "Emtelak" Real Estate Investment Fund, covering a targeted gross leasable area (GLA) of approximately 90,000 square meters. The project draws inspiration from Egypt's rich heritage of creating traditional marketplaces as centers for commerce and community interaction, reinterpreting it through a contemporary Neoclassical architectural concept featuring covered arcades and glass ceilings.

Key Components of the Project:

Luxury & Fashion Districts: Featuring Fashion House International Outlet, GUM Luxury House, and The Fashion House Street, an interactive fashion boulevard for runway shows and events.

Hospitality & Entertainment: Fashion Boutique Hotel, VIP Theatre cinema for premier screenings, and a dedicated Family Arcade entertainment zone.

Business & Culture: A premium Business Club offering meeting and executive spaces, alongside Egypt Crafts Gallery to showcase authentic Egyptian handicrafts from various governorates.

E-Commerce Platform: Integrated with a digital ecosystem supporting online shopping and Click & Collect services, linking the physical destination with customers across Egypt, with plans for future regional expansion.

Phase One of the project is scheduled to launch in October 2028.

Leadership Perspectives: Positioning Egypt as a Global Hub for Retail and Investment

Eng. Ahmed Abou Zeid, Chairman of Uptown 6th of October Group, stated that the project aims to place New October City on the global map of integrated urban developments:

"We are not merely building a new shopping center; we are developing an integrated destination that merges commerce, culture, hospitality, and entertainment under the Township concept, driving foreign investment into Egypt."

On his part, Brendon O’Reilly, Managing Director of Fashion House Group and President of the Outlet Retailer and Developers Association (ORDA), highlighted that the Egyptian market offers promising growth opportunities for international outlets. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to transferring its successful European expertise (from markets like Romania and Poland) and its network of over 250 international brands to Egypt.

Educational Expansion and a Extended 25-Year Partnership

In the education sector, Uptown 6th of October Education signed an agreement with GSM Holding (led by CEO Ron Packard) to establish GSM Egypt, a specialized platform dedicated to managing, developing, and operating educational institutions. Additionally, the parties officially announced the extension of the British International School agreement from 15 years to 25 years, ensuring long-term sustainability and quality in educational services.

Financial and Tech Solutions: Real Estate Fund and Blockchain Tokenization

Real Estate Fund Management: An agreement was signed with Alpha Financial Investment Management (chaired by Dr. Ahmed Darwish) to manage the "Emtelak" Real Estate Fund and prepare for the launch of the initial subscription prospectus, "Emtelak Tharwa".

Asset Tokenization: The Group partnered with Rox Global to establish RAQAM Real World Assets, pioneering the tokenization and digital registration of real estate assets using Blockchain technology in compliance with regulatory frameworks.