The professional’s guide to after hour excursions

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Egypt’s economy grew, and urban inflation slowed down

☀️ Good morning, friends, and happy weekend. We’ve got a packed issue this morning, so let’s dive right in. If you have business guests or partners visiting from abroad this season, today’s guide covers where to actually take them after hours — the kind of places that do the relationship-building work a conference room can’t.

Elsewhere in today’s issue: We also have a novel by Youssef Rakha that’s worth clearing a weekend afternoon for, Practical Magic revisited ahead of its sequel, and a closer look at a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO — which needs no introduction but got one anyway.

But first, your weekly recap…

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

The country’s economy grew 5.1% in FY 2025/26, accelerating from 4.4% a year earlier. Growth came in at 4.7% in 4Q, easing from the 5.0% we saw in 3Q, but the full-year outturn still comfortably beat the IMF’s latest 4.6% forecast, though marginally below EBRD’s updated 5.3% projection in its June 2026 Regional Economic Prospects report.

ALSO- Urban inflation slowed to 14.5% in August, defying forecasts of a pickup — and undershooting the central bank’s near-term call. Annual urban inflation eased from 14.9% in July, according to Capmas data (pdf), even as a Reuters poll of 17 analysts had pointed to an acceleration to 15.5% — with the softest forecast in the range at 14.6%, still above the actual results. Prices rose just 0.1% m-o-m, according to the data.

AND- Fitch Ratings expects current account deficit to shrink to 2.7% of GDP in FY 2026/27, down from c. 3.4% in FY 2025/26. Fitch points to a diversified external financing base as evidence that the country’s USD needs are more manageable than the headline deficit number alone suggests.

DEBT-

Nawy’s mortgage arm Nawy Now has picked up another EGP 633 mn from institutional investors after Synergy Capital’s asset-management firm, Misr for Financial Investments, closed the second issuance of its shariah-compliant, Ijarah-based fixed-income fund. The book came in 43% above the first issuance and takes the program to some EGP 1.08 bn against a five-year, EGP 5 bn target — a little over a fifth of the ceiling.

DEVELOPMENT-

The World Bank has flagged “high” fiduciary risk on its USD 440 mn loan to modernize railway safety along the Alexandria-Cairo-Nag Hammadi corridor — and more than five years in, the project’s lead safety metric hasn’t moved. The loan is run by Egyptian National Railways under the Transport Ministry. Fiduciary is the only risk category the Bank has escalated since approval: everything else, from macroeconomic to technical to stakeholder risk, sits where it did in March 2021.

INDUSTRY-

China’s Linglong Group signed an MoU with the Industry Ministry for a USD 2 bn integrated tire complex in Borg El Arab. The complex will produce tires for passenger cars, buses, and heavy equipment, plus conveyor belts. It will also fold in upstream feeder industries — carbon black and steel cord — to build a complete local value chain. Exports will target Europe and the US alongside the domestic market.

AND- The Suez Canal Economic Zone added nine new industrial projects in Sokhna — the second nine-plant opening package this year. The zone is deepening its manufacturing base across medical equipment, building materials, textiles, chemicals, mining, engineering, artificial turf, and LED lighting.

PHARMA-

The government is preparing to launch a new drug pricing system in the coming days that keeps mandatory pricing but makes it more responsive to exchange-rate and cost swings — while handing locally manufactured products a structural price advantage over imports. The framework will be finalized after meetings with local and foreign manufacturers.

INVESTMENT-

The local arm of fintech unicorn MNT-Halan has taken its first step toward a listing on the EGX. MNT Tech Holding for Financial Investments has filed to list its shares on the exchange’s main market. The application covers issued capital of EGP 160 mn, divided into 1.6 bn shares at a nominal value of EGP 0.10 each.

AND- The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) has set up a dedicated sub-fund for industrial investment with EGP 10 bn in authorized capital and EGP 1 bn in issued capital — of which EGP 500 mn is paid in now, with the rest due within five years. The fund will target export-oriented manufacturers to bring in more FX, deepen local content, and localize technology. Its term runs for 99 years.

