MacTech Cairo 2026 gathers 300+ machine-tool, welding and industrial-tool suppliers at EIEC on 17-20 December for Egypt's manufacturing and construction buyers.
Dates
17–20 Dec 2026
City / country
Cairo, Egypt
Venue
Egypt International Exhibition Center
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
MacTech Cairo, the 26th International Exhibition for Machine Tools, Industrial Tools, Metal Forming and Welding & Cutting Equipment, returns to the Egypt International Exhibition Center from 17 to 20 December 2026. Organised by International Fairs Group, the four-day B2B show connects manufacturers, importers and workshop owners from Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa with CNC machinery, metalworking equipment, hand and power tools, fasteners and welding systems.
Visitors compare live machine demonstrations, source regional distributors and meet suppliers from across the industrial supply chain. The 2025 edition drew 16,800 trade visitors and 312 exhibitors across three halls, making Cairo the practical gateway for industrial buyers targeting Egypt's manufacturing and construction markets.
TL;DR
MacTech lets buyers compare CNC, forming, welding and tooling systems side by side, see machines cutting metal rather than on a catalogue page, and meet the regional distributors who can service an installation after the show. It is a focused four-day window for shortlisting suppliers and negotiating delivery, training and spare-parts terms before the next budget cycle.
Egypt's import-dependent machine-tool market rewards suppliers who can demonstrate equipment locally and build distributor relationships. MacTech brings workshop owners, plant engineers and importers to one venue, so a stand generates qualified conversations, live application feedback and regional channel leads in four days. The concentrated industrial audience rewards a stand staffed for technical questions and follow-up.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3Egypt International Exhibition Center, El-Moshir Tantawy Axis, Al Hay Al Asher, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate 4440510, Egypt
Large on-site car park; arrive early on opening morning and keep valuables out of sight.
Food options
EIEC food and beverage outlets
On-site diningParking: On-site car parking is available at EIEC; use the main exhibition gate and follow marshal signs for visitor parking.
Gate: Enter through the main EIEC gate on El-Moshir Tantawy Axis; allow extra time for badge and security checks.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a passport or national ID matching the registration; badges are collected at the visitor counter.
Ticket notes
A third-party marketplace lists a full-day ticket at CNY 300; official visitor registration and pricing are handled by the organiser. On-site access is restricted to trade professionals.
Who runs the show
International Fairs Group (IFG)
Organiser
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 16,800
Exhibitors: 312
Floor area: 15,000 sqm
Edition #: 25
This edition
2026
Visitors: 18,500
Exhibitors: 350
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
MacTech is the practical annual meeting point for Egypt's machine-tool and metalworking channel. With 312 exhibitors and 16,800 trade visits in 2025, it delivers enough scale for buyers to compare categories in one trip and for suppliers to test demand before appointing distributors.
Audience quality
The audience is trade-only and weighted toward workshop owners, production engineers, importers and maintenance buyers. That mix suits equipment that needs demonstration, training and after-sales support; exhibitors should qualify for decision authority and budget timing rather than count raw footfall.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on distributor recruitment and live demonstrations. A 9 sqm shell is enough for catalogues and meetings, while 36+ sqm of raw space is needed for a working machine. Budget follow-up within 48 hours and plan a post-show Cairo visit to convert serious enquiries.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Egypt is expanding its industrial base, yet most machine tools, welding systems and precision components are still imported. MacTech concentrates those buyers and suppliers in one Cairo hall, connecting workshop owners, plant managers and distributors with global equipment makers serving Egypt, the Gulf and North Africa. A December slot aligns with annual capital-spending cycles.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Automation moves down-market
Egyptian workshops are adopting affordable CNC and robotic tending as labour and energy costs rise.
What it changes: Suppliers that show entry-level automation with local service win first-time buyers.
Import substitution and local assembly
Government industrial programmes encourage local manufacturing, creating demand for forming, welding and tooling equipment.
What it changes: Exhibitors can position machines for local production lines, not only for resale.
Service and spare parts decide the sale
Buyers increasingly weigh training, uptime and spare-parts availability alongside machine price.
What it changes: A credible Cairo distributor or service partner is as important as the exhibit itself.
Adjacent shows where Cairo buyers and suppliers compare technology or plan the next buying trip.
SteelFab 2027
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Dates indicative; closest Gulf alternative for welding and fabrication buyers.
websiteIMTEX 2027
Bengaluru, India
Dates indicative; strong South-South equipment sourcing.
websiteEMO Hannover 2027
Hannover, Germany
Dates indicative; the leading global metalworking trade fair.
websiteAutumn 2027
Long-lead technology scouting.
January 2027
Regional sourcing before the Cairo budget cycle.
Circuit dates are planning guidance and should be reconfirmed on each organiser site.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Cairo International Airport
Main gateway; taxis and ride-hailing pick up outside the arrivals halls.
About 15 km
to venue
25-45 minutes
by car
Sphinx International Airport
Smaller west-Cairo airport; use it only if the fare and schedule suit.
About 55 km
to venue
60-90 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 55–85 / night
Convenient for early flights and the ring road; 20-35 minutes to EIEC.
USD 110–170 / night
Best balance of access, dining and business facilities.
USD 200–330 / night
Higher-end stay; allow 30-50 minutes to EIEC in traffic.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem)
Most practical door-to-door option; agree the drop-off gate before departure.
