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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Gov’t to explore leasing a German LNG floating regasification unit

Good afternoon folks, and a wonderful Tuesday to you. Today we have all the latest on the prospects of another LNG regasification vessel heading to Egypt, streaming services’ shift back to the cable TV playbook, and the must-watch domestic and int’l football matches vying for your attention tonight.

THE BIG STORY TODAY-

Another LNG regasification vessel could be on our horizon: The government is exploring the possibility of leasing a German LNG regasification vessel, with a delegation of Egyptian experts expected to visit Germany by the end of this month in order to finalize terms, the Oil Ministry said in a statement.

Our sixth floating regasification unit? Egypt had been expected to ink an agreement this month to rent its fifth floating regasification unit from Cyprus, with the ship reportedly expected to dock in Egypt to cover high energy demand in the summer months. The gov’t also reportedly chartered a third floating storage regasification unit to dock at Ain Sokhna by June 2025 and a fourth unit from Turkey to dock for the duration of the summer.

The gov’t is prepping for the summer demand surge: Egypt has reportedly sent new pricing and payment conditions to global LNG suppliers in a bid to secure direct contract offers for LNG supplies for the summer months, with the government reportedly aiming to import 155-160 shipments of LNG in 2025 to close the gap between demand and supply.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

US and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia today, as the Trump administration pushes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The talks will focus on potential territorial concessions from Ukraine — a key about-face from the Biden administration’s policy — with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the two countries are “not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions." This comes after US President Donald Trump halted military aid to Kyiv following a “heated discussion” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy — though the country has since resumed intelligence sharing with the Ukrainians in the past several days.

Greenlanders are headed to the polls today for the country’s general elections, with the outcome likely to determine whether or not the island nation will pursue plans to seek independence from Denmark. The elections come after Trump pledged to invest bns if mineral-rich and strategically located Greenland joined the US, after initially failing to rule out the possibility of annexing the country by force. Polls suggest that a majority of Greenlanders support independence, but diverge on how they think the process should be timed and approached.

And closer to home: Syria’s interim government and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement yesterday to integrate SDF forces and institutions into the nascent Syrian state led by interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa, with the agreement also granting the SDF control over border checkpoints in areas under its control and bringing airports and oil fields in SDF-held territory under the state’s umbrella. The agreement is set to see SDF forces integrated into the Syrian defense ministry by the end of the year, with no further details on how this will occur.

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

  • That’s a wrap on the fourth review: The IMF Executive Board has completed the fourth review of Egypt’s USD 8 bn loan program, allowing for the disbursement of USD 1.2 bn — the biggest tranche of the program so far.
  • Annual headline urban inflation plunged to 12.8% in February, marking an 11.2percentage point drop from the 24.0% recorded in January.
  • One step closer to the Banque du Caire stake sale: Banque du Caire owner Banque Misr is seeking USD 1-1.2 bn from the direct sale of a 45% stake in BdC.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Temperatures in the capital are heating up with highs of 28°C before dipping to a slight chilly low of 16°C, according to our favorite weather app.

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FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Why can’t we find anything good to watch anymore?

Say goodbye to good TV. Streaming services used to greenlight shows and movies that traditional networks wouldn't dare touch, giving us compelling stories like Stranger Things and Yellowjackets, the originality of which reeled in subscribers. But now, as streaming services are pivoting towards safer, more predictable productions, the era of good TV is ending, Ars Technica reports.

Streaming platforms are tightening their purses. The battle for dominance has become a fight for survival as most platforms struggle to turn a profit, especially with user-generated content sites overtaking streaming platforms for the first time ever. As a result, streaming giants are rethinking their strategies, prioritizing profitability over experimentation. Big players are cutting back on original scripted programming in favor of more financially secure content — their programming budgets are expected to grow by just 0.4% in 2025, according to Ampere Analysis. Amazon Prime Video is reducing its slate of original films and series, while Disney Plus’s content budget has shrunk from USD 33 bn in 2022 to a projected USD 23 bn in 2025.

Streaming is starting to resemble the very thing it once sought to replace: Cable TV. Live sports, reality shows, and franchise expansions are now the priority. Platforms are also relying more on legacy TV hits, such as Suits and The Big Bang Theory, which continue to dominate streaming viewership years after their initial runs ended. They are also embracing advertising models — mirroring cable’s reliance on commercials — forcing users to rely on ad-supported tiers. But premium subscribers aren't always safe — Amazon Prime Video recently added an extra fee for an ad-free experience, and the continuous hike in subscription fees is making convenience more and more expensive.

There is a risk of losing unique content: Paramount has already indicated that it will reduce its investment in licensing international and niche content in favor of global, mainstream hits. If other platforms follow suit, we could see fewer fresh, diverse voices in streaming, and more formulaic content designed for mass appeal and mass consumption.

