Ramadan transformation

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

CBE leaves interest rates unchanged

Good morning all you wonderful people, and welcome to the weekend. We have a short and snappy issue for you today, with all you need to get the chilly weekend started off right.

With Ramadan drawing ever closer, our guide this week compiles a list of some of the key fitness challenges local gyms are offering during the holy month, to help kickstart a month of physical as well as spiritual renewal.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

The Central Bank of Egypt’s Monetary Policy Committee decided to leave rates unchanged during its meeting yesterday, the bank said in a statement . The committee said that its decision remains appropriate at the present time to maintain a sufficiently restrictive monetary policy and “ensure the projected disinflation path is achieved. The overnight deposit rate stands at 27.25%, the overnight lending rate at 28.25%, and the main operation and disc. rates at 27.75%.

DIPLOMACY-

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is in Riyadh today to take part in talks on the Palestinian issue with Saudi, Jordanian, Emirati, Kuwaiti, Bahraini, and Qatari leaders, according to a statement from Ittihadiya. Today’s meetings are expected to set the stage for the Arab League summit on 4 March.

Egypt is putting forward a plan to rebuild Gaza, which will reportedly call for a national Palestinian committee to govern Gaza without Hamas, international reconstruction efforts that don't involve displacing Palestinians, and progress towards a two-state solution, three unnamed Egyptian sources told Reuters earlier this week.

The reconstruction plan can be completed in three years, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said on Wednesday. While Madbouly didn’t disclose the cost of rebuilding Gaza, earlier this month, Talaat Moustafa Group CEO Hisham Talaat Moustafa proposed a USD 27 bn plan to rebuild Gaza. And a Reuters report out earlier this week put the price tag at some USD 20 bn.

ENERGY-

#1- The Oil Ministry inked two agreements with Cyprus to liquify and re-export Cypriot natural gas on the sidelines of the first day of the Egypt Energy Show. The agreements involve Cyprus’ Aphrodite and Cronos fields and will see Cyprus ship natural gas from its offshore fields to be liquefied in facilities in Idku and Damietta before being re-exported to foreign markets.

#2- Egypt will reportedly ink an agreement to rent a floating regasification unit from Cyprus next month. The ship, which will have a daily processing capacity of 500 mn cubic feet per day (mcf/d), is set to dock in Egypt to cover high energy demand in the summer months.

TAX-

A number of tax facilities that have to do with SMEs, simplifying tax procedures, and settling disputes will take effect in March. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi ratified three new laws — mentioned in October — that will expand the scope of tax exemptions for small and medium enterprises, simplify tax procedures, and help settle disputes.

REAL ESTATE-

Emaar Misr Properties inked an agreement with Midar Investment to set up the EGP 100 bn New Mivida residential project in New Cairo. The project will include 2.9k apartments and villas, a school, and a sports club. Emaar has already invested an initial USD 80 mn in the project.

RENEWABLES-

Saudi renewables giant Acwa Power is setting up a 2 GW wind farm in South Hurghada with investments of SAR 8.6 bn (c. USD 2.3 bn), Saudi energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said during the first day of the Egypt Energy Show. The company inked a power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for the project, he added.

CONSTRUCTION-

Organi Group inked a partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation to set up construction and infrastructure projects in Egypt and abroad. The two sides aim to secure contracts worth USD 5 bn in Egypt and Libya, with plans to enter the Saudi and Emirati markets, Organi Group CEO Essam Al Organi said.

HEALTHCARE-

Italian leading hospital group San Donato Group wants to set up a USD 100 mn hospital and an international medicine-focused university. The 140-bed hospital will be set up in New Cairo and will be equipped with the latest tech and offer advanced medical services on par with global standards.

M&A-

Dubai-based classifieds giant Dubizzle Group acquired homegrown online car marketplace Hatla2ee. The move will see Dubizzle fold Hatla2ee’s platform into its operations in Egypt — which already include Dubizzle and Bayut — thereby expanding its footprint in the country’s fast-growing automotive market and digital classifieds scene. The financial terms of the takeover and post-acquisition leadership lineup were not disclosed.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

This week was defined by diplomatic maneuvering, shifting global alliances, and mounting geopolitical tensions, as world leaders braced for the ripple effects of Washington’s new stance on Gaza, Ukraine, and the global economy.

In the run-up to Tuesday’s meeting between US and Russian officials in Riyadh to begin negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, US secretary of state Marco Rubio stopped in Israel, standing alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm their shared commitment to “eradicating” Hamas and blocking a nuclear Iran. Netanyahu called President Donald Trump’s plan for forcibly displacing Palestinians “the only viable option” to reshape the region’s future.

