Put on your dancing shoes

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Last week was quiet on the privatization front + June’s inflation figures are out next week

Good morning, friends — we’ve missed you. We hope you had a wonderful Eid Adha break and that your transition into work was smooth.

The good news is — we still have a bunch of national holidays to look forward to later this month:Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, 18 July, while Revolution Day falls on Sunday, 23 July.

The big question: Will we get two three-day weekends — or one four-day break, running Thursday, 20 July-Sunday, 23 July?

So, you think you can dance? Experience has taught us that most people that answer yes to that question who haven’t trained (and some that have) generally tend to overestimate their abilities. Save yourself the embarrassment before the next dance off and check out one of these Cairo studios, courtesy of some of our dance enthusiast friends. If anything, it’s a great workout. Find out more in today’s Enterprise Guide.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Escape to Sahel if you can: The mercury will be on the uptick in Cairo, with the mercury reaching 37°C today before dropping to a cooler 25°C in the evening. Saturday will be even hotter, with temperatures rising again to 38°C and dropping to a fairer 25°C at night, as per our go-to weather app.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

The week got off to a slow start but ended with a lot of big updateson the macro, legislative and energy fronts. It’s also the first week in as long as we can remember where the business news cycle wasn’t dominated by the privatization program.

ECONOMY-

Our non-oil private sector contracted at its slowest pace in two years on the back of softening inflationary pressures. “Output and new orders” were also reasons behind the slower decline, Joe Hayes, principal economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said.

Egypt’s financial situation is “precarious,”according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF). Analysts at the institute wrote that a lack of clarity over the future of Egypt’s USD 3 bn loan program with the IMF, coupled with high external debt levels, twin fiscal and current account deficits, a deteriorating net foreign asset position, and portfolio outflows, are all putting pressure on the country’s finances. The IIF added that adopting a flexible exchange rate will be key to resolving the imbalances and rebuilding reserves.

LEGISLATION WATCH-

Fresh measures to reel in FDI: The Madbouly government made a number of moves that help advance the 22 decisions introduced by the Supreme Investment Council (SIC) in its first meeting back in May in efforts to boost investment. These include:

Approving a decision lifting current controls on foreign ownership of real estate, provided that foreigners pay for their purchases in hard currency and via bank transfer to a state-owned bank. Under current rules, foreigners are allowed to purchase a maximum of two properties.
Approving two draft decisions allocating state owned land in New Cairo and Sixth of October to unnamed international real estate developers, to be paid for in USD.
Foreign investors will also, for the first time, be allowed to register as importers with 10-year licenses, potentially making it easier for them to get goods and production inputs into the country without contracting with an Egyptian middleman.

More incentives + leveling the playing field:The House Economic Affairs Committee approved amendments to the Investment Law aimed at expanding incentives, while the Budget and Planning Committee approved a draft bill reinstating taxes on state entities. Cabinet signed off on the two bills before the Eid Al Adha break.

PRIVATIZATION WATCH-

Sidpec’s board greenlights Baker Tilly’s valuation ahead of a potential all-share merger with Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company (Ethydco). Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals (Sidpec) already owns 20% of Ethydco — which is currently flagged for the government’s privatization program. Baker Tilly pegged Ethydco’s valuation at EGP 33.5 bn (around EGP 2,420.09 per share) and Sidpec’s at c.EGP 23.1 bn (around EGP 30.60 / share).

REMEMBER- Gulf investors have expressed interest in acquiring stakes in the merged entity, according to one local media report, while another said that Sidpec could IPO Ethydco in a 10% stake sale via the EGX.

DIPLOMACY-

Ankara and Cairo are friends again: Egypt and Turkey reappointed ambassadors for the firsttime in a decade, restoring diplomatic ties and marking a significant thawing of tensions. Amr Elhamamy has been selected to serve as our ambassador in Ankara, while Cairo will be welcoming Salih Mutlu Şen as its ambassador to our fair capital, the nations declared in a joint statement.

