Initially a teacher of Islamic Art and Architecture, by the late 70’s, Shahira Mehrez devoted herself to touring the country, documenting vernacular architecture and collecting traditional crafts. Her collections of costumes and jewellery, flat weaves and basketry are the most comprehensive in the country. To date she is the manager of Al Arish Needle Work, a project reviving the traditional Bedouin embroidery of Northern Sinai. A one-time member of the board of Trustees of the Museum of Islamic Art, she is also concerned with the preservation of architectural heritage and has been active with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF) and founded a company, SAHEM, for the safeguarding of endangered historical monuments.