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Going solo

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

El Sisi is on his way to Ankara

Good afternoon, friends. We are in for a busy evening with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi expected to land in Turkey any minute now, giving us plenty to look forward to on the diplomacy front.

THE BIG STORY TODAY-

El Sisi is on his way to Ankara: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is en route to the Turkish capital where he will hold meetings with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and together they will co-chair the first meeting of the High-level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries, according to an Ittihadiya statement.

Cooperation ahead: The two presidents will oversee the signing of several MoUs between the two sides covering a wide range of undisclosed sectors.

The two countries are “opening a new chapter,” El Sisi said in a presser when Erdogan made his first visit in over a decade in February. The two sides have been working to mend a decade of tense relations triggered by a host of issues, including Erogan’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, competing interests in Libya, and tensions over gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. Under this new relationship, the two countries are planning to boost annual bilateral trade from USD 6.6 bn in 2023 to USD 15 bn in the next few years.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

After a turbulent day on Wall Street, the international press has shifted its attention from the stock market to Europe’s largest automaker Volgswagen, whose employees are carrying out protests after it announced that it’s looking to carry out unprecedented factory closures in Germany — shutting down a vehicle plant and a component factory — in response to dwindling demand. Shutting down plants would see the company turn its back on a promise not to cut jobs in Germany before 2029. The automaker expects to sell 500k less cars in Europe a year — “the equivalent of around two plants,” CFO Arno Antlitz said. (Bloomberg | FT | CNBC)

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

  • Cash-based subsidies will range between EGP 500-1,250, a government source told Enterprise. A two-person household will receive a monthly EGP 500, three-person households will receive EGP 750, while four-person households will be getting a monthly EGP 1,250. Households with more than four members will not be eligible for any subsidies.
  • Qalaa officially offloads 18% stake in Taqa in debt settlement agreement: Qalaa Holdings has settled some EGP 3.35 bn worth of debt to four local banks in exchange for a 17.7% stake — 239 mn shares — in Taqa Arabia.
  • Finally in the green: Non-oil private sector activity expanded in August for the first time in over three years.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- The mercury is peaking in Cairo tomorrow at 34°C before simmering to a low of 25°C by nightfall, according to our favorite weather app.

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FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Solo dining is becoming more and more popular

More people are choosing to dine alone at restaurants, forcing restaurants to become more accommodating. The trend may be attributed to the rise of remote work — not only because workers may want to step outside for a quick bite instead of nesting at home, but also because people have become more comfortable being alone.

Table for one, please. Since 2022, solo reservations have increased by 29% in the US, 18% in Germany and 14% in the UK, indicating a global shift. A study conducted in Japan showed a 5% increase in solo diners in as many years.

It isn’t an isolation technique. The attitude around solo ventures has changed, and is being seen as a movement towards self-love and enjoying your own company, said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, a reservation site for restaurants. The Japanese word for this activity is ohitorisama — alone, with added honorifics to signify a deliberate choice rather than a matter of circumstance. Anna Mattila, a professor at Penn State who studied solo dining, says that smartphones help people feel connected even without company.

While restaurants have adapted to this trend, they’re not happy about it. Restaurants in countries like Japan have adopted seating arrangements that accommodate more solo diners, and adjusted the size of servings to allow singular customers to enjoy more dishes. For others behind the curve, solo diners take up tables that would otherwise host more people, amounting in a fiscal loss. Michelin-starred restaurant Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, made waves by charging solo customers the same as a party of two.

Is it actually a loss? COO of Overthrow Hospitality Drew Brady believes that short-term losses will ultimately lead to restaurants garnering an inviting reputation. Overthrow Hospitaly’s Lightspeed restaurant is one of many keeping track of solo dining trends to attune themselves to the preferences of singular customers.

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ENTERPRISE RECOMMENDS

? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Designated Survivor follows Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), the US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, as he is suddenly made President of the United States after a tragic attack wipes out everyone ahead of him in the line of succession.

Thrust into the highest office in the country while wearing a Cornell sweatshirt and jeans, Kirkman is set up as a character who is totally unprepared for the role — but that’s what makes the show intriguing. As the story unfolds, Kirkman must quickly learn the ropes of leadership in a tense environment.

We watch as Kirkman grapples with the shock of his new reality, trying to navigate the chaos while keeping his family safe and trying to uncover the truth about the attack. He faces pressure from military officials and the remnants of the government, all while dealing with his own doubts and fears. The tension and strong emotions are perfectly portrayed by the characters in the show, leaving the audience eager to see what happens next.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Designated Survivor on Netflix or watch the trailer (runtime: 2:38).

⚽ International matches hit the pitch today, starting with four matches in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers:

  • Sudan vs. Niger — Group F (4pm).
  • Comoros vs. Gambia — Group A (6pm).
  • Libya vs. Rwanda — Group D (7pm).
  • Tanzania vs. Ethiopia — Group H (7pm).

?EAT THIS TONIGHT-

Your sweet tooth will thank you for trying Tabi, a new go-to spot for all things sweet. Located in Arabella Plaza, this spot is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth and a penchant for playful, indulgent desserts.The menu features a variety of unique treats, including fried ice cream, cruffles, and ice cream stuffed inside cupcakes.

What to get: The rich mistika ice cream is expectedly mild both in taste and in sugar, and is perfectly complemented by the sweet pistachio sauce. If you like letting your camera eat first, its fried shell will give you that TikTok-worthy crunch.

