Years of Impact
Bridging cultures since 2012
Gabr Fellows
Global Offices
The Chairman’s Vision
Building bridges between people & cultures
“The East-West: The Art of Dialogue initiative sprung from the conviction that non-governmental institutions can affect real change — and that each citizen must play a role in building bridges towards sustainable peace and cross-cultural understanding.”
— M. Shafik Gabr, Chairman, Shafik Gabr Foundation
Launched in 2012 in London, Egypt and U.S, the initiative was inspired by the Orientalist traveler painters and M. Shafik Gabr’s world-renowned collection. It connects future leaders from the Arab world and the West through immersive exchange, meaningful dialogue, and lasting partnerships.
2012
Founded
What We Do
Three pillars of transformation
01
The Gabr Fellowship
A rigorous, fully-funded immersive exchange connecting 16–24 emerging leaders aged 24–35 from the US and Arab world. Fellows travel, debate, and collaborate across borders — forging relationships that last a lifetime.
02
Orientalist Art Collection
M. Shafik Gabr is one of the world’s premier collectors of 18th and 19th century Orientalist art. The collection anchors the Foundation’s mission of cultural appreciation and cross-civilizational dialogue.
03
Global Network
140+ fellows including diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, and public servants — returning home as cultural ambassadors pursuing cooperative solutions to shared challenges.
16–24
50/50
100%
Gabr Fellowship
Apply for theFellowship
The Gabr Fellowship selects exceptional emerging leaders for an immersive, fully-funded multi-city exchange between the US and Egypt. Fellows gain unparalleled access to global leaders, cultural institutions, and each other — returning home as intercultural ambassadors.
- Fully funded immersive exchange program
- 10-day Egypt trip + US program for each cohort
- Deep engagement with policymakers, academics & business leaders
- Multinational action project teams
- Lifelong membership in the global Gabr Fellows network
Foundation Events
Expecting the Unexpected & Beyond: 2026
Davos, Switzerland
Central Sporthotel, Davos · Chatham House Rules
Fellows Dinner at Iricchi
Washington DC
Chatham House Rules
The Shafik Gabr Collection
Orientalist Masterworks
18th & 19th century paintings from M. Shafik Gabr’s world-renowned private collection — one of the most significant collections of its kind.
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Orientalist Masterwork · Shafik Gabr Collection
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Ludwig Deutsch — The Offering, 1895
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Orientalist Masterwork · Shafik Gabr Collection
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Orientalist Masterwork · Shafik Gabr Collection
Latest News & Updates
The Lamborghini Theory — M. Shafik Gabr on the New Global Order
I was invited for lunch at Café Milano, which the Washington Post called “Washington’s ultimate place to see and be seen,” by my dear friend Steve Livingston. Steve, in his late 70s, established and then sold more than seven successful companies in manufacturing, trade, music and AI. He also had served as a government envoy focused on Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
I passed through a snowbound city to get there, and I can tell you that D.C. is as ill-prepared for snow as Cairo is for heavy rain.
To Shift or Not To Shift
Australia
2025 Gabr Fellowship Reception Mr. Alphaeus Hanson Speech
2025 Gabr Fellowship Reception Ms. Evyenia Sidereas Speech
Now Open
Gabr Fellowship 2026 — Applications & Nominations
Ages 24–35 · US & Arab World · Fully Funded · October Reunion
Get Involved
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Your support enables future leaders to meet, connect, and build the cross-cultural bridges the world needs most.
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Ways to Support
Sponsor a Fellow
Nominate & fund a fellow’s full exchange
Corporate Patron
Unrestricted Support
General operating grant to expand the program
Reach Us
Let’s start a
conversation
Whether you’re interested in applying for the Fellowship, exploring a partnership, or learning more about the Foundation — we’d love to hear from you.
🇺🇸 United States
The Shafik Gabr Foundation (US)
444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 840
Washington, DC 20001
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Shafik Gabr Foundation UK
35 Portman Square London W1H 6DB
United Kingdom
🇪🇬 Egypt
Mohamed Shafik Gabr Foundation
c/o 7, Hassan Al-Akbar Street Mokattam,
Cairo, Egypt 11571
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