SUD selects Criteria Design Group to design New Mansoura’s first open-air mall, other projects

Safwa Urban Development (SUD) announced that Criteria Design Group has won the design contract for The Pearl Mall, which will be the first open commercial mall in New Mansoura City, in addition to designing a number of other SUD projects.
Criteria Design Group won the contract following a strong competition with several prominent engineering offices in a company-held competition focused on innovative and sustainable designs.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Shalaby, CEO and Managing Director of SUD stated that the company is committed to delivering innovative real estate products distinguished by modern design and high quality, in line with market trends and evolving customer needs, while also aligning with global development standards.
He pointed out that Criteria Design Group will be responsible for designing the commercial area of The Pearl Compound in New Mansoura, which spans over 60 acres. The compound features a mix of residential buildings and villas, a 550-meter beachfront, a clubhouse, and a collection of commercial malls.
Shalaby added that this collaboration strengthens the company’s future expansion plans and supports the implementation of the latest urban planning and sustainable design standards across its upcoming projects, while providing added value to clients.
He noted that Criteria Design Group is one of the leading engineering firms, with strong local and regional experience.
He also explained that SUD holds a diverse project portfolio across several governorates, starting with Greater Cairo and the New Administrative Capital, which includes the CH1 and CH2 Compounds, as well as commercial and administrative projects such as The Financial Hub, and retail projects including HUB 1 and HUB 2.
In Obour City, the company is developing the High City Compound, with the first phase already delivered, in addition to the High City Mall project, which spans 18,000 sqm.
In Ras El Bar city, the Sun Set 1 compound overlooks the sea directly. It is a residential-touristic project and the first of its kind in the city, being the first residential tourist village in Ras El Bar. Additionally, there is the Sun Set 2 resort in New Damietta, which includes apartments and villas designed to suit all tastes. The project offers a variety of entertainment and service facilities and was delivered to clients in 2019.
The Sun Set Mall project is also part of the Sun Set 2 resort, located in the chalets area of New Damietta, directly overlooking the sea. Meanwhile, the Sun Set 3 resort, built on an area of 131,000 sqm along the Nile River in Ras El Bar, has also been delivered to clients.

Architect Hisham Helal, founder and chairman of Criteria Design Group, stated that the firm’s collaboration with SUD strengthens their position, demonstrating confidence in Criteria Design Group’s architectural expertise and innovative vision.
He said that the office will deliver integrated design solutions—prioritizing creativity, functionality, and sustainability—particularly for The Pearl Mall, New Mansoura’s first open commercial center. This approach aims to create distinctive urban projects that perfectly balance aesthetic appeal with client needs.