The screen time solution

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Egypt re-enters int’l debt markets with USD 2 bn issuance

Good morning folks, and happy Friday.

In today's digital-first world, managing children's screen time has become one of parenting's biggest challenges. While technology offers valuable learning tools, excessive screen use can impact our children’s development… and family ties. This week’s guide provides practical strategies to help you establish healthy digital boundaries, reduce screen dependency, and create a balanced approach without turning everyday technology management into a source of constant conflict.

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LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

DEBT-

Egypt re-enters the global debt market: Egypt returned to international debt markets with its first USD-denominated bond issuance in almost two years on Wednesday, issuing USD 2 bn. The issuance consists of USD 1.25 bn five-year bonds at a yield of 8.625% and USD 750 mn eight-year bonds at a yield of 9.45%, Bloomberg reports citing what it says is a source familiar with the matter.

What’s next? A senior Finance Ministry told us that they expect another issuance in the spring — likely a USD 1.5 bn sovereign sukuk offering — as there is currently market appetite for such instruments. The next fiscal year may also see Egypt issue its first social bonds in 4Q 2025, the source noted.

AUTOMOTIVE-

The gov’t released more cars held at ports over ACI violations: The Egyptian Customs Authority announced Tuesday that it would be releasing passenger vehicles that had been held at ports for violating the registration rules of the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system, provided that owners paid owed customs and fees plus up to EGP 10k in fines per vehicle.

ENERGY-

Eni resumed drilling in Zohr: Italian energy giant Eni resumed drilling operations at the Zohr gas field — Egypt’s largest and the Mediterranean's largest-ever find — after the Saipem drillship arrived in Egyptian waters on Tuesday. Drilling activity is expected to proceed through 1Q 2025.

ECONOMY-

Remittances from Egyptians abroad continued their upward pace, hitting USD 2.6 bn in November, jumping 65.4% y-o-y. The first five months of the current fiscal year also witnessed a 77% y-o-y rise in remittances to USD 13.8 bn and inflows in the first 11 months of 2024 were up 47.1% y-o-y to USD 26.3 bn. On a month-on-month basis, remittances in November were down just over 10% from October’s USD 2.9 bn.

INVESTMENT-

Global outsourcing giant Concentrix plans to invest USD 1 bn over the next four years to grow its Egypt operations, creating 16k jobs and expanding its workforce to 35k by 2028, under an MoU signed with the ITIDA. The company will open a new center in Mansoura, adding to its 11 existing sites in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Hurghada, which it has built since launching in Egypt in 2009.

HOSPITALITY-

Egypt-Saudi partnership plans USD 2 bn hospitality investment: Hassan Allam Properties and Midar Investment and Urban Development have signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Sumou Investment and its subsidiary Adeer International to invest USD 2 bn in hospitality and leisure projects along the Nile in Cairo or within Midar-developed cities. Adeer is also ramping up its Egypt investments, with plans to invest USD 400 mn into the real estate sector over the next five years.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

The government’s new private-sector advisory committees are set to begin meetings next week, with ministers to attend relevant committees, according to a cabinet statement. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly confirmed that the sessions will focus on reviewing proposals and soliciting insights from committee members.

The National Dialogue called an emergency session on Saturday after Trump’s “clean out” Gaza remarks, which its board of trustees condemned as a “blatant and humiliating challenge” backed only by far-right and settler extremists.

Business Ya Shabab is well underway: The exhibition is running from 29 January until 8 February at Cairo Stadium. The exhibition will host 150 exhibitors showcasing traditional crafts, handmade products, and startup innovations.

So is the Cairo International Book Fair, which kicked off last week and will remain open to the public until Wednesday, 5 February. The Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in New Cairo will host 1.2k publishers showcasing their latest publications and thousands of exhibitors for the event, with mn’s expecting to attend — last year’s visitor count reached near the 5 mn mark.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

It was a busy week for Trump, who spent his first days back in the White House exhausting his stamp of approval. Last week, the president froze all US foreign aid for 90 days — except for military assistance to Egypt and Israel — while newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio reviews funding against the administration’s foreign policy objectives. Trump also escalated tensions with Colombia, slapping a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports — set to rise to 50% — after the country refused to accept deported US migrants. Over in our part of the world, he sparked fresh controversy by calling for the mass resettlement of displaced Palestinians into Jordan and Egypt, a proposal strongly rejected by both countries and the Palestinian authority.

IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS- The second release of Israeli and Palestinian detainees under the first phase of the ceasefire took place. Four female Israeli soldiers were released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

It's partly cloudy this weekend in Cairo with a high of 22°C and a low of 12°C both today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Catch the grand finale of the Double Dribble Basketball League at Heliopolis Sporting Club Shorouk tomorrow. The event will start at 4pm and will run until 8pm, featuring matches between New Giza and Maadi Retro, along with the third place match between Negm El Geil and Underdogs. If that’s not enough, there's also going to be an exclusive performance from Egyptian rapper Moscow.

The ultimate gaming event in Egypt is here. Gamergy Egypt will feature live competitions, immersive experiences, and activities to bring together gaming fans of all ages. The festival will continue till tomorrow, Saturday, 1 February at Al Burouj Cultural Hub. Earlybird tickets are now available on their website.

This doctor’s appointment sparked some chaos. Half Past Four is a play about a psychiatrist’s office where patients of different conditions realize they’ve all been booked for the same appointment. Catch the comedic show at El Rihany Theater tomorrow at 8:30pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

End the first month of the year on a high note (literally): Lebanese DJ Rodge will be performing at CJC 610 tonight right after an energetic performance from Bubblegum Kollective. The night will kick off at 9pm and tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

This one is for the sports fans. The Football Access Summit will feature talks, panels, and presentations from sports industry leaders — giving the fans insider access. The summit will take place on Friday-Saturday 7 and 8 February at ZED Park. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Diverse galleries and a dynamic fair program. Experience the artistic talents of the MENA region at the 6th edition of Art Cairo. The exhibition will be held at the Grand Egyptian Museum from Saturday, 8 February until Tuesday, 11 February. Tickets are available on CollardTickets.

The parent’s guide to managing screen time

Gen Alpha are the first digital natives, meaning they are the first generation to have grown up online. With more and more signs pointing to the drawbacks of ever-present screens and social media in children’s lives — like dwindling attention spans and weaker fine motor skills — how can parents ensure that their children are safe online?

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Long story short, we need to ensure that children stay safe whilst also allowing them to retain their growing sense of independence during formative years. Author of The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt sees technology as a tool, and also recognises the real dangers of the online world. In lieu of resorting to tracking children online, he advocates for thorough preparation of the dangers of the internet — ensuring children know how to protect themselves online and understand the key ideas of maintaining their privacy. “We need to prepare our kids to handle life and know that they can come out the other side,” Andrea Keith, executive director of Haidt’s Let Grow foundation, told Enterprise. “Building trust is key,” she notes. “It’s better for kids to go to the park with friends and a phone, than not to go at all.”

So what is the right approach when it comes to tech? Early interventions work well to establish healthy tech-habits from early childhood, according to a study published with the National Library of Medicine, something Keith seconds. But beware the micromanager: Psychologist Jon Lasser says “it’s important for kids to develop the capacity to self-regulate [...] and parents who try to micromanage screen time can inadvertently interfere with that self-regulatory development.”

THE FUNDAMENTALS

There are basic rules that can help parents foster a helpful relationship between kids and tech, according to the Mayo Clinic medical center, who advocate for “supportive screen behaviors” rather than ones that are more controlling.

Some basics for young children (2-5 years old):

#1- TRY IT OUT FIRST: Preview apps, games, and programs your child will use to see if they’re appropriate. You’ll be able to see the kind of content they’ll be exposed to, as well as if the apps will engage your child in the right way.

#2- KEEP THEM CLOSE BY: If your child is nearby whilst using tech, you can easily check in to see what they are watching and interacting with, and avoiding the isolating atmosphere of a child being shut away alone with a screen.

#3- ASK THEM ABOUT IT: Keep on top of what they’re seeing and interacting with by asking what they’ve watched or played with today. This goes hand in hand with Let Grow’s idea of building trust and openness with kids and screens so that they feel comfortable to tell you about anything uncomfortable they’ve come across.

#4- ENCOURAGE INTERACTION: Interactive games are more beneficial for children as opposed to simply staring at a screen passively. Engaging activities can help brain stimulation and stave off the side effects of too much screen time, like dwindling attention spans.

When they get older, clear rules and limits are key:

#1- TIME LIMITS: Setting limits for screen time will help set boundaries, encourage children to self-regulate and reflect on their screen use, and avoid the dangerous mental and physical dangers of too much screen time.

#2- SCREEN-FREE ZONES: Keeping certain places, like bedrooms and the dinner table, tech-free can help establish some well-needed distance from devices, encourage the important in-person interaction that screens disrupt, and can better regulate circadian rhythms to improve sleep quality.

#3- ELIMINATE IDLE BACKGROUND USE: Think no scrolling whilst eating, watching TV, or doing homework. Phone use during those activities can decrease their productivity and ability to focus on and/or enjoy the main activity.

