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Tuesday, 18 Feb 2025

What We’re Tracking Tonight
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

Gov’t to host emergency Arab League summit on 4 March.
2

FOR YOUR COMMUTE

DeepSeek could signal a shift in China’s approach to tech education.
3

ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

Murder from the POV of the murderer.
4

Sports

All eyes on the Champions League qualifications.
5

OUT AND ABOUT

Usher in Ramadan with the Cairo International Date Festival.
6

Under the Lamplight

The burden of political disappointment.

Tuesday, 18 Feb 2025

What We’re Tracking Tonight
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

Gov’t to host emergency Arab League summit on 4 March

Hello all you wonderful people, and happy Tuesday. We have a busy issue for you today, so without further ado, let’s get into it.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

#1- Gov’t to host emergency Arab League summit on 4 March: Egypt will host the emergency Arab League summit to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and unify the Arab stance against the displacement of Gazans on 4 March, after consulting with Bahraini officials and other Arab League member states, according to a Foreign Affairs Ministry statement. The summit had originally been scheduled for 27 February before being delayed.

#2- Dubai-based classifieds giant DubizzleGroup has acquired Egypt’s Hatla2ee, a digital marketplace for buying and selling cars online, according to statement (pdf). The move will see Dubizzle fold Hatla2ee’s platform into its operations in Egypt — which already include Dubizzle and Bayut — thereby expanding its footprint in the country’s fast-growing automotive market and digital classifieds scene.

What we don’t know: The financial terms of the take over and post-acquisition leadership lineup were not disclosed. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals.

A win-win for both sides: The agreement is set to boost Dubizzle’s reach in a market where online automotive sales are gaining traction, positioning it to compete with local and regional players. Hatla2ee CEO Samy Swellam said joining Dubizzle offers the company access to advanced technology and will allow it to expand its user base.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

US and Russian officials met in Riyadh today to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine, marking their first direct negotiations related to the conflict. The meeting followed Trump’s recent call with Vladimir Putin, which seemed to indicate that Trump would not ask Russia to cede a single inch of occupied Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine, absent from the talks, has voiced strong opposition: With Russian troops gradually advancing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Kyiv would reject any outcome of meetings without its involvement. European allies are also watching closely, wary of any agreement reached without their input.

The negotiations involve a mismatched set of negotiators: The US delegation is led by three officials still in the first month of their roles — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. They will meet with Russian diplomats, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who has held the position since 2004, and veteran Putin aide Yuri Ushakov.

The Russian side has been positively chipper ahead of the talks, with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, highlighting the importance of improved relations between Washington and Moscow. “Good US-Russia relations are very important for the whole world. Only jointly can Russia and the US address global problems, resolve conflicts, and offer solutions,” Dmitriev told the AP. (FT | Reuters | Bloomberg | AP)

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

  • Egypt to liquify and re-export Cypriot gas: The Oil Ministry yesterday inked twoagreements with Cyprus to liquify and re-export Cypriot natural gas on the sidelines of the first day of the Egypt Energy Show.
  • Another mega wind farm incoming: Saudi renewables giant Acwa Power is settingup a 2 GW wind farm in South Hurghada with investments of SAR 8.6 bn (c. USD 2.3 bn).
  • Organi Group, CSCEC eye USD 5 bn worth of contracts: Egypt’s Organi Group inked a strategic partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation to set up construction and infrastructure projects in Egypt and abroad.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- We’re still seeing some warm-ish temperatures in Cairo with a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C by nightfall, according to our favorite weather app.

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2

FOR YOUR COMMUTE

DeepSeek could signal a shift in China’s approach to tech education

China’s AI revolution is getting a plot twist. The country has long been a factory for STEM graduates, but when it comes to producing true innovation, its track record has been mixed, the New York Times reports. That might be changing, due to DeepSeek — the AI startup that’s forcing the world to reconsider China’s tech ecosystem, and whether the country’s education system is finally outpacing the US.

Global figures are paying attention. Telegram founder Pavel Durov recently praised China’s intense academic competition, warning that if the US doesn't rethink its education system, it could lose its tech dominance. But while China’s talent pool is deeper than ever, the reality is a bit more complicated.

Education and innovation are a balancing act. China’s higher education boom has been nothing short of staggering. In the past two decades, the number of university graduates has skyrocketed more than 14-fold. Academic institutions like Tsinghua and Peking University now rank among the world’s best and AI education is booming — with over 2.3k new undergraduate AI courses launched since 2018.

Despite this surge in talent, many of China’s best AI minds still look abroad for work. Nearly half of the world’s top AI researchers come from Chinese universities, but most still work in the US, according to research group MacroPolo. That trend may shift as Washington tightens visa restrictions for Chinese students in sensitive fields, pushing more talent to stay put.

