Egyptian developer SODIC has partnered with global design firm Rockwell Group to create Egypt’s first Nobu-branded hospitality development—an ambitious two-phase project that will introduce a new level of design-forward luxury to Eastown District New Cairo (EDNC). The project features a 2,200-m² restaurant set to debut in Autumn 2025, followed by a boutique hotel opening in early 2027.
For architects and specifiers tracking international hospitality design, Nobu New Cairo presents a compelling case study in cross-cultural aesthetics and material sophistication. The project’s design integrates precious metals, geometric detailing, and shadow-responsive finishes—a palette that fuses Japanese minimalism with the structural rhythm and ornamentation found in Egyptian architecture. These metal elements are expected to feature prominently in both the building envelope and interior expressions.
The Rockwell Group—renowned for its portfolio of Nobu properties worldwide—will lead the architectural and interior design. Their approach will explore natural and fabricated materials suited to New Cairo’s arid climate, with particular emphasis on metal cladding, structural accents, and lighting interplay.
“Designing Nobu Cairo has been an extraordinary opportunity to merge the quiet strength of Japanese design with Egypt’s varying scales,” said David Rockwell, founder and President, Rockwell Group. “Its vast desert, monumental pyramids, and intricate crafts—and the play of shadows and light across the land. This project is a fusion of cultural influences and contemporary design, creating a truly immersive and luxurious experience. We’re excited to bring this vision to life and contribute to New Cairo’s vibrant hospitality scene.”
The restaurant will accommodate up to 300 guests across 2,200 m² (23,680 sf), while the 6,385-m² (68,727 sf) hotel will offer over 50 suites. Both structures are expected to feature high-performance exterior materials and metal detailing that reflect Nobu’s signature design language while adapting to regional architectural influences and environmental demands.
Future Nobu developments are also planned in Ras El Hekma and New Zayed, where similar design strategies are expected to carry forward.
