Glamping

1

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

EGP strengthens against the greenback

Good morning, friends, and welcome to the weekend. It’s been a relatively calm week, and we’re manifesting an even calmer weekend. Haven’t planned out your time yet? We might have a few ideas…

Oftentimes a summer escapade manifests itself in a trip up north, but what if that’s not what you’re looking for? Serene, majestic, and just a two-hour drive away from Cairo, Fayoum is a criminally-underrated weekend getaway. In this week’s Enterprise Guide, we’re giving you the 101 on all things Fayoum, and what to do if you’re heading there.

We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

EGP WATCH-

EGP rises to eight-month high against USD: The EGP rose against the greenback on Tuesday to its highest level since November 2024 — the USD was changing hands at EGP 49.02-49.12 at the end of the day’s trading. This rebound came on the back of substantial USD-denominated inflow, as well as easing geopolitical tension and attractive interest rates spurring unprecedented foreign inflows into short and medium-term debt instruments.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

Qatar is reportedly set to invest USD 4 bn in a major tourism development on the North Coast, located in the Alam El Roum area. The project will reportedly span 60k feddans and be developed under a usufruct agreement with the Qatar Investment Authority. The USD 4 bn ticket covers both land rights and the cost of infrastructure to be developed by the Egyptian government.

IPO WATCH-

Bonyan started trading on the EGX: Shares of real estate investment firm Bonyan began trading on the EGX on Tuesday under the ticker BONY.CA, opening at EGP 4.96 apiece. The issuer raised EGP 1.8 bn by offering 344.8 mn shares in a private placement to institutional investors, in addition to 18.1 mn shares in a public offering to retail investors. Both offerings were heavily oversubscribed.

ALSO- National Printing Company is taking a 10% stake, or 21.2 mn shares, to market in a secondary offering on the EGX. The transaction, which is pending final regulatory approval, will be split equally between a public tranche and a fully committed private tranche anchored by Saudi investor Omran Mohammed AlOmran.

REAL ESTATE-

Developers hit with new Desert Road and North Coast land fees: Real estate developers with land holdings on both the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road and the North Coast are facing new levies from the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), according to documents seen by EnterpriseAM. NUCA has introduced a betterment fee on land along the Desert Road stretching from Remaya Square to the Alexandria gates, with rates ranging from EGP 1.5k per sqm for plots up to 1 km deep on both sides of the road, to EGP 500 per sqm for depths of 3-7 km. Meanwhile, North Coast developers are now subject to a 10% sales fee on projects where the land was sold by a landowner to a developer. The government classifies these transactions as asset transfers that “warrant financial compensation.” The fees are calculated based on the current land value, not the price at the time of purchase or contracting, according to the document.

DEBT WATCH-

Egypt plans to issue up to USD 4 bn in international bonds over the next year to help address its USD 11 bn external financing gap. The planned issuances could include EUR- and USD-denominated securities, sustainability bonds, sukuk, and even CNY- or JPY-denominated instruments — which would cover about 40% of the country’s external funding needs. The remainder is expected to come from concessional financing.

ECONOMY-

Goldman, Deutsche Bank split on our rate cut pace: Goldman Sachs sees no interest rate cuts in Egypt before October, while Deutsche Bank is pencilling-in a 200 bps cut in August, but highlights inflation risks that could influence the Central Bank of Egypt’s decision at the time.

A combined fifth and sixth review of Egypt’s USD 8 bn IMF loan program is expectedto conclude in September or October, unlocking a USD 2.5 bn tranche, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said during his visit to London last week. “Both sides are working on the expectation that this should be happening in September, October,” he said, adding that “the IMF is after certain targets — and that's what is important.”