Creativity remains a challenge, however. One of the biggest critiques of China’s education system is that it’s too focused on exams and not enough on creativity. This has led, among other things, to a stereotype that Chinese engineers excel at refining existing tech, but struggle to break new ground.

DeepSeek offers an alternative model: DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, has acknowledged that top tier talent often goes unnoticed because of the system's supposed rigidity. One way DeepSeek has broken the mold is by hiring non-STEM and humanities students, which Liang has argued creates a diverse environment that encourages thinking outside the box.

What’s the government role in AI’s future? Beijing has thrown its weight behind the country’s AI research, building stronger bridges between academia and industry. But this state support is a doubled-edged sword. While funding has fueled major breakthroughs, government intervention has held back some of the country’s biggest tech giants — like Alibaba, which found itself caught in a regulatory storm four short years ago. DeepSeek has so far managed to fly under the radar, partially through its presentation of itself as an intellectual project rather than a profit-driven challenger for power.

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3

ON THE TUBE TONIGHT

Murder from the POV of the murderer

? I Am a Killer, and this is my story. Netflix’s hit series I Am a Killer returns for its sixth season, bringing chilling stories of convicted murderers who recount the crimes they committed and the motives that led them there — all in their own words. The documentary has built a strong fan base, particularly among true crime and documentary enthusiasts.

Season six features five stories spread across six episodes, with a unique opening that sets it apart from previous seasons. The first case unfolds over two episodes given its complexity and the tangled relationships between those involved. The first two episodes, A Mothers Choice, explore a shocking crime in San Antonio, Texas in 2014.

The case: The episode opens with an interview featuring Candy Dominguez, a woman in her 40s serving time for her role in a crime orchestrated by her boyfriend, Daniel Lopez, a member of the Texas branch of the Mexican Mafia. Candy lures her cousin, Jose Menchaca, into a trap set by Lopez, who sought revenge over a personal dispute. Candy insists she only acted out of fear, claiming that Daniel threatened to kill her and her five children if she refused to do so.

As the case unfolds throughout the episode, perspectives shift dramatically. Daniel gives his own perspective, along with his defense attorney, leading to an interesting and evolving narrative where the truth becomes more elusive with each revelation.

This show doesn’t just present the details of the crime — it's more a deep dive into the psyche of the perpetrators, offering a haunting exploration of human nature and how dark individuals can become. The show successfully presents every angle, including victims’ families. Each episode stands alone, making it an easy and compelling watch for crime documentary fans.

PSA- As expected from all true crime documentaries, this series contains sensitive content that may not be suitable for all viewers.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Netflix or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:29).

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4

Sports

All eyes on the Champions League qualifications

⚽ Queue the anthem of champions. Tonight we’re following the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase — determining which eight teams will qualify to join the top eight teams from the group stage. Just like the first leg, the second leg will be played over the course of two days, with four matches scheduled for today and four for tomorrow.

We’re starting at the San Siro stadium, where home team AC Milan will face off against Feyenoord at 7:45pm. The Rossoneri aim to use their fans' support and the at-home advantage to win the game and make up for their 1-0 loss in the first leg.

Atalanta hosts Club Brugge for a match that’s just as difficult as its Italian counterpart, after the Orobici’s 2-1 loss in the first leg at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Belgium. The match starts at 10pm.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, is in for an easier match. They’ll be hosting Celtic at the Allianz Arena stadium at 10pm, after achieving a 2-1 victory in Scotland.

In Portugal, Benfica enters a match against Monaco with confidence after snatching a 1-0 win while away for the first leg. The match will start at 10pm.

As for the Egyptian stadiums, Talaea El Geish will be facing ZED at 4pm. The 14th round of the Egyptian Premier League will be coming to an end with a prominent confrontation between Ghazl El Mahalla and Al Masry at 7pm.

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5

OUT AND ABOUT

Usher in Ramadan with the Cairo International Date Festival

? 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 festival will take place from Thursday, 20 February to Tuesday, 25 February at Al Horreya Park in Zamalek. Admission to the festival is free, with entry requiring a park ticket that costs 20 EGP.

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

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

For fans of Lege-cy, don't miss his live performance at Boom Room tomorrow. Get your tickets at Ticketsmarche.

Beatport Live is coming to CJC 610 for the first time. On Thursday, 20 February, Acid Arab are taking the stage to perform their blend of Western electronic music and Eastern sounds and vocals to give you an unforgettable night — alongside other sets from Misty and Aly Goede B2B Jess. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

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 festival will take place at the AUC Tahrir campus from Thursday, 20 February until Tuesday, 25 February. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarche.