Airport taxi
Use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked transfer; confirm the meter or fixed fare.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt e-Visa | Many nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry | $25.00 | About 5-7 business days | |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible nationalities and some Gulf residents | $25.00 | Same day at the airport |
Gulf nationals and some African and Asian passport holders may enter visa-free or on arrival; verify current rules.
ATA Carnet is commonly used for temporary equipment; confirm the Egyptian customs procedure with the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
December is mild and dry: daytime highs around 20-22 C, nights near 11-13 C, with little rain and occasional dust.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Egyptian mobile SIMs are sold at Cairo airport with passport; hotel and venue Wi-Fi is common but can be slow at peak times.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and greeting
Smart-casual business dress works; a handshake is standard, and building a short personal conversation before business is appreciated.
Ramadan and prayer
The 2026 show falls outside Ramadan, but prayer breaks and a later start on Fridays still shape some schedules; allow flexibility around them.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for December; morning arrivals reduce traffic risk on opening day.
Book flightsMost business visitors need a visa or an e-Visa; some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. Check eligibility before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 25 (indicative)
Processing: 5-7 business days for e-Visa
Carry a passport valid for at least six months and a hotel or invitation letter.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: 25-45 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing from CAI; allow 60 minutes at peak.
Hotel → venue: Use ride-hailing from Heliopolis or Nasr City; 20-35 minutes.
Ride-hail: Uber and Careem operate in Cairo; pay by card or cash and confirm the plate.
Public transit: Metro Line 3 serves central Cairo but does not reach EIEC directly; combine metro with a short taxi.
Parking: On-site parking at EIEC; arrive early on opening morning.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: 11-22 C
Seasonality: Dry with cool nights; low chance of rain and occasional dust.
Packing: Light layers, a warm evening jacket, comfortable shoes and a power bank.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 1, 17 December 2026
Opening day has the fullest exhibitor presence, live machine demonstrations and the best chance to catch senior sales and technical staff before diaries fill.
Register as a trade visitor and book flights — Use the official visitor page; keep the confirmation email.
Book a hotel in Heliopolis or Nasr City — Confirm cancellation terms and airport transfer.
Build a shortlist of exhibitors and product categories — Pick 8-12 stands and note the hall.
Check visa, passport validity and travel insurance — Carry a printed hotel booking and invitation.
Plan the route to EIEC and download the show map — Leave early; allow 45 minutes from Heliopolis.
Badge collection and hall orientation
Main entrance, EIECSupplier meetings and live machine demonstrations
Halls 1-2Lunch and informal networking
EIEC food outletsProgramme sessions and follow-up meetings
Hall 3 / exhibitor standsGiza Pyramids and Sphinx
Half-Day Heritage
About 45-60 minutes from central Cairo
The classic Cairo add-on; book a licensed guide and go early to avoid crowds.
Khan el-Khalili and Coptic Cairo
Culture and Shopping
30-45 minutes from Heliopolis
Historic bazaar, churches and good evening food in old Cairo.
EIEC exhibitor lounge
On-site
Best for short follow-ups between hall visits; carry cards and a charged phone.
Heliopolis hotel lobby lounges
Evening
Hotels such as the Radisson Blu and Hilton are convenient for dinner meetings.
Egyptian buyers often decide through a small technical and finance group; follow-up should reach both the engineer and the commercial owner.
Budget
Shell scheme
EGP 5500–8000 / m²
Raw space
EGP 3000–5000 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Cairo market rates; the organiser publishes a tariff only in the exhibition manual.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Shell booth
exhibitor · low
USD 1080–1620 / 9 sqm
Hotel
both · mid
USD 110–170 / per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 35–60 / per day
Visa
both · standard
USD 25 / per entry
Freight
exhibitor · estimate
USD 800–2500 / per shipment
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell booth | exhibitor | low | USD 1080–1620 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 110–170 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 35–60 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Visa | both | standard | USD 25 / per entry | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Freight | exhibitor | estimate | USD 800–2500 / per shipment | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip MacTech Cairo.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main objective?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live sourcing or supplier-review need.
Best for
Buyers comparing machines and tools
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Risks
Crowded halls
Travel and visa delay
exhibit
You can demonstrate equipment and commit to local service.
Best for
Suppliers seeking Egyptian channel partners
Min. budget
$5,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Freight delays
Weak local follow-up
skip
Neither sourcing nor selling fits your current plans.
Best for
Professionals with no industrial buying role
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Time away from core work
Book with
Egypt International Exhibition Center
The Cairo venue hosting MacTech across Halls 1-3.
Official venue website.
EgyptAir
Egypt national carrier with direct regional and international flights to Cairo.
Useful travel resource, not a confirmed show partner.
Cairo Chamber of Commerce
Business chamber representing Cairo trading and industrial companies.
Public business body relevant to exhibitor outreach.
Engineering Export Council of Egypt
Council supporting Egyptian engineering exports and manufacturer networks.
Relevant industry body; no partnership confirmed.
Recommended providers
Apply before travel and confirm nationality eligibility.
Filter Heliopolis and Nasr City for EIEC access.
Direct flights to Cairo; compare Gulf and European hubs for fares.
IFG official freight forwarder
Use the organiser-appointed handler for customs and hall delivery.
Travel medical cover; check business-travel and equipment exclusions.
Licensed guides for Giza and old Cairo; book after show hours.
Tablet lead capture with CSV export; have a paper backup.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
8
References
4
Publishers
8
Date checked
International Fairs Group
Jufair
Eastyida
Taikan Machine
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
