A new (fifth) generation

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Three more telecom companies secure 5G licenses

Good afternoon, folks, and a warm welcome back after the long weekend.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

The telecoms sector is gearing up for the launch of 5G: The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) inked USD 450 mn worth of agreements at an event today that granted 5G service licenses to Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt. Vodafone Egypt is planning to launch its 5G services within six months, according to CEO Mohamed Abdallah.

And then there were four: The companies that secured the USD 150 mn licenses will join Telecom Egypt, which secured the license at the start of the year.

Why this matters: 5G can deliver speeds up to 100x faster than 4G with ultra-low latency that could allow everything from remote surgeries to super-fast downloads and a “true” internet of things. It’s slowly rolling out in developed markets, and when it works (and it’s not chewing up your battery), it will be a game changer.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

The world’s business press is squarely focussed on taking stock of the war on Gaza one year into the assault on the enclave, with business news firmly pushed down the digital front page. With over 41k killed in Gaza and much of the densely populated area now reduced to rubble, fear of what’s to come far outweighs any hopes of an approaching ceasefire in the global press.

WHILE IN BUSINESS NEWS- BP has abandoned its ambitious plan to cut oil and gas output 25% by 2030 as the global energy giant seeks to regain investor confidence and boost profitability amid supply chain issues, high interest rates, and costly renewables projects, according to three sources speaking to Reuters. BP CEO Murray Auchincloss is expected to officially drop the target and reveal the company’s new strategy in February.

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

The stakes are high for Egypt’s financial future as 2025 approaches: Cautious optimism is returning to Egypt’s business landscape after a tough year. We turned to three industry leaders to share their expectations on pressing topics such as M&A activity, debt flows, the all-important FX rate for the coming year, as well as key pieces of legislation and regulation now in the pipeline.
Ras El Hekma officially kicks off construction with a raft of agreements: Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ has chosen portfolio company Modon Holding to be the master developer on its landmark USD 35 bn Ras El Hekma project on the North Coast.
Growth slowed 1.4 percentage points last fiscal year: GDP growth for the fiscal year 2023-2024 came in at 2.4%, driven by geopolitical tension and volatility in the global economy.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Temps have remained fairly stable recently, with tomorrow’s temperature expected to reach a high of 32°C and a low of 23°C in the capital, according to our favorite weather app.

Late-night blues

With darkness comes… sadness? Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, it’s not uncommon to experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, or negative thoughts late at night. Speaking to the New York Times, clinical psychiatrist Theresa Miskimen sums up the particular brand of ennui that accompanies what some call nighttime depression as “that feeling of: There’s no joy. My life is so blah.”

The why: A lot of our late-night gloominess actually comes down to our body clock, or the system that controls when we feel like we need to eat, sleep, and engage in other critical functions. If our body clock and sleep schedule aren’t aligned, many systems in the body become less efficient — with significant knock-on effects for your mood. For example, studies have found that working the night shift is associated with a higher risk of physical and mental health issues, including depression.

What’s the solution? The first step is to establish a healthy sleep schedule. According to Sarah Chellappa, an associate professor at the University of Southampton, this means sleeping and waking up at consistent times, not napping during the day, and avoiding screens and electronics an hour before bed. The TL;DR? Say farewell to falling asleep while scrolling.

Other factors: Physical factors, such as consuming too much caffeine or a heavy dinner, can also interfere with sleep and lead to or exacerbate depressive symptoms. So too can your thought patterns, like ruminating or stressing out about big decisions. Mornings may be a better time to sweat the serious stuff, says Alfred Lewy, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University. “When you wake up in the morning, your mood should brighten, and you should have a less pessimistic outlook on what you were so distraught about a few hours earlier,” he said.

When to seek help: If your negative mood continues over the course of days or weeks, and is accompanied by fear, paranoia, and impulsivity, it might be best to see a health care provider.

Your caffeine addiction just got the greenlight: The morning cup of coffee is a much-cherished — and often much-needed — part of many of our morning rituals. As it turns out, it also may have some pretty significant health benefits too. According to a recent study on caffeine and health, coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and certain cardiovascular conditions. “Overall, coffee does more good than bad,” said Rob van Dam, a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the Milken Institute School of Public Health.

