Best watches of 2025

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Inflation inches down in November against, defying expectations

Good morning, friends, and welcome to the weekend — one of the last of the year.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a look back at the most memorable films and shows of the year. What made the list and what are we itching to watch in 2026? Find out below, and maybe make a selection or two for when you’re bundled up indoors this chilly weekend.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. EnterpriseAM Egypt will be taking a break from your inboxes on Sunday-Tuesday next week in preparation for something special to reveal to you all — and we’re confident you’ll think it was worth the disruption. We’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday, 17 December.

?️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

#1- Annual urban inflation eased 0.2 percentage points in November, going against what pretty much everyone expected to end the month at 12.3% y-o-y, according to data from state statistics agency Capmas seen by EnterpriseAM. A drop in food and beverage prices — down a whole 2.6% on a monthly basis — unexpectedly offset a rise in fuel prices.

The news should bolster expectations of a coming interest rate cut this month, with the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee set to meet on 25 December. The unexpected fall also bodes well for our combined fifth and sixth reviews of the country’s USD 8 bn extended fund facility program with the IMF, with government sources previously telling EnterpriseAM that the visiting Fund delegation would be closely watching the data.

#2- The IMF delegation in town to discuss our combined fifth and sixth reviews will wrap up its trip today — which could mean some big announcements are coming our way. The nearly two-week trip has seen the IMF representatives busily meet with government officials to try to iron out issues before it greenlights the fifth and sixth tranches of our USD 8 bn Extended Fund Facility program.

ICYMI- The International Monetary Fund decided in Julyto postpone the fifth review of the country’s USD 8 bn loan program and combine it with its sixth review, arguing that “more time is needed” to make progress on the state's withdrawal from the economy and the broader reform agenda.

The two reviews are expected to see USD 2.7 bn channeled into state coffers, in addition to the first tranche from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, which could add a further USD 274 mn in climate financing.

ENERGY-

#1- Dana hits gas in Egypt: Sharjah’s Dana Gas confirmed a new onshore Nile Delta gas find after drilling the North El-Basant 1 exploratory well in Egypt, with initial results pointing to 15-25 bcf of recoverable reserves and expected output of more than 8 mmcf / d once tied to the Egyptian grid, according to a press release (pdf).

The well is the fourth in a series of 11 appraisal and exploration wells planned under the two-year USD 100 mn investment program — aiming to add 80 bcf in recoverable reserves — which earlier delivered three completed wells adding 10 mmcf / d. Dana plans to spud the program’s fifth well — the Daffodil exploration well — in the first week of January, the company said.

#2- Norwegian investment fund Norfund and French energy giant EDF acquired stakes in Scatec’s USD 600 mn Obelisk solar project, under shareholder agreements for equity partnerships inked between the parties, the Norwegian energy player said in a statement.

Despite bringing on more partners, Scatec will maintain its economic control of the project, with France’s state owned power company EDF now holding a 20% stake in the operating company, alongside Norwegian Foreign Ministry-run Norfund with 20% and Scatec with 60%. Norfund also acquired 25% of the Obelisk holding company, with Scatec retaining a 75% stake. The value of the transactions was not disclosed.

#3- The Madbouly government is targeting USD 60 bn of investments to add some 23 GW of electricity by 2030, mostly from renewables, Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib said during a conference in Riyadh this week. Egypt will need to add a further 45 GW — 90% of which will be renewable — by 2040 to keep up with population growth, El Khatib said.

INFRASTRUCTURE-

EGX and ADX-listed Orascom Construction’s board signed off on its planned merger with Dutch-listed fertilizer giant OCI Global, approving an agreement that will see the two Nassef Sawiris-backed firms combine into a single Abu Dhabi-based infrastructure and investment platform under the name Orascom, according to a statement (pdf). The transaction will be implemented via a demerger of OCI’s assets into a new vehicle that Orascom Construction will acquire in exchange for new shares, after which OCI will be liquidated and delisted from Euronext Amsterdam.

