On 18 September 2025, we were greatly honoured by a visit of H. R.H. Queen Letizia of Spain to the Sultan Qaitbey area where ARCHiNOS and its not-for-profit sister organization, the Sultan Foundation, have been working for many years.

The tour, led Agnieszka Dobrowolska, director of ARCHiNOS and chairperson of the Sultan Foundation, began with an exhibition showcasing our work in conservation and adaptive reuse, culture, and social development in the Qaitbey complex. This was followed by a traditional tabla drumming performance by children from the neighbourhood, which resulted from a creative workshop in our latest summer camp.

Her Majesty then visited the workshop of MISHKĀ – our brand of heritage-inspired products handcrafted by the women of the neighbourhood, and had a lively and direct conversation with the women artisans. In a remarkable gesture of appreciation, the Queen chose to wear earrings made by MISHKĀ.

The visit concluded at our most recent conservation project, the Mausoleum of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbey.

What made the visit especially meaningful was Her Majesty’s genuine interest in interacting with members of the team and the community.