ENERGY-

The Mediterranean-focused oil producer Energean is nearing an agreement to merge three concessions that could pave the way for it to double production in the country. The firm has agreed to principal terms with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) to combine Abu Qir, North El Amriya, and North Idku into a single concession with improved fiscal terms and higher gas pricing.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Egypt’s auto market grew 15.6% y-o-y in July to 18k units (+3.3% m-o-m), with buses and trucks once again outpacing passenger cars. Passenger cars — still the largest slice at 71% of volume — rose 4.1% m-o-m to 12.9k units, while buses jumped 62% to 1.8k units and trucks climbed 37.3% to 3.3k units.

TECHNOLOGY-

Vodafone Egypt’s business arm is teaming up with Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies to build what they say will be our largest data center. The project will target 20 MW of capacity within its first three years before scaling up to 192 MW. The joint venture expects to draw some USD 200 mn for the facility’s first phase.

FINANCE-

Misr for Central Clearing, Depository, and Registry (MCDR) has entered final testing for its centralized securities lending and borrowing (SLB) system, with a limited pilot launch scheduled for November alongside the EGX, the FRA, and select brokerages.


The mechanics of retail with Baraka’s Ahmed Ragab: After almost 50 years of competition, why would two companies choose to merge? Is it as simple as the big entity buying the smaller one, or is there more to the story?

On this episode of Making It, Ahmed Ragab, CEO and Partner at Baraka Retail Group, joins Patrick to share how things actually played out for him.

Listen to the episode on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anghami | YouTube

Sign up to our newsletter to get Making It in your inbox.

🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

This week’s headlines were dominated by the sharpest naval exchange in the US-Iran war in weeks — US forces permanently disabled two Iranian crude tankers — before Iran abruptly signaled that a Hormuz shipping agreement could be finalized within days. Here’s the rundown.

US Central Command struck three Iranian crude oil tankers — permanently disabling two — after Iran targeted two US Navy warships in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said it had struck vessels taking “unauthorized routes” through the waterway; no US personnel were harmed. The exchange marked a significant re-escalation after a month of relative quiet in the six-month conflict. By Tuesday, Iran’s foreign ministry signaled that a shipping agreement with Oman is days away — involving a temporary safe route for energy supplies through the waterway. On Wednesday, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan and claimed attacks on 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

MEANWHILE- The escalating war drove oil prices back to over USD 100 per barrel, hitting their highest levels since July as fears rose over prolonged disruptions to regional supply.

Trump said on Wednesday that he expects the war with Iran to end after November’s midterm elections, which are nearly two months away, and says oil prices are likely to tumble downward only after the elections.

IN EUROPE- Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland secured 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt’s regional elections — vaulting it into first place and marking a historic result for the party, though it fell short of the absolute majority needed to govern a German state outright for the first time since the 1930s.

IN THE BUSINESS PRESS- The AI investment boom is hitting consumer electronics: memory chip costs have risen fivefold in 2026, driving up prices on phones, laptops, and gaming consoles by as much as 20% and reversing decades of cheaper, more powerful devices. Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery aims to list on the Lagos exchange in what would be Africa’s largest-ever IPO — raising at least USD 1.6 bn from retail investors across the continent at USD 0.4 per share. Beijing injected USD 54 bn into state banks and insurers to shore up solvency ratios squeezed by persistently low interest rates.

IN TECH NEWS- In its launch event on Thursday, Apple announced the iPhone Duo — its first foldable smartphone — alongside a spate of new products, including the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, and Apple Watch Series 12. Check out our full breakdown here.


The EnterpriseAM Egypt Forum is back — and we’re devoting the full day to the singular set of questions on everyone’s mind: What does AI actually mean for your company, your people, your economy, your own job — and your kids’ future?

Every session on stage answers one question: “So, what do I actually do about it?”

