Under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi, the eighth edition of the Heritage Expo (Turathna) 2026 will feature broad Arab and international participation as part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties and support economic integration among small businesses in the handicrafts and heritage sectors.
Mustafa Ismail Hassan, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said the exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center from 17 to 24 October, serves as the region’s largest specialised platform for traditional crafts and heritage products, creating new marketing and export opportunities for exhibitors.
He announced that Morocco will participate as the guest of honour, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Tunisia and Latvia, with dedicated pavilions showcasing cultural products and live artistic performances that reflect the heritage and folklore of each country.
Hassan noted that this year’s edition will include hundreds of businesses participating for the first time, with women-led projects accounting for 70 per cent of exhibitors, reflecting the state’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and support for handicraft and productive enterprises.
He added that the agency provides financial, technical and marketing support to women entrepreneurs under Law No. 152 of 2020, while also giving priority to productive clusters and local industries in border governorates, Upper Egypt and Sinai to create sustainable employment opportunities.
According to Hassan, at least 30 per cent of exhibitors in this year’s exhibition will be new participants, a move aimed at broadening opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, facilitating knowledge exchange, and ensuring the sustainability and growth of heritage-based businesses.
