Good morning folks, and happy Friday.

In today's digital-first world, managing children's screen time has become one of parenting's biggest challenges. While technology offers valuable learning tools, excessive screen use can impact our children’s development… and family ties. This week’s guide provides practical strategies to help you establish healthy digital boundaries, reduce screen dependency, and create a balanced approach without turning everyday technology management into a source of constant conflict.

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LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

DEBT-

Egypt re-enters the global debt market: Egypt returned to international debt markets with its first USD-denominated bond issuance in almost two years on Wednesday, issuing USD 2 bn. The issuance consists of USD 1.25 bn five-year bonds at a yield of 8.625% and USD 750 mn eight-year bonds at a yield of 9.45%, Bloomberg reports citing what it says is a source familiar with the matter.

What’s next? A senior Finance Ministry told us that they expect another issuance in the spring — likely a USD 1.5 bn sovereign sukuk offering — as there is currently market appetite for such instruments. The next fiscal year may also see Egypt issue its first social bonds in 4Q 2025, the source noted.

AUTOMOTIVE-

The gov’t released more cars held at ports over ACI violations: The Egyptian Customs Authority announced Tuesday that it would be releasing passenger vehicles that had been held at ports for violating the registration rules of the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system, provided that owners paid owed customs and fees plus up to EGP 10k in fines per vehicle.

ENERGY-

Eni resumed drilling in Zohr: Italian energy giant Eni resumed drilling operations at the Zohr gas field — Egypt’s largest and the Mediterranean's largest-ever find — after the Saipem drillship arrived in Egyptian waters on Tuesday. Drilling activity is expected to proceed through 1Q 2025.

ECONOMY-

Remittances from Egyptians abroad continued their upward pace, hitting USD 2.6 bn in November, jumping 65.4% y-o-y. The first five months of the current fiscal year also witnessed a 77% y-o-y rise in remittances to USD 13.8 bn and inflows in the first 11 months of 2024 were up 47.1% y-o-y to USD 26.3 bn. On a month-on-month basis, remittances in November were down just over 10% from October’s USD 2.9 bn.

INVESTMENT-

Global outsourcing giant Concentrix plans to invest USD 1 bn over the next four years to grow its Egypt operations, creating 16k jobs and expanding its workforce to 35k by 2028, under an MoU signed with the ITIDA. The company will open a new center in Mansoura, adding to its 11 existing sites in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Hurghada, which it has built since launching in Egypt in 2009.

HOSPITALITY-

Egypt-Saudi partnership plans USD 2 bn hospitality investment: Hassan Allam Properties and Midar Investment and Urban Development have signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Sumou Investment and its subsidiary Adeer International to invest USD 2 bn in hospitality and leisure projects along the Nile in Cairo or within Midar-developed cities. Adeer is also ramping up its Egypt investments, with plans to invest USD 400 mn into the real estate sector over the next five years.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

The government’s new private-sector advisory committees are set to begin meetings next week, with ministers to attend relevant committees, according to a cabinet statement. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly confirmed that the sessions will focus on reviewing proposals and soliciting insights from committee members.

The National Dialogue called an emergency session on Saturday after Trump’s “clean out” Gaza remarks, which its board of trustees condemned as a “blatant and humiliating challenge” backed only by far-right and settler extremists.

Business Ya Shabab is well underway: The exhibition is running from 29 January until 8 February at Cairo Stadium. The exhibition will host 150 exhibitors showcasing traditional crafts, handmade products, and startup innovations.

So is the Cairo International Book Fair, which kicked off last week and will remain open to the public until Wednesday, 5 February. The Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in New Cairo will host 1.2k publishers showcasing their latest publications and thousands of exhibitors for the event, with mn’s expecting to attend — last year’s visitor count reached near the 5 mn mark.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

It was a busy week for Trump, who spent his first days back in the White House exhausting his stamp of approval. Last week, the president froze all US foreign aid for 90 days — except for military assistance to Egypt and Israel — while newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio reviews funding against the administration’s foreign policy objectives. Trump also escalated tensions with Colombia, slapping a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports — set to rise to 50% — after the country refused to accept deported US migrants. Over in our part of the world, he sparked fresh controversy by calling for the mass resettlement of displaced Palestinians into Jordan and Egypt, a proposal strongly rejected by both countries and the Palestinian authority.

IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS- The second release of Israeli and Palestinian detainees under the first phase of the ceasefire took place. Four female Israeli soldiers were released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

It's partly cloudy this weekend in Cairo with a high of 22°C and a low of 12°C both today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Catch the grand finale of the Double Dribble Basketball League at Heliopolis Sporting Club Shorouk tomorrow. The event will start at 4pm and will run until 8pm, featuring matches between New Giza and Maadi Retro, along with the third place match between Negm El Geil and Underdogs. If that’s not enough, there's also going to be an exclusive performance from Egyptian rapper Moscow.

The ultimate gaming event in Egypt is here. Gamergy Egypt will feature live competitions, immersive experiences, and activities to bring together gaming fans of all ages. The festival will continue till tomorrow, Saturday, 1 February at Al Burouj Cultural Hub. Earlybird tickets are now available on their website.

This doctor’s appointment sparked some chaos. Half Past Four is a play about a psychiatrist’s office where patients of different conditions realize they’ve all been booked for the same appointment. Catch the comedic show at El Rihany Theater tomorrow at 8:30pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

End the first month of the year on a high note (literally): Lebanese DJ Rodge will be performing at CJC 610 tonight right after an energetic performance from Bubblegum Kollective. The night will kick off at 9pm and tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

This one is for the sports fans. The Football Access Summit will feature talks, panels, and presentations from sports industry leaders — giving the fans insider access. The summit will take place on Friday-Saturday 7 and 8 February at ZED Park. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Diverse galleries and a dynamic fair program. Experience the artistic talents of the MENA region at the 6th edition of Art Cairo. The exhibition will be held at the Grand Egyptian Museum from Saturday, 8 February until Tuesday, 11 February. Tickets are available on CollardTickets.

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