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The US announced several trade agreements with Asian countries ahead of implementation deadline for reciprocal tariffs: The US and Japan reached a trade agreement setting reciprocal tariffs for Japan at 15%, in exchange for some USD 550 bn in Japanese investments in the US. Trump also agreed to a 19% tariff with the Philippines and Indonesia, with zero tariffs on US goods exported to both countries. Meanwhile, China could be in for a deadline extension — originally set for 1 August — as officials are set to meet for talks in Stockholm next week to discuss a “rebalance” of the US-China relationship.

ALSO- Trump filed a USD 10 bn libel lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, as well as owner Rupert Murdoch, Dow Jones, and News Corp after the newspaper published claims that Trump had contributed a suggestive letter to a scrapbook for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday, marking his most aggressive challenge to media coverage since entering office.

Over 100 international aid organizations and human rights groups have called for animmediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the full lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid, as the strip’s hunger crisis worsens. A statement, signed by 111 organizations including Mercy Corps, Refugees International, and Doctors Without Borders, among others, highlighted the spread of mass starvation throughout the enclave and urged immediate intervention by the world’s governments.

MEANWHILE- A group of 28 countries — including the UK, France, Canada, and Italy — also called for an immediate end to the war and condemned Israel for the “drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians” who are seeking food and water.

Israel killed around 67 people waiting for UN aid trucks in Gaza on Sunday as starvation cases rise and more people die of hunger. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans were also told to evacuate Deir al Balah in central Gaza, as ceasefire talks seem to have stalled despite claims from the US that the two sides were close to agreeing a temporary 60-day truce. Talks are still ongoing in Doha between Israel and Hamas. The IDF then launched an air and ground offensive the following day in Deir al Balah.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Stay cool, stay indoors, and don’t forget your sunblock, because it’s going to be a hot weekend in Cairo, as temperatures are set to peak at 40-41°C, before cooling down to 24-25°C. Across the North Coast, the weather will be relatively cooler, with highs of 29-30°C and lows of 26-27°C, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

In the mood for a Middle Eastern serenade? Musician Saad El Oud will be whipping up all sorts of Arabic and Egyptian oud tunes at Theatro Arkan tomorrow. You can get your tickets from Ticketsmarché.

Ready to swim your way to glory? North Coast’s Ghazala Bay is hosting an open water sports festival on Saturday, complete with open water swimming and a slew of family-friendly water activities. You can secure your spot through Ticketsmarché.

Pop-star Nancy Ajram and shaa’bi legend Hakim will light up the stage at Layali Marassi on Saturday. The two megastars will be at the Address Beach Resort for a night of nostalgic hits and performances bringing together generations of music lovers by the beach. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarché.

Get to know Cairo like never before with a guided tour through its Islamic district. On Saturday, Kharita and Fil Qahira will be exploring the city with nothing but a rare 1950s map to guide them. Up for an adventure? You can get your tickets from Kharita’s Instagram.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Feel like rocking out? Egyptian rock band Massar Egbari will be taking the stage at Nile University’s El Sawy Culturewheel Theater in Sheikh Zayed on Thursday, 31 July. You can grab your tickets from El Sawy Culturewheel’s website.

Up for a treasure hunt? On Friday, 1 August and Saturday, 2 August, Maadi’s Darb 15 will be hosting a garage sale brimming with fashion pieces looking for a new home. The sale will run from 12pm to 10pm on both days, and we’d suggest getting there fast if you plan on digging for gold.

A Sahel night with El Hadaba. Join Egyptian megastar Amr Diab for a night of summer hits and timeless classics at U Arenas in Al Alamein on Friday 1 August, as part of the New Alamein Festival. You can grab your tickets through Tazkarti.

The Martinez Brothers will be giving the North Coast’s Sol Beach a taste of what New York City’s nightlife scene has to offer on Friday, 1 August. The DJ duo — and brothers from the same mother — will be joined by Lebanese DJ and producer Rolbac, so you know things will be heating up quite fast. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarché.

