Ramadan TV trends

1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

THIS EVENING: Egypt considers leasing gasification unit to bolster gas supply prior to summer season

Good afternoon, folks, and happy Thursday. The news cycle is picking up as we approach the final weekend of Ramadan and the eventual Eid holiday.

** So, when do we eat? Maghrib prayers are at 6:16 pm in the capital city, and you’ll have until 4:10 am tomorrow to hydrate and caffeinate ahead of fajr.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

Egypt is moving to lease a gasification unit to be docked at the Gulf of Suez as it aims to secure more gas supplies ahead of summer, a government source told Enterprise this morning.

Egypt has imported at least two LNG shipments that will be regasified in Jordan’s Aqaba to be delivered next month, the source added, confirming a Bloomberg report that cited what it said are traders with knowledge of the matter.

The rationale: Natural gas is currently at favorable prices globally after the winter season ended in Europe. Egypt is planning to stock in more shipments before summer, the source explained.

Remember: Egypt had bid farewell to the era of leasing floating storage regasification units (FSRU) years ago when it ended a contract with the Norwegian Höegh Gallant in 2018 as the government pulled the plug on gas imports following the discovery of Zohr field, which has allowed Egypt to re-emerge again as a natural gas export hub.

The shift in course happens as the government decided last summer to ration natural gas consumption amid a decline in local production. The move saw the Madbouly government introduce power outages that are expected to be resumed after Eid Al Fitr break, a source in the electricity sector told Enterprise yesterday.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

There’s no single story leading the conversation in the international business press this afternoon, but a big point of focus is Benny Gantz’s call for early elections in Israel. A member of Israel’s war cabinet, Gantz’s proposal mounts pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as domestic protests swell alongside international criticism over Israel’s attack on Gaza. Gantz suggested holding the polls in September instead of the scheduled 2026, saying it was necessary to confront upcoming challenges and to seek the trust of the Israeli populace. (Bloomberg)

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

FX inflows push net foreign reserves to highest level in two years: Net foreign reserves rose by over USD 5 bn to their highest level since Russia’s war on Ukraine triggered the flight of hot money from EMs back in February 2022. Reserves increased to USD 40.36 bn at the end of March, compared to USD 35.31 in February.
Business activity was more or less unfazed by the bigger IMF package, wave of reforms in March: Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity saw a “softer but still-solid deterioration” in March due to persistent currency challenges and elevated inflationary pressures.
Pharma industry sets the wheels in motion on potential price hikes: The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) is studying a number of requests and proposals for new med pricing schemes put forward by local pharma companies.

?️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Expect a partly sunny day with the mercury hitting a high of 32°C and a low of 17°C, according to our favorite weather app.

Apple to venture into smart home appliances after closing down its vehicle division

Forget EVs — Apple’s new “next best thing” is home robotics: After scrapping last month their ambitious project of building an electric vehicle (EV), Apple is now moving towards competing in the realm of personal robotics, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. The tech giant is exploring mobile robots following their users around their homes alongside a table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around, added the sources.

The company is feeling the crunch to find new revenue streams. Between canceling the EV project, and the long wait before the Vision Pro headset starts to generate substantial income, the company is dipping its toes in personal robotics to expand its presence in consumer households and leverage its progress in artificial intelligence.

Apple has been looking to land gold with a product that will ultimately match the success of the iPhone, which was responsible for 52% of Apple’s USD 383.3 bn in sales last year, Bloomberg says. The electric car had the potential of becoming that cashcow, with a c. USD 100k price tag per car — giving it the potential of having a much stronger impact on Apple’s bottom line than most of its other products.

But if the robotics push pans out, Apple could join other tech behemoths in the smart homes market, such as Amazon’s voice-controlled home robot, Astro. Although it's in its nascent stages, AI researchers have already begun investigating the use of algorithms to help robots navigate successfully around homes. The company has yet to commit to either project on a corporate level, with the work still in its early research phase, according to a spokeswoman who declined to comment.

Bedoon Sabeq Enzar’s plot twists could make it the season’s best drama

? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

Bedoon Sabeq Enzar is a drama series that’ll have you hooked within the first few scenes: The events revolve around a married couple, Marwan (Asser Yassin) and Leila (Aisha Bin Ahmed), who suffer from a lack of understanding and communication with one another after being married for eight years, which prompts Leila to ask Marwan for a separation. But their life turns upside down when they discover that their only son, Omar, has been diagnosed with Leukemia — along with a surprise that changes the course of events completely.