ENERGY-

Multinational oil giants Eni, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and BP will spend some USD 1.8 bn into drilling 35 gas exploration wells in the Mediterranean and Nile Delta over the coming two years. This comes as a part of one of three tenders set up by the government for this year, with the objective of drilling 300 exploration wells with multinational partners by 2025.

In the renewable energy sector, Scatec inked a land allocation agreementwith the Electricity Ministry for a 5-GW wind farm in the Sohag governorate, marking the second COP27 MoU that is materializing, nine months after SCATEC agreed to the MoU with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company and the New and Renewable Energy Authority.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

Inflation figures for June will drop: Capmas and the central bank will release June’s inflation figures on Monday, 10 July. Annual urban inflation rose to 32.7% y-o-y in May from 30.6% the month before. The May reading marked a return to the near record high inflation recorded in March before price hikes briefly cooled in April. Inflation is now once again at its highest since July 2017, when it hit an all-time high of nearly 33%.

Trading on Taqa Arabia shares on the EGX will begin on Sunday under the ticker TAQA.CA, according to an EGX news bulletin. The Qalaa Holdings subsidiary received the green light for trading to begin from the Financial Regulatory Authority, according to a separate statement (pdf) from the regulator. The exchange earlier this month gave the Qalaa Holdings subsidiary the greenlight to list its 1.352 bn shares on the bourse. Rather than going the conventional route of holding an initial public offering, the company will sell shares directly on the bourse.

FinMin will start to pay out export subsidies: The Finance Ministry will pay out the latest batch of export subsidies on 12-13 July, it said in a statement yesterday. The ministry was due to make the payments for companies that submitted applications in May on 5-6 July, but delayed them by a week after the start of the new fiscal year coincided with the Eid break.

Reminder: Subsides under this sixth phase of the program are being paid out in two tranches; a first tranche for companies that submitted applications in May, and a second for those that applied in June. The second round of payments will be made in August.

ICYMI- The government says it will quadruple export subsidies this fiscal year, with EGP 28 bn earmarked to the program in the hot-off-the-presses 2023-2024 budget. The larger allocation is aimed at helping the government reach its target to increase exports to USD 100 bn a year by the middle of the decade.

YOUR MOST CLICKED LINKS-

The switch-up in CIB’s C-suite got a lot of attention, with many of you checking out the LinkedIn profiles of CIB’s new acting chief operating officer, Mohammad Omar Khan (LinkedIn), and his predecessor, Mohamed Sultan (LinkedIn).
Private equity giant Actis’ report (pdf), which calls for a new taxonomy of global markets, including breaking up emerging markets into more defined categories, got a lot of clicks.
A lot of you were keen to read Egypt’s June Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), judging by the number of clicks on the PMI’s releases page.
Our flagship Enterprise Finance Forum also got a lot of interest.
Looks like many of you have downloaded Meta’s new rival to Twitter, Threads, judging by the number of clicks the app store linkgot.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

Palestinian-Israeli clashes dominated front pages for most of the week: An Israeli raid onthe Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank on Tuesday — the most fierce in the past 20 years — claimed at least 12 Palestinian lives and injured more than 200 civilians. Israel has stated that the operation in the Jenin refugee camp aimed to neutralize a command center. Further violence ensued as a suspected car ramming took place later during the day on Tuesday spurred on by a Palestinian man from the West Bank in an act that Hamas described as “heroic”.

ENTERPRISE IS LOOKING FOR SMART, TALENTED PEOPLE of all backgrounds to help us build some very cool new things. We offer the chance to work in a fast-paced newsroom on a broad range of topics and in a variety of formats. Our goal is simple: To create value for our growing community of >250k daily readers by telling stories that matter.