The experts have spoken — but how much coffee is too much coffee? While we’ve all experienced the caffeine jitters, coffee can have more pernicious side effects as well. A racing heart, anxiousness, nausea, and trouble sleeping can all be caused by excessive caffeine consumption, says Jennifer Temple, a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the University at Buffalo. Other side effects include headaches, acid reflux, and possibly even tremors or vomiting, says Dr Adrienne Hughes, a medical toxicologist and an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Oregon Health and Science University.

Happily, serious side effects like these are a relatively rare occurrence. According to Dr Hughes, you would need to consume at least 10k mg of caffeine — or the equivalent of about 50 to 100 cups of coffee, depending on the strength — for it to be potentially fatal. Caffeine-induced rises in blood pressure and heart rate are not uncommon, but rarely approach dangerous levels.

Still, it’s important to take into account your medical history and tolerance to caffeine when assessing your optimal intake. Those who are prone to abnormal heart rhythms may be more sensitive to the side effects of coffee, for instance. The rate at which your body breaks down caffeine also varies from person to person — think of that one friend you have that has an espresso shot at night and falls asleep without issues, versus the other who won’t have a drop past noon.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how your body responds: According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the average adult can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine — around two to three 12 oz cups. But according to Dr Temple “you just kind of have to listen to your body. If you’re starting to feel nauseous or jittery or anxious, maybe cut back. If it’s affecting your sleep, cut back,” she said.

Wrongfully convicted for murder and mistaken for a pilot

? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

This Swedish crime-comedy follows a hapless salesman who is stricken by a series of unfortunate events. In Netflix’s Trouble, Conny (Filip Berg) is wrongfully convicted of murder after finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, initiating a chain of events that make for a uniquely entertaining ride.

Berg’s dry humor perfectly captures Conny’s perpetual misfortune. His tumultuous journey at times verges on the ridiculous, with the movie's comic appeal — alongside its central murder mystery plot — keeping the viewer invested in the action and adding a different element to the film.

Conny’s relationship with his daughter, Julia (Isabelle Aronsson), serves as the emotional anchor amid the chaos. His earnest desire to clear his name and secure a horse for Julia’s birthday provides depth to his character and makes his struggles more relatable. The chemistry between the characters contributes to the film’s charm, even as the narrative itself wades into sillier waters.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can watch Trouble on Netflix or watch the trailer. (runtime: 1:52)

We tried the roasted chicken, served with fluffy rice. The chicken was perfectly cooked, with a golden-brown, crispy skin that crackled with each bite. It was tender and juicy, and had a perfect blend of herbs and spices. This dish is ideal for those nights when you crave a warm, comforting meal without the hassle of cooking.

Next, we ventured into the realm of pizza — the highlight of our experience. We sampled both the chicken ranch and chicken barbecue pizzas, and to say they were delicious would be an understatement. The dough was fresh, the cheese was delicious, and the toppings were generous. The ranch pizza in particular stood out.

We also opted for the mahshi, hoping to enjoy an oriental flavor profile. While the dish was hearty, it didn’t quite hit the mark for us. It served as a reminder that some things are best left homemade.

WHERE TO FIND: The hot meals are available in these Seoudi branches: Shorouk, Dreamland, City Stars, Zayed, and District 5.

The celebration of music continues at the Arab Music Festival, which kicks off on Friday, 11 October. The festival’s lineup includes Medhat Saleh, Ali El Haggar, Abeer Nehme, Wael Jassar, Lotfi Bouchnak, and more. The festival will run until Thursday, 24 October — tickets can be booked through Tazkarti.

Go on a run in Egypt’s historic city at the Luxor Half Marathon. Cairo Runners’ annual event will take place on Friday, 11 October. Pick between a 21km or 10km race, or a short family run. You can register here.

Registration is still open for the Scaled Games. Show off your skills by taking part in one of the three sporting competitions available: running, football, or crossfit. Running and crossfit will both take place on Friday, 11 October, while the football tournament will take place starting Friday, 27 September to Friday, 11 October. All events will happen in New Heliopolis City. You can sign up on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING LATER-

The largest collection of prints in the country. Cairopolitan is bringing together a collection of artwork from over 180 local and regional artists to display in the Cairo Prints Exhibition. The gallery will be open from Friday, 18 October till Monday, 18 November in Garden City.