How to spend a weekend in Fayoum

? When it comes to weekend getaways, the North Coast is perhaps the first destination that comes to mind. Ain Sokhna, Ras Sudr, El Gouna, and the like are next on the list. Yet, there’s one destination that is just as breathtaking — and we’d argue, offers a better getaway experience: Fayoum. One of Egypt’s oldest cities, the oasis boasts a topography unlike any other — one worth driving a little under two hours for.

We know what you’re thinking, what’s there to do in Fayoum? Well, as you’ll soon find out, quite a lot. From majestic lakes to forgotten pyramids and archaeological sites, there’s much to fill a weekend itinerary. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know if you plan on switching up your weekend plans.

FIRST THINGS FIRST-

If you want to sit back, enjoy the view, and have someone do all the planning for you, a slew of travel agencies in Cairo will be glad to help. Agencies like Sun Pyramids, Tegwal, D-Trips, and more often announce weekend getaways and day trips to Fayoum, taking planning out of your equation. All you need to do is show up and let them take care of the rest.

If you’re going the solo route, however, it’s a path easily trodden. If you’re driving from Cairo, you can expect to be on the road anywhere between 90 minutes to two hours, and cover a distance of approximately 120 km — give or take. Before you put the pedal to the metal, here are some accommodation options to keep in mind.

WHERE TO STAY IN FAYOUM-

Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience or a luxury camp to reconnect with nature, Fayoum has it all. Here are our recommendations for your next stay in Fayoum.

TIP- Don’t forget to pack some sunblock — you’ll need it.

#1- Waterside Loft: For a lush, serene rustic experience, this one bed-one bath Airbnb is among Fayoum’s most coveted. One look at it, and it’s easy to discern why. The space is completely neutral with lots of wooden accents, offers floor to ceiling windows with a garden view, and comes with its own pool and an indoor sunken tub with a relaxing view. The Waterside Loft is ideal for solo travellers or couples with a penchant for the finer things in life, considering this stay comes at a hefty price. It’s located near Qarun Lake and is close in proximity to the city’s most popular restaurants and destinations.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Airbnb.

#2- Lazib Inn: Overlooking Qaroun Lake, Lazib Inn is a luxury boutique resort and spa located in Tunis Village — one of the most beautiful areas in Fayoum. The resort combines a modern aesthetic with rustic soul, and offers all the amenities you might need. Lazib Inn boasts all sorts of spa amenities, horseback riding services, and proves an excellent location for late night stargazing. The Lazib Inn’s restaurant, The Blue Donkey, has raving reviews — so don’t let the name fool you.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Booking.

#3- Kom El Dikka: This agri-lodge is the sort of place you won’t want to leave — or have to, considering they have everything you may need. Kom El Dikka is a stay reminiscent of traditional farmhouses; there’s plenty of outdoor spaces, a private beach area, a communal terrace, and you can even take a tour through the lodge’s farms. The lodge also provides fitness classes and outdoor activities, and can also arrange for personalized tours. The restaurant is perhaps Kom El Dikka’s most popular destination, but more on that later.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Booking.

#4- Lac Moeris: A boutique glamping experience by Qaroun Lake after which it is named, Lac Moeris provides the best that camping has to offer, with none of the inconveniences. The eco-friendly luxury stay comprises a series of private standalone rooms with stunning views of the lake. There’s also a private pool and an outdoor restaurant. Lac Moeris frequently hosts holistic retreats and curated entertainment programs. This stay proves ideal if you’re looking for some privacy and alone time, as it's relatively far from all the action downtown.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay by messaging Lac Moeris on Instagram.

WHERE TO GO FOR SUSTENENCE-

When in Fayoum, don’t expect an abundance of foreign cuisines or upscale restaurants. Culinary escapades in Fayoum are all about traditional flavors and authentic Egyptian cuisine. While every hotel offers its own outlets, these are Fayoum’s most popular restaurants.