#4- ADDRESS DANGERS HEAD ON: Encouraging digital literacy and critical thinking when it comes to the internet is key, with the Mayo Clinic recommending parents speak directly to the children about why being online can be dangerous and what to look out for — the DOs and DON’Ts about who they contact and what they share.

#5- AS ALWAYS, COMMUNICATION IS KEY: Keeping an open line of communication and healthy relationships around media will make sure children can speak to you should they feel weird about something they’ve come across online, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends.

A HANDS-ON APPROACH

There are plenty of parental control apps that can help you keep tabs (no pun intended) on your child. For parents looking for something in their devices’ own ecosystem, both Apple (Screen Time) and Android (Google Family Link) have setups that give parents basic options like setting screen time limits and viewing what apps their kids access.

There are also paid or subscription-based options that offer more advanced features:

#1- QUSTODIO’s basic package can be used to monitor games, location, and web content, as well as block certain apps on up to five devices, as is priced at USD 55 annually. The premium plan is priced at USD 100 and includes alerts, customizable routines, app insights, time limits on games and apps, call and message monitoring on an unlimited number of devices.

WHERE TO GET IT- The app can be installed from the website or through your device’s app store (iOS | Android), and you’ll need to download it on your child’s device as well.

DISCLAIMER: Qustodio is great for Android users, but has its drawbacks on iOS. The iOS version is limited, as the app monitoring feature isn’t available. Notifications to the parent’s device are sometimes glitchy, and the panic alert option isn’t available.

#2- KIDS360 claims to offer digital safety without compromising your child’s privacy. Its features include time screen time limits on apps, including games and social media, usage schedule customization, and compiling statistics for your benefit. You can choose between duration-based plans that range from USD 8.99 for one month to USD 69.99 for a year.

WHERE TO GET IT- You will need to download and install Kids360 (iOS | Android) and its accompanying interface Alli360 (iOS | Android) on you and your child’s devices respectively.

#3- SUZY, for if you’ve got an iPad kid. Suzy lets you block apps, web browsers, and app downloads with a touch of a button, and can implement set time limits and customized schedules. It can also reward your child with screen time for using educational apps, or use them as a prerequisite for access. You can also set limits and allow apps based on each child profile for shared devices.

WHERE TO GET IT- Suzy is available for both iPads and iPhones (iOS) and offers duration-based subscription plans that range from USD 9.99 for one month to a premium annual plan for USD 49.99.

However parents choose to proceed, understanding the appeal of tech, “especially [...] to teens seeking autonomy and identity,” is important, says the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, as is establishing trust and encouraging independence, whilst staying aware of risks.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO DETOX

We’ve all seen toddlers in prams glued to their iPad, but it’s more than possible to change the screen habits of children who are already too attached to their devices, with lots of advice to be found. In a nutshell:

#1- HAVE ALTERNATIVES AT THE READY: When encouraging kids to put down devices, having a list of other activities to do is key, so that their non-screen time will be fun, interesting, and motivate them to continue. Sports, activities, painting, puzzles, and board games are all great alternatives.

#2- OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND: Keeping the devices you’re trying to avoid in a drawer or a different room will remove the visual trigger that gives kids the impulse to start using their screens, making the descreening process a whole lot easier.

#3- PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH: It’s no good telling kids to stay off screens if you yourself are constantly glued to one. This is especially important for older children who are looking to be treated like adults with more independence. By reducing your own screen time whenever possible, it sets a fair standard for children and displays behavior they can model.

#4- NEW ROUTINES: It’s helpful to identify the times throughout the day when kids reach for their devices the most and think about ways to disrupt this impulse by introducing a new routine that doesn’t involve screens.

#5- ENGAGE WITH THEM: As many, especially younger kids, have grown up with screens, sometimes they may need some help in sparking their imagination for non screen-based play. This will also give them the interpersonal interaction that screens don’t.

Mel Gibson’s deadly flight

? Mel Gibson is back in the director’s chair with Flight Risk, an action movie that premiered just a few days ago — a decade after his last critically acclaimed movie, Hacksaw Ridge. Now, since its recent release, Flight Risk has topped the box office despite the mixed reviews.

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A fight for survival at 30k feet: Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) is an Air Marshal who has been pursuing a large gang leader with a long list of crimes. She arrests Winston (Topher Grace), the gang’s accountant, in a cabin in Alaska and agrees to grant him immunity in exchange for testifying against the gang leader in court. She charters a small private airplane — piloted by Daryl (Mark Wahlberg) to transport them out of the Alaskan wilderness and into New York City. The events take a turn on the flight, forcing Madolyn to be quick on her feet within a limited space.