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ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

When dreams become nightmares

? Beware of the four sisters. Directed by Mohamed Shaker Khodeir and written by Mohab Tarek, Ekhwati establishes itself as one of the standout series in the first half of the current Ramadan drama season. As the plot unfolds, the show presents a meticulously crafted and thrilling combination that viewers can’t help but enjoy until the very end.

Meet the sisters: Soha (Nelly Karim), Ahlam (Ruby), Naglaa (Gihan El Shamashergy), and Nahed (Kinda Alloush) all have different personalities and dreams, but are united by a seemingly unbreakable bond of sisterhood. One day, Naglaa dreams that her husband Rabei (Ahmed Hatem) has been killed, and his body dumped on her doorstep. To her horror, she wakes up to find that the events in her dream have unfolded in reality.

Fearing she might be accused of committing the crime, the sisters band together with Farahat (Hatem Salah) and Hesham (Ali Sobhy), Nahed and Soha’s husbands, to dispose of the body. But matters take a turn when Naglaa’s prophetic dreams continue to come true, entangling her and her sisters in more difficult situations.

Several elements shine through — most notably the powerful performances, whether from the four leading actresses, or Sobhy and Salah. The latter especially caught our attention with a complex, and sometimes satirical dramatic role that is a stark departure from his previous roles in comedy. The captivating cinematography also stands out, with carefully directed frames complementing the moods of certain scenes or characters. Despite controversy regarding the originality of the story — which bears similarities to the American series Bad Sisters, Ekhwati remains one of the most entertaining watches we’ve kept up with this Ramadan.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find Ekhwati on Shahid and WatchIt, or catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:13).

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Sports

A big day for fans of local and international football

⚽ Exciting matches await us today — both locally with the first week of the Nile League finals, and internationally with the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

The Cairo derby: The classic matchup of Zamalek and Al Ahly is expected to kick off tonight at 9:30pm in the opening match of the Egyptian League’s final phase, where nine teams compete for the title. Al Ahly currently sits in second place with 39 points, looking to catch up with leader Pyramids, who are three points ahead. Zamalek is third on the leaderboard with 32 points, and needs a win to keep their title hopes alive and secure a CAF Champions League qualification spot.

The show may not go on, however: Al Ahly is now threatening to withdraw from the domestic competition if its request that foreign referees manage the match is not met, with the request echoed in a statement put out by the club’s board after an emergency meeting this morning.

Three other Nile League matches will be kicking off at 9:30pm:

  • Haras El Hodoud vs. Petrojet (Championship Group)
  • Modern Sport vs. Smouha (Relegation Group)
  • El Gouna vs. Al Ittihad (Relegation Group)

Four pivotal second-leg matches in the 16th round of the Champions League are taking place today, all of which start at 10pm, except for Barcelona’s fixture.

Barcelona and Benfica will be meeting at Camp Nou at 7:34pm. The Catalan team will begin the match with high morale, having clinched the first leg with a 1-0 victory. The players hope to dedicate a victory today to the team’s late doctor Carles Minyarro Garcia.

In Deutschland, Bayer Leverkusen faces a tough challenge against Bayern Munich, who secured an impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg. Bayern are dealing with some absences — most notably goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Similarly, Leverkusen faces an enormous challenge with star player Florian Wirtz sidelined, making a possible comeback even more difficult.

Liverpool welcomes Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated clash. The Reds have a first-leg victory advantage, and hope to use their home support at Anfield to secure qualification. PSG will be entering the match hoping that luck will smile on them after their impressive performance in the first leg, aiming for a “remontada” that would take them to the next round.

Inter Milan will be going head to head with Feyenoord in a match that will be difficult for the away team after losing 2-0 in the first leg.

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OUT AND ABOUT

The Goats are bringing the laughs

MARK YOUR CALENDAR-

? Join in for some laughs with the GOATs of comedy. Comedians Marwan Fares, Mohamed Moula, Marwan El Moslemany, and Mohamed Halim are bringing their interactive comedy show to east Cairo for the first time. The show will take place at Kamelizer, District 5 on Friday, 14 March at 9pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

Ramadan Nights continue at the Opera. Wael El Fashny and his band will take the stage with Arabic melodies in the Small Hall at Cairo Opera House tonight at 9:30pm. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

Unwind under the Ramadan night sky with a brush in one hand and a paddle in the other. The special Ramadan edition of Pottery Painting & Kayaking is happening on Thursday, 13 March, and Thursday, 20 March, at 9pm at Mountain View Hyde Park. Book your spot through their page on Instagram.