#1- Kom El Dikka: If you opt for a different accommodation than this agri-lodge, you’ll still want to pay their signature restaurant a visit. Kom El Dikka serves up traditional Egyptian farm-to-table cuisine — breakfast through dinner. You’ll find molokhia, stuffed pigeon, bechamel tajins, and more homemade favorites. Here’s the best part: because Kom El Dikka knows you’ll love the food so much, they deliver frozen meals and other farm goodies all the way to Cairo.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Kom El Dikka is located in Tunis Village.

#2- Ibis: A restaurant and a cooking school, Ibis offers the full culinary experience. The rustic restaurant bridges the gap between traditional offerings and gourmet cooking. You’ll find everything from oriental classics to international favorites, served up with a side of Qaroun Lake views.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Ibis is located in Tunis Village.

SIGHTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON-

There’s much to see in Fayoum that you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some sights that should be on your itinerary — aside from Wadi El Rayyan and Qaroun Lake, which are hard to miss.

#1- The Pyramids: Yes, you read that right. Fayoum boasts its own pyramids: Lahun, Hawara, and Seila. While not as magnificent as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Fayoum’s pyramids showcase the earlier efforts by our ancestors, and offer a glimpse into a history often forgotten. If you’re visiting, we’d recommend doing so through a travel agency, or your hotel’s tour desk.

#2- Wadi Al Hitan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Al Hitan is a natural protectorate that contains the fossilized remains of the some of the world’s oldest — and now extinct — subspecies of whales. The number of fossils, as well as their state, make Wadi Al Hitan a pivotal archaeological site. Wadi Al Hitan is only accessible to visitors through guided tours, so make sure to plan ahead.

#3- The Magic Lake: Located within the Wadi Al Rayyan National Park, the Magic Lake owes its name to its seemingly shifting colors. The lake appears in different hues depending on the time of day, and shimmers under the sunlight. A trip to Fayoum isn’t complete without a visit to the Magic Lake, where you’ll find a slew of excited tourists sandboarding atop its shores.

FOR A LITTLE BIT OF FUN-

#1- Pottery classes: Looking to try out something new? Try pottery classes with local experts. Ibis — aside from serving up delicious flavors — also offers pottery classes. The Fayoum Pottery School in Tunis Village offers on-demand classes and other pottery-making activities for individuals or groups as well.

#2- Egypt’s only caricature museum: Did you know Egypt had its own caricature museum? Well, now you do know that it does, and that it’s in Fayoum. The first of its kind in the region, Fayoum Art Center is a cultural hub that hosts myriad exhibitions, art discussions, and a variety of creative activities for children and adults alike. It’s located in Tunis Village, and if you happen to fall in love with the place, they also offer accommodation.

#3- Shopping spree: Fayoum has no shortage of vendors proudly showcasing their craft — and a walk through Tunis Village will never have you heading back home empty handed. If you’re looking for a more curated shopping experience, we’d recommend paying Skylark Fayoum a visit. The store offers all sorts of handcrafted memorabilia to cherish for years to come — think pottery, clay lamps, embroidered fabrics, and woodwork.

#4- Desert experiences: You can’t go to the desert without getting the full desert experience, it’s as simple as that. From overnight camping to horseback riding and sandboarding, there’s a lot to do in Fayoum. More often than not, hotel tour desks will be able to arrange all sorts of activities for you. You can also opt for a full-fledged desert guided tour with Safari Camping in Tunis Village.

#5- Into stargazing? The Perseid meteor shower, active between July and August, will be peaking around 12-13 August — and Fayoum offers one of the clearest night skies to view the natural phenomenon.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” isn’t as bad as it sounds

? When it comes to memoirs, authors may often choose to conceal some truths or sugarcoat them. However, in former Nickelodeon child star Jeanette McCurdy’s case, the harsh, ugly truth is laid out in her emotionally shattering memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died.