Join us on 5 October in Cairo. Seats are limited, and attendance is by invitation only.

Request your invitation here.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Cairo continues its hot streak this weekend, bringing sunny highs of 34°C and clear, cool lows of 23°C both today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Movie lovers, it’s your lucky day. Touring international film festival MedFest Egypt is returning to AUC Tahrir Square for a five-day run until Monday, 14 September. This year’s program, themed “Beyond the Scene,” packs in film screenings, conversations, and workshops. You can choose between the Full Pass, which includes workshop registration, or the Festival Supporter Platinum or Gold Badge, all available through TicketsMarché. Workshop spots are limited, so hurry and secure your spot.

The Goats are back with a special Beyond the Scene show at this year’s MedFest Egypt at AUC Tahrir Square tonight. Your favorite comedians — Mohamed Moula, Marwan El Moslemany, Marwan Fares, and Mohamed Halim — will take the stage with their signature standup comedy, kicking off at 9pm. Tickets are available through TicketsMarché — just note that this is a separate event, and MedFest full-pass tickets do not grant entry.

How about an orchestra by the coast? Iconic composer Hisham Kharma is heading to Alexandria to perform live at Bibliotheca Alexandrina tonight. Led by maestro Nayer Nagui and accompanied by the BA orchestra, Kharma will bring his signature orchestral sound to the iconic venue. The concert starts at 8pm — you can get tickets through Bibliotheca’s website.

Calling all career starters: iCareer is helping fresh graduates and students take their first steps into the job market at Next Summit, happening tomorrow from 9am to 9pm at The Greek Campus in Downtown Cairo.

“Not just another career fair,” the event promises a real hiring and career-readiness experience, bringing together 50+ employers, mentors, industry experts, and young professionals. The day offers a packed program of masterclasses, workshops, coaching circles, networking activities, open roles, and more. You can get tickets through the event’s website.

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THE ENTERPRISE GUIDE

Your guide to Cairo after 5 for visiting guests

🌴If you’re a business owner hosting a foreign delegation, you might want to take them on a tour to explore Cairo’s landmarks after a long workday packed with meetings. Since most archaeological sites and traditional museums in Egypt adhere to daytime visiting hours — usually closing between 4pm and 5pm — these options may not suit those with busy agendas who spend their days navigating meetings and professional commitments.

The good news, however, is that your evening options are by no means limited. Cairo is full of enchanting destinations whose hours extend late into the night. In this week’s issue of the Enterprise Guide, we review the top destinations you can visit after 5pm to impress your guests with the capital’s various facets, combining museums, historical landmarks, art galleries, artistic performances, and Nile cruises.

🏛️ Major museums and landmarks

#1-The Grand Egyptian Museum: The Grand Egyptian Museum houses a vast collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, giant Pharaonic statues, and rare, captivating royal artifacts — led by King Tutankhamun’s mask — alongside intricate details of daily life and funerary rituals. The museum features a direct panoramic view of the Giza Pyramids, while its vast spaces, modern architectural design, and air-conditioned halls offer an elegant experience entirely distinct from traditional museums.

An evening visit is a golden opportunity to explore the main halls and the Grand Hall away from the morning tour crowds. The tour can be concluded with a break for dinner or coffee in the premium restaurant and cafe area within the museum’s commercial zone.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Pyramids area, Giza.

WORKING HOURS- The museum offers an evening visiting window from Wednesday to Saturday until 9pm, with last entry allowed at 8pm.

💡 NOTE- You can check parts one and two of the Enterprise Guide to the Grand Egyptian Museum for more details on booking, activities, and halls.


#2-Sound and Light show: The Sound and Light show at the Pyramids is a magical and ideal choice for hosting your guests, especially if their schedule is packed and doesn’t allow for a daytime visit. After sunset, the Pyramids transform into an immersive historical experience, turning into an open-air theater that tells the story of the Pyramids’ construction and the secrets of the Sphinx using the latest lighting technologies and sound effects.