Got the moves? The 16th edition of Cairo International Jazz Festival will take place from Thursday, October 31 to Friday, November 8, 2024 at the American University in Cairo campus in Tahrir. Tickets available on Ticketsmarche.

The fourth edition of Forever is Now is approaching. This year, a lineup of 12 global visionary artists are ready to display their work at the iconic Pyramids of Giza — including two groundbreaking AI-powered projects. The exhibition will start on Thursday, 24 October and continue till Saturday, 16 November.

Prepare for the sixth edition of The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon, organized by the TriFactory. Pick your race of choice and start training, because the marathon will take place on Saturday, 14 December. Note: ticket prices will increase in a week, so get in line for early bird registration on the marathon’s website.

Party like you’re in Ibiza. Circoloco — the iconic Ibiza party — is coming to the Pyramids on Friday, 15 November. The 9-hour party kicks off at 6pm and will feature an array of electronic, house, and techno music. Grab your tickets from Collard Tickets.

Charlotte Cardin is making her debut in Cairo. The Canadian singer and songwriter will perform at Cairo Jazz Club 610 on Saturday, 16 November. Grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

A striking exploration of millennial angst. Halle Butler’s Banal Nightmare follows Margaret Yance — aka Moddie — as she returns to her dull hometown after a decade-long relationship crumbles. Butler presents a narrative that will resonate deeply with anyone navigating the complexities of adulthood.

Judge the book by its cover. Featuring two side-by-side images of a woman’s face — one in which she seems to be at peace and the other in which she appears to be yelling in anger — the cover encapsulates Moddie’s internal struggle as she grapples with her identity and sense of purpose.

Butler’s observations ring painfully true. A case in point is her critique of the coddling of millennials. Describing the group as needing constant affirmation despite being well into their 30s — ouch…

Moddie’s journey is one of self-discovery, albeit clumsy and often amusing. She reconnects with old friends and confronts the stark realities of her peers’ lives, each grappling with their own disappointments and aspirations. Butler exposes the universal fear of failing to live up to par under the weight of societal expectations.

You can find it on Amazon.

What the markets are doing on 7 October 2024

The EGX30 rose 0.3% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 5.6 bn (37.5% above the 90-day average). Local investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 27.8% YTD.

In the green: Orascom Construction (+12.7%), Juhayna (+12.3%), and Elsewedy Electric (+11.8%).

In the red: Palm Hills Development (-4.6%), E-finance (-3.2%), and Credit Agricole (-2.4%).

ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

OCTOBER

10 October (Thursday): Bahgaga Sings Shokoko at Theatro Arkan.

11 October (Friday): Half Marathon in Luxor.

11 October (Friday): The Goats - Vol.1 at Theatro Arkan.

12 October (Saturday): TechUp Women Summit '24 at AUC Tahrir.

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.

18 October (Friday): TriFactory Tough Mudder 5K run at Sodic.

18 October (Friday): Ash at Pyramids of Giza.

18 October - 18 November (Friday-Monday): Cairo Prints Exhibition in Garden City

21-26 October (Saturday-Thursday): Premier Padel P2 Tournament at New Giza.

24 October - 16 November (Thursday-Saturday): Forever is Now art exhibition at the Pyramids of Giza.

24 October - 16 November (Thursday - Saturday): Art D'Egypte’s Forever is Now Bus Tour at the Pyramids.

25 October (Friday): TriFactory Trailmaster run at Wadi Degla.

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

31 October (Thursday): TriFactory’s The Glow Run at Badya Palm Hills.

31 October - 8 November (Thursday-Friday): Cairo International Jazz Festival at the historic American University in Cairo.

NOVEMBER

8 November (Friday): TriFactory’s The Run for Upper Egypt at New Giza.

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

15 November (Friday): Circoloco Ibiza at The Great Pyramids of Giza.

16 November (Saturday): Charlotte Cardin at Cairo Jazz Club 610.

16 November (Saturday): TriFactory Half Marathon at El Gouna.

22 November (Friday): TriFactory TMK run at District 5.

DECEMBER

6 December (Friday): TriFactory PMH warm-up run at District 5.

14 December (Saturday): TriFactory’s The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

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