Don’t miss out on the peanut butter choco pretzel soft serve. The chocolate/peanut butter soft serve is topped with crispy pretzel crumbs and a drizzle of caramel. It was a great summer alternative for a Snickers bar or a Reese’s cup.

The star of the show was the birthday cake hi-hat cupcake. This creation features a halved cupcake stuffed with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and covered in sprinkles and drizzle of jelly sauce.

As of now they do deliver, but to New Cairo residents only through Talabat.

? OUT AND ABOUT-
(all times CLT)

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

For the love of Coldplay: Strawberry Swing will be performing Coldplay’s top hits at Sawy Culture Wheel in Zamalek tomorrow at 7:30pm. Grab your tickets here.

If you want to LOL head to the High Five stand up comedy show with Abdelrahman Mohamed, Badr Nour Eldin, Gamal Ramzy, Fekry Tarek, and Pola Samwel at Theatro Arkan in Sheikh Zayed on Friday, 6 September starting 8pm. Book your spot for the show here.

The Racines art exhibition is open. Head to Art Corner Gallery in Zamalek to witness a showcase of Iman Khattab’s art. The exhibition will run until Wednesday, 18 September.

HAPPENING LATER-

Think you have what it takes to write a real page turner? Attend this Fiction Workshop withMai Serhan at Diwan Heliopolis and find out. The workshop will begin on Saturday, 14 September and sessions will take place every Saturday for six weeks. Book your spot here.

Creativity will be taking center stage at She Arts festival at AUC Tahrir. From Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September the event will feature a diverse lineup of artistic and musical performances — offering female artists from around the world a platform to express themselves, connect, and collaborate. Get your tickets here.

Idreesi is back with another powerful performance. Following his sold-out show in Cairo in March 2023, he’s once again about to perform the electro-pop and synth-pop sounds fused with Arabic melodies and poetry that have defined his career. Catch the show on Thursday, September 12 at Rawabet Art Space. Grab your tickets.

The Ice Warrior Challenge makes a thrilling return to Ski Egypt, featuring over 20 challenging obstacles at freezing temperatures, this is the ultimate endurance test for athletes. The event will take place on Saturday 28 September starting at 9am. Book your spot here.

!_StoryHed_! Some people are not as they seem, especially those closest to you
!_StoryTags_! Under the lamplight

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Follow the white rabbit down a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of grief, obsession, and the dark corners of the internet. Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody follows Theodora Angstrom, whose sister Angie is the subject of an unresolved missing person case. After their father, Mark, takes his own life, Teddy discovers his involvement in a Reddit community fixated on Angie’s disappearance. This sparks an obsession with the case that rivals her father’s.

Teddy gets entangled in a web of secret strained relationships, and a mysterious amateur sleuth named Mickey, as she unravels the threads of her sister’s disappearance. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Teddy’s tumultuous personal life, which she destroys in a warpath in search of the truth.

The book underscores the lasting impact of unresolved grief on an individual’s psyche. The portrayal of the online community highlights the dangers of online echo chambers, where individuals can become consumed by a shared obsession, blurring the line between seeking justice and perverse rubbernecking.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can order Rabbit Hole through Noon.

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GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 4 September 2024

The EGX30 fell 0.1% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.6 bn (18.3% above the 90-day average). Regional investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 24.5% YTD.

In the green: Edita (+5.0%), Telecom Egypt (+2.8%), and Emaar Misr (+2.6%).

In the red: Beltone Holding (-2.3%), Madinet Masr (-2.1%), and Mopco (-1.6%).

This publication is proudly sponsored by


16 July-15 October (Tuesday-Tuesday): In the Company of Mahmoud Said exhibition at Aisha Fahmy Palace.

1-4 September (Monday-Wednesday): International Food, Beverage & SuperMarket Equipment Exhibition 2024 at Cairo International Convention Centre.

4 September (Wednesday): Back to school at CJC.

5 September (Thursday): Strawberry Swing, Coldplay Tribute concert at Sawy Culture Wheel.

6 September (Friday): The High Five stand up comedy show at Theatro Arkan.

12 September (Thursday): Idreesi Live in Cairo at Rawabet Art Space.

12-15 September (Thursday-Sunday): MEDFEST Egypt at AUC Tahrir Square.

13 September (Friday): Omar Khairat’s concert at ZED Park.

13 September (Friday): Ain Gamal X 6th edition MedFest EG at AUC Tahrir Square.

13 September (Friday): 100 Years of Singing Concert with Ali El Haggar at Cairo Opera House.

14 September - 19 October (Saturday-Saturday): Fiction Workshop with Mai Serhan at Diwan Heliopolis.

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

19 September (Thursday): Omar Khairat concert at ZED Park.

20 September (Friday): Bikers Automotive Festival at El Leila El Kebira.

23-24 September (Monday-Tuesday): Omar Khairat concert at Cairo Opera House.

26-29 (Thursday-Sunday): She Arts festival at AUC Tahrir.

28 September (Saturday): Ice Warrior Challenge at Ski Egypt.

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

3-12 October (Thursday-Thursday): Film My Design festival at Zawya Cinema.

10-12 October (Thursday-Saturday): EVs Electrify! Expo & Conference 2024 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

13-17 October (Friday-Tuesday): Cairo Water Week at The New Administrative Capital.

29-30 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Intelligent Cities Exhibition & Conference (ICEC) at Waldorf Astoria.

NOVEMBER

14-16 November (Thursday-Saturday): Raabta Wellness Festival at El Gouna.

DECEMBER

14 December (Saturday): The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon.

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