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Tuesday, 25 Feb 2025

What We’re Tracking Tonight
A Message From Raya Auto
For Your Commute
On The Tube Tonight
Sports
Out And About
Under The Lamplight
Go With The Flow
Enterprise Entertainment Calendar

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Today at a glance

1

The Big Story Today

Eroglu Garments to establish USD 120 mn garments factory in Qantara West.
2

FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Everyone’s excited to hop on the next rocket to Mars — but can our bodies take the journey?
3

ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

A take on millennial anxiety.
4

Sports

EPL matches + Barcelona x Atletico + Coppa Italia quarterfinals.
5

OUT AND ABOUT

Interactive comedy and some connect four.
6

Under the Lamplight

The aliens are coming — to Cairo.

Tuesday, 25 Feb 2025

What We’re Tracking Tonight
A Message From Raya Auto
For Your Commute
On The Tube Tonight
Sports
Out And About
Under The Lamplight
Go With The Flow
Enterprise Entertainment Calendar
1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Eroglu Garments to establish USD 120 mn garments factory in Qantara West

Good afternoon all you lovely people, and happy Tuesday. We have a busy issue for you today, with all the latest on our newest Turkish textiles investment, the potential drawbacks of space travel, and all the recs you never knew you needed.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

Eroglu Garments doubles down on Egypt investments with plans for USD 120 mn garment factory: The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has signed an agreement with Turkish clothing manufacturer Eroglu Garments to build a fully integrated USD 120 mn garment factory in the SCZone’s Qantara West Industrial Zone, according to a statement viewed by EnterpriseAM. The facility will span 100k sqm and cover all production stages from spinning to final garments, with the aim of producing 30 mn pieces annually. A second phase of the project is currently in the works, with the possibility of bringing total investments to USD 180 mn.

We saw this coming: Turkish ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Şen said last month that Eroglu Holding, Eroglu Garments’ parent company, was mulling plans to invest USD 120 mn in the Qantara West Industrial Zone, with Turkish companies expected to pump at least USD 300 mn into Egypt this year.

This is just the latest in a spate of recent investments by Eroglu Holding, with the firm beginning construction on a USD 40 mn garment factory in Qantara West in August and breaking ground on a USD 51 mn garments factory in the zone in November.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

Amid a relatively slow int’l news day, outlets across the world are picking up the passage of a US-led UN Security Council resolution calling for a “swift end” to the Russia-Ukraine war with the backing of Moscow and Beijing — Washington’s typical antagonists among the council’s five permanent members. The move has driven a further wedge in the increasingly tense relationship between the US and its European allies, with France and the UK abstaining after failing to delay the vote.

The widening US-EU rift was on full display in a meeting between US president Donald Trump and French president Emmanuel Macron, who has been attempting to position himself as the champion of European multilateralism as the transatlantic alliance stumbles. Despite the relatively cordial tone of the meeting, the two leaders were clearly and vocally at odds, with Macron firmly stating that Russia is the aggressor in the war, a stance Trump refused to echo. (Reuters | FT)

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

  • Remittances from Egyptians abroad jumped 51.3% y-o-y in 2024, reaching USD 29.6 bn — up from USD 19.5 bn in 2023.
  • Leading home appliance maker Electrolux has decided to stay in the Egyptian market, scrapping plans to sell its local operations after a final review, opting instead to ramp up growth and exports.
  • Haier to invest USD 500 mn in expanding Tenth of Ramadan complex: Chinese appliance manufacturer Haier plans to inject USD 500 mn over the next five years to expand its industrial complex in Tenth of Ramadan to increase its production capacity 5x.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- The chilly weather is getting a tad warmer with sunny skies in the capital tomorrow, with the mercury set to rise to 20°C in the morning and 10°C at night, according to our favorite weather app.

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2

A MESSAGE FROM RAYA AUTO

Mohamed El Naggar, CEO of Raya Auto, is driving Egypt’s EV revolution forward with the launch of the XPENG G6, the brand’s third model in the Egyptian market

Raya Auto, Egypt’s exclusive importer of XPENG EVs, has just introduced the XPENG G6, the latest addition to its expanding lineup, which already includes the P7 and G9 models.

These world-class, cutting-edge EVs offer an exceptional combination of advanced technology, versatility, and great value for money, making electric mobility more accessible than ever.

To support this growing market, Raya Auto has established authorized showrooms and service centers in both East and West Cairo, a first for Egypt’s EV sector.

Mohamed El Naggar, CEO of Raya Auto, has been the driving force behind XPENG Egypt. A 20-year veteran of Raya Holding, El Naggar has witnessed first-hand how bold ideas can transform industries. “Making an early bet on EVs was a risk but we trusted Egyptian customers to embrace this change, and today, less than a year after launching XPENG in Egypt, our sales validate that trust,” said El Naggar.

“Our aim is to lead the electric mobility transformation in Egypt while setting new standards in innovation and customer experience,” added El Naggar.

As a portfolio company of Raya Holding for Financial Investments, Raya Auto benefits from over 25 years of market expertise and a strong legacy of innovation across 11 diverse portfolio companies.