NEVER WORKED IN A NEWSROOM BEFORE? We have the Enterprise Business Writing Development Program. Whether you are a recent graduate, an industry vet, or looking to switch careers, the Enterprise Business Writing Development Program will give you the tools you need to tell the most important stories to our audience of C-suite officials, government ministers, diplomats, financiers, investors and entrepreneurs.

Not an internship program — a career: The three-month program will see full-time, paid participants take part in workshops and lectures from veteran business journalists on subject matter knowledge, while also working on constructing and filing Enterprise stories that will run on any of our publications. Those who have successfully completed the program, will then be given long-term job offers.

Apply directly to jobs@enterprisemea.com and mention “writing development program” in your subject line!

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The Enterprise Finance Forum is taking place on 18-19 September at the St. Regis Hotel in Cairo. This flagship forum is the latest in our must-attend series of invitation-only, C-suite-level gatherings that allow senior members of our community to openly and frankly discuss critical issues in key sectors of the economy.

Day one is our Banking Forum, where we’ll dive deep into topics of interest to commercial and investment bankers, from an outlook on the 12 months to come in M&A, IPO, and debt capital markets to the national, regional, and global trends that are (re)shaping our industry.

Day two is all about Fintech and Non-Banking Financial Services. We’ll take a deep dive into everything from the magic of client acquisition to the prospects of consolidation and the coming of challenger banks.

** NEW: MORE NETWORKING TIME- Our agenda includes expanded networking time, including an expanded coffee break and a post-event networking room for you to interact with your peers and speak one-on-one with the team at Enterprise.

TAP OR CLICK HERE if you want to express interest in attending. We’ll be sending out the first batch of invitations soon.

Do you want to become a commercial partner? Ping a note to Moustafa Taalab, our head of commercial or fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.

DID YOU MISS THE ENTERPRISE EXPORTS AND FDI FORUM? Tune in to the Enterprise Podcast and listen for yourself: The Enterprise Podcast is back with another installment of our forum series, where we bring you audio recordings of what was said on stage at the Enterprise Exports and FDI Forum,which took place in May.

WANT TO LISTEN? Head to: Apple Podcast | Spotify | Google Podcast | Anghami. We’re releasing a new episode every Sunday morning.

IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE- We looked at how Egyptian companies can identify and pitch foreign partners and how they can identify them. We asked how do companies figure out what they’re looking for — and whether that dovetails with what they want or need. We were joined on that panel by Hossam Abou Moussa, partner at PE firm Apis, Cheick-Oumar Sylla, director for North Africa and Horn of Africa at the International Finance Corporation, and Hassan Massoud, associate director and head of private equity (Southern Mediterranean) at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

HAPPENING TODAY-

Medhat Saleh willtake the stage at the Cairo Opera House tonight at 8:30pm with some of the Middle East’s most prolific musical composers as he performs renditions of their timeless pieces.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

Amr Diab is coming to Sahel (again): When the light fades and the sun goes down, head to SOL Beach Bar at Marassi on Friday, 14 July to attend Amr Diab’s sunset party. The party will begin at 7pm. Tickets are available on TicketsMarche.

Mahmoud Saad will host movie star Karim AbdelAziz in a new installation of the SoldOutlive interviews series on Friday, 14 July at 8:30pm. The live interview will be held at Ewart Hall at AUC’s Tahrir campus. You can book your ticket from Tazkarti.

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

Your guide to Cairo’s dance studios

All things dance in Cairo: Cairo has a vibrant dance culture, with almost every style celebrated somewhere in the city. While some studios are catered to the adrenaline junkies among us and those who want to switch up their workout routines, a lot of studios are actually training up-and-coming dancers who want to go professional. We spoke to dance enthusiasts across different skill levels, and compiled what they suggested are the city’s most popular studios, providing classes for people who are just getting started, have been dancing for years, or just feel like doing something different.

