Marwa Sabah is a cultural anthropologist based in Cairo, Egypt. She holds a Master’s in Urban Anthropology from the American University in Cairo, showcasing her dedication to understanding the dynamics of Middle Eastern cultures. As an urban ethnographer, Sabah has gained a reputation for her detailed research, contributing valuable insights to non-governmental organizations. She has worked as a consultant at the Ford Foundation, as a Regional Director at the Coalition for Organ Failure Solutions, and as an Evaluator of the ICH UNESCO Files at the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions.
Additionally, she has served as a historical-social researcher, script editor, and translator for television series such as Misr International Film, ASAP Productions, and Al Adl Group Productions, seeking to delve into the cultural fabric of the region.
Her expertise is not limited to anthropology; Sabah has also demonstrated her skills in business development. With experience working in the Food and Beverages sector as well as in the Events Industry with the role of Events Coordination Manager at IEVENTS Egypt during the Gouna International Film Festival, she has a proven track record of combining her cultural knowledge with business acumen to create successful ventures.
Additionally, Marwa Sabah is a partner in Fashion Knit, a cotton textiles readymade garment factory. In the year 2020, Sabah expanded her professional horizons by joining Alchemy Design Studios Egypt, a move that
allowed her to bring her unique perspective to the world of design and architecture.
Taking her passion for cultural preservation and celebration a step further, in 2021, Sabah co-founded the initiative “US” نحن. This platform is dedicated to shining a light on Egyptian heritage, engaging the public with the rich history and traditions of Egypt. Under Alchemy, Sabah also launched big studios such as KYME, Analogue, and a large scale
event celebrating 50 golden years of Egypt and United Arab Emirates relations.
The culmination of Sabah’s work came in 2023 with the inception of her innovative firm, Communitas. This firm is at the forefront of blending cultural insights with business intelligence to generate socio-economic benefits. By employing in-depth ethnographic research, Marwa Sabah’s approach is highly interdisciplinary, weaving together elements of sociology, history, art, and anthropology. The result is a creation of groundbreaking concepts for social spaces and product experiences that resonate deeply with people.
Marwa Sabah stands out as a leader in her field, with her ventures not only contributing to commercial success but also fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of cultural identities. Through Communitas, she worked with many clients such as Madinet Masr, Alkan Holdings, the Italian Embassy in Cairo, Young +Urban, Al Sherif Hospitality & Tourism, Salah El Din Citadel, MAK Architects, Villa Magenta, and HELMY. Her work continues to impact how businesses and communities engage with cultural heritage, making her a prominent figure in the landscape of cultural anthropology and entrepreneurship.
