How to get comfy working from home

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

FinMin drafts EGP 9.7 tn general government budget for FY 2026-27

☀️ Good morning, ladies and gents, and congrats on making it to the weekend. It’s been a shorter-than-usual week, but one that packed some punches — we’ve got the rundown for you below.

While the growing popularity of designated remote work days is a much-welcome introduction to our schedules, the transition can be a tad more difficult than expected. From office setups to productivity tips and tricks, this week’s edition of The Enterprise Guide breaks down everything you need for an ideal remote work set-up.

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

BUDGET WATCH-

FinMin is drafting a consolidated general government budget for the third consecutive year in line with an agreement struck with the International Monetary Fund — and we’ve had a sneak peek. General budget expenditures in FY 2026-27 will rise to EGP 9.7 tn from the EGP 8.5 tn expected by the end of the current fiscal year, according to a document seen by EnterpriseAM, while revenues will increase to EGP 8.34 tn from EGP 7.2 tn.

ECONOMY-

S&P Global affirmed Egypt’s sovereign credit rating at ‘B/B’ with a stable outlook. The agency attributed its rating to Egypt’s higher international reserves, which climbed to USD 52.8 bn as of March 2026.

IPO WATCH-

The Madbouly government is planning to temporarily list 30 companies on the EGX before the end of June, including 20 public business sector companies and 10 state-owned oil firms.

ENERGY-

Egypt is set to purchase the entirety of the natural gas produced from Cyprus’s 3.7 tcf Aphrodite field. The agreement was finalized after the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company inked a term sheet with field partners NewMed Energy, Chevron, and Shell, alongside a host government agreement to build a USD 2 bn pipeline connecting the field to Egypt’s coast.

MANUFACTURING-

Steel giant Ezz Steel could be lining up to build a USD 780 mn direct reduced iron facility in Algeria. The facility could produce as much as 2.5 mn tons of DRI each year with an annual sales value of USD 835 mn at current market prices.

COMMODITIES-

Officials are hoping to buy some 5 mn tons of local wheat by mid-August — up from purchases of less than 3.9 mn tons last season. To sweeten the pot, the state is offering a record EGP 2.5k per ardeb at the high end for 23.5-grade wheat with a commitment to pay farmers within 48 hours of any contract closing.

DEBT WATCH-

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is extending a USD 65 mn bridge loan to Hassan Allam Utilities subsidiary HAU Energy. The financing will cover the construction of Nefer Benban — a 200 MW solar facility and a 120 MW battery energy storage system near Aswan.

M&A WATCH-

Hassan Allam Holding acquired MetiPro, the engineering, procurement, and construction arm of UAE’s Metito. The transaction will set up a platform that boosts the firm’s presence in water operations across the region and beyond.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Auto sales jumped 63.3% y-o-y in February to 17.3k units, with total market sales climbing 22.5% m-o-m. The February figures reflect none of the impact from the US-Israel war on Iran, which kicked off at the month’s end.

It's official. MENA+ is live.

Our new regional flagship covers the flows of capital, people, and ideas across the Middle East — and beyond it. MENA+ covers AI and tech — and geopolitics, the war for talent, which BSD is on top (and who's gunning for them), the changing energy economy, new corridors to India and China, and much, much more.

What's with the "+" in MENA+? We think one of the most powerful stories in the region is the *export* of ideas and capital not just to neighboring regions (Asia, the Stans) but to international financial centers. MENA countries are jockey for position in the new global economy now taking shape, and we're going to shape that conversation.

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🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

Developments around the US-Iran ceasefire continued to dominate headlines this week, alongside stronger-than-expected 1Q earnings from major US banks. Here’s the rundown.

The US-Iran ceasefire was still holding after Washington started a blockade of Iranian ports earlier this week. Shipping data showe d several Iran-linked and US-sanctioned tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz under exemptions for non-Iranian destinations. US forces continued to impose blockades, forcing vessels to turn back or halt operations altogether in the strait. Officials are pursuing a new round of face-to-face talks in Islamabad, aiming to reach an agreement before the ceasefire lapses.

MEANWHILE- International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol warned Thursday in an Associated Press interview that Europe may have “[six] weeks or so” of fuel left, likely leading to flight cancellations, should oil supplies from the Middle East remain blocked by the war.

