The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Maybe it’s
those creative juices or the sweet reminder of childhood; but there’s something
about stationary shops that makes us weak in the knees. What makes it even
better is when we run across a family-owned shop that provides that comfortable,
homely feel that other establishments lack.

Located amidst
the bustle of other art supply and stationery shops on Downtown Cairo’s Sherif
Street next to Alwan and Samir & Ali, Dar Saeed is a family-owned
stationery shop that’s been open for years. It’s easy to miss the shop’s humble entrance;
so look for the Dar Saeed signage up top in rustic gold lettering.

Upon
entering, you’re automatically greeted by the shop attendants and their friendly,
yet no-frills attitude. Know what you want and they’ll be quick to find it for
you. The shop’s interior space is small and a little cramped, so if you don’t
see exactly what you’re looking for; don’t hesitate to ask. The staff knows
their stuff and will be quick to either find it for you or recommend another
shop that will have the item on hand.

Dar Saeed
doesn’t have a lot of painting materials on site but they do have some items
that other shops in the Downtown area don’t carry. An elevated drawing board, which
can be placed on a table or another surface, was priced at approximately 120LE.
Coloured pencil lead in green along with other colours is a treasured find that
Dar Saeed carries on a daily basis.

Single
pencils, both coloured and regular, can be found on the cabinet near the shop’s
entrance. Pencils in B, 2B, and 2 sell for 1LE each. Single coloured pencils cost
3LE apiece while a set of 24 Steidler coloured pencils costs 100LE.

Also on
offer are single sheets of stationary paper as well as poster boards, pencil
sacks, and various varnishes.

Dar Saeed
is a great place to hit up when you’re in the Downtown area and looking for stationery
items. Whether you’re searching for something personal or in the mood to make a
little something for someone else, Dar Saeed will most likely have what you’re
looking for.