The story is thrilling, especially for fans of survivor plots that create a clear protagonist vs. antagonist dynamic. Dockery gave a powerful performance as a detective that puts her all into her job and avoids repeating the mistakes of her past. Grace brought a bit of comedy into the movie with his role as a shaky, opportunistic accountant. There are some Hollywood cliches in there, but they didn’t get in the way of creating an enjoyable viewing experience.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find this movie at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Alexandria, Cima Arkan, Point90, City Stars cinemas, and Cairo Festival City. You can find the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:48).

A woman’s battle with socially constructed rules

? This book tells the story of a woman who spent most of her life confined in a psychiatric institution — not because of madness, but because she defied rigid social expectations. Maggie O’Farrell’s The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is an enraging rollercoaster of psychology, societal repression, and emotional resonance.

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The end is the beginning: The story is set when the psychiatric institution closes, and Esme is released into the care of her great niece, Iris — a modern woman who has her own struggles to deal with. She learns of Esme’s story of wrongful imprisonment and becomes aware of the disturbing past where women were silenced and punished for stepping out of line.

The novel alternates between timelines, presenting Esme’s childhood memories alongside Iris’ efforts to uncover the truth, unearthing a strong theme of family dynamics. This includes Kitty, Esme’s sister, who struggles with Alzheimer’s — a stark contrast from the person in Esme’s past recollections. Iris echoing Esme’s social defiance in her own modern context shows how important resistance remains relevant across generations.

WHERE TO FIND IT- The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is available at Diwan.

A nostalgic Mediterranean escape in the heart of Cairo

?This restaurant feels like you’re stepping into a memory. Almeria, tucked away in Downtown Cairo near Radio Cinema, isn’t just another Mediterranean resto-café — it’s an experience wrapped in nostalgia. From the homey carpets to the delicate vintage cutlery, everything whispers of your grandma's home. That charm extends to the food itself, where everything is carefully sourced.

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But there's something worth noting: The portions are tiny. We suggest ordering more than you normally would, especially since the restaurant is still in its soft opening phase.

Small plates, big flavours: First up in the aperitifs was the ringa caesar salad, reinventing a classic with an Egyptian twist — smoky ringa strips replace the usual anchovies, while crispy, golden roumi cheese croquettes add richness and crunch. It’s bold, different, and surprisingly well balanced.

Among the hot mezze, the makanek with lentils stands out. This dish takes the Armenian style sausages and pairs them with an unexpected carrot and qamar el din puree — topped with stewed lentils. The natural sweetness of the puree contrasts well with the spiced makanek. But the Eggplant Milanese was the true highlight. Thick golden slices of eggplant, fried to crisp perfection, rest atop a bed of black garlic labneh. It was hearty and indulgent, and we just couldn't get enough of it.

The mains will leave you wanting more (literally): The Armenian manti arrives with all the rich, meaty flavours you’d hope for — but the portion size is disappointing, even when ordering the large. A few delicate dumplings simply don't feel like enough. The Moroccan chicken pastilla is no better — the sweet spiced chicken filling and crisp puff pastry exterior was divine, but its biscuit-sized portion makes it more of a taster than a satisfying meal.

The only dish that was generously portioned was the manouche with za’atar and olives. Baked over firewood, we knew it would be — and was — baked to perfection. It had a crisp yet pillowy texture that complemented the earthy za’atar and briny olives.

Ending on a sweet note: Just when you thought you know what to expect from dessert, the dessert changes the game. While this dish presents the thick, creamy pudding of a traditional muhallebiya, the twist is in the topping: juicy mango pieces and flower petals. These additions elevated a traditionally simple dish beyond what we could’ve imagined.

It’s a charming contradiction that's worth the visit: Warm, inviting and full of flavor, yet pricey and modest in portion sizes. If you’re making the trip to Downtown Cairo, come for the experience. The food is beautifully cooked and well thought out, but if you’re hungry, be prepared to order multiple plates.

? Per person: EGP 1k to EGP 2k

? Outdoor seating: No

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

Citizen Sleeper is on the run once again

? The sequel to Citizen Sleeper is out… and so is the protagonist. Less than two years after the launch of the first game, British game designer Gareth Damian Martin is back with the second installment of the franchise, Starward Vector. The first installment was popular among both audiences and critics, earning several award nominations and claiming the Social Impact Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2023. It relies on a text-based narrative and dice rolling system, inspired by beloved tabletop games.

