Get EnterpriseAM daily

Available in your choice of English or Arabic

Muscle memory

1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Qatar Energy inks agreement to acquire 23% of Mediterranean’s North El Dabaa block

Good morning folks, and welcome to day two of the work week — buckle in for a packed news day ahead.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

Qatar Energy expands in Egypt with the acquisition of 23% of North El Dabaa block: Qatar Energy has inked an agreement with Chevron to acquire a 23% operational stake in the Mediterranean’s North El Dabaa Block for an undisclosed sum, according to a company statement. Chevron, the operator of the concession, will retain a 40% stake, while oil and gas developer Woodside and Egyptian state-owned Tharwa Petroleum will hold 27% and 10% stakes respectively. Qatar Energy and Chevron are also reportedly preparing to drill the first exploratory well in the block, Asharq Business reports.

HAPPENING NOW

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi landed in Riyadh for the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, where leaders from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are set to address the escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. On the sidelines of the summit, El Sisi met with Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss efforts to de-escalate tensions and push for an immediate ceasefire, according to an Ittihadiya statement. Tune in to watch the livestream of the summit here.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

COP29 kicks off in Baku as US and German political upheaval cloud the horizon: The UN’s annual climate talks kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan this morning, with initial sessions cutting right to the chase — how much should rich countries contribute to help poorer nations adapt to climate change? While previous COPs have revolved around much the same questions, the recent collapse of Germany’s governing coalition and president-elect Donald Trump’s promises to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement have had an impact on this year’s round — which is particularly important ahead of required new emissions targets for Paris Agreement signatories early next year. “We cannot leave Baku without a substantial outcome,” UN Climate Secretary Simon Stiell told the Associated Press. “Now is the time to show that global cooperation is not down for the count. It is rising to the moment.”

China’s new USD 1.4 tn support package fails to boost investor sentiment: A USD 1.4 tndebt package unveiled by the Chinese government Friday did not get international markets’ stamp of approval this morning, with Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng index — a gauge of foreign investors’ attitudes toward China — ending the day down 1.5%. The package, which is largely oriented around restructuring China’s local government debt, fell short of investors’ expectations, with many expecting broader stimulus measures like bank recapitalization and boosting consumption.

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

  • Inflation continues inching up: Annual headline urban inflation rose 0.1 percentage point to 26.5% in October, extending its upward trajectory for a third consecutive month.
  • The government now only has USD 1 bn in outstanding arrears to foreign oil and gas companies, after having cleared another USD 1 bn in arrears last week.
  • Abu Qir Fertilizers saw its net income fall 35.4% y-o-y during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25 to record EGP 1.3 bn on the back of a jump in operating supply costs due to exchange rate fluctuations.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Temperatures won’t see any deviation tomorrow, with the mercury stable at a high of 25°C and low of 17°C.

2

FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Your brain may not be the only part of your body storing memories

Your body knows what you did last night. We all know that our brain is a repository for memories — but what if the rest of your body can store memories too? A recent study from New York University has shown just that, with scientists finding that cells from other parts of the body — like the kidneys and nerve tissue — also show memory-like behavior.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

Memory’s domain is expanding: Traditionally, learning and memory have been tied strictly to neurons and brain activity. But scientists from the study decided to investigate whether non-brain cells could show similar memory characteristics. They took a classic idea from neuroscience called the “spaced learning effect” — the concept that spacing out information is better for memory than cramming it all at once — and applied it to these cells.

How did it go? After giving kidney and nerve cells certain chemical signals spaced out over time, the cells “turned on” a gene that brain cells use for memory more strongly than when chemical signals were prolonged — mirroring the behavior of the brain.

Why is it important? If our body’s cells are keeping track of certain patterns, it could influence everything from how our pancreas handles meal patterns to how cancer cells respond to treatments. Lead researcher Nikolay Kukushkin explains that understanding this could one day help improve learning techniques and even develop new ways to tackle memory-related health issues.

But it goes beyond data storage: Organ donation recipients have been documented as experiencing changes in personality, food preferences, and fears that align with those of their donors, even when they aren’t aware of those attributes. One woman reported an aversion to meat after receiving a heart from someone who was vegetarian. A 47-year-old man who received the heart of a 14-year-old gymnast found himself developing symptoms of the donor’s eating disorder. A nine-year-old boy who lived by a lake suddenly developed an unexplained phobia of bodies of water, finding out later that his donor drowned in a pool.