Raya Holding has consistently pioneered transformative solutions across diverse industries, cementing its reputation as a leader in excellence and forward-thinking strategies across Egypt, the GCC, and Africa, with a growing presence in Europe.

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3

FOR YOUR COMMUTE

Everyone’s excited to hop on the next rocket to Mars — but can our bodies handle the journey?

Space flight is getting serious: Amid a constant barrage of news headlines replete with the promises of the rapidly growing commercial space travel industry, some inquiring minds are taking a step back to consider whether our bodies can actually stand up to long periods spent in the far reaches of our solar system, The New Yorker writes.

Space travel has long been understood to have significant impacts on astronauts’ bodies, with scientists noting how prolonged time in low-gravity settings lengthens astronauts’ spines and leads to muscle wasting and lower bone density, leaving astronauts chained to their workout gear in order to maintain a healthy physique. Still, the increasing number of space travellers as the commercial space race heats up is now offering scientists and observers a scientifically meaningful sample size with which to assess the possible impacts of space travel.

Enter the NASA twins study: On 2 March 2016, US astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth after nearly a year in space — marking the longest-ever spaceflight by any American. After landing he experienced severe physical effects, including nausea, dizziness, joint pain, swelling, and a rash. While these symptoms were not in and of themselves exceptional, one key feature of Kelly offered NASA scientists a unique opportunity to assess the effects of space travel on his body — the fact that he was a twin. The NASA twins study, as it came to be known, compared Scott Kelly’s body with that of his brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly, with the research ultimately published in the peer-reviewed journal Science.

The results showed that extended space travel had seriously impacted Scott Kelly’s body and brain. Researchers found signs of cognitive decline, extreme inflammation, and potential long-term brain changes, with some tests showing markers of inflammation in Kelly’s blood had risen to levels difficult to measure with conventional lab equipment.

The question boils down to whether or not the effects of space travel are reversible — and whether or not it’s ethical to figure that out. For space travel boosters, there’s no alternative. “At some point, we’re going to have thousands of people living or working in space,” Christopher Mason, a principal investigator on the study, said. “We need to understand how to do that safely.” Others are not so sure. Mathias Basner, a University of Pennsylvania professor and member of the twins study, told the outlet that early indications suggest that space travel could cause profound structural changes in the brain — some of which may be reversible, some of which may not.

It’s going to take time — and a lot more data — before we have clear answers, but growing interest in space travel should fuel more research in the area. According to Mason, “we’re starting to see a biological signature of space. Soon, we’ll be able to say, This is what will happen to you if you get a three-day dose of space. That is what will happen with a three-month dose.”

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4

ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

A take on millennial anxiety

📺 Mr. Corman is not your typical comedy — it’s a moody, introspective dive into the life of a man who feels like he missed his shot. Written, directed, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the show explores anxiety, disappointment, and the everyday struggles of an aging millennial who once dreamed big but ended up somewhere far more ordinary.

The gist: Josh Corman (Gordon-Levitt) is a former musician-turned-teacher who can’t shake the feeling that life hasn’t shaken out as planned. He lives with his childhood friend Victor (Arturo Castro), plays video games instead of going out, and wrestles with a constant stream of “what ifs.” His mother (Debra Winger) encourages him to move on, but Josh is stuck in his own head.

It gets worse… A failed one-night stand, an awkward night out, and mounting anxiety attacks make it clear — he’s not just unhappy, he’s spiraling. We then venture through the experiences driving inner turmoil.

Should you watch it? The film does a good job of portraying the weight of modern existential dread, but whether it’s enjoyable depends on your appetite for watching someone wallow in it.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Apple TV+ or catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:22).

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5

Sports

EPL matches + Barcelona x Atletico + Coppa Italia quarterfinals

⚽ The 27th round of the English Premier League kicks off today with four matches, the most notable being Chelsea vs. Southampton at 10:15pm. The Blues currently sit in seventh place with 43 points and are aiming to secure a Champions League qualification spot, while the visitors are at the bottom of the table with their hopes of avoiding relegation fading.

The rest of the matches start at 9:30pm:

  • Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa
  • Brighton vs. Bournemouth
  • Wolverhampton vs. Fulham

Spanish football fanatics will be flocking to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys tonight to see host Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey at 10:30pm. Barca advanced after a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia, while Atletico secured their spot with an identical 5-0 victory against Getafe. This round follows a two-legged format.

The Coppa Italia is also getting its fair share of intense matches, with Inter Milan set to go head-to-head with Lazio in the quarterfinals of the competition at 10pm. The Nerazzurri approach the match wary of their historical record against the capital’s side — out of 17 encounters in the Coppa Italia, Inter has clinched the contest six times to Lazio’s five times, with six matches ending in a draw.