From the get-go, a memoir under that name might immediately be off-putting, but if you ask us, it’s one you’ll need to read if you want to know how to be a better parent. In her memoir, McCurdy — whom you might recognize as Sam Puckett from hit Nickelodeon show iCarly — traces a life of child stardom, grueling schedules, and dreams forced on her from youth. McCurdy’s mother had one dream: her daughter was going to be a star, and she wouldn’t stop at anything to make sure that happened.

McCurdy is thrown into the vicious cycle of child auditions from the tender age of six. She’s made to go through intense training schedules, develops debilitating eating disorders, and becomes riddled with a slew of mental illnesses fueled by unhealthy relationships — with her craft, with her mother, and with life in general. When her mom passes away from cancer, McCurdy decides to take control over her own life, and march to the beat of her own drum — yet it’s not a journey that comes easy after a lifetime of abuse.

"Why do we romanticize the dead...?” We had a tough time going through this book, but we pushed through because it was necessary. McCurdy does not sugarcoat nor does she hide away her most jarring thoughts. She often employs humor to lighten the shock, yet she does not shy away from the spine-chilling anecdotes. There were certain chapters that proved too heavy to binge, and we found ourselves having to take a few breathers here and there. It’s a book that requires lots of deep introspection — the uncomfortable kind. It’s brave to go out in the world and make your story public, and for McCurdy, it paid off — the support she has received since the book’s publication in 2022 has been monumental.

The audiobook was a particularly painful listen. Narrated by McCurdy, there were moments where she would audibly cry, heave, and have her voice break. It was a deeply personal listening experience, and one that elicited quite a few tears from us. The memoir is set to receive a screen adaptation, starring Jennifer Anniston as McCurdy’s mother, Debra McCurdy.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can get the e-book on Amazon, or place a special order for the paperback version from The Bookspot. The Audiobook is also available on Storytel.

Care for a culinary trip round the Boulevard?

? Where do you go when you’re craving comfort food with a whole lot of flavor? This week, we found the answer at Boulevard. With an all-encompassing menu filled to the brim with all sorts of appetizers, pastas, sandwiches, and mains, we gave Cairo’s and the North Coast’s Boulevard a shot — and we left with happy stomachs.

Oftentimes, when visiting a restaurant and finding that their menu has everything but the kitchen sink, you might worry. At restaurants that don’t have a clear-cut specialty, things can get a little bit messy, but Boulevard proves that notion wrong. While offering a slew of different dishes, the restaurant nails everything down to a tee. The menu has a little bit of everything to cater to all sorts of appetites — we’re talking buffalo chicken casseroles and schnitzels all the way to smoked salmon pizzas and chicken mushroom pastas.

We were in the mood for sandwiches, and they didn’t disappoint. We went for the steak BBQ sandwich, the salmon avo sandwich, the truffle mac and cheese, and a set of mojitos — mango and strawberry to be precise. Not to sound hyperbolic, but the sandwiches were perhaps among the best we’ve ever tried. Both checked all the boxes in terms of flavor and filling, with the steak BBQ being seasoned to perfection. The salmon was as fresh as can be, and the side of salad made for a filling meal.

We might have overestimated our appetites, but we still had room for the mac and cheese. The truffle was striking, but in no way overpowering. The mojitos were a little on the sweeter side, however, so if you’re monitoring your sugar intake, we’d suggest sitting them out. All in all, we’d definitely recommend trying out the sandwiches, but if they’re anything to go by, we’d give the main platters a shot — which we’ll definitely be going back for.

Dine in at any of Boulevard’s branches in Cairo or on the North Coast. Boulevard has branches in New Cairo, New Giza, and Shorouk, as well as the North Coast at Playa, Seashell, and Caesar. You can also order from Talabat.

? Per person: EGP 800-900

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

How to navigate your twenties

? Your twenties don’t have to be confusing. Coming to you from Sydney, Australia, mental health advocate Jemma Sbeg hosts one of the most successful podcasts in recent years: The Psychology of Your 20s. The podcast was launched in the midst of the pandemic in 2021 with the aim of helping young people navigate their twenties — a period in life known for no shortage of confusion.