FOR THE LATIN LOVERS-

One of the biggest names on the list is Soul Motion Studio, located in Mohandessin and established by Rasha Sadek and Salah Eissa. The studio offers folklore classes, pole, flexibility, and bachata — a Dominican dance style — and more, at four different levels that range from beginner to advanced. The studio also hosts salsa nights at Cairo Jazz Club, which are usually accompanied with hour-long sessions.

THE PRICE TAG- Walk-ins are EGP 350 per class. Packages will cost you a minimum of EGP 950 for four classes — or a month — and go up to EGP 3.3k for twenty classes for two months.

Another big name, Latin Love Studios, opened its doors in New Cairo in 2013 and has since garnered an impressive following, with over 67k followers on Facebook. The studio offers classes teaching Kizomba, Mambo, and Bachata classes along with a number of other beloved Latin styles. The studio also offers biweekly SBK (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba) workshops at Heliopolis’s rooftop restaurant and bar Minglings where the community gets together with renowned professional dancers to hone their skills, and occasionally hosts dance camps in locations like Hurghada.

THE PRICE TAG- The price of attending one SBK night is EGP 250-300 (including a drink), EGP 600 for two, and EGP 850 for three. The studio currently offers a special 50% discount for the first month meaning 8 classes are for EGP 1k instead of 2k.

FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ENTHUSIASTS-

“A hub and home for the performing arts,” Agouza studio MAAT Cairo Contemporary Dance Center (CCDC) is Egypt’s first full-time contemporary dance school. Established in 1999, the school offers workshops, residencies, and classes — as well as chances for employment in the field — in a number of dance styles. Dance styles the studio teaches include: The Afro-Brazilian dance-martial art Capoeira, ballet, Sufi and theatrical dance. You can check out the July schedule before registering here.

The dance school offers one-year programs (levels 1 through 3, depending on your skill level) which include daily classes that last six hours a day for five days a week, and provide advanced professional training in contemporary dance, with both practical and theoretical classes. The programme’s sessions are hosted by guest instructors that hail from across the world, like Brazilian choreographer Guilherme Botelho. Fees for the year-long program will be announced in August, a representative told us.

THE PRICE TAG- Six classes of contemporary dance for beginners cost EGP 1.5k, while the more advanced level is at EGP 2k. Other classes like Brazilian Capoeira and ballet fall within the EGP 300-350 range per session.

Located in Maadi, Danssabeel Contemporary Dance offers contemporary dance and ballet classes, as well as somatic training to engage the body as well as the nervous system. The dance school offers a more academic approach, with some theoretical training woven into practical dance sessions, and longer, more comprehensive sessions.

THE PRICE TAG- Classes are organized in rounds that take place twice per week, with each lasting six hours, for the price of EGP 1.4k. Other six-hour classes offered once a week like yoga and oriental dance cost EGP 700.

AERIAL DANCE-

Fancy dancing mid-air?AcroDance Aerial Academy blends a number of arts and disciplines like aerial yoga and acrobatic dance in their New Cairo and Heliopolis studios. Each class lasts 90 minutes and features one prop: An aerial hammock that you can hang on to learn new tricks, drops, and movements. While not exactly for the faint of heart, you can ease your way into the world of acrodance with a beginners class to conquer your anxiety. Other classes include aerial hoops, and bungee fitness.

THE PRICE TAG- One 90-minute class is EGP 390 and a month-long pass, which covers four sessions, costs EGP 1.1k.

FOR A BIT OF EVERYTHING-

Another household name and by far the oldest on the list isSamia Allouba Gym, Dance and Fitness Centers, which was established in 1981. This studio combines dance and exercise, while also offering specialized classes like Latin-style dance, hip-hop, belly dancing and ballet. Known for their love of cardio, the studio offers high-energy classes for both children and adults. It has locations in Sheikh Zayed’s Americana Plaza and Maadi.