IN THE BUSINESS PRESS- US banks broke earnings records this week as 1Q financials beat expectations. JPMorgan Chase’s net income rose 13% to USD 16.5 bn, with its fixed income trading revenue jumping 21% to almost USD 7.1 bn. The bank’s investment banking fees also came in about USD 260 mn above expectations, delivering its highest-ever top-line figure. Citi also turned in its best quarterly revenue in a decade. Morgan Stanley joined the record-breaking 1Q run, generating nearly USD 1 bn more in revenue than forecast.

ALSO- US President Donald Trump renewed his threat to sack Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell. Trump wants Powell out on 15 May, when his term as Fed chair comes to an end, even if Kevin Warsh — who Trump named as Powell’s successor — hasn’t been confirmed by Congress by that date.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Your AC will likely be your favorite companion this weekend, but it won’t be as hot as the past few days. Temperatures will peak at 30°C today, and 27°C tomorrow, with lows of 17-20°C, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

The iconic Tul8te is making his Alexandria debut at Al Ittihad Alexandria Club tonight. The live show promises a lineup of the singer’s fan-favorite hits, alongside new music. The night starts at 6pm — grab your tickets on Ticketsmarché before they sell out.

Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad is joining Diwan Bookstore for an in-depth talk and book signing of her memoir The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience, celebrating its first anniversary tomorrow night. The event will take place at Diwan’s Heliopolis branch and will kick off at 6pm.

Nothing marks the arrival of spring quite like flowers. The Spring Flowers Exhibition returns this year at the Agricultural Museum in Dokki, running through the end of May. Visitors can browse a vibrant display of flowers and rare plants available for purchase and meet with a lineup of nursery owners and producers.

❗HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

AmCham Egypt is launching its annual Doorknock Mission to Washington on Sunday, 19 April, dispatching a 20-member delegation of senior business leaders to engage the US Administration, Congress, and international financial institutions. Amid global supply chain shifts and domestic economic reforms, the mission aims to open new doors for Om el Donia. Key priorities include positioning the country as a hub for renewable energy, digital trade, and alternative manufacturing.

Stay tuned to our special coverage from Washington, DC next week.

🎤 HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Vocal powerhouse Medhat Saleh takes to the stage at AUC Tahrir’s Ewart Memorial Hall on Friday, 24 April for a live performance of his greatest hits. The concert comes as part of a broader effort to revive Historic Cairo and Downtown Cairo. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Your guide to working from home

💻☕ Working from home is a godsend for those among us who loathe commuting. With the recent decision to implement remote work on Sundays as an exceptional measure to curb energy consumption, you might be considering setting up a dedicated home office. Equipping a workspace with the right essentials for focus and comfort is key — and that is exactly what we are covering in today’s edition of the Enterprise Guide.

But first, a reality check: working where you live carries a major risk. The boundaries between your sanctuary of relaxation and the high-pressure world of meetings and deadlines can easily blur. Many remote workers find it difficult to mentally switch off after hours, often finding themselves working longer days because the lines have vanished.

The solution? Set firm boundaries. It is vital to separate your workspace from the rest of your home as much as possible. Avoid working from your bedroom — or your bed, as tempting as that may be — and instead dedicate a specific, quiet corner to deep work. This makes it much easier to disconnect the moment your shift ends.

🪑Mind your posture

If you’re going to splurge on just one item, make it the office chair. Don’t cut corners here. An ergonomic chair that supports your back and neck will save you from hours of pain and discomfort — though we still recommend getting up to move at least every 30 minutes.

Desk dimensions matter too. Don't buy anything too low to the ground or desks that lack enough legroom to stretch out. Your desk should be at a comfortable height and, ideally, include drawers or storage to keep your documents organized.

#1- Oscar Furniture: This brand offers a wide range of office furniture for both corporate and home settings. They’re known for a diverse selection of chairs — categorized by gaming, studying, and executive work — along with desks and storage units. Their pricing fits various budgets, and they frequently run price markdowns throughout the year.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- Visit their showroom in Nasr City or order online via their website.