The show is available in multiple languages, and the appropriate language can be selected during booking. After the show ends, we recommend completing the evening with dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the Pyramids.

💡 NOTE- Sound and Light shows are temporarily suspended due to developments in the Pyramids area, so it’s recommended to monitor the official website for show bookings to enjoy the experience as soon as it returns.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Giza Pyramids.

#3-National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: This museum offers a comprehensive experience for discovering Egyptian civilization across various eras, from prehistoric times and the Greco-Roman period to the Coptic and Islamic eras, up to modern and contemporary Egypt. The Royal Mummies Hall stands at the forefront of the visit’s key highlights, alongside the Egyptian Textiles Hall, which showcases the evolution of textiles and costumes across different periods. The museum also features green spaces, restaurants, and cafes with views of Ain El Hayah Lake, as well as an open-air theater hosting artistic and musical performances.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Fustat, Cairo.

WORKING HOURS- Evening visits are on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm, with the last ticket sold at 8pm.

🕌 Historic Cairo

#1-Al-Moez Street: Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi street is located between Bab Al-Futuh and Bab Zuweila, housing a large collection of historic mosques, schools, caravanserais (wikalas), and historic domes, making it an open-air museum of Islamic architecture in the heart of Historic Cairo. After sunset, the street takes on a different ambiance as evening lighting highlights the intricate geometric decorations and architectural elements of the ancient buildings in a magical night setting.

WHERE TO FIND IT- El-Gamaliya District.

WORKING HOURS- Strolling along the street is available 24/7, while entry to the historic sites within it follows official visiting hours.


#2-Khan El-Khalili: A tour of Historic Cairo is incomplete without walking through the Khan El-Khalili district, one of Cairo’s most famous heritage markets dating back over 600 years. You can wander through alleyways and shops selling copperware, silverware, perfumes, incense, souvenirs, and Egyptian traditional handicrafts. We recommend dedicating the early evening to strolling and shopping, taking a break at one of the cafes for tea or coffee, and ending the tour with an Oriental dinner at a nearby restaurant for a complete evening in the heart of Old Cairo.

WHERE TO FIND IT- El-Gamaliya area, near Al-Hussein and Al-Azhar Mosques.

WORKING HOURS- Varies from shop to shop, but most remain open late into the night.


#3-Wekalet El Ghouri: Wekalet El Ghouri is one of the most prominent historic landmarks in Fatimid Cairo. The open courtyard hosts performances by the Heritage Tanoura Troupe in an experience that blends music, performance, and the atmosphere of Egyptian Sufi heritage amid the historic Mamluk architecture of the venue. We suggest watching the show and then continuing the evening with a walk down nearby Al-Moez street or Khan El-Khalili, or sitting at one of the traditional cafes and restaurants in the area.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Al-Azhar Street.

SHOW TIMES- Heritage Tanoura performances take place on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm.

🎨 Art destinations

#1-Farouk Hosny Museum: The museum houses works by visual artist and former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny, alongside a collection of his art acquisitions, including works by artists such as Ragheb Ayad, Adam Henein, Mahmoud Sa’id, Hamed Nada, Mahmoud Mokhtar, and Giorgio de Chirico. The museum also features a specialized art library, a music library, and a multimedia room.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Zamalek.

WORKING HOURS- Saturday to Thursday, from 4:30pm to 7pm.


#2-Cairo Opera House: The Cairo Opera House is one of the most important cultural and artistic hubs in Cairo, featuring a complex of theaters and exhibition halls that host a diverse program of events throughout the year. Its lineup includes orchestral concerts, Arabic and classical music, as well as ballet, opera, contemporary dance performances, film programs, and artistic and cultural evenings.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Zamalek.

WORKING HOURS- Varies depending on the event, but most evening shows begin between 7pm and 8pm.