The impact of the Trump administration will reach beyond the political landscape, experts warn the tech industry. Big Tech has been no stranger to US courtrooms over the last eight years, with many of the biggest players facing antitrust, monopoly, copyright, and child safety lawsuits amid rising skepticism. But now, The Verge claims, future legislation will rely on whether or not Big Tech CEOs are willing to kiss the ring.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

With both the US Supreme Court and Congress skewing Republican, right-wing policies have higher chances to see the light of day — more so if they appeal to Trump’s sensibilities. “Enforcement [of legislation] could be idiosyncratic based on president-elect Donald Trump’s view of the companies or industries involved,” said senior litigation analyst Jennifer Rie. Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich corroborated, writing in a press release that tech legislation will be decided according to the “‘Trump Welfare Standard’: is this company nice to Trump?”

Tech CEOs have wasted no time bending the knee in anticipation of a Republican victory. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was once on Trump’s chopping block, has found himself in the president-elect’s favor after calling his post-assassination attempt fist pump “one of the most badass things [he’s] ever seen,” and championing right-wing content moderation. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos also reportedly blocked the Bezos-owned Washington Post from publishing an endorsement of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. And it’s no secret that Tesla CEO, X owner, and right-wing internet troll Elon Musk has buddied up with the Republican with promises of a federal position.

What do we expect to see? Unchecked AI practices. Trump has set his sights on President Joe Biden’s executive order to create testing standards and guardrails to regulate harmful applications of the technology. Experts hope that future VP JD Vance wil offset preferential treatment in antitrust cases, basing that faith in Vance’s previous praise of FTC Chair Lina Khan. While ongoing legal cases against Big Tech aren’t expected to be thrown out, the Trump administration may offer more lenient resolutions.

3

ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

Writer’s block leads to romance in Morocco

? Love can come from the most unexpected places, and with the most unexpected people. Netflix’s latest romance flick Lonely Planet has quickly joined the platform’s long list of hit romantic dramas, securing a spot on the streaming service’s global top-watched roster for over a month.

How does this one go? Katherine Lowe (Laura Dern), a renowned novelist struggling with writer’s block and a divorce, heads to a secluded and scenic resort in Morocco, hoping for inspiration to strike as she looks to start her new novel. Upon arrival, she’s surprised to find that she’s not the only writer there — the resort is hosting a gathering of creatives to connect and network. Though Katherine longs for solitude and “quiet place to work,” fate brings an unexpected connection her way that changes the course of everything.

An unlikely bond: Owen (Liam Hemsworth) is a young business analyst and investor visiting the resort with his writer girlfriend, Lily (Diana Silvers). Owen and Katherine bump into each other and begin a series of conversations about life, travel, the world, and relationships. They spark up a connection that bridges age gaps and social differences — leaving each re-evaluating what they truly desire.

It’s more Eat Pray Love than The Notebook. While the chemistry between the two main protagonists was a pleasant surprise, it wasn’t quite enough to make the romantic angle convincing, given a lack of clear motivation and emotional depth. The film leans more toward self-discovery, using travel as a means to explore new perspectives and step out of one’s comfort zone. The film’s exposition of the scenic beauty of Morocco along with everything else makes it a light and enjoyable watch that fits comfortably in its genre.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find the film on Netflix, or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:15).

4

EAT THIS TONIGHT

A chewy, gooey, cookie worth a trip

?Sarah’s Cookies is bringing New York’s viral sweetness. This cloud bakery is based in Alexandria, but we couldn't resist diving into some of the bakery’s fan-favorites. While this caught us straying away from the classic chocolate chip cookie — admittedly a tough decision — it was well worth the risk.

Here’s what we tried: The biscoff madness was pure indulgence in cookie form. The rich white chocolate cookie, already packed with crushed caramelized biscuits, was topped with a thick layer of Biscoff spread and more biscuit crumbles. The Kind-A-Kinder is a nostalgic cookie made for chocolate lovers, loaded with Kinder and white chocolate, and topped with even more.

The pistachio cookie is a creamy white chocolate cookie, filled with pistachio spread and topped with a pistachio drizzle. While it was solid in flavor, the pistachio wasn’t as pronounced as we'd hoped, leaving us wanting just a bit more of that rich, nutty flavor. But it will still make for a satisfying bite to those who appreciate a lighter, nutty twist on traditional cookies.

But the real star of the show was the Nutella cookie cup. This cookie is shaped like a cupcake, filled with a hefty serving of the spread and finished with a drizzle on top. The cookie itself was soft and chewy, but you might find yourself struggling to finish it off.

Forget the menu: You can customize your own cookie, or create a cookie cake tailored to your preferences, for a fun, personalized treat.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Alexandrians win this round, and can order from their Instagram page. Cairenes can make a weekend trip to enjoy these indulgent cookies by the sea — or keep your hopes high for the reinstitution of Cairo deliveries.