What we like so far: All of the elements in the series are well integrated to provide the audience with the correct dose of dramatics they need, combined with captivating performances from Yassin and Bin Ahmed who are naturally relatable without artifice. Other cast members proved their strong presence such as Marwan’s younger brother Hassan (Ahmed Khaled Saleh), and his wife Noha (Jihad Hossam El Din), as both of them were successful in embodying their characters convincingly. We also enjoyed the soundtrack, curated by the musician Khaled El Kammar, which added a new dimension to the scenes by conveying to the viewer the full emotional experience in each moment.

The creators behind the series have so far maintained the pace of the series well enough to keep us eager for the next episode, which is nothing new for director Hani Khalifa, who has previously directed many dramas that have succeeded the masses of both on the small screen such as Fok Mostawa El Shobohat and Layali Eugenie, as well as the big screen such as Sahar El Layali and Rehla 404.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Watch IT and catch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime 0:42).

⚽Liverpool is playing a crucial game against Sheffield United at 8:30pm tonight. The Reds want to reclaim the Premier League lead again from Arsenal who made its way to the top of the table again yesterday after beating Luton Town 2-0. The leaders now have 68 points, only one point ahead of Liverpool and Man City who also had a wide victory by 4-1 against Aston Villa yesterday.

Away from the title race, Chelsea and Man United are kicking off their match tonight at 9:15pm. Man United is currently in sixth place with 48 points, while Chelsea stands in 12th place with 40 points.

There’s a single match tonight in La Liga today where Granada takes on Valenciaat 8pm in a postponed game from matchday 26.

The second leg of the African Champions League quarter-finals is here, with Al Ahly going head to head again with Tanzania’s Simba tomorrow at 10pm. In the first leg, Al Ahly had beaten Simba with a 1-0 score.

Gameweek 32 of the Premier League kicks off on Saturday:

Crystal Palace vs Man City (1:30pm)
Aston Villa vs Brentford (4pm)
Fulham vs Newcastle (4pm)
Wolverhampton vs West Ham (4pm)
Everton vs Burnley (4pm)
Luton Town vs Bournemouth (4pm)
Brighton vs Arsenal (6:30pm)

Over in the Spanish Copa del Rey final, Atletico Bilbao and Real Mallorca are going head to head on Saturday at 10pm.

Other matches worth your time in the European Leagues this Saturday:

Milan vs Lecce (Serie A, 3pm)
Roma vs Lazio (Serie A, 6pm)
Heidenheim vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga, 3:30pm)
Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga, 3:30pm)
Dortmund vs VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga, 6:30pm)

Egyptian League matches this weekend:

Al Masry vs Al Ittihad (10pm tonight)
ENPPI vs Pharco (10pm tonight)
National Bank vs El Dakhleya (10pm tonight)
Pyramids vs El Gaish (10pm Friday)

Experience the essence of the Red Sea in Nagham Al Bahr’s performance at ROOM.Tonight’s evening will be filled with soul-stirring rhythms and mesmerizing tunes of 'the Orban' to the haunting melodies of 'Fishermen,' inspired by the marine and Bedouin traditions of the Red Sea. Doors open at 8:30pm and the concert starts at 9pm. Click here to get your tickets here.

THIS WEEKEND-

Bibliothekis hosting El Warsha band tomorrow at 9 pm as part of an evening that will contain songs, stories, and sketches. Experience Sufi ballads, Chekov’s parables, and music from the roaring 20s. More details can be found here.

Round off Ramadan with Iftar at Wadi Degla tomorrow. VAMOS is hosting a light hike ahead of Maghrib before settling down for Iftar with a view of the valley at sunset. Huddle around the campfire and enjoy some post-Iftar tea prepared on charcoal under the stars. The EGP 500 price tag includes the meal and the entrance ticket to the protectorate. Bring your own plates, cups, and utensils, but don’t worry about the TP. The campsite has four spic and span bathrooms.

Vibe at a Mevlevi Night this weekend. The group will perform their signature ballads and traditional dances at Royal Park Mall starting at 9:30pm tomorrow. Booking details can be found on the events page. Tickets range from EGP 250 to EGP 2.5k.

Recharge and unwind before iftar at Sukun’s Chakra & Sound Bath Workshop this Saturday, 6 April from 4:15pm until 5:45pm. Take a moment to pause and replenish your energy before breaking fast by guiding you through gentle chakra meditation practices, helping you to realign and rebalance your energy centers. Book your spot through their instagram page.