Amal Maher takes on the Sound and Light theatre at the Giza Pyramids. The concert will take place on Thursday, 20 February with doors opening at 7pm. Formal attire is required. You can book your tickets through TicketsMall.

Cairokee x new capital: Cairokee will perform in El Nahr El Akhdar Park in the new administrative capital at 8pm on Friday, 21 February. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Get dreamy with Ghostly Kisses. The French-Canadian pop band Ghostly Kisses will return to Cairo later this month for a performance at the Mövenpick Media City Theater in Sixth of October. After their initial concert on Friday, 21 February sold out, the band announced that it will be adding a second performance date on Thursday, 20 February as part of their 2025 world tour. Get your tickets to the show on Ticketsmarche.

Massar Egbari is preparing to celebrate the release of their latest album, Maba’etsh Akhaf on Friday, 21 February at 7pm. The event will take place at El Sawy Culturewheel Theatre at Nile University in Sheikh Zayed. Tickets are available through El Sawy Culturewheel’s website.

For the gamers and the cosplayers. EGYCON 12 is taking place on Friday, 21 February at Family Park, New Cairo. The event will feature Japanese live performances, trivia games, a fire show, a merch bazaar, and a whole lot more. Grab your ticket from the link in the event description.

MENA Product Summit is where innovation meets execution. Join a one-day deep dive into the world of digital product management on Saturday, 22 February at Kamelizer in District 5. The event will bring together MENA’s sharpest minds for insightful keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and game-changing networking. Tickets are quickly selling out on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING LATER-

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 24, 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 from Monday, 24 February until Wednesday, 26 February. Get tickets from Tazkarti.

Why play connect four when you can laugh at it. Don't miss the hilarious comedy game night Connect Four on Tuesday, 25 February at Boom Room, featuring comedians Khaled El Shoky and Islam Amin, delivering non-stop laughs and interactive fun. Get your tickets from 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.

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.

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6

Under the Lamplight

The burden of political disappointment

? Coping with a life of political struggle. In her book Burnout, Hannah Proctor explores how activists cope with defeat, frustration, and burnout — and how these emotions are key to the experience of engaging in politics. Over the course of eight sections — organized around the concepts of melancholia, nostalgia, depression, burnout, exhaustion, bitterness, trauma, and mourning — Proctor offers tools for understanding and dealing with political disappointment.

Proctor argues that political losses or failures cause a collective melancholia that can lead activists to stay stuck in the past. She offers the Paris Commune as one example — a failed revolution that activists still look back on with nostalgia and with a sense of what could have been. Still, Proctor notes, these moments have a power of their own, serving to inspire future revolutionaries to chart their own courses.

She goes on to discuss what it means to be burnt out. Proctor argues that it doesn’t come from overwork, but rather from being emotionally invested in the work. Deep care is what keeps a movement alive — despite how exhausting it can get. In political scenes, patience is difficult because everything feels urgent. This can be where internal conflicts, burnout, and self criticism begin.

Proctor has thoughts on how activists can cope. Her approach is to view losses as something that can drive collective action. Rather than “getting over it,” she argues that activists should acknowledge the loss while continuing to push for change.

TL;DR: It’s a thought-provoking read that's packed with history, psychology, and a whole lot of activism. Those who don’t care much for politics may find it a difficult read — especially considering some historical knowledge is assumed.

You can find it on Amazon.

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7

GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 18 February 2025

The EGX30 rose 0.5% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.8 bn (4.8% above the 90-day average). International investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up 2.9% YTD.

In the green: EFG Holding (+4.5%), Telecom Egypt (+4.2%), and Egyptian Kuwaiti Holding -EGP (+4.2%).

In the red: EgyptAlum (-2.1%), GB Corp (-1.3%), and Oriental Weavers (-1.0%).

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ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

19 February (Wednesday): Lege-cy at Boom Room.

20 February (Thursday): Beatport Live at CJC 610.

20 February (Thursday): Amal Maher concert at the Sound and Light stage.

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

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

20-21 February (Thursday-Friday): Ghostly Kisses at Movenpick Media City.

21 February (Friday): Massar Egbari launch album at El Sawy Culturewheel.

21 February (Friday): E7kky Festival.

21 February (Friday): Egycon 12 at Family Park, New Cairo.

21 February (Friday): Cairokeeat El Nahr El Akhdar Park in the new administrative capital.

22 February (Friday): MENA Product Summit at Townhall by Kamelizer – District 5.

22 February (Friday): VeryNile’s The Nile Parade.

22 February (Saturday): MENA Product Summit at Kamelizer Spaces.

23 February (Sunday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

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

24 February (Monday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

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

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

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

APRIL

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

MAY

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

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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