What’s next? Both Orascom Construction and OCI plan to hold EGMs in January 2026 to vote on the combination, with distribution of the new Orascom shares to OCI investors expected in 1Q 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The company said it will publish EGM materials in due course and has scheduled an investor call for 17 December.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

Newly listed companies could soon enjoy a three-year exemption from taxes on income from IPOing the company under a set of incentives to encourage trading activity and IPOs on the EGX that is currently being studied by the Finance Ministry and the Financial Regulatory Authority, a government source told EnterpriseAM. The soon-to-be announced incentives will be put into law during 1H 2026 with the recently unveiled second package of tax facilities after the proposals get the necessary regulatory approvals, we were told.

? AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 bps to 3.50-3.75%, marking its third cut this year. The decision was the result of a rare 9-3 split vote that exposed divisions over how to steer the economy through tariffs, a labor squeeze, and limited data from the government shutdown. Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed faces “significant downside risks” in the jobs market and inflationary pressures from Trump’s trade policies, urging caution as new data comes in. (Guardian | BBC | CNBC | CNN | Reuters | Bloomberg)

The US also made headlines for seizing a large oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude off the country’s coast on Wednesday, marking the first known interception of a Venezuelan cargo vessel — which was bound for Cuba — since US President Donald Trump ordered a massive military buildup in the region.

This is just one of the many recent US assaults on Venezuelan vessels, the previous being strikes that have killed over 80 people since September. The US administration has marked the ships as suspected drug vessels, without presenting evidence. The attacks have drawn legal scrutiny and accusations from Democrats that they may constitute war crimes, particularly after reports of a followup strike that killed survivors. (Reuters | CNN | NYT)

A water leak at the Louvre Museum has damaged hundreds of rare books in the Egyptian antiquities department, highlighting what the New York Times describes as ongoing infrastructure problems at the world’s most visited museum. The incident affected between 300-400 documents, according to Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy administrator, and originated from a deteriorating water pipe in one of the three library rooms within the Egyptian antiquities department. . (Reuters | NYT | Bloomberg)

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD- Australia’s divisive ban on social media for children under 16 took effect on Wednesday. Major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, and YouTube are enacting a forced block of over 1 mn accounts in lieu of fines of up to USD 33 mn. The country’s ban on underage social media use has garnered protest from major tech firms and social media giants, and is expected to pave the way for other countries to follow suit. (Reuters | BBC)

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

This weekend brings steady temperatures with mostly cloudy weather. The mercury today will reach a high of 22°C before dropping to 14°C, and on Saturday, expect some hazy sunshine and slightly warmer conditions, with a high of 22°C and a low of 16°C.

? HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Up for some psychological drama? Kenoma Theater is bringing back One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest with an Egyptian adaptation and stage production titled El Moristan. The play ’s main cast — featuring screen icon Yosra El Lozy — will be performing six showings between Sunday, 7 December and Monday, 15 December at AUC’s Falaki Mainstage Theater, with the alternate cast taking over twice. The play tackles mature themes including depictions of violence, blood, and suicide, and is recommended for ages 16+. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Cairo Art Book Fair returns at Ghurnata Community Space for a three-day run, continuing tonight and wrapping up tomorrow. This year, the special fair is showcasing work by over 90 exhibitors from 27 countries, bringing art books, zines, and experimental publications. The program also includes talks, workshops, book launches, and more for those looking to engage with contemporary art publishing and print culture. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

The Cairo Art Fair returns for its 11th year at TAM Gallery, with a grand opening kicking off tonight and tomorrow. This time the exhibition witnesses a landmark cultural moment with the unveiling of the GEM Art Collection, available for exclusive acquisition. The largest annual celebration for Egyptian contemporary art gathers over 150 local artists and 1.5k+ art pieces, and will be ongoing until Thursday, 15 January.

An Art and Heritage Festival is taking place at Bayt Yakan, running until Sunday, 14 December. The program is packed, featuring an art exhibition, a food festival, a documentary screening, art workshops, and a chance to browse through locally made art pieces for sale. For more details, head to Bayt Yakan’s Instagram page.

The Winter Music Festival isn’t done yet — coming back to Open Air Mall for a third performance happening tonight with a superstar lineup of Wael Jassar, Medhat Saleh, and Bahaa Sultan. This time it’s all about the vocals, the emotion, and a little bit of nostalgia. You can book a spot on Ticketsmarché.

American singer Brian McKnight is bringing live R&B to the Grand Egyptian Museum tonight, promising an unforgettable night of soulful music against the background of Egypt’s great history — tickets are available on Tazkarti.