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A quick recap: You play as a Sleeper — a consciousness copied from a human and implanted in an artificial body. You are one of many mass-produced by megacorp Essen-Arp to work in conditions that humans can’t endure. To prevent rebellion and keep the workers in line, the corporation has designed the Sleepers to require regular doses of a stabilizer drug difficult to obtain elsewhere, without which they would die. But our protagonist manages to escape to an abandoned space station, trying its best to scrape by, taking odd jobs and tasks to obtain a dose of the drug.

The game mechanics: The gameplay revolves around a clever cycle system — each day gives you a handful of dice rolls based on your current HP. The better your dice rolls, the more likely you are to succeed in whatever you’re trying to do — much like the mechanics of Baldur’s Gate 3 and other tabletop-inspired games. As you progress, you can pick up skills to improve your chances or make certain tasks easier.

What’s new in part two: The Sleeper is still on the run, but now it’s got a spaceship. But the rig needs constant upkeep. You’ll need to recruit crewmembers, each of whom bring unique skills and backstories. But choose carefully. The second installment adds a stress bar alongside the previous condition bar, dice meter, and energy level and original HP bar, which is refilled with stabilizer doses. Unlike the other meters, a higher stress bar is bad news for your dice rolls, building up when you fail to complete tasks within their cycles.

It encourages you to push through weak rolls instead of reloading a save until things go your way. The dice rolls keep you on your toes, making the plot interesting by relying on luck to influence your decisions, creating a world where even failure is interesting, says Martin.

? Rating: 9/10 according to Unruly Folk, other critic reviews pending.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: TBD, but the first installment totaled 13 hours for one run.

? Replay value: 10/10 — different choices lead to different storylines and endings.

? Platforms: Steam and Epic Games for PC, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

? Price: Prices pending for Steam, Epic Games, Playstation, and Xbox at the time of publication, but we expect a maximum of USD 24.99 as per Nintendo.

The real tale of a killer whale

This is the real story of Keiko, the killer whale who starred in Free Willy. Hosted by Daniel Alarcón, The Good Whale explores the effort to “free” Keiko after the movie made him a global icon — ironic, isn’t it?

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The podcast isn’t just about the whale, it’s also about the people surrounding him. From the keepers who cared for him at the Mexican amusement park Reino Aventura, to the conservationists who worked to release him to the wild. Each person believed what they were doing was what was best for Keiko, but this podcast highlights how good intentions don’t necessarily lead to good outcomes.

The episodes include empathetic storytelling and conversations with the people involved. No one is cast as a villain — the podcast hopes to show the complexity of the situation, raising valid, thought-provoking questions about animal care. For example, Keiko had been kept in captivity for so long, was it fair to expect him to adjust in the wild? Or was it more about easing human guilt over keeping him captive?

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

JANUARY

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Aywa Aywa La2 La2 at Rawabet Art Space.

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Sohba Semsemia at Rawabet Art Space.

23 January - 5 February (Thursday-Wednesday): Cairo International Book Fair at the Egypt IECC in New Cairo.

29-31 January (Wednesday-Friday): Fire of Anatolia at Cairo Opera House.

7 December-31 January (Saturday-Friday): Cairo Art Fair at TAM Gallery.

30 January-1 February (Thursday-Saturday): Gamergy Egyptat Al Burouj Cultural Hub.

FEBRUARY

1 February (Saturday): Saleh El Nawawy’s debut at Theatro Arkan.

1 February (Saturday): Half Past Four Play at El Rihany Theater.

1 February (Saturday): Barre With Salma at Sukun Studios 6th of October.

2-5 February (Sunday-Wednesday): SYNC Public Speaking workshop at O West.

7 February (Friday): DHB at Giza Pyramids

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): The Art of Public Speaking Workshop at AUC Tahrir.

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): Football Access Summit at Zed Park.

8 February (Saturday): Cairo Vintage Souq at Al Zohriya Garden.

8-11 February (Saturday-Tuesday): 6th edition of Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

14 February (Friday): Heliopolis Marathon with Cairo Runners.

14 February (Friday): Medhat Saleh Hob x Hob concert at Theatro Arkan.

21 February (Friday): E7kky Festival.

21 February (Friday): Egycon 12 at Family Park, New Cairo.

21 February (Friday): Cairokeeat El Nahr El Akhdar Park in the New Administrative Capital.

22 February (Friday): MENA Product Summit at Townhall by Kamelizer – District 5.

23 February (Sunday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

23-25 February (Sunday-Tuesday): Sports Expo 2025 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

APRIL

1 April (Tuesday): Annual Flower Exhibition at the Agricultural Museum.

OCTOBER

16-24 October (Thursday-Friday): Gouna Film Festival.

30 October - 22 November (Thursday-Saturday): Forever is Now at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

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