The relationship between the US and their erstwhile Ukrainian allies deteriorated ahead of and after the talks, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky rejecting the US’ strictly bilateral negotiations — which excluded both Ukraine and the EU — in Riyadh, denying a US request for control over more than half of Ukraine’s mineral resources, and exchanging harsh words with the US president publicly.

Riyadh’s talks provided the basis for further negotiations: Tuesday's talks between Rubio and veteran Russian diplomats in Riyadh saw the negotiators agree to form negotiating teams and restore the normal functioning of each other's diplomatic missions — a stark shift in long-frosty relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Paris to discuss a unified stance on Washington’s unilateral engagement with Russia and the future of European defense. The conference exposed deep rifts in the EU over Ukraine, with UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s idea of sending peacekeeping troops to Kyiv sparking heated debate.

Closer to home, Hamas and Israel pushed forward with the latest prisoner exchange, releasing three Israelis in return for 369 Palestinians and later, on Thursday, four deceased Israelis for several hundred Palestinians. After a brief deadlock that threatened to upend the fragile ceasefire, Hamas recommitted to the deal following mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt.

Meanwhile, Israel has insisted on maintaining a presence in five “strategic” positions inside Lebanon, claiming that Hezbollah has not met disarmament commitments. Beirut has said it considers this a clear violation of the withdrawal terms.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Expect a cold wave in the capital this weekend with a high of 17°C on both days but a low of 10°C on Friday and 9°C on Saturday, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Cairokee x new capital: Cairokee will perform in El Nahr El Akhdar Park in the new administrative capital at 8pm tonight. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Welcome in the holy month of Ramadan with the finest dates at the CairoInternational Date Festival, under the theme From Egypt to the World. The festival started yesterday and will continue till Tuesday, 25 February at Al Horreya Park in Zamalek. Admission to the festival is free, with entry requiring a park ticket that costs 20 EGP.

The Animatex Festival is back for its fifth edition. It’s bringing a packed program including screenings of both short and feature animated films, discussions, panel talks, and workshops for animation enthusiasts — and those looking to network with local and international industry leaders. The festival started yesterday at the AUC Tahrir campus and will continue until Tuesday, 25 February. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Massar Egbari is preparing to celebrate the release of their latest album, Maba’etsh Akhaf tonight at 7pm. The event will take place at El Sawy Culturewheel Theatre at Nile University in Sheikh Zayed. Tickets are available through El Sawy Culturewheel’s website.

For the gamers and the cosplayers. EGYCON 12 is taking place tonight at Family Park, New Cairo. The event will feature Japanese live performances, trivia games, a fire show, a merch bazaar, and a whole lot more. Grab your ticket from the link in the event description.

The Ain Gamal comedy show is back with comedian Omar El Gamal at Kamelizer, District 5, tonight, at 8:30pm. Tickets available on Ticketsmarche.

For Pink Floyd fans, take part at The Floyd Paradox, a tribute concert by the Egyptian band Paranoid Eyes, celebrating the legendary rock group. The show kicks off tonight, at 8pm at Room Art Space, Garden City. Tickets available on the venue's website.

Want to support Gaza’s artisans in Cairo? Don’t miss the Gazan Artisan Craft Fair at KMT House in Maadi, featuring products crafted by Palestinian artisans here in Cairo. The fair will take place tomorrow from 11am to 6pm.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Attend a classic ballet opera. Sleeping Beauty will be showing at the Cairo Opera House at the end of the month. Tickets for shows on the 24, 25, 26, and 27 February are available on Tazkarti.

The Loran Gang are back. For all Kefaya Ba2a fans, this is your chance to catch a special live episode with the legendary Loran Gang on Thursday, 27 February at Theatro Arkan. Come for raw takes, big laughs, and an unforgettable night. Grab your tickets now on Ticketsmarche.

Get fit this Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self discipline, and personal growth — but as the days slow down, it also becomes an opportunity to focus on health and fitness. Over the past few years, fitness centers have been hosting Ramadan Transformation Challenges, designed to help participants stay active, build strength, and improve their well-being during the fasting days.

Pick your battle: The list below will walk you through what to expect from each of these challenges and help you pick the right fitness center for you.

#1- AOS: If your goal is to lose weight, get fit, and tone up this Ramadan, AOS has the transformation challenge for you. The program spans five weeks with six days of training a week. Each participant is given a nutrition plan that is customized to their needs and goals and their progress is tracked before and after. This challenge claims to help participants lose over 10% of their body weight in Ramadan and promises a money-back guarantee for those who succeed — how’s that for motivation?

Location: AOS is located in El Guezira Compound, Sheikh Zayed.

Details: The challenge costs EGP 3.5k per person. It starts a week before Ramadan on Sunday, 23 February and you can sign up through the link in AOS’s bio.