A Boris Eifman Ballet Performance is closing off The Pyramids Echo Festival, showing tonight and tomorrow night at the New Opera House. The two nights promise an unforgettable show of My Fair Lady by the St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

Sheikh Zayed’s Majarrah is hosting a Classical Christmas weekend tonight and tomorrow. It’s a full-on Christmas affair and a vintage, festive vibe you wouldn’t want to miss — featuring a live jazz performance from Okasha Trio, brush and canvas workshops for both children and adults, an art experience from Quadro, and a cozy winter market.

? HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

In the mood to party by the Pyramids? On Friday, 19 December, world-famous Dutch DJ and Producer Tiësto is coming back to Egypt for a solo show at the Giza Plateau. Once voted “the greatest DJ of all time,” Tiësto will surely make this upcoming show one to remember. Tickets are available on Ticket Egypt.

Abyusif makes his comeback at the Greek Campus in Downtown Cairo on Friday, 19 December. Expect a high-energy show and a hyped up crowd. Tickets are selling out fast — you can get yours on Ticketsmarché.

Sharmoofers are hitting the stage at City Centra Almaza’s City Garage on Friday, 19 December. Expect a night of good vibes and groovy music. You can find tickets on Ticketsmarché.

Grammy-nominee Ibrahim Maalouf is coming to Egypt as part of his tribute tour, marking the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed album Kalthoum. Catch the Lebanese producer and trumpeter at New Capital’s Concert Hall as he honors the late legend Umm Kulthum on Saturday, 20 December. You can get your tickets now on Ticketsmarché.

Pop icon Tamer Hosny is bringing his biggest hits to the Abdeen Palace open air theater for a fundraising concert on Saturday, 20 December. Dress in black tie and formal evening wear for a fully seated night with the star live on stage. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

From movie theatres to home theatres: Our favorite 2025 watches

? In life, few things offer us the escapism we so often desire — yet we’ve come to know that a good film or a binge-able show often do the trick. Offering viewers a one-way ticket into a different reality across time and space, films are amongst our greatest treasures.

?FUN FACT- In case you were wondering, 2025 saw a total of 25k films and series released all across the world, 18k of which were films, according to IMDB. in Egypt, production was somewhat modest, with some 45 films released, compared to Hollywood’s 5k, and Bollywood’s 2k.

? THE BEST IN CINEMAS-

Many highly-anticipated films saw the light of day this year. That said, the first half of the year was somewhat disappointing, with a few films we’d been looking forward to missing the mark, such as Materialists and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. But it wasn’t all rotten tomatoes and disappointed reviews — many releases hit a home run, granting audiences an enjoyable cinematic experience — and even setting some up for the 2026 awards season.

#1- Sinners: Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, Sinners exceeded even the highest of expectations. The film tells a terrifying story set in the US South in the ‘30s, somehow finding a common denominator between folk horror and R&B music in a powerful chronicle of Black suffering. The film spotlights Smoke and Stake, twins played by Jordan, and their cousin Sammy (Miles Keaton). The tight-knit crew open a juke joint, and horrors beyond comprehension ensue. Our verdict? Sinners earned a perfect score from us for its excellent direction, stellar performances, one-of-a-kind story, and unexpected and extreme horror.

#2- One Battle After Another: Adapted from 1990 postmodern novel Vineland, director Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film was an incredibly gripping cinematic work that dissected the state of contemporary US politics. The film tackled questions of race, immigration, revolution, and counter-revolution in a mixture of action, thriller, and comedy, holding our undivided attention for its entire 2 hour and 40 minute runtime. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, rising star Chase Infiniti, and Sean Pean — who delivered an Oscar-worthy performance.

#3- F1: Hot on the (w)heels of a disappointing start to the cinematic season, director Joseph Kosinski raised the bar during what had been a lackluster mid-season for cinema. F1 dominated the box office race in the US and most countries worldwide upon its debut, and for good reason. The film garnered critical acclaim, leaving no room for boredom. Characters were fleshed out, the entire cast — particularly Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem — put forth their best work, and the movie’s score by Hans Zimmer left us putting it on repeat.

#4- Weapons: The 2025 season saw plenty of horror films to satisfy the macabre-inclined among us. Weapons in particular, however, is the one that stood out the most to us. In his second horror film, up-and-coming American comedian and director Zach Cregger delivers a disturbing story where horror stems not from jump scares (though there are a bunch), but from the spine-chilling concept itself.