Adams Dance Studio is another eclectic studio, offering classes ranging from salsa and belly dance to contemporary and lyrical jazz in Sheikh Zayed’s Galleria40 and on the Mohammed Nagib Axis in New Cairo. The studio has a juniors program, with classes like ballet and hip hop, for children aged around 4.5 years of age. Older kids (around the age of 14) can join adults’ sessions, which are offered at beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels. You can check out the July schedule here, and keep an eye out for its dance camps.

THE PRICE TAG- A package of four classes for children could go for EGP 850, while adults will need to fork out EGP 1k. Larger packages have promotional offers. If you’re not ready to commit just yet, you can try out a class for EGP 300 (for children) or EGP 350 (for adults).

One of the forces behind the El Gouna Dance Festival which took place last September, Brass Monkeys Studios is located in Lake View’s Lake House Club and Maxim Country Club in New Cairo. The studio offers dance classes like salsa, afro and hip hop, pole, contemporary and adult ballet. If you want to try something new, the studio also offers breakdance and step dance classes.

THE PRICE TAG- Four classes start at EGP 1k, while 24 classes are for EGP 3.75k. If you’re in it for the long haul, you can purchase the 6-month super monkey pass for an unlimited number of sessions for EGP 12k or a year-long pass for 16k. Walk-ins pay EGP 250.

Dance hub Central Studio has two locations in New Cairo — one inside Capital InternationalSchools and the other on Road 90 — catering both to children (tiny ballerinas can attend assessments starting the age of 3.5) and adults. Sessions for adults include breakdance, K-pop, ballet, and contemporary. The studio hosts an annual dance show — dubbed Central Experience — where each of the programs get to showcase their skills and choreographies.

THE PRICE TAG- Walk-ins cost EGP 300, while a package of four classes — valid for one month — are EGP 1k, and 12 classes — also valid for one month — are for EGP 2.4k.

We Are Good Space (GS) was established back in 2011 and is renowned for its creative choreography classes and its many movement-focused training sessions. The studio is located inside LA7 gyms in Arkan Plaza and New Giza Sports Club. The studio’s July schedule features open choreography sessions, ballet, as well as hip hop classes. GS welcomes children aged 5 -11, teens aged 11-16, and adults in separate sessions.

THE PRICE TAG- Walk-ins for kids are EGP 250, while adults and teens need to pay EGP 300. Four classes cost EGP 800 for children and EGP 950 for adults. LA7 gym members get a special rate.

BONUS POINTS- In addition to their dance studios, GS also has a talent agency to foster talented dancers and choreographers in Egypt, in addition to an events agency that is currently organizing the region’s first international dance camp.

Another eclectic option — with a twist: DanZone Dance Studio is an International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO) member — but its key differentiating feature is its tap dance classes. Classes are available for all skill levels, and focus on “rhythm, timing, and technique,” according to its socials. If you’ve never tried tap dance, the studio explains it’s a high-energy dance that helps improve coordination, flexibility, and musicality. It also offers classes for jazz, contemporary, and ballet. The studio has locations in Heliopolis and Maadi’s Field Community Club.

THE PRICE TAG- Prices vary within the EGP 150 to 200 range for one-hour sessions and certain classes offer trials without charge.

BONUS POINTS- The studio is also hosting a summer camp for teens between 10 and 16 July.

The new Indiana Jones has the makings of a cult classic + a perfect Korba brunch spot

? AT THE MOVIES-

Could Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny become a future cult classic? It can be (at least, according to this review): The fifth installment of this legendary (no pun intended) franchise is the first of the series to not be written by George Lucas and/or directed by Steven Spielberg. That could explain why the film is being bombed by reviewers (watch, runtime: 11:31) and not doing well at the box office, because we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Our assessment: Franchise purists — long sick of Disney massacring their favorite films and characters like they’re Sonny Corleone — see this as another in a long line of misses by the conglomerate.

