Omar Abdel Aziz Visits the Senior Artists’ Residence
Egyptian actor and director Omar Abdel Aziz recently attracted attention after sharing a video from inside the Senior Artists’ Residence, offering viewers a closer look at the facility and the services provided to its residents.
🎬 Abdel Aziz explained that he visited the residence for two main reasons. First, he wanted to check on several artists whom he considers people who played an important role in his life and career. Second, he wanted to visit other artists whom he did not personally know but still wished to meet and reassure himself about their well-being.
He said he initially expected the facility to be a conventional elderly care home, but was surprised by the quality of its facilities and services.
✨ Describing the place, Abdel Aziz emphasized that “the place is truly like a hotel,” highlighting the comfortable environment provided to its residents.
What Services Does the Residence Provide?
The Senior Artists’ Residence is designed to offer much more than accommodation.
🏨 The facility provides hotel-style suites, meals, medical care, rehabilitation services and several recreational facilities intended to make everyday life more comfortable for its residents.
Its facilities include:
▪️ Hotel-style residential suites.
▪️ Medical and healthcare services.
▪️ Physical rehabilitation facilities.
▪️ A gym.
▪️ A restaurant and kitchen.
▪️ A library.
▪️ A garden and relaxation areas.
▪️ A swimming pool.
▪️ Housekeeping and daily living services.
▪️ Nursing, healthcare and support staff.
The overall concept focuses on creating a complete living environment rather than simply providing accommodation.
36 Residential Suites
The residence includes 36 hotel-style suites, allowing it to accommodate a significant number of senior artists and cultural figures.
The facility also employs staff in nursing, healthcare, housekeeping, catering and support services to ensure residents receive assistance with their daily needs.
❤️ Such services are particularly important for veteran artists who may require continuous support while still wishing to maintain a comfortable and dignified lifestyle.
How the Project Started
The Senior Artists’ Residence was developed from a humanitarian and cultural idea aimed at creating a suitable living environment for veteran artists.
Several prominent figures from Egypt’s artistic community were involved in discussions surrounding the concept, including the late Ashraf Abdel Ghafour, the late Samiha Ayoub and actor Yehia El-Fakharany.
The project eventually became a reality with major support from Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The residence officially opened in December 2022 in the Sixth of October City area.
💐 Its broader mission is to recognize artists and cultural figures who contributed significantly to Egypt’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi’s Support
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi played a central role in supporting the project.
His contribution extended beyond the construction of the facility, with financial support allocated to help cover operating expenses, staff salaries and medical treatment for residents.
The project was designed around the principle that veteran artists should be able to receive care without facing a financial burden for their accommodation and essential services.
✨ This has helped make the residence a distinctive example of combining social care with cultural appreciation.
Why the Name “Senior Artists’ Residence” Matters
The name itself reflects an important part of the project’s philosophy.
The organizers wanted to move away from the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with traditional elderly care homes.
Instead, the term “Senior Artists’ Residence” emphasizes dignity, community and continued living rather than isolation.
🎭 The residence is also not limited strictly to actors. Its concept extends to people working across cinema, music, literature, culture and other creative fields.
Mahmoud Abdel Ghafar’s Role
Omar Abdel Aziz also praised actor Mahmoud Abdel Ghafar, who has played a major role in managing the residence and following up on the needs of its residents.
Abdel Aziz highlighted the amount of time and attention Abdel Ghafar dedicates to the facility, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring residents have what they need.
This human element is particularly important because genuine care goes beyond food and medical services. It also includes companionship, communication and emotional support.
Artists Living at the Residence
The residence has welcomed several prominent names from Egypt’s artistic and cultural community.
Among those associated with the facility is veteran actor Mohie Ismail, while other artists and cultural figures have also lived there.
The residence has also hosted figures such as actress Awatef Helmy, writer Bahig Ismail and poet Kawthar Mostafa, among others.
📌 At the same time, the management respects the privacy of residents whose families prefer not to publicly disclose their presence at the facility.
More Than an Elderly Care Home
One of the most important messages surrounding the residence is that it should not be viewed as a place where families abandon their elderly relatives.
Instead, the project seeks to provide a safe and dignified environment for people who require daily support while preserving their privacy and social lives.
🎵 Recreational areas, a library, gardens and other facilities help create a more active environment, while medical and rehabilitation services address residents’ healthcare needs.
Omar Abdel Aziz’s Message of Appreciation
Following his visit, Omar Abdel Aziz expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in establishing and operating the residence, particularly Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi, Ashraf Zaki and the management team.
His visit highlighted an important message: honoring veteran artists should not end when their years of professional success and public attention fade.
❤️ Their contributions to Egyptian culture remain part of the country’s collective memory, and providing them with dignity, care and companionship in later life represents another way of recognizing the legacy they built over decades.