#3-Tour of Zamalek art galleries: The Zamalek neighborhood features a number of galleries presenting diverse art exhibitions by Egyptian and Arab artists, such as Zamalek Art Gallery, Azad Art Gallery, and others. This tour suits anyone seeking a quick, low-key art experience, as you can explore multiple exhibitions over the course of an evening, then stop for dinner or spend a quiet night in Zamalek.

WORKING HOURS- Varies by gallery, but most remain open until 8pm or 9pm.

🌿 Water and greenery

#1-Felucca on the Nile: A felucca ride is one of the classic Egyptian experiences we recommend after a long workday, as the sailing felucca offers a private atmosphere away from Cairo’s busy streets. As sunset falls, Cairo’s lights reflect on the Nile, giving you the chance to enjoy breathtaking views to the sound of your favorite music and capture plenty of souvenir photos.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- Felucca docks along the Nile Corniche, including Zamalek and Garden City.

WORKING HOURS- Evening rides are available; timing and duration vary depending on the provider and weather conditions.

#2-Mamsha Ahl Misr: The promenade is the best option for a light, effortless outing after a busy workday, allowing you to spend an hour or two strolling directly along the banks of the Nile and enjoying the capital’s sprawling lights reflected on the water. With its upper and lower walkways, the promenade provides multiple options for quiet seating and stops for drinks or light meals at riverfront cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating experience without requiring much planning, effort, or time.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Nile Corniche.

WORKING HOURS- The upper walkway is open 24 hours, while the lower walkway and restaurants operate until 1am.

#3-Al-Azhar Park: Al-Azhar Park is the ideal choice for those who prefer open green spaces and a quiet atmosphere away from enclosed venues. It encompasses vast lawns and provides extraordinary views of Islamic Cairo’s skyline and historic minarets. We recommend going shortly before sunset to watch the colors of dusk reflect over the city’s landmarks, followed by dinner at one of the restaurants located within the park.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Salah Salem Street, El-Darb El-Ahmar area.

WORKING HOURS- Daily from 9am to 10pm.

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FOR YOUR HOME THEATRE

Revisiting 1998’s whimsy and goth cult classic Practical Magic

📽🧹🧙 The season of the witch is almost upon us, and few films capture the balance of whimsy and goth that defines Halloween quite like the ‘90s classic Practical Magic. In celebration of the highly anticipated sequel hitting theaters this weekend, we couldn’t not revisit the iconic Sandra Bullock- and Nicole Kidman-led adaptation of Alice Hoffman’s bestselling novel — although, honestly, we would’ve revisited it anyway to kickstart the cozy fall season.

REFRESHER- The Owen sisters — level-headed Sally (Bullock) and free-spirited Gillian (Kidman) — are born into an ancestral curse that has haunted the women in their family for generations: any man an Owens woman falls in love with is doomed to die. After their parents die, the sisters move in with their charming, mischievous witch aunts, Frances and Jet, where they grow up learning the thrilling but dangerous ways of witchcraft. In their suburban town, their reputation as witches precedes them, and the locals go out of their way to avoid them.

As the sisters grow up under warnings about men and relationships, each faces her own trouble when it comes to love — but the same curse follows them both. Sally finds love with a local man and has two daughters with him, only to lose him to the family curse. Gillian, meanwhile, moves out of town and falls for a man whose charm eventually gives way to obsession and abuse. When she seeks Sally’s help, the sisters accidentally kill him. Naturally, they resort to magic to cover up their fluky crime, but there’s one catch: resurrecting the dead is forbidden. As they confront the darker consequences of their foul play, the message becomes clear: where does fate end and magic begin?

What we liked: Practical Magic is as ‘90s as a movie can get. It boasts an addictive, feel-good vibe, cozy, colorful visuals, an eccentrically charming and distinctive house, tight-knit relationships, and just the right amount of nonsense that we’re more than happy to entertain with a little suspension of disbelief. It gives a fresh, human take on the supernatural and, while embracing some darker themes, remains light-hearted, absurd, and wholesome at heart.