But we’re of the opinion that it could turn out to be a cult classic, especially as It follows the standard formula that made it a successful franchise. For one, Harrison Ford reprises his role with the coolness and ease we’re used to. This time as an aging Indiana Jones being reluctantly pulled back into action by his goddaughter, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame, to hunt down Archimedes’ Antikythera dial, rumored to have the ability to change the course of history, before the Nazis do. Classic Indy.

While the movie can serve as a standalone for those unfamiliar with the franchise, fans of Indy will be delighted by the throwbacks and cameos peppered throughout the movie, a little wink from Lucas and Spielberg, who both serve as executive producers. These nods to the original movies from now-director James Mangold (who directed Le Mans 66, aka Ford v Ferrari) may be mildly confusing if you’re a first-time watcher, but inconsequentially so.

Following up on the previous installment, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, seemed almost impossible — the movie famously torpedoed the franchise — but luckily, Mangold has experience breathing life into a flailing franchise as demonstrated by Logan, the brilliant swan song for X-Men’s Wolverine. Instead of walking back the events in Crystal Skull, Mangold leans into it while also grounding the movie significantly. So while overt supernatural elements carry over, they seem less out of left field. In the famous words of Professor Jones, it belongs in a museum.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the film at VOX Cinemas in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Citystars’ Stars Cinema, and Cairo Festival City Galaxy Cinema.

Finally, a comedy: The box office has been dominated by drama, horror, and superhero movies this year, but No Hard Feelings is here to set the tone for a more lighthearted summer. Jennifer Lawrence stars in this romcom (more like romp-com) as Maddie, a Montauk native struggling to keep her house amidst the gentrification of her village. So when she comes across an ad to date unsuspecting 19-year-old Percy (Broadway wunderkind Andrew Barth Feldman) in exchange for a car, she decides to go for it.

Not only a change of pace for movie theaters, the movie marks Lawrence’s freedom from the shackles of Oscar bait films and contracted franchises. Lawrence’s acting chops were already evident, earning her plenty of awards and nominations from the likes of the Golden Globe, the SAG Awards, and the Academy Awards — but not all good actors are good comedians. Luckily, Lawrence is. Her chemistry with Feldman is undeniably strong, and their comedic timing, on-screen charisma, and body comedy inspire many a laugh-out-loud moment, even when a good portion of the movie has been censored due to explicit scenes.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch No Hard Feelings at VOX Cinemas in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri is the Pulitzer prizewinner’s latest novel, and it doesn’t disappoint: Originally written in Italian and translated into English, the narrative revolves around an unnamed 40-something woman living in an unknown town, (which through the novel’s descriptions is akin to Rome) as she reflects on her life, experiences, and current status: an adult woman living by herself in a strange country.

Through her first-person narration we begin to discover different facets to her personality. These include parents that she worked hard to please in the past, and today, her mother who is distraught with grief after losing her father. We meet her friends and colleagues, whom she feels a great affection for, yet remains awkward, around. Finally, a figure of love that looms over her life like a shadow.

The novel is not long, but the prose is brilliant, as Lahiri’s story-telling renders the experience of loneliness — and of being an adult — intimately in a way that feels very familiar.

WHERE TO BUY IT- You can get your copy from your nearest Diwan. You can also select it on your online cart and pick it up from the branch of your choice.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Charlie’s is a breakfast spot with great ambiance and even better food: This charming Korba eatery occupies one of the area’s gorgeous classic villas, and offers a diverse breakfast menu available till 1:30pm.

What to order: Their croque madame is deliciously filling, made with fluffy focaccia bread and filled with smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, and sunny side eggs — perfect if you’re a one dish type of person. Their veggie omelet, served thick and soft in the pan, is also exceptional. A zaatar bun to share is a perfect accompaniment. Don’t forget to order their chocolate marshmallow pancakes to end the meal with a bang.

It’s not brunch without drinks: Try out their basil lemonade for a refreshing kick, but if you need your dose of java, you can’t go wrong with their rose latte.

