Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) has announced a management agreement to rebrand the Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, marking its first foray into Egypt.

First opened in 1841, The Shepheard Hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation with Paris-based interior designer Sybille de Margerie tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing facilities and services.

Upon completion – scheduled for 2024 – the hotel will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

Situated on the eastern shore of The Nile river, in the heart of Downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies, providing views over the city, the Nile and Gezira island.

Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo will be home to a Spa at Mandarin Oriental providing eight treatment suites and offering signature tailored Mandarin oriental wellness experiences and treatments.

Further wellness facilities will include an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, beauty salon, fitness centre and a kid’s club.

Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness at MOHG, told Spa Business wellness programming will incorporate traditional Egyptian bathing rituals, modern European beauty treatments and signature Mandarin Oriental spa therapies inspired by Asian healing cultures.

The hotel’s F&B offering will feature five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining, as well as an exclusive club lounge. Expansive function spaces will also be provided.

The project developer is Al Sharif for Tourism and Hotels, an Egyptian Closed Joint Stock Company that’s a subsidiary of Al Sharif Group Holding – the Saudi holding group based in Saudi Arabia which won the concession to redevelop the site in 2020.

James Riley, MOHG group chief executive said: “We’re delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality into Egypt and to work with Al Sharif Group Holding on bringing this iconic and historic hotel back to life.

“The project presents an ideal opportunity to further grow our brand in the Middle East and Africa, and we look forward to creating many unique experiences for our guests.”

MOHG operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories across Asia, The Americas, Europe and the Middle East and Africa.