#2- WAREHOUSE: This year, Warehouse is bringing you not one, not two, but three Ramadan challenges. The first challenge is pre-Iftar and it's only for the ladies. Starting at 4pm on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, the Tone-It challenge is suitable for all levels of fitness and targets fat loss and toning. The other two challenges are both mixed groups and take place on Saturdays to Wednesdays. One is for all fitness levels (8pm) and targets fat loss and muscle gain, while the other is for advanced athletes (9pm) and targets strength and conditioning.

Location: Warehouse is located in Club S, Allegria, Sheikh Zayed City.

Details: The challenges cost between EGP 3k to EGP 4k with an additional EGP 1.3k for a meal plan, grocery list, food substitution list, and follow up sessions. They start on Sunday, 2 March and you can sign up by messaging Warehouse on Instagram.

#3- ELEVATE: Spanning over 30 days with 5 workouts a week, Elevate’s Ramadan Fat-loss Program will help you stay consistent and make progress. In addition to the workouts, participants are given access to a nutrition webinar, a nutrition guide, all day support from coaches and peers, and in-body assessments to track progress. This program is all about showing up so participants who fail to attend five sessions will lose their spot. The deadline to register is Thursday, 27 February.

Location: Elevate is located in Galleria40, Sheikh Zayed and U Venues, New Cairo.

Details: The challenge costs EGP 8k per person. It starts on Sunday, 2 March and you can sign up through the link in Elevate’s Instagram bio.

#4- CORE: They say the only way to win is to lose, and that’s why in CORE’s 30-day Weight Loss challenge, the participants that lose the most weight will be given prizes. By participating, members are given full access to all classes, in-body assessments, customized nutrition plans, and follow-up webinars with CORE coaches. The deadline to register is Monday, 24 February.

Location: CORE is located in Walk of Cairo, PK1, and Pyramid Hills.

Details: The challenge costs EGP 5k per person. It starts on Saturday, 1 March and you can sign up by messaging CORE on Instagram.

#5- BE FIT: This challenge is for those who are looking to shed some extra kilos but unsure of where to start. The 30 Days Ramadan Weight Loss Program is made up of training sessions — with some surprises — and nutrition tips and tricks powered by Juhayna.

Location: Contact BeFit to find the closest branch to you.

Details: The challenge costs EGP 2.4k per person. It starts on the first day of Ramadan and you can sign up through the BeFit 360 app (iOS | Android).

A psychological drama told from the perspective of a ghost haunting an old house

? Life through a ghost’s eyes. From director Steven Soderbegh comes Presence, a psychological drama told from the perspective of a ghost haunting an old house. Starring Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan, the film takes an unconventional approach to the supernatural, prioritizing emotional depth over traditional scares.

Here’s what you’re in for: Chris (Sullivan) and Rebecca (Liu) move into a secluded home with their children, Chloe (Callina Liang) and Tyler (Eddy Maday). From the start, tension brews within the family — Chloe is grieving the overdose of her closest friend while also enduring the cruelty of her arrogant teenage brother. Meanwhile, the parents’ marriage appears fragile, teetering on the edge of collapse.

As Chloe navigates her new life, she crosses paths with Ryan (West Mulholland), her brother’s mysterious new friend with a penchant for illicit substances. But something else lurks within the house — a presence watching, waiting, and slowly making itself known. As eerie occurrences escalate, the entire family begins to sense the ghostly entity roaming their home.

If you’re expecting Presence to be a traditional horror film, think again. This isn’t a story designed to terrify — it’s a melancholic tale of a tormented spirit burdened by regret. The decision to shoot the film entirely from the ghost’s point of view, using extended single shot takes, creates an immersive sense of isolation that mirrors the characters’ emotional struggles. Sullivan and Liu deliver standout performances, adding depth to the film’s introspective tone, though Liu’s role feels unexpectedly muted.

Its marketing as a horror film does it a disservice. Audiences expecting jump scares and supernatural terror may leave disappointed, as the movie leans more toward psychological drama with elements of suspense. However, when viewed through the right lens, Presence proves to be a thoughtful and well-crafted experience.

WHERE TO WATCH- It’s currently screening at Vox Cinemas Mall Of Egypt, City Stars Cinema, Point 90 Cinema, and Arkan Cinema. Or you watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:15).

Hope flickers where struggle persists

? All That’s Left to You is a literary masterpiece about loss, resistance, and hope. Ghassan Kanafani’s 1966 novella, All That’s Left to You, defies conventional storytelling to touch on the key psychological and political issues of Palestinian existence under occupation.

At the heart of the story are two siblings, Hamid and Maryam, who are refugees in Gaza and whose personal struggles mirror the general Palestinian experience of loss and alienation. Their family is shattered by Zionist violence — their father murdered, their mother forced into exile in Jordan, and their own bond eventually severed. While their experiences unfold separately, their narratives build upon and echo each other, leading to a powerful clash with their oppressors.

