In sharp contrast to the greys and browns that dominate downtown Cairo, at the corner of Talat Harb and Abd El Salam Aref, stands the luminously white building of the Egyptian Diplomatic Club. Previously known as the Mohamed Ali Club, this building has always been an exclusive destination for the elites of Cairo. Today, it is a venue for social gatherings, conferences, and meetings for the diplomatic community. The Mohamed Ali club was built in 1908 under the supervision of Prince Ahmed Fouad Pasha, who later became King Fouad I. The elegant structure was designed by renowned French architect Alexandre Marcel, who is also credited for the design of the magnificent Baron Palace in Heliopolis. Upon its completion in 1908, the club had only two floors including the basement. However, due to expansion of membership, French architect Michel Roux-Spitz added a third floor and cupola in 1930. The Mohamed Ali club was built for the royal, rich and elite, as an alternative to the essentially British and pretentious Khedival Club, now known as Gezira Sporting Club. British occupiers are said to have looked down on Egyptian goers, who were even…