Hakim at Hekaytna Helwa. The musical icon is one of many artists set to be featured at Hekaytna Helwa Ramadan tent’s shows this year, with Hakim’s concert set to take place Thursday, 13 March, at 10pm. Get your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Hekaytna Helwa will also see a performance from Hamid El Shaeri and Hisham Abbas, with the two set to perform as part of the Suhour shows at Hekaytna Helwa Ramadan tent on Friday, 14 March. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Eshtry Menny EXP returns with Ba'ad Shoo'a — a comedy podcast presented in a live show. Hosts Badr Nour, Abdelrahman Mohamed, and Gamal Ramzy, will be joined by a distinguished guest star: Ashraf Abdel Baky. The show will start at 9pm next Friday, 14 March at the Rihany Theater in Downtown. Grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING LATER-

The Opera House’s Ramadan nights are still going strong with a new Islamic show from Sheikh Yasin El Touhamy and his team on the open stage. This will take place on Sunday, 16 March at 9:30pm. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

For lovers of theatre: Don’t miss Sayed Ragab’s Evening of Storytelling and Drama where you’ll witness the play The Writer on Honeymoon — also starring Yasmeen El Hawary — followed by a unique theatrical storytelling experience. The show will start at 9:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 19 and 20 March at Theatro Arkan. Tickets will be available soon on Ticketsmarche.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Saad El Oud live on stage. Share the experience of good music with your mother this Friday, 21 March at Majarrah, starting 10pm. You can grab the entertainment-only ticket if she’s all about the music, or the suhoor entertainment ticket if you’d like to spoil her with a delicious meal, both available on Ticketsmarche.

Amidst the Ramadan celebrations, don't forget to celebrate Mother’s Day. Make Mother’s Day special this year with a special night of music by Tablet El Sitt at Theatro Arkan on Friday, 21 March from 9pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Spend a Ramadan night with Medhat Saleh on the Cairo Opera House Main Stage. The concert will take place on Friday, 21 March at 9:30pm. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

Tamer Ashour on the ZED stage. Get ready to see Tamer Ashour on the bigstage at ZED Park in Sheikh Zayed City on Friday, 25 April starting at 8pm. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

The king of latin pop lands in Egypt. Grammy-winning global superstar Enrique Eglesias will be performing at Rixos Radamis, Sharm El Sheikh on Saturday, 3 May. Tickets to the concert are exclusive to guests at Rixos Radamis and Rixos Premium Seagate hotels and resorts.

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Under the Lamplight

When crazy meets crazy

This Luxor-based psychological thriller should be your next read. Havoc by Christopher Bollen follows Maggie Burkhardt, an 81-year-old — seemingly sweet — widow. But behind her calm exterior lies a strange passion for manipulation that she considers “helping.”

Maggie has been hotel-hopping for years, stirring up drama wherever she goes. Why? She views herself as an agent of change and aims to “liberate” people from their unhappy relationships — whether they ask for it or not — by planting false evidence, spreading rumors, and other bizarre plans she comes up with. That is the way it's always been, until she meets Otto — a precocious 8-year-old boy who seems just as devious as she is.

The plot is a series of psychological mind games. The character dynamic between Maggie and Otto is twisted with constant moments of intrigue, keeping readers on their toes as the plot shifts from deception to obsession to murder to something else entirely without warning — making it an impossible-to-put-down book.

Bollen’s writing is sharp, balancing humor with creepiness. Maggie’s unreliable narration adds an extra layer of intrigue and confusion to the plot — readers don’t know how much of her past is real and how much is part of her carefully constructed story. Is she losing her mind? Is she dangerous? The questions continue to rise along with the suspense.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Havoc is available on Amazon.

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GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 11 March 2025

The EGX30 fell 0.7% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.2 bn (8.9% below the 90-day average). Local investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 4.0% YTD.

In the green: Palm Hills Development (+2.4%), Emaar Misr (+2.3%) and Egypt Kuwait Holding - EGP (+1.1%).

In the red: TMG Holding (-3.0%), E-finance (-1.8%) and Sidpec (-1.4%).


MARCH

11 March (Tuesday): Wael El Fashny at Cairo Opera House.

13 March (Thursday): Hakim concert at Hekaytna Helwa Tent, New Cairo.

14 March (Friday): Hamid Al Shaeri and Hisham Abbas concert at Hekaytna Helwa Tent, New Cairo.

14 March (Friday): The Goats stand up comedy at Kamelizer Spaces, District 5.

14 March (Friday): Eshtry Menny EXP Ba'ad Shoo'a at the Rihany Theatre.

16 March (Sunday): Sheikh Yassin Eltohamy at the Cairo Opera House.

19-20 March (Wednesday-Thursday): Sayed Ragad’s Evening of Storytelling and Drama at Theatro Arkan.

19 March (Wednesday): Cassette 90 Band live at Boom Room.

21 March (Friday): Mother’s Day.

21 March (Friday): Saad El Oud at Majarrah.

21 March (Friday): Tablet El Sitt at Theatro Arkan.

21 March (Friday): Medhat Saleh at the Cairo Opera House.

24 March (Monday): Mazeek live at Boom Room.

APRIL

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

2 April (Wednesday): Cairokee at CUBIX, El Gouna.

12 April (Saturday): She Can event at Creativa Innovation Hub, Giza.

25 April (Friday): Tamer Ashour concert at ZED Park, Sheikh Zayed.

MAY

3 May (Saturday): Enrique Eglesias at the Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh.

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

30 May (Friday): Adam Port at the New Administrative Capital’s Green River.

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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