Loss is a key theme on every page of the book — and not just in obvious ways like displacement, death, and separation, but also in deeper, more subtle ways. Maryam, controlled by patriarchy, loses her freedom, feeling like an object to be owned and traded. Hamid, meanwhile, faces the constant danger of colonial violence, after seeing a fellow Palestinian’s execution — he understands that he, too, is a target simply for being Palestinian. Their fear is real, as countless others like them have been killed or treated as such as part of a collective punishment that still happens today.

It’s not all about passive suffering. Both Hamid and Maryam fight back against those who try to erase them. Their struggle doesn’t have a happy ending, but their resistance itself is a sign of hope. This defiance in the face of oppression gives this book its power. Instead of a neat resolution, the book offers a glimpse of a future shaped by ongoing struggle.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find this book at Diwan.

This isn’t your average mokh and liver spot

? Makhmakh is here to elevate your local fried food game, and trust me, it’s not your average fried fare. Located in souq El Rehab, Makhmakh specializes in serving fried mokh (brain) and liver, along with shrimp and fish fillet. You can pick exactly how much you want based on weight, or go all in with a mixed platter of liver and mokh. Either way, you're in for a treat.

Let’s talk about the batter: It’s not the usual dry, crumbly type that falls off after one bite. No, Makhmakh’s batter is like a soft, pillowy “second skin” that hugs the meat just right, giving it a soft and tender texture. Think of it as the fried food version of a cozy sweater: comforting.

Now, if we’re being honest, the fried mokh and shrimp are the true stars here. The mokh is well seasoned and soft on the outside, even softer and creamier on the inside. And the shrimp? Perfectly fried, and the batter doesn’t leave you wishing the shrimp was more flavorful. While the liver and fish fillet were definitely good, those two stood out as the highlights.

But let’s not forget about the sandwiches. You can always assemble your own sandwich exactly how you want it. Want to slather it in tahini? Go for it. Prefer some tangy baladi salad? It’s all yours. Pickled eggplant to balance the richness? Yes, please. They also offer pre-made sandwiches, so if you’re feeling lazy, they’ve got you covered.

One side salad that’s worth the tasting venture is a mix of liver and mokh. That may sound a little out there, but is oddly addictive. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re an adventurous eater, you might just find your new obsession.

PRO TIP: The portions are generous, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. Order a platter and a sandwich, and you’ll have the perfect combination of fried goodness and fresh toppings to keep you satisfied without feeling like you missed out on any of the flavors.

? Per person: 100-1k

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

My Momma Told Me unpacks decades of Black communities’ lore

?Conspiracy theories mixed with culture and comedy. My Momma Told Me is a podcast that explores the wild conspiracy theories that have been passed down in Black communities. In each episode the comedian hosts — Langston Kerman and David Gborie — feature a guest who brings their own experiences and theories to the conversation.

The topics are bizarre. Both hosts have a sharp wit and a natural ability to keep conversations engaging and hilarious. The theories discussed are also quite interesting, ranging from “is the government putting chemicals in our food to make us docile?” to “are black people actually aliens?” Regardless of the topic at hand, the conversations always spike a mix of curiosity and comedy.

There’s a deeper meaning behind the discussions. Despite the humor, the podcast also discusses the societal roots behind these theories — making it an exploration of culture and identity. To finish off their discussions, the hosts might debunk the myth, reinforce the suspicions, or even go on the tangent without coming to a logical conclusion.

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

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

20-25 February (Thursday-Tuesday): Animatex Festival at AUC Tahrir.

20-25 February (Thursday-Tuesday): Cairo International Date Festival at Al-Horreya Park.

20-21 February (Thursday-Friday): Ghostly Kisses at Movenpick Media City.

21 February (Friday): Massar Egbari launch album at El Sawy Culturewheel.

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.

21 February (Friday): Desert of the Mamluks Al Qahraweya.

21 February (Friday): The Ain Gamal comedy show at Kamelizer District 5.

21 February (Friday): The Floyd Paradox at Room Art Space.

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

22 February (Friday): Gazan Artisan Craft Fair at KMT House.

22 February (Friday): VeryNile’s The Nile Parade.

22 February (Saturday): MENA Product Summit at Kamelizer Spaces.

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.

24 February (Monday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

24-27 February (Monday-Thursday) Sleeping Beauty at the Cairo Opera House.

25 February (Tuesday): Connect Four at Boom Room.

27 February (Thursday): Loran Gang at Theatro Arkan.

APRIL

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

MAY

21-31 May (Wednesday-Saturday): Disney On Ice at Cairo International Stadium

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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