5

Sports

No matches today and tomorrow

Sorry folks — the pitch is clear of matches tonight or tomorrow as we wait for the kick-off of the international break on Thursday.

Tags:
6

OUT AND ABOUT

Go to CJC 610 for a giggle

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

? Laugh along with The Comedy Bunch. Marwan Imam, Mina Selim, Engi Hashem, Noha Cato, and Mohamed Gamal will be bringing the giggles in back-to-back sets at CJC 610 tomorrow. For reservations message their Facebook page.

Egyptian singer Abdelbaset Hamouda will be performing at CJC 610 on Wednesday, 13 November. For reservations message their Facebook page.

Attention, fitness fanatics. The ELFIT Championship features 1.2k athletes from over 55 countries competing for the ELFIT Champion title. The event will take place from Wednesday, 13 November till Saturday, 16 November at the New Capital Sports City. Grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Medhat Saleh and Reham Abdelhakim are headlining a charity concert in the Royal Garden of the El Qubba Presidential Palace. This Friday, 15 November, the doors will open for attendees — who will be required to be dressed formally — at 6pm, with the concert slated to start at 8pm. You can grab tickets on Tazkarti.

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 is open everyday until Monday, 18 November in Garden City.

The fourth edition of Forever is Now is here. 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 continue to be open everyday till Saturday, 16 November.

HAPPENING LATER-

Hankering for some rap? Abyusif will be performing alongside Lella Fadda at CJC 610 on Wednesday, 20 November. For reservations message their Facebook page.

Sharmoofers are about to liven the stage at their Malahy concert on Friday, 22 November. The concert will start at 7pm. Tickets are available at Ticketsmarche.

A night with Abdel Halim Hafez’s music. The Sawah concert with Medhat Saleh and Mai Farouk will take place at the Grand Egyptian Museum on Thursday, 5 December at 8:30 pm. Tickets are available on the TicketsMarche.

Masked viral singer Tul8te is taking the stage at ZED Park as part of The Cocktail Tour on Thursday, 5 December. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

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.

7

Under the Lamplight

A murder mystery with a human face

? A heartfelt exploration of life and love… with a murder mystery twist. In Tell Me Everything, Elizabeth Strout centers the plot on Bob Burgess, a lawyer who is defending a man accused of killing his mother. Despite the book’s central narrative, the story centers around human connection, vulnerability, and the unspoken ties between people.

Lucy Barton — Bob’s partner — finds herself entangled in this mystery and the characters involved. She encounters Olive Kitteridge — a 90-year-old who shares her own stories with Lucy, inviting readers into a quiet exploration of stories of people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

The book includes a colorful cast of characters — like Bob Burgess’s client, Matt Beach, who is solitary, eccentric, and profoundly human in his imperfections. Strout shows through her character development that people can be both known intimately and unknowable. The murder mystery here isn’t intended to be a central puzzle for the reader; rather, it’s a lens through which Strout probes her themes of loneliness, understanding, and the balance between caring for oneself and connection.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find the book at Diwan, or on Amazon.

8

GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 11 November 2024

The EGX30 rose 0.7% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.6 bn (8.3% above the 90-day average). Local investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 27.0% YTD.

In the green: Telecom Egypt (+6.7%), e-Finance (+3.6%), and Faisal Islamic Bank - EGP (+3.5%).

In the red: Cleopatra Hospitals (-1.7%), ADIB (-1.4%), and Elsewedy Electric (-1.2%).

This publication is proudly sponsored by


NOVEMBER

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

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

12 November (Tuesday): El Khatba Show at Boom Room.

13-16 November (Wednesday-Saturday) : ELFIT Sports Competitions at New Capital Sports City.

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

15 November (Friday): Tamer Ashour at Malahy.

15 November (Friday): Charity concert at the El Qubba Presidential Palace.

15 November (Friday): Circoloco Ibiza at the Giza Pyramids.

16 November (Saturday): Tablet El Sitt show at Theatro Arkan.

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

16 November (Saturday): Open Mic at Room Garden City.

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

22 November (Friday): Sharmoofers at Malahy.

24 November (Sunday): Omar Khairat concert at Monaco Hall, Triumph Luxury Hotel.

DECEMBER

5 December (Thursday): Muslim at Theatro Arkan.

5 December (Thursday): Tul8te at ZED park.

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

13 December (Friday): Aura Music Festival at Lac Du Caire.

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

Now Playing
Now Playing
00:00
00:00