#5- Bugonia: While a niche production, Bugonia is undisputedly one of the best films of the year. The film represents the fourth collaboration between Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos and the iconic Emma Stone, culminating in an experimental film that bridges between reality and absurdity — with a few hints of sci fi. The film stands out for its peculiar premise, its surreal sequence of events, and a shocking ending — factors that, in our opinion, made for an experience not to be forgotten any time soon.

HONORABLE MENTIONS-

The Roses: Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch — need we say more?
Wicked for Good: A stunning sequel to one of our favorite musicals, Elphaba and Glinda defied gravity with our hearts.
Al Sada Al Afadel: A new direction for up-and-coming director Karim El Shennawy, this film was absurd in the best way possible.
Bring Her Back: A horror that sees Sally Hawkins deliver one of her most powerful performances yet.
Seko Seko: Familiar faces, an unfamiliar story, and signature Egyptian comedy all in one go.

?️ OUR FAVORITE 2025 SERIES-

Drama was alive and well in 2025, and the year saw a series of iconic shows — including in Ramadan — with works that managed to steal the spotlight with bold new ideas, exceptional performances, and suspenseful cliffhangers.

#1- The Studio: This comedy limited series essentially concocted the recipe for success, making it one of the best, if not the best, of the year. The Studio is both a love letter and a middle finger to Hollywood. Seth Rogen and Apple TV+ have crafted a satirical take on moviemaking that feels both timely and timeless — an ode to the Tinseltown filmmaking industry that isn’t afraid to point out all its warts.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream The Studio on AppleTV.

#2- Pluribus: From the very first episode, we knew we were in for another masterpiece by Vince Gilligan (creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul). While we won’t divulge much about the show, which is currently airing, we’ll simply note that it’s truly one of the most entertaining and engaging shows in science fiction — and one that touches upon several philosophical ideologies, brilliantly dissecting the complex human psyche. We’d wager that Pluribus will leave no crumbs at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream Pluribus on AppleTV.

#3- Adolescence: Having topped Netflix charts upon its release earlier this year, amassing wide acclaim, Adolescence is a psychological crime drama tracing the murder of a suburban teenager, which leads to the arrest of her schoolmate. Not only is Adolescence a narrative masterpiece, but it’s a masterclass in cinematography. The film’s uncontested star is the young Owen Cooper, who walked away with an Emmy Award following the series’ release.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream Adolescence on Netflix.

#4- The Pitt: Despite a surplus in medical dramas, The Pitt still managed to stand out. The show carved out its own niche, earning it three Emmy Awards. Across 15 hour-long episodes, the season covers a single 15-hour shift with the doctors and nurses of the Pittsburgh Medical Center. The choice to have the entire show take place over one day set it apart, creating an atmosphere of suspense akin, giving viewers a front-row seat to all the action.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream The Pitt on OSN+.

#5- All Her Fault: A thrilling drama spanning eight episodes, All Her Fault takes viewers into a world shrouded in secrets where a mother discovers that her son has all but vanished into thin air after picking him up from a playdate. The series stars Sarah Snook, who played Shiv Roy in Succession.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream All Her Fault on OSN+.

HONORABLE MENTIONS-

The BeastinMe: A suspenseful and powerful thriller you won’t be able to pause.
Task: Starring Mark Ruffalo and penned by Brad Ingelsby, Task presents an incredibly gripping story.
Severance: The second season of the hit AppleTV show doubled down on everything that made its debut stellar, and left us with even more questions.

? ON OUR RADAR IN 2026-

New year, new cinema. With the 2025 season now coming to an end, we’re looking forward to a stellar year in cinema in 2026. Here are the films we’re most excited for:

#1- The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan fans — us included — are gearing up for what we’re anticipating to be the biggest film of the year, according to the BBC. The film brings together A-listers Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zenadaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson. Filming is currently underway in several locations, including Morocco and Sicily.

Expected release: 17 July 2026. Watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:14).

#2- The Devil Wears Prada II: It only took a 50-second teaser to dominate headlines globally, and that’s exactly the sort of impact The Devil Wears Prada Has. 20 years following its debut, we’re looking forward to walking right back into Runway Magazine with Miranda, Andrea, and Emily. Oh and, Meryl Streep — need we say more?