? Per person: EGP 300-400

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

Take a break from action gameplay with Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk: A low-stress alternative to the action-packed plots with intense sidequests. This indie game by Indonesian developers Toge Productions is a charming visual novel that invites players into the cozy atmosphere of a late-night coffee shop, where you’re the owner and only barista to a diverse host of customers looking for sanctuary, each with their own unique story.

A novel-game hybrid: Whether you’re serving a triple espresso to a game-developer orc on a tight deadline, masala chai to a werewolf looking for love, or hot chocolate to a fugitive alien, you’ll be treated to endearing and surprisingly relatable narratives.

Visually, Coffee Talk has a nostalgic pixel art style that exudes the warm and slightly melancholy atmosphere of a coffee shop at midnight. The soft jazz soundtrack in the dimly-lit café alongside the pattering of rain against the windows and the gentle hum of the coffee machine makes for an intimate and immersive experience. With its strong blend of storytelling, stunning but familiar visuals, and soothing ambiance, Coffee Talk serves as an antidote to the plethora of violent video games — the popularity of which is undeniable — and a relaxing reminder to slow down.

WHERE TO GET IT- This game is available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Steam, and Xbox.

Breaking down why we communicate the way we do — and how we can do better

Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast for people who want to communicate effectively. Matt Abrahams, a professor of strategic communication at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, claims to be able to equip you with effective tools to help you improve your communication skills, an essential skill both in business and in life. Rather than framing itself as an instructive or self-help podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart dives into facets of communication that are often overlooked, to help unpack why we choose to communicate the way we do.

In Um, like, so, the podcast explores the role filler words play in our daily conversations — offering a unique perspective that challenges conventional wisdom on communicating, and argues that crutch words are essential communication tools. Abrahams and guest speaker Valerie Fridland, a professor of sociolinguistics, shed light on their significance, while delving into the idea that filler words, often chastised and seen as a hindrance in effective communication, actually fulfill a specific need in encoding both linguistic messages and social messages. They also examine the social context and functional purposes of vocal fry, uptalk, and using emojis in business communication.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can find this podcast onGoogle Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,, Youtube, and the Stanford Website.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

1 July to 9 September: “Masterpieces XXII” Exhibition, Zamalek Art Gallery, El-Zamalek, Cairo.

7 July (Friday): Medhat Saleh with the masters, Cairo Opera House, El-Zamalek, Cairo.

14 July (Friday): Amr Diab Sunset Party, SOL Beach Bar, Marassi, North Coast.

14 July (Friday): Charlie, Movenpick Media City, Cairo.

18 July (Tuesday): Islamic New Year.

19 July-23 July (Wednesday-Sunday): Egypt Summer Festival, Heliopolis.

20 July (Thursday): Sharmoofers, Shaheen and El Waily concert, Al-Itthad Alex Club, Somha, Alexandria.

20 July (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Islamic New Year (TBC).

23 July (Sunday): Revolution Day.

27 July (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Revolution Day.

27 July (Thursday): Cairokee mega-concert, Manara Arena, New Cairo.

28 July (Friday): Route Tech Summit 2023, Greek Campus, Tahrir, Cairo.

29 July (Saturday): Cairokee mega-concert, Manara Arena, New Cairo.

AUGUST

1 July to 9 September: “Masterpieces XXII” Exhibition, Zamalek Art Gallery, El-Zamalek, Cairo.

2 August-3 August (Wednesday-Thursday): Fintech Revolution Summit at 9:30am at Cairo Festival City.

12 August (Saturday): Global Village 23 by AIESEC Egypt, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo.

SEPTEMBER

28 September (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (TBC).

OCTOBER

6 October (Friday): Armed Forces Day.

13 October- 20 October (Friday-Friday): El Gouna Film Festival (GFF).

NOVEMBER

15-24 November (Wednesday-Friday): Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).

17-22 November (Friday-Wednesday): Drama Therapy Retreatat Ardi.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2023: The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

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