LATER-

If you haven’t made Eid plans, grab tickets forAmr Diab’s concert in Gouna. These fast-selling tickets are going out fast, where El Hadaba will be performing on Wednesday, 10 April. Get your tickets at Ticketsmarche.

Mark your calendars for Metro Boomin’s debut performance right here in Om El Donia at the Pyramids. The multi–Grammy Nominated producer Metro Boomin will be performing all of his top hits at Kundalini Grand Pyramids on Tuesday, 30 April, Get your tickets before they sell out on Ticketsmarche.

Althoff's signature dry humor adds an entertaining flair to each episode, making even the most mundane topics engaging. For example, her conversation with Mark Cuban on the floor of a warehouse provided unexpected insights into the bn’aire businessman's personality and preferences. Similarly, her interview with Drake — conducted from a bed — may not have delved into deep topics, but offered a unique and lighthearted perspective on the music icon.

It may not offer the profound insights or structured narratives of some other shows. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide listeners with a fun and entertaining escape — whether you're a fan of celebrity culture or simply enjoy candid conversations.

You can listen to this podcast onApple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean.

What the markets are doing on 4 April 2024

The EGX30 rose 2.0% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.2 bn (36.2% below the 90-day average). Foreign investors were net buyers. The index is up 14.5% YTD.

In the green: GB Corp (+7.2%), Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals (+6.2%) and TMG Holding (+5.3%).

In the red: Egypt-Kuwait Holding- EGP (-0.9%), Juhayna (-0.5%).

Beyond Iftar: Unveiling Ramadan’s cultural tapestry

Fasting isn’t the only shared experience we look forward to during Ramadan. Beyond the spiritual reflection and delicious treats lies another staple of the Holy Month: The world of entertainment. Publicist Inc., a comms and publicity agency based in Egypt, compiled data from 24 sources and 34 reports to analyze entertainment habits in the MENA region, giving us insight into a season-specific industry that costs USD bns annually.

This deep dive reveals how the small screen transforms during Ramadan, lit up by TV shows and commercials produced specifically for the Holy Month, and more often than not becoming launchpads for earworms — their theme songs and jingles become the soundtracks of the season.

These productions become more than entertainment: They spark conversations that spill over from living rooms to offices to social media, igniting discussions, celebrating exceptional performances, and — this year — representing solidarity with Palestine. A closer look at the core of these trends places a finger on the socio-economic and political pulse of the region.

No surprise here — Egypt leads the drama production industry. Egypt is responsible for 58% of all TV shows airing during Ramadan, continuing its reign as the region’s chief filmmaker — Egypt produces around three-quarters of all TV show and film output in the Arab world year-round. The remaining 42% of Ramadan drama production is shared by the remaining 20 countries in the MENA region.

So what have we been watching? Comedies top the charts this year, with Ashghal Shaqa dominating discussions and praise. According to Publicist Inc., of the top 10 roles being commended online, four go to actors on Ashghal Shaqa — Mostafa Ghareeb, Enaam Saloosa, Eman El Sayid, and Entesar. The six remaining spots are divided across five shows, with Aala Nesbit Moshahda ’s Salma Abu Deif and Mohamed Mahmoud being hailed as this year’s favorite actors.

Other hits drawing Egyptians in on Shahidare El Madah, El Atawla, Aala Nesbit Moshahda, and Kamel El Adad. While Neama El Avocato didn’t break our top five, the show was popular both in the KSA and the UAE. Watch It’s offerings garnered high views as well, with the country’s favorites being El Hashashin, Lahzet Ghadab, El Kebeer Awi, El Mealim, and Haqq Arab.

INSIGHTS THIS RAMADAN-

#1- The 15-episode series is dominating the season. In an interesting development, the 15-episode series format has climbed the ranks, making up 65% of the shows airing during Ramadan this year. Popular shows only taking up half of the season are Neama El Avocato, Farawla, Kamel El Adad and Khaled Nour and His Son Nour Khaled, among others. This format has seen a 28% rise since last year, when it stood at 37% of all Ramadan TV shows.

#2- Several productions mirrored Egyptians’ interest in local brands in support of Palestine. Several Egyptian TV shows and commercials have made an effort to promote local brands. Massar Egbari gave brands like Spiro Spathis airtime on the show, Neama El Avocato’s director was praised for revising shots to avoid inadvertent marketing for international brands, and Banque Du Caire’s ad promoted locally manufactured products.