Expected release: 1 May 2026. Watch the teaser trailer on YouTube (runtime: 0:51).

#3- Spiderman: Brand New Day: Tom Holland and Zendaya are back for the latest installment in the Spiderman franchise. The film will star Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink, and is set to — hopefully — re-energize the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Expected release: 31 July 2026. Watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:25).

#4- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: Three years after the release of the last installment of the iconic dystopian franchise — The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — we’re looking forward to a bigger, more intense round of the games: the 50th Quarter Quell. The film stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle. Curious to know more? Read our review of the novel here .

Expected release:20 November 2026. Watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:11).

#5- Mother Mary: Starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, the upcoming musical drama narrates the reunion between a famous pop star, Mother Mary, and her former stylist, as the former prepares herself for her biggest tour yet. The reunion, however, opens up quite the can of emotional worms.

Expected release: April 2026. Watch the trailer on YouTube (2:24).

#6- Michael: With no specific plot details revealed thus far, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set to bring the iconic star’s life and rise to stardom to the big screen.

Expected release: 24 April 2026. Watch the trailer on YouTube (1:12).

Die My Love is a fever dream without recovery

? Die My Love won’t be for everyone. It’s deliberately challenging, occasionally exhausting, and traffics in extremes rather than subtlety. But for those willing to surrender to director Lynne Ramsay’s vision, the film offers something rare: an original exploration of maternal experience that feels both nightmarish and achingly real. Jennifer Lawrence’s fearless work alone makes this essential viewing — a reminder of what great actors (and yes, she is a great actor) can achieve when given complex, uncompromising material.

Die My Love is a ferociously intense psychological drama that plunges viewers into the fragmented mind of a woman unraveling. It is cinema as full-body immersion — claustrophobic, hallucinatory, and unrelenting. Lawrence delivers what may be her finest performance as Grace, a young mother consumed by postpartum psychosis in rural Montana. After relocating to her husband Jackson’s (Robert Pattinson) inherited farmhouse, Grace’s dreams of writing dissolve, as does her grip on reality.

Lawrence commits entirely to the role’s physical and emotional demands, embodying Grace’s feral energy as she crawls through fields clutching a knife, takes unnecessary risks, and tears wallpaper until her fingers bleed — each action a desperate attempt to, as one reviewer put it, destroy herself to prove she exists. Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey captures Grace’s deteriorating mental state through saturated colors and disorienting temporal shifts, blurring the line between memory, fantasy, and present horror. The film’s non-linear approach initially disorients but ultimately serves to mirror Grace’s fractured psyche.

Pattinson brings his instinctive sensibility to Jackson, a well-meaning but fundamentally clueless partner whose emotional (and physical) absence exacerbates Grace’s isolation. Their dynamic crackles as two people who once communicated through passion, now barely speaking the same language. Sissy Spacek adds haunting texture as Jackson’s mother Pam, herself sleepwalking through grief with a loaded rifle. Literally.

The film doesn’t diagnose Grace, or offer any explanation besides that this is an experience of motherhood’s darker dimensions — the suffocating tedium, the loss of identity, the rage that society deems unspeakable. But not once is Grace’s love for her child in question. This isn’t a “teachable moment” film, but rather an unflinching portrait that refuses to look away or offer closure. All you can do is let it run its course.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can find Die My Love at Zawya Cinemas, VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza, and Scene Cinemas at Cairo Festival City. You can catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:03).

A short-yet-mighty fantasy novel to dip your toes in

? A quick-fire fantasy bound to draw you in: The thing about winter is, it’s difficult to resist the urge to get up from under the covers, but why should you? Particularly when you can simply lose track of time with a fantasy novel. Yet, again, the thing about fantasy novels is, they’re often too long, too obtuse, or too ridiculous to take seriously. What do you do, then, when you’re looking to dip your toes in the genre without risking metaphorical frostbite? It seems Samantha Shannon’s Among the Burning Flowers may just be the answer.

In just under 270 pages, the best-selling author of the Priory of the Orange Tree — to which our novel of interest is a prequel — delivers a tightly-plotted, politically intriguing, and narratively-compelling tale of the fall of a mighty kingdom. Despite being part of the Roots of Chaos fantasy series, Among the Burning Flowers is written in a manner that allows it to be read as a standalone novel, not requiring any previous knowledge of either sequel or prequel — perfect for readers exploring the genre for the first time, on the hunt for a fantasy palate cleanser, or in need of an introduction to Shannon’s 900-word long full-length fantasy novels.