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6

OUT AND ABOUT

Interactive comedy and some connect four

🎤 Why play connect four when you can laugh at it. Don’t miss the hilarious comedy game night Connect Four tonight at Boom Room, featuring comedians Khaled El Shoky and Islam Amin, delivering non-stop laughs and interactive fun. Get your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

The Animatex Festival is back for its fifth edition. It’s bringing a packed program including screenings of both short and feature animated films, discussions, panel talks, and workshops for animation enthusiasts — and those looking to network with local and international industry leaders. The last day of the festival is today and you can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Welcome in the holy month of Ramadan with the finest dates at the CairoInternational Date Festival, under the theme From Egypt to the World. The last day of the festival is today at Al Horreya Park in Zamalek. Admission is free, with entry requiring a park ticket that costs 20 EGP.

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

Sports Expo 2025 is near: Head down to the Egypt International Exhibition Center to meet global athletes and stock up on all kinds of sporting equipment at this year’s Sports Expo 2025. The government-hosted event will bring together private- and public-sector players in the fitness and health sectors and related industries and will be open until tomorrow, Wednesday, 26 February. Get tickets from Tazkarti.

Enjoy a night of music and storytelling with Hany Adel. The show will take place at Boom Room, Open Air Mall Madinaty on Thursday, 27 February at 8pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

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

Ali Quandil is back to make you laugh with his 100% Interactive Comedy Show. The show will take place next Thursday, 27 February at Townhall – Kamelizer in District Five. It will start at 8pm and you can grab tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Creating hued prints using a timeless photographic process. People of Art is hosting a Ramadan-themed Cyanotype workshop with Youssef Madbouly in New Cairo where participants will learn how to make art with cyanotype. The workshop will take place on Friday, 28 February from 10am till 2pm.

HAPPENING LATER-

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

Disney On Ice returns to Cairo with Let’s Celebrate. Get ready for a magical experience as Disney On Ice makes its grand return to Cairo with the spectacular show Let’s Celebrate, running from Wednesday, 21 May to Saturday, 31 May. Join Mickey Mouse, Moana, and some of the Disney princesses as they bring beloved stories to life in a performance featuring over 100 world-class skaters, stunning visual effects, and dazzling stage designs. The show will take place at the indoor hall of Cairo International Stadium in Nasr City. Tickets are already selling out, so get them while you can from Tazkarti.

Keinemusik’s Adam Port is coming back to Egypt. He will be bringing his groovy mixes to the New Administrative Capital’s Green River on Friday, 30 May at 9pm. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

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7

Under the Lamplight

The aliens are coming — to Cairo

📚 Aliens have taken over a minibus station. Egyptian writer and translator Mohamed El Fouly starts his debut novel, The Grand Night — published by Diwan and released at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair — with an absurd, chaotic scene: a flying saucer suddenly lands in a bustling minibus station, throwing the neighborhood into a frenzied panic and altering the fate of the informal settlement.

El Fouly builds on a bold premise: What if first contact with extraterrestrials didn’t happen in the West, as most sci-fi stories imagine, but instead in a chaotic, densely populated informal settlement on the outskirts of a fictional city that closely resembles Cairo? And what if, instead of a global diplomatic response, the area was completely cut off from the world, forcing its inhabitants to deal with the situation alone?

The plot kicks off when the UFO lands in a place known as Ard El Mawqef, surrounding the area in a blue dome that isolates it from the rest of the city — no one can enter, leave, or communicate beyond the barrier. As panic spreads, the neighborhood kingpin, Al Ma’allem Khashaba Al Hattab, rallies his crew and devises a strategy to confront this unexpected invasion.

This sets the stage for a cast of eccentric characters: Alaa Box, Khashaba’s right hand man; his wife, Samah, who looks like a local version of Egyptian pop star Ruby (at least by local beauty standards); Hag Taher, known as the most corrupt man alive; Mr. Nasser El Tohami, the English teacher nicknamed “The Shakespeare of the Arabs”; and Mahmoud Kotla, a man whose muscles and fat blend into a strange physique. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that aliens aren’t the biggest threat looming over the area— ancient magic and long-buried secrets hold even darker dangers.

It’s the approach and language that makes the book worth reading. El Fouly writes casually in a mix of colloquial and formal Arabic, offering a multilayered narrative that hooks readers from the very first page. But the book is a cocktail of surrealism, realism filled with a lot of twists, dark humor, and unexpected revelations that constantly shift the course of events.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find the book at Diwan, Al Shorouk, Bibliothek, and Al Masriah.

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8

GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 25 February 2025

The EGX30 fell 0.9% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.8 bn (5.2% above the 90-day average). Egyptian investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 3.1% YTD.

In the green: Rameda Pharma (+9.9%), Edita (+3.5%) and Sidpec (+2.7%).

In the red: CIB (-2.6%), Orascom Development (-2.0%) and Juhayna (-1.8%).

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ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

23-25 February (Sunday-Tuesday): Sports Expo 2025 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

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

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

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

25 February (Tuesday): UIPM Modern Pentathlon World Cup 2025 at AUC Sports Complex.

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

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

27 February (Thursday): Music and storytelling with Hany Adel at Boom Room, Open Air Mall Madinaty.

27 February (Thursday): 100% Interactive Comedy Show with Ali Quandil at Townhall – Kamelizer in District Five.

28 February (Friday): Ramadan cyanotype workshop at People of art, New cairo.

APRIL

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

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

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

MAY

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

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

OCTOBER

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

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

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