#2- Wasilaah: They’re famous for innovative, space-saving desks with smart designs. Wasilaah also offers orthopedic office chairs that provide lower back support to reduce physical strain during long shifts.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- You can order through their website.

#3- Chic Homz: Their chair collection includes various materials, from leather to breathable mesh, in colors to suit any taste. Their desk options range from small foldable units to luxury executive desks that combine leather and wood.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- Visit their various branches across Cairo or shop on their website.

💡 Let there be light

Natural light is your best friend. Position your desk near a window to boost your mood and mental energy. For the rest of your needs, use desk lamps to create balanced lighting, ensuring there’s no glare on your laptop screen or distracting shadows.

A pro tip from the Enterprise newsroom: Use color temperature to separate work from rest. Cool white light boosts alertness and focus during the day. Switching to warm light in the evening reduces eye strain and signals to your brain that it’s time to relax.

#1- Enarat: They offer a vast collection of smart units and desk lamps with adjustable brightness and color temperatures. They cater to all budgets and offer installment plans.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- You can shop through their website.

#2- Pencillight: If you’re a fan of the unconventional, Pencilight offers high-quality office lighting with creative, contemporary, and abstract designs.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- You can shop through their website.

#3- Wadi Home: Beyond home decor and furniture, Wadi Home has a dedicated lighting section that balances quality with competitive pricing. Their range of table lamps and floor units adds a touch of warmth and aesthetic flair to any workspace.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- You can shop through their website.

🎧 Gadgets

Headphones: In a city that never sleeps, noise-canceling headphones are a necessity, especially if you’re in regular meetings. Brands like Sony, Apple, JBL, and Cardoo offer professional options across various price points, ensuring clear audio and zero distractions.
Laptop Stand: This is one of the best low-cost ways to improve your ergonomics. Raising your screen to eye level significantly reduces neck and spinal strain while helping your device stay cool. You can find these at electronics stores like Dubai Phone or on Noon and Amazon.
Monitors: Some roles require a dual-screen setup, particularly for complex spreadsheets or multitasking. Modern monitors from brands like Dell, Samsung, and Lenovo often feature blue-light filters to protect your eyes.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

A ludicrous horror sequel we couldn’t help but love

🍿 What’s the worst that can happen in a game of hide and seek? Well, there’s a chance your in-laws might hunt you down with a slew of artisanal weapons to sacrifice you to the devil. Since 2019, horror comedy hit Ready or Not has cemented itself as a modern-day classic within the genre — seven years later, we’re getting an encore performance.

Wait, but… isn’t the game over? You’d think. As it turns out, Grace (Samara Weaving) surviving her devil-worshipping, murderous in-laws has triggered a much darker, far more dangerous game. With the Le Domas family now wiped out, a spot on a satanic council on which they resided is now empty — and the other families in the cult mean to fill it. That privilege goes to the head of the family that manages to kill Grace, and so back to the playground she goes… with her sister Faith (Kathryn Newton).

What we liked: Ready or Not 2 isn’t afraid to take the piss. The entire premise is a play on popular conspiracy theories that the world is run by devil-worshippers, a point made clear several times throughout its runtime. The dialogue is witty, often entertainingly ridiculous, and the fight scenes — which are well-executed — were fun to watch. The supporting cast — including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, and Nestor Carbonell, among others — all delivered entertaining performances.

What we didn’t like… but kind of did? Ready or Not 2 is a textbook example of continuity errors gone unnoticed. Several sequences felt off, certain scenes were disjointed, and a couple of subplots were rushed. But here’s the thing… we didn’t mind, and here’s why: this is the kind of low-stakes-disguised-as-high-stakes movie where you know the main character will make it out — and that made it easier to just enjoy the theatrics. If we were to describe this movie in one word, it’s camp.

Our verdict: Ready or Not 2 isn’t your typical horror movie, nor a full-fledged comedy. It sits somewhere in the middle, and we found ourselves pleased by the balance it struck. If you’re looking for a fun time and don’t mind a little (lot of) blood, we’d say grab a bucket of popcorn and get going.

WHERE TO WATCH- Ready or Not: Here I Come is screening at Vox Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria, as well as D5 and CFCM’s Scene Cinema, and City Stars Cinema. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 2:19).