Dungeons, dragons, and daring heroines. Offering a familiar feel for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire and Lord of the Rings, Among the Burning Flowers — and the Roots of Chaos series as a whole — is a world unto its own; complete with its own history, timeline, detailed maps, and political and religious systems. The novel is told in first person through the lens of the two primary protagonists. The first, the Donmata (crown princess) Marosa, future Queen of Yscalin, a Kingdom, once mighty, in ruins. Marosa spends her days in the sweltering heat of her castle looking upon her kingdom, in which she hasn’t stepped foot in years — though not of her own choice.

The crown princess is kept prisoner in her own castle. She spends her days meeting with diplomats and thinking of her betrothed — marriage to whom would mean freedom, power, and the ability to introduce political and religious reform to a country that has long ostracised religious minorities. Our second protagonist? As far away from the towering heights of Yscalin’s capital as can be.

Melaugo is a fugitive forced to flee her home and live amongst secret towns housing ostracised peoples. She earns her keep by slaying wyrms, dragons, and other “draconian beings” who pose a threat to the town. Both protagonists represent two distinct echelons in society, yet share one pivotal commonality. Throughout the novel’s length, we follow both as they navigate their new realities, elude ominous plots, and face dangers of all sorts.

A fantasy novel that respects your intelligence. Among the Burning Flowers is a politically-laden work of adult fiction that, at times, offers a stark reflection of reality — bar dragons. Despite its brevity, it still delivers a thrilling adventure that will fly by in one sitting, and one that touches upon a slew of political and social issues unbound by fiction. Samantha Shannon’s prose slices like a knife, and her characters are, as usual, developed and realistic in their motives and desires.

The novel eschews any of the usual tropes or stereotypes milked by other novels in the genre, and instead offers a fresh, unpredictable story. In essence, Among the Burning Flowers is a gateway into a much larger universe that Shannon meticulously crafted, and one you’ll find yourself rushing through as the final page turns.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find a hardcover copy of Among the Burning Flowers at Bibliothek and Diwan. You can also find the e-book on Amazon. The rest of the Roots of Chaos series is also available at the aforementioned bookstores.

When in Rehab, do what the Romans do

? Sometimes in life, you’ll find yourself suddenly filled with a certain urge only an Italian restaurant can fulfill. When said urge hits you in New Cairo, you might want to head on over to Il Ciliegino at Rehab’s The Yard Mall. Serving authentic Italian cuisine, this newly-minted Mediterranean eatery rids itself of any pretense and unnecessary complications, dishing out well-beloved Italian classics and the whole Roman shebang.

Il Ciliegino, Italian for cherry tomato, makes its love for the coastal Mediterranean country clear. The restaurant itself is clad in wooden accents, boasts high ceilings reminiscent of Roman tavernas, a wood-fire oven, and tables adorned with red square runners — the kind that has come to be synonymous with Italian alfresco dining establishments. The eatery hums with Italian tunes (including the Godfather theme, naturally), evoking a sense of being thrust into a late ‘70s Mafia movie.

The menu? Short, sweet, and to the point. Il Ciliegino offers a breakfast menu comprised of calzones as well as a number of egg-based dishes, a selection of Italian salads and sandwiches, few but interesting appetizers, a slew of pastas and risotto dishes, signature Neopolitan pizzas, and main courses catering to all sorts of tastes. For dessert, you’ll find Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and other Italian sweets.

A few minutes of contemplation later, we opted for Palline Di Riso, deep-fried Italian rice and cheese balls, as our appetizer of choice, followed by veal Milanese with a side of pink penne, and pollo alla griglia — grilled chicken with lemon sauce, served with a side of grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. Some twenty minutes later, the dishes made their way to our table.

An unlikely hero: The rice balls, or the arancini, were the first to stand our tests, passing with flying colors. Each arancino held itself together, with a consistency that was neither too rigid nor falling apart. As far as flavor goes, we had no complaints — yet it was the house-made pomodoro sauce that truly stood out; fresh, flavorsome, and hearty. Perhaps we should have seen it coming, seeing as the restaurant is named after tomatoes after all.

