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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Remittances from Egyptians abroad double y-o-y in September

Good afternoon, all. It’s another cold day here in the capital as we inch closer to the end of the fall season and prepare to welcome one chilly winter.

THE BIG STORY TODAY-

Remittances from Egyptians working abroad more than doubled y-o-y in September to hit USD 2.7 bn, according to a central bank statement (pdf). This brings total remittances during the first nine months of the year to USD 20.8 bn, up from the USD 14.6 bn recorded during the same period last year. Remittances surged 84.4% y-o-y to USD 8.3 bn during 1Q of the FY 2024-25.

Remember: Egyptians abroad have started sending more of their remittances through official channels after the float of the EGP put an end to the parallel market that had pushed remittance flows through unofficial channels. Remittances are an important source of FX for the country and the state is working to increase flows by 10% each year to reach USD 53 bn by 2030.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s a mixed afternoon for the international business pages: Reuters remains fixed on the outcome of COP29, while the Financial Times is reporting on UniCredit’s EUR 10 bn offer for Banco BPM in a move that could “consolidate Europe’s fragmented banking industry.” Bloomberg brings us coverage of the impact of US president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary on markets — the USD saw its biggest decline in weeks and stocks and treasuries rose.

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

  • The International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Africa head Sérgio Pimenta’s trip to the country is making the headlines, with the private-sector focused World Bank Group member helping launch the country’s first ever sustainability bond issuance, providing green financing for Orascom Development in El Gouna, and an on-lending package to CIB to fund local SMEs.
  • That new iPhone you’ve been saving up for might just be about to get a whole more expensive: Unregistered imported mobile phones could be subject to customs and tax fees totaling 37.5% — including a 5% development fee tax — as part of incoming government regulations to support the country’s mobile phone manufacturing localization efforts.
  • Egypt’s first SPAC makes its EGX debut: Impact investor Catalyst Partners’ SPAC, Catalyst Partners Middle East (CPME) made its EGX debut yesterday.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- The cooler and windier days are set to continue, with tomorrow’s mercury reaching a high of 20°C and a chilly low of 13°C in the capital, according to our favorite weather app.

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FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Rebranding gone wrong?

Jaguar ditched its iconic logo in a bold rebrand that triggered some very strong opinions. The luxury carmaker unveiled its new logo and slogan — Copy Nothing — in a rebrand, part of its efforts to become an electric-only brand, that will officially launch 2 December during Miami Art Week, the AP wrote.

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

People online weren't exactly impressed. The promotional video for the rebrand shows models in brightly colored avant-garde outfits and no car in sight. The video was subject to backlash including a comment from Elon Musk, who turned to X and wrote “do you sell cars?”

What Jaguar had to say: “Our brand relaunch for Jaguar is a bold and imaginative reinvention and as expected it has attracted attention and debate,” spokesperson Joseph Stuable told Forbes. He explained that the move marks a “dramatic leap forward.”

One branding expert’s take: Bruno Benedini, founder of Taillight Branding, explained that the campaign risked alienating traditional customers through the modernized approach — the video featured androgynous models in gender-neutral or gender-bending attire.

Is Jaguar still in the room with us? “The campaign appears disconnected from the very traits Jaguar spent decades building. Gone are the understated elegance, performance nods, and any clear connection to British heritage,” Benedini added.

The right way to rebrand: The automaker still has the chance to keep its loyal customers happy while switching things up to bring in new customers, said Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, a professor of digital marketing at Florida Atlantic University. She referenced the “three Ts of online reputation management” — timeliness, transparency, and training. “A rebrand does not need to wipe out all of its heritage,” she said, pointing to the importance of holding on to the brand’s core audience and making sure that the reasons for rebranding are clearly communicated to “eliminate confusion and maintain brand identity.”

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ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

The kidnap and murder of Anabel Segura

? 900 Days Without Anabel examines one of Spain’s most haunting true crime cases. This three-part docuseries follows the kidnapping and murder of Anabel Segura in 1993, exploring the 900 days between Anabel's disappearance and the uncovering of her tragic fate.

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

The docuseries skillfully balances emotional depth and factual precision. Interviews with law enforcement, Anabel's family, and others connected to the case paint a vivid picture of the search for answers. There were even the actual recordings of the kidnappers’ phone calls, giving the episodes haunting authenticity.

The reenactments of the crime are executed with restraint and purpose. They don’t overshadow or over-sensationalize the story, but rather serve as visual aids for the events. It’s also interesting to see the technological context of the 1990s — the absence of modern tools forced investigators to rely on traditional methods of tracking leads.

The series also follows the impact this case had on those who worked on it. The detectives talked about their frustrations, regrets, and the psychological weight of a case that unfolded tragically, adding depth to the episodes.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can watch the docuseries on Netflix or catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:32).

This publication is proudly sponsored by

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EAT THIS TONIGHT

This éclair bar is très magnifique

? Your sweet tooth will thank you for heading to this éclair bar. Located in Arkan, Sheikh Zayed, Chouchou celebrates all forms of french pastry — sometimes with an added modern twist.

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

The éclairs are pieces of art. Looking at the display, the bright colors, fruity garnishes, and fluffy looking pastries will make you want to grab just about every flavor they have — queue the sugar rush. Their head pastry chef, Joakim Chambon, is an expert in the field with experience in Cannes.

Standouts: The vanilla and pecan éclair offered an aromatic creamy flavor that allowed it to stand out. The berries and cream éclair was another great one for lovers of tart flavors. The peach and verbena éclair was fruity and refreshing, which makes it an easy choice for someone looking for a treat that tastes less indulgent.

