AIA International Conference Cairo 2026
Layers of Civilization
11 - 14 November 2026

hotels and TRAVEL ADVICE

Hotels

We have four recommended hotels (please see below):

• Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo

• Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo

• Novotel Cairo El Borg

• The Nile Ritz-Carlton.

We are currently working with the hotels to provide preferred rates for conference delegates, so we suggest waiting for confirmation before you book your room.

All the hotels are close to the main conference venue at AUC Tahrir Square and we will be arranging bus pickups from the four locations. If delegates choose to stay elsewhere we suggest keeping to this area for convenience.

Cairo: What to Expect

Cairo is energetic, welcoming, historic and sometimes wonderfully chaotic. It is a city of more than 20 million people, so delegates should expect busy streets, lively public spaces, significant traffic and a pace that may feel different from other major cities. A little patience, flexibility and cultural awareness will go a long way.

Dress

Business casual attire is appropriate for most conference sessions. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended for tours, as many sites have uneven paving, steps, sand and limited accessibility.

Egypt is socially conservative, although dress in central Cairo and major hotels is generally relaxed. When visiting mosques, churches and traditional neighborhoods, delegates should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. A lightweight scarf or shawl may be useful, particularly for women entering certain mosques. Shoes must normally be removed before entering mosque prayer areas.

November weather is generally warm and pleasant during the day but can become cool in the evening. Lightweight clothing, a jacket or sweater, sunglasses and sun protection are recommended.

Social and Cultural Etiquette

Egyptians are generally warm, sociable and hospitable. Greetings are important, and conversations may begin with friendly questions before moving to business. A handshake is customary, although delegates should allow a person of the opposite sex to initiate it.

Public displays of affection should be kept discreet. Courtesy toward religious traditions is important, particularly inside mosques and churches and during prayer times.

Friday is the principal Muslim day of worship. Some businesses and attractions may operate on adjusted hours, particularly around midday prayers.

A few useful Arabic expressions are:

• Ahlan wa sahlan — Welcome/ hello

• Shukran — Thank you

• Min fadlak (M) /min fadlik (F) — Please

• La, shukran — No, thank you

• Salaam alaikum — lit. Peace be upon you/ a common greeting

Tipping

Tipping, known locally as baksheesh, is customary in Egypt. It is appreciated for guides, drivers, hotel staff and small personal services.

As a general guide:

• Restaurants: approximately 10%, unless a service charge is already included; an additional small tip may still be appropriate for good service.

• Tour guides and drivers: the organizers will advise whether gratuities are included in the tour arrangements.

• Hotel porters and housekeeping: a modest cash tip is customary.

• Restroom attendants and small services: keep small Egyptian-pound notes available.

There is no need to tip every person who approaches or offers unsolicited assistance. A polite but firm “La, shukran” is perfectly acceptable.

Money and Payments

The local currency is the Egyptian pound, abbreviated EGP. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, established restaurants and larger shops, but cash remains useful for small purchases, markets and tips. ATMs are widely available.

Carry small-denomination notes, as change is not always readily available. Exchange money only through banks, authorized exchange offices, hotels or official airport facilities. Avoid exchanging currency informally on the street.

Getting Around

Cairo traffic can be heavy and travel times are unpredictable. Delegates should follow the published departure times for all organized tours; buses may not be able to wait for late arrivals.

For independent travel, use the hotel’s transportation service or a recognized ride-hailing application rather than accepting unsolicited rides. Confirm the vehicle registration and driver details before entering.

Crossing busy streets can be challenging. Use pedestrian crossings where available and follow the guidance of conference staff or local guides.

Photography

Photography is welcomed at many visitor attractions, but rules vary considerably. Always follow posted instructions and the guidance of site staff.

Do not photograph military or police personnel, checkpoints, government facilities, embassies, security installations or transportation infrastructure. Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in markets, places of worship and local neighborhoods. Some museums and heritage sites restrict photography or charge a separate camera fee. Drones should not be brought into or operated in Egypt without formal authorization.

Given the architectural focus of the conference, delegates may naturally wish to photograph buildings and urban spaces; however, the tour guide’s instructions must take precedence where a site is sensitive or photography is restricted. Current travel guidance from the U.S. Department of State emphasizes Egypt’s strict rules around photographing sensitive facilities.

Food and Water

Egyptian cuisine is varied, flavorful and generally well suited to sharing. Delegates with allergies or dietary restrictions should advise the organizers and restaurant staff in advance.

Drink bottled or properly filtered water and check that bottle seals are intact. Bottled water should also be carried during outdoor tours. Those with sensitive stomachs may wish to avoid uncooked food from informal street vendors.

Shopping and Markets

Bargaining is normal in traditional markets and souvenir shops where prices are not displayed. Keep the exchange friendly and only begin negotiating if genuinely interested in buying.

Vendors at popular attractions can be persistent. If uninterested, decline clearly and continue walking. Avoid accepting “free” gifts, assistance or photographs unless the price has been agreed beforehand.

Personal Safety

Cairo’s principal hotels, cultural attractions and organized visitor routes receive large numbers of international travelers. As in any major city, delegates should remain aware of their surroundings and secure phones, wallets and bags in crowded areas.

Delegates should:

• Remain with the group during organized activities.

• Use reputable transportation providers.

• Avoid demonstrations, political gatherings and heated political discussions.

• Carry a copy of their passport while keeping the original secured as advised by the hotel or organizers.

• Follow instructions from conference staff, guides, site authorities and security personnel.

• Review the travel advice issued by their own government before departure.

The conference program remains within established visitor areas of Cairo and organized tours will be conducted with professional local support. Egypt’s official tourism portal also provides practical visitor information: Experience Egypt.

Connectivity and Electricity

Wi-Fi is available at the conference venue and most hotels. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are also available; a passport may be required for registration.

Egypt uses 220V electricity with European-style two-round-pin plugs, generally Type C or F. Delegates should bring an appropriate adapter.

Entry Requirements

Most visitors will need a visa to enter Egypt. Passport and visa requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change. Delegates are responsible for confirming the requirements applicable to them well before travel. Passports should generally have at least six months’ validity beyond the date of entry.

If you require a visa, most visitors will be able to apply online, using the official Egyptian e-visa service, or in person or by post via the local Egyptian consulate.

Visa-on-arrival may be available. However, we do not recommend relying on visa-on-arrival eligibility without verifying it through an Egyptian embassy, consulate or the official Egyptian e-visa service.

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Above all, delegates should arrive with curiosity and a little flexibility. Cairo is intense, layered and endlessly fascinating - and its energy is an essential part of the experience.

This event is organised by AIA International and we reserve the right based on reasonable assessment of the circumstances to exclude individuals who display unprofessional or disruptive behaviour. AIA International, its programmers and moderators can and will select those questions and comments they deem pertinent to the talk and program.

By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your name and image (in any format) for AIA International advertising, promotional, and public relations purposes (including newsletters, web pages, social media, brochures, and recordings). To waive your consent, you must inform AIA International in writing at administrativedirector@aiainternational.org no later than 5 days after the event.