The main dishes fared well, too, particularly the grilled chicken with lemon sauce. The sauce managed to maintain an ideal balance between being incredibly flavorful without overwhelming, and the chicken was tender to the touch. The grilled vegetables were a much welcome addition, especially when dipped in the sauce, which we had opted to have on the side. The veal Milanese, on the other hand, proved a point of contention. While it delivered on both flavor and portion fronts, we felt the dish was somewhat lacking — perhaps in presentation or garnish. That said, if you appreciate a classic take on the dish, you’ll have no qualms with it. If you were craving some form of innovation, you’ll find it somewhat lacking.

Our verdict: Il Ciliegino excelled at crafting an atmosphere that complements its cuisine, and yes, while the food succeeded at satisfying our cravings, we couldn’t help but feel something was amiss. The restaurant’s location at The Yard Mall, surrounded by a number of fast food restaurants and coffee shops, felt odd, and took away from the experience to an extent. Though if we were seated indoors, perhaps we’d feel differently. It’s also a little on the expensive side, which we felt was somewhat unjustified given its location and uncomplicated offerings. Nevertheless, it’s still an Italian eatery that holds its own. If you find yourself in its vicinity with the thought of authentic pasta on your mind, we’d say do give it a shot.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Il Ciligieno at The Yard Mall in New Cairo. You can also order by calling through Talabat.

? Per person: EGP 1.1-1.2k

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

A worthy but uneven return to Metroid

? Modernity isn’t for everyone. After 18 years, Samus Aran’s first-person adventures resume with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — a game that delivers the atmospheric exploration and intricate world-building the series is beloved for, while stumbling over its attempts to modernize the formula.

When MP4B leans into what made the original series special, there’s not much that compares. The individual locations — gothic factories humming with industrial menace, frozen laboratories harboring dormant horrors, volcanic facilities pulsing with molten energy — rank among the series’ finest. Retro Studios hasn’t lost its touch for crafting spaces that feel tangibly real, where every room tells a story through careful environmental design and optional lore scans.

The core gameplay loop remains satisfying: lock-on shooting, methodical exploration, and the signature sense of isolation as you piece together the fate of the extinct Lamorn civilization. Samus controls beautifully, with snappy dodges and easy maneuverability. Boss battles are creative and challenging, requiring you to identify weaknesses before unleashing the appropriate arsenal. The new psychic powers — telekinetically manipulating objects, firing time-slowing charged shots — add fresh wrinkles to familiar puzzles without straying too far from a tried-and-true formula.

Technically speaking, this may be Nintendo’s most impressive exclusive. Running at a flawless 4K/60fps with a 120fps option (on the Switch 2, at least), MP4B showcases jaw-dropping art direction, gorgeous lighting, and the iconic visor effects that fog up in extreme temperatures. It’s a visual stunner that proves art design trumps raw graphical horsepower.

Where it fumbles: MP4B’s ambitions frequently clash with its execution. The game’s biggest misstep is Sol Valley, an open desert hub connecting the main areas. Clearly inspired by Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this barren wasteland feels like an Ocarina of Time-era Hyrule Field rather than a modern open world. It’s mostly empty, housing a handful of uninspired shrines and forcing you to collect green energy crystals in what amounts to tedious busywork. The Vi-O-La motorcycle controls well, but rarely justifies its inclusion beyond basic transportation.

It’s not just unnecessary, it’s a hindrance. The structure suffers from this hub design — accessing areas requires navigating multiple load screens, which discourages the backtracking and exploration that defines Metroidvania gameplay. It’s padding that makes a 15-hour game feel unnecessarily bloated.

Then there are the companions. Galactic Federation allies like engineer Myles MacKenzie adopt another Ocarina fault, peppering the adventure with Navi-like hints that, while less intrusive than we feared, still interrupt the lonely, contemplative atmosphere that makes Metroid special. While their limited presence and decent voice acting prevent them from ruining the experience — some of them even have charming moments — they represent a fundamental misunderstanding of what gives this series its haunting power.

But when MP4B focuses on what matters, it recaptures the magic that made this subseries legendary — navigating intricately designed facilities, scanning mysterious alien technology, battling imposing creatures in spectacular arenas. The game is more linear than its predecessors, with clear progression paths that make it an excellent entry point for newcomers, but perhaps disappointing veterans seeking labyrinthine complexity without having to complete the first run to unlock Hard Mode. It’s a strong — if uneven — comeback that reaches incredible heights in its best moments.