It doesn’t stop at éclairs. Chouchou has more mouthwatering desserts, including chouquettes, tarts, cakes, and macarons. They also serve specialty coffee and a deliciously creamy hot chocolate that’s perfect for these early winter days.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Residents of Zayed can order Chouchou through Elmenus and Talabat.

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Sports

Just a little bit of action in the Premier League and Serie A

There’s not much happening today, but we’re waiting on the exciting Champions League matches taking place tomorrow and Wednesday.

The most important matches today include Newcastle against West Ham at 10pm, marked to end the 12th round of the Premier League. In Serie A, Empoli plays Udinese at 7:30pm and Venezia plays Lecce at 9:45pm.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Make time for joy

MARK YOUR CALENDAR-

WKND Comedy x Boom Room: Enjoy a comedy-filled evening with Khaled Jwad, Konafa, Hamza Bahaa, Nouran Wali, and Kamatcho at Boom Room, OpenAir Mall Madinaty, tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets are available at TicketsMarche.

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

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

? The From Alexandria With Love exhibition is open, a tribute to the artistic works of brothers Seif and Adham Wanly from the 40s to the 70s. The exhibition is taking place at Art Talk Gallery in Zamalek and today is the last day to visit.

Witness the musical theatrical show I Love You, You Are Perfect, Now Change, which dives into love and relationships in a light, comedic way. The show will take place at El Rihany Theater in Downtown on Thursday, 28 November at 8pm. You can book tickets through TicketsMarche.

The IL Monte Galala Crystal Lagoons Aquathlon returns. There are events ranging from the Olympic Race to the Family Fun Race where participants can experience excitement, competition, and prize money for top finishers. The Aquathalon will take place on Friday, 29 November starting at 8:00am. View the available courses and sign up through Collard Tickets.

Also at the Boom Room, Saad Al Oud will perform songs from Egypt’s long history of music on Wednesday, 27 November at 8 pm. Tickets are available on TicketsMarche.

DJ Nooriyah will be mixing up the decks this weekend at CJC 610, on Friday, 29 November, alongside Safia and Rajia warming up the sets. Tickets are available on TicketsMarche.

HAPPENING LATER-

“Tetrat W Zekrayat” with El Haggar: Ali El Haggar will perform a unique musical evening, taking the audience through iconic film and TV theme songs. The concert will take place on Tuesday, 3 December at Theatro Arkan in Sheikh Zayed starting at 8pm. Tickets are available on 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.

Rap meets the grandeur of a full symphony orchestra at Red Bull Symphonic. Witness Marwan Pablo performing alongside the Cairo Celebration Choir and Orchestra, led by the acclaimed Maestro Nayer Nagui. The event will take place at the iconic Grand Egyptian Museum on Thursday, 7 December at 6pm. Secure your tickets 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.

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Under the Lamplight

A deadly plot twist in this murder mystery

? If you love Agatha Christie, a good dose of literary satire, and a sprinkle of revenge, The Author's Guide to Murder is your next must-read. This locked-room mystery, penned by bestselling trio Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White, serves up a blend of murder, mayhem, and witty characters, all set in a remote Scottish castle.

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

The story kicks off with, naturally, a murder. Author Brett Saffron Presley, was found dead in the tower of Castle Kinloch. He wasn’t just any author — he had turned the castle into a glittering literary playground for guests craving its charms. Now, it looks like either the castle, or one of its guests, has turned on him. Enter Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, who is tasked with interrogating three prime suspects: Kat, the erotica writer, Cassie, the cozy mystery writer, and Emma, the historical fiction writer.

But the book isn’t all twists and humor, as the investigation unravels, the bond between the three women strengthens, and McIntosh realizes that may find more than just the murderer at the end of his search.

If you’re looking for something that’s puzzling but not too serious, this book will keep you hooked from page one.

WHERE TO FIND IT- The Author’s Guide to Murder is available on Amazon.

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GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 25 November 2024

The EGX30 fell 0.4% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.7 bn (12.4% below the 90-day average). International investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 21.6% YTD.

In the green: Ezz Steel (+2.8%), TMG Holding (+2.4%) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (+0.6%).

In the red: Faisal Islamic Bank -EGP (-5.7%), EFG Holding (-2.7%) and Juhayna (-2.2%).


NOVEMBER

8 November - 31 January (Friday-Friday): Double Dribble League at the Maadi Sports Club.

19 November - 31 December (Tuesday-Tuesday): Cairo Prints Exhibition at Garden City.

12-24 November (Tuesday-Sunday): From Alexandria With Love exhibition at Art Talk Gallery in Zamalek.

26 November (Tuesday): WKND Comedy at Boom Room, OpenAir Mall Madinaty.

27 November (Wednesday): Saad Al Oud Concert at Boom Room, OpenAir Mall Madinaty.

28 November (Thursday): I love you, you are perfect, now change play at El Rihany Theatre.

29 November (Friday): Crystal Lagoons Aquathlon VOL.2 at IL Monte Galala, Ein El Sokhna.

29 November (Friday): Omar Khairat concert at Bassily Auditorium in AUC.

29 November (Friday): DJ Nooriyah at CJC 610.

29 November (Friday): Ali Qandil at Theatro Arkan.

DECEMBER

3 December (Tuesday): Ali El Haggar Tetrat W Zekrayat concert at Theatro Arkan.

5 December (Thursday): Muslim at Theatro Arkan.

5 December (Thursday): Abdel Halim Hafez tribute concert at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

5 December (Thursday): Tul8te at ZED park.

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

7 December (Saturday): Marwan Pablo and Nayer Nagui concert at Grand Egyptian Museum.

7 December (Saturday): AFP Future of Finance at Conrad Cairo Hotel & Casino.

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.

15-17 December (Sunday-Tuesday): Cairo Blockchain Week at Cairo Citadel.

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