#3- Commercials that have shown solidarity with Palestine have gone viral, which was present in WE’s commercial featuring watermelons on people’s clothes, which are a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

Others came under fire for insensitivity towards the cause. Lunch Box, Ghada Adel’s adaptation of NBC’s Good Girls, was criticized for lightheartedly quoting a video of a Palestinian mother crying over her son, who was killed by Israeli forces, prompting the director to apologize. Tamer Hosny, on the other hand, defended his ad work for Chipsy, now owned by Pepsi, but emphasized his support for Palestine.

#4- Light shone on controversial topics: TV shows leading the discussions this year were Aala Nesbit Moshahda and Selat Rahim.The first discusses a social development many view as the bane of our culture: Chasing internet clout. Aala Nesbit Moshahda shows the lengths to which some people go to chase high viewership on social media.

Selat Rahim presented a more ethical dilemma. Surrogacy and abortion are rarely explored in mainstream Egyptian media, and Selat Rahim sparked many debates regarding the ethics, legality, and religious permissibility of these complex social issues.

#5- Once controversial, mahraganat music is now making a comeback in mainstream media. In 2020, Hany Shaker, then-head of the Musicians’ Syndicate, called mahraganat a threat to Egyptian culture. Despite the Syndicate still exerting pressure on singers of this genre, mahraganat tracks have topped music streaming platforms this Holy Month, headlining as theme songs for six of the top Ramadan TV shows, including Haqq Arab, Masar Egbari, and El Atawla.

Other interesting advents being seen this year is the inclusion of international celebrities in ads launched during Ramadan. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have partnered with the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriquez to support their advertising campaigns. Because nothing screams Ramadan Kareem like seeing Messi in a ghotra.

ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

APRIL

4 April (Thursday): Sarah Morgan performance at The Drive.

4 April (Thursday): Red Sea Heritage Musical performance at ROOM Garden City.

4 April (Thursday): Qahrawya’s Iftour in Desert of the Mamluks.

4-7 April (Thursday-Sunday): Chic Market bazaar at Capital Plaza Mall.

5 April (Friday): Sufi dance performance at Dawar Arts.

5 April (Friday): Barzakh concert at Studio Nasibian Theater.

5 April (Friday): Amar Al Din musical performance by Al Warsha band at Bibliothek Egypt.

5 April (Friday): Iftar at Wadi Degla with VAMOS.

5 April (Friday): Evodia performance at The Drive.

5-6 April (Friday-Saturday): Mevlevi Night at Royal Park.

6 April (Saturday): Chakra & Sound Bath Workshop at Sukun

6 April (Saturday): Sufi singing with Mostafa Mohalel at ROOM New Cairo.

9 April (Tuesday): Eid El Fitr (TBC).

10 April (Wednesday): Amr Diab concert at Cubix El Gouna.

11 April (Thursday): Oscar and the Wolf concert at the Pyramids.

11 April (Thursday): Om Kalthoum puppet theater performance at Elsawy Culturewheel.

12 April (Friday): Amr Hassan concert at Elsawy Culturewheel.

13 April (Saturday): Hilarity Heights standup comedy show at ROOM Garden City.

13 April (Saturday): Komedy Koshk Comedy Night at ROOM New Cairo.

18 April (Thursday): Massar Egbari x AUC Tahrir CultureFest at AUC Tahrir Square.

19 April (Friday): Keinmusik at the Giza Pyramids by Panorama 2.

20 April-June 8 (Saturday-Saturday): Sketching Course at Art Square Academy.

23-24 April (Tuesday-Wednesday): Omar Khairat concert at Cairo Opera House.

25 April (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Sinai Liberation Day (TBC).

25-27 April (Thursday-Saturday): Insomnia Egypt Gaming Festival at the International Exhibitions Center.

30 April-5 May (Tuesday-Sunday): Next Level International Summer Camp.

MAY

1 May (Wednesday): National holiday in observance of Labor Day (TBC).

3 May (Friday): Youth to Business (Y2B) event at The GrEEK Campus.

5 May (Sunday): Coptic Easter.

6 May (Monday): Sham El Nessim (TBC).

23-25 May (Thursday-Saturday): The Design Show at Cairo International Conventions Center.

24 Mary (Friday): The Glow Run by The TriFactory at Palm Hills Sports Club.

25 May (Saturday): Techne Summit at the Cairo International Stadium.

JUNE

15-19 June (Saturday-Wednesday): Eid El Adha (TBC).

30 June (Sunday): June 30 Revolution Day (TBC).

JULY

7 July (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Islamic New Year (TBC).

23 July (Tuesday): Revolution Day (TBC).

SEPTEMBER

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

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2023: The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Q1 2024: Opening of the newly developed Pyramids Plateau in Giza.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily