Good afternoon, all. It’s shaping up to be another busy day for business news but before we get into it — We are less than 24 hours away from this year’s EnterpriseAM Finance Forum, which is taking place tomorrow at the St. Regis on the banks of the Nile.
TWO IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING NOTES-
FIRST- We are full to capacity and cannot accept new requests for invitations. We’ve been honored and delighted by the extent of interest and regret that we simply have no more seats available.
SECOND- Please be ready to show your personal PIN code to be admitted to the venue. These PIN codes are non-transferrable and admit only one guest. Approved guests received their codes yesterday. If you received an invitation and can’t find your PIN code, please check to make sure it didn’t go into your spam folder.
Taking the stage at the EnterpriseAM Finance Forum this year is Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib, who’s joining us to outline a vision for where we’re going as a community and as an economy.
The keynote interview will get underway at 9am sharp, and you won’t want to miss our exclusive networking breakfast from 8am. We’ll also have an extended coffee break and additional networking session immediately after our final panel.
For the second day running, City Lab is making headlines. Medical diagnostic services provider City Lab announced its rebrand and expansion plans earlier today in two EGX disclosures here (pdf) and here (pdf). The firm has rebranded to Premium Healthcare Group after its board approved the move.
Yesterday, the firm announced its plans to acquire 50% of five medical companies — local and regional — through a mix of capital increases and a direct share purchase.
THE BIG STORY ABROAD-
Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon continue to lead the conversation in the foreign press: Israel carried out fresh strikes on southern Lebanon earlier today after telling civilians in the area to evacuate. The attack injured around two dozen people and killed at least one. Israel also carried out two strikes targeting central Gaza killing at least ten people and another airstrike on a house in Deir Al Balah that killed five. (Bloomberg | Financial Times | Reuters)
Get Enterprise daily
The roundup of news and trends that move your markets and shape corporate agendas delivered straight to your inbox.
** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:
United Bank to make its EGX debut early next year: The Central Bank of Egypt will offer a stake of United Bank’s shares on the bourse, with the initial public offering set to take place before the end of 1Q 2025.
Beltone lands another leasing and factoring agreement: Beltone Holding subsidiary Beltone Leasing and Factoring has inked an EGP 400 mn leasing and factoring agreement with Madkour Group.
☀️TOMORROW’S WEATHER- The temperature is maintaining its much-welcomed cool, with tomorrow’s mercury rising to 33°C and a petering down to 23°C at night in the capital, according to our favorite weather app.
Social AI — is stirring up a debate about what social media should be. Created by Michael Sayman, the app gives users a private social experience — instead of interacting with actual people, you have AI chatbots responding to your every post. Critics call it a parody of micro-blogging platforms and “ pure artifice,” but Sayman insists that it’s a healthier alternative to today’s toxic online environment.
(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)
How does it work? The app allows you to choose what type of bots you want as followers responding to your posts — haters, praisers, skeptics, realists, etc. Once you’ve picked your audience you post your thoughts, similar to Threads and X, and the bots will instantly respond.
It’s a playground for your thoughts without the public judgment: While it may seem like a feedback loop, Sayman argues that users are looking for more than validation: ”Most people don’t select fans or bots that just please them. They’re actually selecting the debater, the contrarian, the realist. They’re trying to find challenges to their views.”
The purpose of the app is to capture the true essence of early social media, when its sole purpose was to connect people with one another, rather than chasing likes and conforming to the algorithm. In today’s social media climate, people are sometimes pressured to mold their content in order to fit in with societal rules — which causes many to either shy away in fear of not being accepted, creating a toxic environment.
But it’s also made to cure loneliness… People today are increasingly turning to chatbots — like ChatGPT — for advice, consolidation, therapy or even companionship. Apps like SocialAI or Nomi tap into the space of offering a pseudo-support like system.
The Penguin is back wreaking havoc in Gotham. The series dives straight into the aftermath of The Batman and Gotham is still reeling from the flooding chaos and destruction left behind after The Riddler blew up the city’s seawall. The Caped Crusader may have stopped him, but the city is far from rebuilt — and it left the crime underworld up for grabs.
(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)
In waddles Oz Cobblepot (Colin Farrell), the gangster we know as The Penguin: After the death of mob boss Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong), Oz sees this as his chance to snatch the reign of Gotham’s criminal empire. But it’s not going to be easy — Falcone’s son Alberto (Michael Zegen) is stepping into his father’s shoes, and his sister, Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) isn’t allowing anyone to claim her family’s legacy without a fight. It’s a classic power struggle, with Oz plotting to dominate the drug trade while Falcone’s offspring defend their family’s throne.
The opening episode was enough to have us locked in — it’s fast-paced, gritty, and as tense as a coiled spring right from the start. Colin Farrell really steals the show with his knockout performance that presents the inner makings of the Penguin’s cunningness and thirst for power. Critics are already praising its potential of being a hit — even fans of the DC world, especially the darker side, are loving it — setting expectations sky-high for episodes to come and shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest series.
WHERE TO WATCH- You catch new episodes of The Penguin on OSN+ every Sunday or watch the trailer to get a feel for what’s in store (runtime: 1:36).
Related
⚽ It’s a quiet day for football today across the major European leagues, with only two matches to tide us over. In La Liga, Real Betis is facing off against Mallorca in the final game of matchday six, kicking off at 10pm. Over in Serie A, Atalanta is going against Como to close out matchday five at 9:45pm.
Related
☕ EAT THIS TONIGHT-
1980 is brewing nostalgia in every cup and plate. In the early hours, a caffeine fix paired with a hearty breakfast becomes a necessity to recalibrate our brain and launch us into the workday — quite literally — on our toes. Enter 1980, New Cairo, Maadi, and New Giza, happy to offer you both. The coffee, whether it’s a classic espresso or an indulgent caramel macchiato, comes with a sleek, nostalgic twist. The ambiance captures the essence of a bygone era with its retro charm, setting the perfect backdrop for a morning catch-up or a work break.
The drinks: The ice latte has a slightly bitter edge that’s noticeable but not overpowering, a signature taste for a coffee lover. However, the real star here is the blended frappe latte — it’s smooth and rich and caffeinated, but make sure to control the amount of frappe powder added if you don’t have that strong of a sweet tooth. Their cold drinks come in the viral clear can, for those who prefer to share their coffee breaks with the ‘gram.
The menu: 1980 offers a wide array of breakfast and brunch options. Classic omelets, sprinkled with grated parmesan and served on crispy toasted bread, offer a comforting start to your day. For those seeking a burst of flavor, the Tuscan artichoke salad and crispy pretzel chicken strips are a must-try. And for dessert, maye indulge a little bit. The Lotus Biscoff pancakes are covered in a healthy helping of white chocolate sauce.
For those who don’t drink coffee, 1980 hasn’t forgotten you. Refreshing tropical smoothies and sparkling mojitos are available to whisk away those early morning blues.
WHERE TO FIND IT- If you can’t visit one of their three branches, you can order 1980 through Talabat.
Related
🎤 OUT AND ABOUT- (all times CLT)
HAPPENING THIS WEEK-
Irtigalia is celebrating their sixth anniversary with a night at Cairo Jazz Club 610 in Sheikh Zayed tomorrow, Tuesday, 24 September at 10pm. For bookings, message CJC on facebook.
Warm up those vocal chords. Join this Singing Masterclass with world-renowned opera singer, Farrah El Dibany on Friday September 27 at AUC Tahrir. The class will include breathing and singing exercises, vocal techniques for any musical style and insights on studying abroad and building a global career in music for both beginners and experienced singers. Book your spot here.
The Ice Warrior Challenge makes a thrilling return to Ski Egypt, featuring over 20 challenging obstacles at freezing temperatures, this is the ultimate endurance test for athletes. The event will take place on Saturday, 28 September starting at 9am. Book your spot here.
The famous Canadian-French band Ghostly Kisses are getting ready to perform two shows at Cairo Jazz Club as part of their latest album’s tour. This will take place at CJC 610 in Sheikh Zayed on Saturday and Sunday, 28-29 September. Grab tickets here.
HAPPENING LATER-
Registration is still open for the Scaled Games. Show off your skills by taking part in one of the three sporting competitions available: running, football, or crossfit. Running and crossfit will both take place on Friday, 11 October, while the football tournament will take place starting Friday, 27 September to Friday, 11 October. All events will happen in New Heliopolis City. Sign up here.
Charlotte Cardin is making her debut in Cairo. The Canadian singer and songwriter will perform at Cairo Jazz Club 610 on Saturday, 16 November. Grab your tickets here.
Go on a run in Egypt’s historic city at the Luxor Half Marathon. TriFactory’s annual event will take place on Friday, 11 October. Pick between a 21km or 10km race, or a short family run. You can register here.
Swan Lake x Opera: For classic lovers, don’t miss the performances of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, performed by the St. Petersburg Classical Ballet Company. The shows will take place over three days: October 2, 3, and 4 at the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall in Zamalek, starting at 8:30pm. Grab your tickets for the first, second and third night here.
Prepare for the sixth edition ofThe Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon. Pick your race of choice and start training, because the marathon will take place on Saturday, 14 December. Note: The price to register is going to keep increasing. So sign up now through this link for the lowest price guarantee.
Relive the magic of Amy Winehouse withThe Amy Winehouse Band. This isn’t just a tribute band, it’s Winehouse’s actual original band keeping her spirit and legacy alive. Witness the era defining music at The Theater in Somabay on Saturday 5 October. Grab your tickets here.
Related
💡 UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-
A refugee seeks home in a ruined world. In her latest novel, Tea Obreht transports readers to Island City, a place reminiscent of a once-glamorous Manhattan, where the echoes of past glory linger in the corridors of The Morningside, an apartment block now home to Silvia and her family.
Silvia, her mother, and her aunt, Ena, are refugees from an unnamed land, each carrying their homeland’s traditions and myths in different ways. Ena cherishes the past, preserving artifacts and recounting folk tales, while Silvia’s mother, haunted by personal demons, refuses to look back fondly, and discourages discussing their family’s history.
Balancing exile and identity becomes a choice between holding on and letting go. Silvia’s journey, fueled by curiosity and resilience, unfolds against a backdrop of societal upheaval and personal discovery. The compelling narrative resonates with warmth and insight, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.
The EGX30 fell 0.1% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.4 bn (10.8% above the 90-day average). Local investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up 24.6% YTD.
In the green: Cleopatra Hospitals (+3.6%), Heliopolis Housing (+3.6%), and Ezz Steel (+3%).
In the red: GB Corp (-3.3%), Beltone Holding (-2.1%), and Emaar Misr (-1.9%).
Egypt Edition 
UAE Edition 
Saudi Edition 
MENA <> India Corridor 
Logistics (MENA) 
Climate (MENA) 
Share Issue