Why this 670-page novel is worth your time

📚 The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, the 2025 novel by Kiran Desai, is an unusual love story about two people navigating life in very different worlds — India and the US, tradition and modernity, and the inability to fit into either world. It’s also about the dilemma of parents who are proud to send their kids to study far from home, where they can find and fulfill their destinies — then realizing that the outcomes aren’t what they expected.

The plot: The story begins in Allahabad, India. Sonia’s grandparents are puzzled by the fact that their granddaughter is lonely and depressed in Vermont, where she’s studying at an elite liberal arts college. The idea of depression is alien to them, and — like many in cultures where intergenerational households are the norm — they have no comprehension of what it means to live alone.

They decided that the solution to Sonia’s problems is to arrange an introduction to their neighbor’s grandson, Sunny, an aspiring journalist and recent Columbia grad originally from Delhi, who lives in New York. The matchmaking doesn’t pan out initially, but Sonia and Sunny end up meeting by chance years later on a train in India and are immediately attracted to one another.

What we liked: The story, which takes place in the 1990s and is steeped in Indian culture, is actually very relatable. In India, like Egypt, many westernized families still haven’t sorted out exactly what it means to occupy that in-between space of being traditional and progressive, Eastern and Western — and it’s confusing for parents and children alike.

The book speaks to the impossible choices that young people from these types of mixed backgrounds and exposure are facing. It also takes a very nuanced approach to the belief that the East is connected and the West is lonely. At first glance, this might be true, but as the story develops, Desai puts forth the premise that while the West is lonely because of hyper-individualism, the East is also lonely, because the characters are in many ways isolated and unknown within their own families in India, where they are unable to express their individuality.

Our verdict: This is a beautifully written exploration of character, identity, human connection, and belonging. At 670 pages, it’s not a quick read, but we found it to be a deep, relatable read that you can lose yourself in.

WHERE TO FIND IT- It’s available in paperback at both Diwan and Bibliotek.

Apri serves up all the Egyptian comfort classics

🍴 At Apri, things are refreshingly simple. The traditional restaurant cooks up all the hefty Egyptian dishes, the usual Italian and Western staples, and then some — all with an effortless, modern vibe in the heart of New Cairo’s Mivida.

So, what’s exactly on the menu? Apri’s menu isn’t an easy breeze — beyond an eggs-and-falafel-packed breakfast selection, their offerings cover nearly everything you’d expect to come out of an Egyptian kitchen. Tagines, lamb cuts, fattah, mu’ammar, skillets, vine leaves, and slightly overpriced koshary all find their place on the menu. Faced with such variety, we took our time before settling on the familiar comfort dishes: lentil soup, vegan moussaka, kobeiba, mombar, cordon bleu, and stuffed potatoes.

What we liked: The lentil soup stood out — it was the perfect consistency, cozily warm, and tasted exquisitely homemade. The kobeiba was also tasty, and the stuffed potato hit all the right notes with the melted cheese and meat making for a delicious savory combo. A tried-and-true dish in Egyptian homes, the moussaka tasted a little non-traditional, but was altogether satisfying.

Where it missed the mark: Despite our server’s recommendation, the cordon bleu was somewhat underwhelming, and considering the restaurant specializes in traditional dishes, we weren’t completely surprised. The chicken was a bit dry, but the outer crust slightly made up for it. The white-sauce pasta side also wasn’t exactly up to par either. All this to say, we would probably stick with the more oriental-leaning dishes on another visit.

Is Apri worth your time? If you’re after familiar, no-frills dishes, we’d say yes. With a sprawling menu, Apri is the place to satisfy your Egyptian cravings and revel in good comfort food. While we didn’t opt for the more protein-heavy classics, the range suggests there’s much more to explore.

WHERE TO FIND- You can find Apri at New Cairo’s Mivida.

💵 Per person: EGP 600-900

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

Kara Swisher asks: Do you really want to live forever?

👂 Would you want to live forever? In the latest On with Kara Swisher episode, journalist Kara Swisher tackles that exact question that has evolved from a philosophical prompt into one of the world’s fastest-growing and most intricate sectors: the longevity economy.