The verdict: Practical Magic, for us, satisfies almost every movie craving: comedy, adventure, romance, family, and fantasy — and given its cult following, we’re surely not the only ones. If you’ve got less than two hours to spare one night, settle in, get cozy, and enjoy a little nostalgic fantasy and witchcraft. Who knows? You might feel tempted to catch Practical Magic 2 later this week.

WHERE TO WATCH- Practical Magic is streaming on OSN+ and Apple TV. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 1:44).

This publication is proudly sponsored by

The Luxury of Certainty
From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
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From the Bookstore

Youssef Rakha’s The Dissenters is a bold, brutally honest novel worth your time

📚 Historical fiction is a well-fed genre — hundreds of thousands of titles are published annually. Egyptian historical fiction? Few and far between. As of late, however, Egypt has been getting its share of the genre, and Egyptian writer Youssef Rakha’s The Dissenters is the latest to land on our bookshelves. Deemed “transgressive,” the novel is surely that… and then some.

The plot: The novel is told from the perspective of Nour, a middle-aged Egyptian man grappling with the death of his mother, Amna — the matriarch who haunts the narrative. Following her death in 2015’s Cairo, Nour visits his family home’s attic, where he begins to dig out his family’s history, particularly the personal history of his mother, through a series of deep, hallucinatory, and immersive visions that seemingly take the narrator back in time to serve as a firsthand witness to her life.

The Dissenters, reminiscent of Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, is largely written in the second person, in the form of letters addressed to Nour’s own sister, long estranged from her mother following a fallout. As Nour begins penning his mother’s history and his own hallucinations to his sister, the reader is taken back to various points in Amna’s life, each reflective of an epoch in Egypt’s modern history that would see the country irrevocably changed.

What we liked: Through Amna’s personal history, the book intelligently highlights and explores with nuance the evolution of Egypt in the 20th century. The mother’s own trajectory in life — piousness, rebelliousness, activism, independence, in no particular order — mirrors the social changes rippling through the country, woven dexterously into the evolving socio-political context. The writing is immersive, anything but straightforward, and at times incredibly confusing — a stroke of genius, in our opinion, when it comes to portraying Nour’s own internal turmoil.

Split into several chunky chapters — but constrained within a manageable 320 pages — The Dissenters does not play it safe. The book does not shy away from “taboo” topics, and the author writes with unapologetic and bold honesty. Aside from the engrossing subject matter, we thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic and studied depictions of Egyptian people, places, and politics. There are times when the reader may not necessarily agree with what is being conveyed, but the emotional weight of it all is never compromised.

The verdict: At its core, this is a novel that feels quintessentially Egyptian. Rakha’s pen cuts, and there are times when this epistolary novel proves impossible to put down. Both a deeply personal work exploring familial ties and faults and a broader commentary on Om el Donia throughout history, The Dissenters manages to accomplish something well worth the read.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find the paperback version at Diwan. Get the e-book on Amazon.

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Hot and Fresh Out of the Kitchen

Lorraine brings French flair with a side of nightlife to Almaza

🍴 Looking for a French brunch that can turn into dinner, drinks, or even karaoke? Almaza’s Lorraine should do the trick, pairing a flexible all-day experience with two very different settings and a menu that covers pretty much everything.

First impressions: Lorraine is divided between a glass-roofed outdoor area and an air-conditioned indoor space. The former lets in plenty of sunlight without leaving you to roast in it, while the latter has a large sun window that casts a warm glow across the room. The indoor area is no-smoking, while smoking is permitted outdoors, of course. Once seated, the staff proved helpful and attentive, while the manager checked on us throughout the meal.