? Rating: 8/10 on IGN, 94% audience rating

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 11–15 hours

? Replay value: 7/10 — After your first run, Beyond unlocks a Hard Mode — a more challenging version for veterans

? Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

? Price: USD 59.99 on the Nintendo Switch, USD 69.99 on Nintendo Switch 2

Art history deep dives with The Lonely Palette

? Sometimes truly appreciating a painting requires more than looking — this is what The Lonely Palette invites its audience to do. The art history podcast asks you to look with your ears and learn about the intricacies of great art works. Creator and host Tamar Avishai, an art historian with a mission to “return art history to the masses, one object at a time,” shares her passion and her own special insights as a lecturer at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

The podcast takes place on the ground, from the heart of the Museum of Fine Arts — though it is not affiliated with the institution — where, at the beginning of each episode, Avishai invites passersby to share their own thoughts and observations about an episode’s chosen art piece. Avishai investigates not only paintings, but famous statues, performance pieces, and exhibition objects. From Roman painters to Vincent Van Gogh to Yoko Ono, the episodes span the classics and the modern, the American and the Japanese, and the Renaissance and the pop art movement.

One episode explores the famous 1485 Sandro Botticelli painting The Birth of Venus. In thirty minutes, Avishai takes us on an immersive journey of the influential Renaissance piece, citing insights from critics across history and modern interpretations. She probes the meaning of the enigmatic painting, noting its abstract nature and its departure from hyperrealistic depictions of human anatomy characteristic of Italian Renaissance art at the time. Avishai reveals fun facts about the iconic work, namely that it was the first Tuscan painting on canvas instead of wood and that it was painted with actual gold.

The Lonely Palette is the podcast for true art history nerds. Avishai’s evident passion for the subject is infectious and makes each episode all the more exciting. Her blend of academic references and laymen’s observations build immersive episodes, leaving you more intrigued and curious to learn even more about each work. The podcast is a testament of art history’s ability to uncover meanings in art works that endure across time.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

?️DECEMBER

6 December - 15 February (Saturday-Sunday): Cairo Prints at Cairopolitan in Garden City.

7-15 December (Sunday-Monday): El Moristan at AUC Falaki Mainstage Theater.

11-13 December (Thursday-Saturday): Cairo Art Book Fair at Ghurnata Community Space.

11-14 December (Thursday-Sunday): Arts and heritage festival at Bayt Yakan.

12 December (Friday): The Winter Music Festival at Open Air Mall, Madinaty.

12 December (Friday): Brian McKnight at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

12-13 December (Friday-Saturday): Cairo Art Fair opening at TAM Gallery, Abu Rawwash.

12-13 December (Friday-Saturday): Boris Eifman Ballet Performance at New Opera House.

12-13 December (Friday-Saturday): Majarrah’s Classical Christmas Weekend.

12 December - 15 January (Friday-Thursday): Cairo Art Fair at TAM Gallery, Abu Rawwash.

13 December (Saturday): Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon by The TriFactory.

19 December (Friday): Sharmoofers at City Garage Live, City Centre Almaza.

19 December (Friday): Abyusif at the Greek Campus.

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

20 December (Saturday): Tamer Hosny Fundraising Concert at Abdeen Palace.

20 December (Saturday): Ibrahim Maalouf at Concert Hall, New Capital.

December: Al Rawi Awards submissions open.

2026

JANUARY

7 January (Wednesday): Coptic Christmas Day.

25 January (Sunday): January 25th Revolution / National Police Day.

30 January (Friday): Cairo Marathon normal registration ends.

FEBRUARY

6 February (Friday): Cairo Marathon at Heliopolis, Merryland Park.

17 February (Tuesday): First day of Ramadan (TBD).

MARCH

20 March (Friday): Eid Al-Fitr (TBD).

APRIL

13 April (Monday): Sham El Nessim.

25 April (Saturday): Sinai Liberation Day.

MAY

1 May (Friday): Labor Day.

26 May (Tuesday): Day of Arafat.

JUNE

16 June (Tuesday): Islamic New Year.

30 June (Tuesday): June 30th Revolution.

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