But first, what’s the podcast about? Through expert interviews, Swisher explores the intersection of tech, corporate power, politics, media, and the economy. The latest drop sees Swisher dive into biomedicine and AI. She highlights how the pursuit of a longer, healthier life has become a full-blown obsession worth bns of USD while dissecting the tensions between science and the investment landscape.

The episode highlights genuine medical breakthroughs — ranging from obesity and diabetes drugs to AI’s rapid shift from diagnosis to early prediction. However, it also delves into a darker reality: the commodification of the fear of death, which drives people to pour vast sums of money into high-tech trends and baseless wellness fads.

What we liked: The episode reveals how health has morphed into a space where genuine innovation clashes with marketing hype — a landscape ranging from specialized supplements to red light therapy devices marketed as luxury anti-aging tools. Ultimately, it grounds the conversation, reminding us that longevity is less about gadgets or magic elixirs and more about four simple, often overlooked pillars: quality sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and strong social connections.

Our final verdict: Overall, the podcast offers a comprehensive experience. Rather than simply tackling topics at face value, it unpacks the strategies behind them, showing how high-level decisions turn into tangible realities. If you’re looking for a podcast that places you at the heart of major global shifts, then this show is a must-listen.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Anghami | Spotify.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

🗓️ APRIL

16 April - 30 June (Thursday-Tuesday): Early bird registration for The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon.

16-18 April (Thursday-Saturday): Based on True Events: Memoir Writing with Mai Serhan in Ardi, Dahshur.

17 April (Friday): Run for Youth Employment at The British University in Egypt.

17 April (Friday): Amr Selim at Small Theatre, Cairo Opera House.

17 April (Friday): Tul8te at Al Ittihad Alexandria Club, Alexandria.

18 April (Saturday): Book signing and talk with Plestia Al Aqad at Diwan Bookstore, Heliopolis.

21 April (Tuesday): The Beatles tribute night ft. Glass Onion at Boom Room, Madinaty.

23 April (Thursday): Hisham Kharma at Cairo Opera House main hall.

24 April (Friday): Daylight saving time begins.

24 April (Friday): Medhat Saleh at Ewart Memorial Hall, AUC Tahrir Square.

24 April (Friday): Ain Gamal at Al Manara Main Hall.

24 April (Friday): Marwan Pablo at Music Arena in Antoniads, Alexandria.

24-25 April (Friday-Saturday): GEM Family Weekend at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

25 April (Saturday): Sinai Liberation Day.

25 April (Sunday): The Marketers League at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

27 April - 2 May (Monday-Saturday): Alexandria Short Film Festival.

29 April (Wednesday): El Leila El Kebira at Boom Room, Madinaty.

MAY

1 May (Friday): Labor Day.

1 May (Friday): El Hekaya: Amr Diab at AUC Football Field.

1-2 May (Friday-Saturday): Cotzl’s Step Into the Light bazaar at Al Horreya Garden, Zamalek.

7-9 May (Thursday-Saturday): Sandbox Festival in El Gouna.

7-10 May (Thursday-Sunday): ASEEL Egyptian Horse Festival at the Armed Forces Equestrian Club, Nasr City.

15 May (Friday): Angham at El Arena.

26 May (Tuesday): Arafat’s Day.

26 May (Tuesday): Andrea Bocelli at the City of Arts and Culture in the New Administrative Capital.

27-29 May (Wednesday-Friday): Eid El Adha (TBC).

JUNE

16 June (Tuesday): Islamic New Year.

30 June (Tuesday): June 30th Revolution.

JULY

1 July - 2 November (Wednesday-Monday): General registration for The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon.

23 July (Thursday): July 23rd Revolution 1952.

24 July (Friday): Adriatique at the North Coast.

AUGUST

21 August (Friday): Black Coffee at Cubix North Coast.

25 August (Thursday): Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.

OCTOBER

1-4 October (Thursday-Sunday): She Arts festival across Cairo and Alexandria.

6 October (Tuesday): Armed Forces Day.

24 October (Saturday): Blue 25th Anniversary Tour at New Capital.

NOVEMBER

28 November (Saturday): Shakira at the Pyramids of Giza.

DECEMBER

11-12 December (Friday-Saturday): TheMarakezPyramids Half Marathon at the Pyramids of Giza.

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