What we liked: The baked brie was a strong start — a generous wheel topped with walnuts and a sweet preserve, served with toasted sourdough. The combination worked, though we would’ve appreciated more bread for scooping up the cheese. Luckily, Lorraine also serves a complimentary basket of assorted toasted breads. The shrimp Caesar salad was the meal’s first hit. It was fresh, well-seasoned, generously portioned, and dressed lightly enough to let the shrimp do its thing. The chicken pesto rigatoni was creamy and herbaceous, with plenty of well-marinated chicken. The pieces could have been smaller, and the sauce needed a little more seasoning, but it arrived piping hot and made for a satisfying main.

What we didn’t like: The biggest issue was timing. The food took a little longer than expected, and the drinks we asked to have with the meal arrived after we had finished eating. The staff were friendly and responsive once approached, so the issue was more about pace than hospitality.

The verdict: Lorraine works best when you treat it as an all-day destination rather than a one-meal restaurant. Come for brunch under the glass roof, settle into the indoor space for dinner, or return for Tuesday karaoke and DJ nights starting at 9pm. The food is solid, the setting gives you options, and the menu leaves plenty more to explore.

💡 NOTE- Reservations are required, and walk-ins may result in a slightly bumpy experience.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Lorraine is located in Almaza, Heliopolis.

💵 Per person: 1-1.5k per person

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: No

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WHAT TO LISTEN TO

How to optimize your health with Andrew Huberman on The Diary of a CEO

👂 Executive-favorite podcast The Diary of a CEO (DOAC) with Steven Bartlett needs little introduction. The show has become a hallmark listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, self-development, expanding their awareness, satiating their curiosity, culture, life lessons, stories of successful people and CEOs, and much more. While we’re well aware DOAC does not need our recommendation, we thought it fitting to take a look at a recent episode and revisit why it remains such an essential part of everyone’s rotation.

REFRESHER- British entrepreneur and investor Bartlett is the prominent face and host of the show, often combining his own expertise in business and investment with that of his star-studded guest list — from high-profile political figures like Kamala Harris and JD Vance to cultural and intellectual voices like Jordan Peterson and Matthew McConaughey. Politics, the economy, AI, sleep, psychology, health, and conspiracies — these are just a few of the many subjects you’ll find covered in remarkable depth across the show’s hours-long episodes since Bartlett first took the mic in 2017.

The most recent episode sees mainstream American Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman returning to the show for a two-hour discussion with Bartlett on science-backed brain and body optimization. Following the release of his first book, Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body, Huberman guides listeners through the 10 protocols outlined in the book that he himself uses to optimize his health, covering sleep, stress, and focus. He dives into the importance of sunlight, the roles of high and low cortisol levels, brain resistance training, exercise, religion, and just about everything under the sun when it comes to the lesser-known aspects of health and longevity.

What we liked: Huberman is an enjoyable guest, taking over the episode with his incredible breadth of knowledge and moving effortlessly across topics. He is cautionary yet encouraging — a good balance when talking about health — and he makes the two hours fly by. You may find yourself surprised by how immersed you become in the episode, particularly if you’re even slightly preoccupied with your health. Bartlett is an accommodating host, chiming in mainly to clarify points, ask the occasional question, and steer the conversation in the right direction.

The verdict: The Diary of a CEO remains a podcast well worth listening to and keeping up with. Bartlett has impressively maintained a steady stream of informative episodes and not-to-miss guests. His episodes retain their signature straightforward, in-your-face insight that is hard not to get hooked on. If you needed a reminder to tune back in to DOAC, consider this your well-encouraged one.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Anghami | Spotify.


🗓️ SEPTEMBER

1 August - September 15 (Saturday-Tuesday): El Alamein Book Fair.

6 September - 30 October (Sunday-Friday): Khayal Mareed at Theatro Arkan.

10-14 September (Saturday-Monday): MedFest Egypt at AUC Tahrir Square.