Best of both worlds: Sbeg combines her practical background working for government mental health programs and her own personal experiences as a woman in her twenties — such as her first romantic breakup — to deliver honest and profound episodes. In just four years, the podcast has touched mns.

Each episode sheds light on a different challenge faced by young people in their twenties. Topics range from fluctuating romantic relationships to career anxiety, friendships, and financial pressures. With a runtime of 40 to 60 minutes, Sbeg shares both personal revelations and the latest findings in modern psychology.

The perfect start: Among the podcast’s hundreds of episodes, the first one stands out as a foundational moment. Released in June 2021, Sbeg tackles the concept of feeling incompetent or unqualified, asking a question many ask themselves: “Why do you feel like such a fraud?” Jemma talks about how this feeling haunts many of us, especially women in the early stages of their professional and personal lives. Drawing on solid psychological studies and debunking stereotypes, Sbeg was able to build a cohesive episode that remains — despite being her first — her most listened-to episode.

New episodes are released every Tuesday and Friday. With over 300 episodes thus far, the podcast has garnered over 45 mn downloads and 1.5 mn followers. The podcast bridges the gap between academic theory and quick, consumer-driven content, resulting in a final product that benefits its listeners in many great ways.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

? JULY

24 July (Thursday): Official holiday for Revolution Day.

25 July (Friday): Saad El Oud at Theatro Arkan.

25 July (Friday): Mohamed Ramadan at Porto Golf Marina.

26 July (Saturday): Open water festival at Ghazala Bay.

26 July (Saturday): Nancy Ajram and Hakim at The Address Beach Resort.

26 July (Saturday): Kharita’s Islamic Cairo guided tour.

31 July (Thursday): Massar Egbari at El Sawy Culturewheel Theatre, Nile University.

AUGUST

1 August (Friday): The Martinez Brothers at Sol Beach.

1 August (Friday): Amr Diab at U Arenas.

1-2 August (Friday - Saturday): Garage sale at Darb 15.

2 August (Saturday): Ragheb Alama at The Address Beach Resort.

6-30 August (Wednesday - Saturday): Egypt Sculpture Symposium at New Alamein.

7 August (Thursday): Peggy Gou at D-Bay.

8 August (Friday): Hussein Al Jassmi, Disco Misr, and Ahmed Saad at Seashore.

8 August (Friday): &ME at Sol Beach.

8 August (Friday): All Day I Dream at ESCĀ Beach Club.

15 August (Friday): Marwan Pablo and Lege-cy at U Arena.

SEPTEMBER

4 September (Thursday): Al Mawlid Al Nabawi.

OCTOBER

6 October (Monday): Armed forces day.

7 October (Tuesday): Enterprise Egypt Forum 2025.

15 October (Wednesday): Scorpions concert at New Capital.

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

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

DECEMBER

19 December (Friday): DJ Tiësto at the Giza Plateau.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily

Glamping

An independent publication supported by

Today at a glance

EGP strengthens against the greenback

Related

Related

How to spend a weekend in Fayoum

Related

Related

This publication is proudly sponsored by

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” isn’t as bad as it sounds

Related

Care for a culinary trip round the Boulevard?

Related

How to navigate your twenties

Related

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Related

About

Privacy & Support

My EnterpriseAM

Sign in

Check your email! We've sent you a magic link to sign in.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily

Glamping

An independent publication supported by

Today at a glance

EGP strengthens against the greenback

Get Enterprise daily

Related

Related

How to spend a weekend in Fayoum

Related

Related

This publication is proudly sponsored by

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” isn’t as bad as it sounds

Related

Care for a culinary trip round the Boulevard?

Related

How to navigate your twenties

Related

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Related

An independent publication supported by

About

Privacy & Support

My EnterpriseAM

Sign in

Check your email! We've sent you a magic link to sign in.