11 September (Friday): The Goats Beyond the Scene with MedFest Egypt at AUC Tahrir Square.

11 September (Friday): Hisham Kharma at Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

11 September (Friday): Ahmed Hassan at El Anfoushy Cultural Palace, Alexandria.

11 September (Friday): Tablet El Sitt at Port Said Culture Center.

11 September (Friday): 100 Years of Singing with Ali El Haggar at Cairo Opera House, Zamalek.

12 September (Saturday): Next Summit by iCareer at The Greek Campus, Downtown Cairo.

12 September (Saturday): Ice Warrior Challenge at Ski Egypt, Mall of Egypt.

12 September (Saturday): Hany Shenouda tribute night at CJC 610.

17-26 September (Thursday-Saturday): El Gouna Water Sports Festival.

18 September (Friday): Miles for Meaning run at The Great Pyramids of Giza.

18 September (Friday): Hisham Kharma at Cairo Opera House, Zamalek.

18 September (Friday): Tawfeek El Ha2ee2y at Theatro Arkan.

18 September (Friday): Kadim Al Sahir at Ivoire East, New Cairo.

18 September (Friday): Haifa Wehbe at Kiki’s Beach Bar, North Coast.

18 September (Friday): Aida El Ayoubi at Ewart Memorial Hall, AUC Tahrir Square.

18 September (Friday): Bazarna Society Premium Outlet with The Food Platform Market at Downtown Katameya.

19 September (Saturday): Omar El Gamal Vol.68 at Theatro Arkan.

19 September (Saturday): The Football Aura X Dor El 16 Live at Teatro 90.

22 September (Tuesday): Shawn Chidiac at CJC 610.

25 September (Friday): Omar Khairat at Nile University, Sheikh Zayed.

25 September (Friday): Zamalek 5k Run by The TriFactory at Mamsha Ahl Misr.

26 September (Saturday): John Achkar’s Feena Nehke at Theatro Arkan.

OCTOBER

1-3 October (Thursday-Saturday): Oliver season 3 by Fabrica at Teatro 90.

1-4 October (Thursday-Sunday): She Arts Festival at Ewart Memorial Hall, AUC Tahrir Square.

2-3 October (Friday-Saturday): Oktoberfest by Work Afters at Tenaya Riverside Dining, Maadi Al Corniche.

5 October (Monday): EnterpriseAM Egypt Forum.

6 October (Tuesday): Armed Forces Day.

8-11 October (Thursday-Sunday): Starlight Festival in partnership with Visa at The Great Pyramids of Giza.

11 October - 8 November (Sunday-Sunday): Cairo International Art District by Art D’Egypte at Downtown Cairo.

15-23 October (Thursday-Friday): El Gouna Film Festival.

16 October (Friday): Tul8te at Al Manara Arena.

16-17 October (Friday-Saturday): Ultra Relay Run by The TriFactory at AUC, New Cairo.

16-17 October (Friday-Saturday): Egypt Coffee Festival at Common Grounds in Obour.

17 October (Saturday): Steps Summit at Sodic Sports Club, Sodic Eastown.

17 October (Saturday): Konnect Summit at The Greek Campus, El Tahrir St.

24 October (Saturday): Blue 25th Anniversary Tour at New Capital.

28-31 October (Wednesday-Saturday): Egypt’s Cheese Festival at Al Horreya Garden, Zamalek.

NOVEMBER

4 November (Wednesday): Angham at the New Opera House in the City of Arts and Culture.

5 November (Thursday): Gala De Danza at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

6 November (Friday): Angham at the New Opera House in the City of Arts and Culture.

2-7 November (Monday-Saturday): Barbara O’Neill Wellness Journey at Sheraton Miramar Resort, El Gouna.

11-20 November (Wednesday-Friday): Cairo International Film Festival.

13-14 November (Friday-Saturday): Max Amini at St. Regis, New Capital.

19-28 November (Thursday-Saturday): Cairo Design Week.

21 November (Saturday): El Gouna Half Marathon.

28 November (Saturday): Shakira at The Great Pyramids of Giza.

DECEMBER

4 December (Friday): Ghostly Kisses at Zed Park, Sheikh Zayed.

11-12 December (Friday-Saturday): The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon at The Great Pyramids of Giza.

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