Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Now that the presidential elections are (officially) over, we’re wondering whether we should be bracing ourselves for a slew of news or for more of a slowdown as we creep towards the holiday season.
THE BIG STORY TODAY
The results are in: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has been re-elected for a third term in office, securing 89.6% of the vote, National Election Authority (NEA) head Hazem Badawy said in a presser today (watch, runtime: 5:58). The elections will see El Sisi remain in office until 2030. Some 39.7 mn out of the total 44.8 mn who turned out to vote cast their ballots for El Sisi. The Republican People Party’s Hazem Omar received 4.5% of valid votes, the Egyptian Social Democratic Party’s Farid Zahran 4%, and Al Wafd Party’s Abdel Sanad Yamama 1.9%.
The official turnout rate was 66.8% — well over the 41.05% rate we saw at the 2018 election that handed El Sisi his second term. Some 99.9% of ballots cast were valid.
THE BIG STORY ABROAD
BP is halting all its shipments through the Red Sea, following intensified Houthi attacks on ships passing through the waterway, reports Bloomberg. Vessels will be rerouted around Africa, rather than the Suez Canal (the primary LNG trade route), adding thousands of extra miles to their journeys, delaying deliveries, and raising costs. Natural gas prices initially jumped 7.9% following BP’s announcement before cooling off, while Brent futures are also up 2.7%. Many other companies are considering, or have already followed suit, including CMA CGM, AP Moller-Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and OOCL, according to Reuters.
COME WORK FOR OUR ADVISORY ARM- Enterprise Advisory (formerly known as Inktank Communications) is looking for smart, talented people to help us tell the stories of exciting companies. Enterprise Advisory is the region’s leading investor relations advisory company and works on investor and strategic communications issues that take you deep inside the c-suite. Our clients are in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond. Egyptian and foreign nationals alike are welcome to apply, but native-level verbal and written English fluency is a must.
WHO YOU ARE- We're looking for gifted storytellers with a minimum of four years of work experience in investor relations, finance, banking, economics, or a related field to develop cutting-edge products and maintain relationships with a portfolio of clients. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree or higher in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related discipline. We're looking for someone whose passion for storytelling is matched with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interpret and present financial data — with a keen eye for details and accuracy.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? To apply for the position, drop us a line at jobs@enterprisemea.com and mention “Enterprise Advisory” in your subject line. Please send a solid cover letter telling us a bit about who you are and why you’re a good fit for our team. We want to see your CV, but the most important thing is a cover letter that makes us want to pick up the phone and give you a call.
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Chefaa raises USD 5.3 mn from global investors: Egypt-based pharma delivery platform Chefaaraised USD 5.25 mn from a number of international investors, it said yesterday.
Want to support relief efforts in Gaza, but don’t know how? We’ve got you. More than 1 mn people in Gaza have been thrown from their homes and every human being there lacks access to food, water, and fuel amid the most intense bombardment any population has endured this century.
The folks at Talabat are processing donations for a range of Gaza relief appeals by charities including the Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir. Pay in EGP using your credit card.
Or check out our list of charities to which you can make direct donations via bank deposit and / or Fawry.
?️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Look for a mostly sunny day with a few clouds at a high of 23°C in the daytime, and dropping to a cooler 14°C in the evening, according to our favorite weather app.
How much rides on whether a brand uses AI tools to offer personalized communication services? A lot, actually. Companies, brands, and services are starting to collect data on clients’ shopping habits to curate automated texts and messages, known as “AI-assisted hyper-personalization,” that include offers and markdowns to encourage and increase customer loyalty and spending, BBC reports.
AI-driven personalization is already being used by 92% of companies around the world, according to a Twilio segment report. Despite some customers’ concerns about privacy and the use of data, this method seems to be the “future of shopping,” according to VentureBeat.
How does it work? This tactic starts from the moment you click “Accept Cookies.” For the uninitiated, accepting cookies grants a website or app to access your browsing behavior, and, more importantly, your purchases. This data is the information needed to create tailored messages that speak to you — not as a segment, but as a person: Your preference of citrusy colognes, your keto diet, and your interest in trying boxing as a sport. They’ll also tap into the weather where you are, your gender, and body type and hey, presto, personalized communication is ready to launch.
We may hate telemarketers, but we jive with personalized communication: Research shows 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, and 76% make a little pout when it doesn’t happen — and brands are happy to oblige. The personalized communication AI tools gave a 40% revenue surge to the companies who have focused on it, as opposed to their peers who did not use it, according to a McKinsey report. Shoppers particularly enjoy little things, like receiving an email (preferably with a markdown) after abandoning your online shopping cart to ask where you’ve gone and nudge you towards closing your purchase.
This “customer intimacy” has made 78% of customers surveyed in the report keen to come back and repurchase — to the extent that they will even recommend it to family and friends. There is a downside, though, in the risk of misreading a customer’s behavior. For instance, sending a collection of Father’s Day options for someone who is grieving a parent or has had a difficult relationship with the holiday might not be as palatable.
Move over iPhone — it’s time for the wearables to shine. Apple is putting more effort into developing its wearable products in 2024 while giving less attention to its golden goose, the iPhone.
All of Apple’s significant product categories, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and wearables, saw revenues dip in 2023, according to Bloomberg, and Apple intends to prove that 2024 is the year of the wearables.
WHAT’S IN STORE + SOME INTERESTING HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE ISHEEP IN 2024:
#1- Vision Pro is going to be the next big thing — but the first model will probably suck.Like the first Apple Watch, the tech giant sees the headset following its trajectory, probably the fourth model will actually be the bomb.
#2- Apple wants to tap into the hearing aid industry. The company is looking into software-based development into hearing aids, which it feels will flood in a multi-mn USD industry, the article shares.
#3- Of course, the iPhone will receive its upgrade next year — it will likely look the same. The Pro version is slated for a larger screen size, and the lower-end models will be equipped with an action button (previously implemented in iPhone 15 versions) and another dedicated button for capturing videos.
#4- Fourth-generation AirPods are on the way. Apple will introduce “two new fourth-generation non-Pro models” with updated designs, redesigned cases, and USB-C charging. The higher-end version of these models will include active noise-cancellation, making this sought-after feature available at a more affordable price point. This comes after the unremarkable third generation AirPods that had customers nabbing the pre-pandemic, second generation model.
AirPods Max headphones won’t be making headlines. Stumped for ideas, the iSheep HQ willslap on a USB-C charger port and phase out the lighting port.
#5- Apple Watch wants to be your GP. Apple is working on adding two noteworthy healthfeatures including hypertension and sleep apnea detection. We only wish it would come sooner, given the state of affairs and the holiday season. Nevertheless, Apple does not see many people queuing up to get one quite yet.
#6- Aside from the wearable products, Apple is planning to overhaul its iPad lineup. The Pro version will be completely redesigned, and the Air model will offer a larger screen option. Moreover, both the iPad mini and the entry-level model will be equipped with faster chips to enhance their performance.
#7- And then there’s the Stolen Device Protection feature. Going live with the iOS 17.3 software update, it ensures that your data such as your Apple ID settings, passwords, iCloud Keychain and financial information don’t land in someone else’s hands. Another cool addition is that if the phone is moved to an unfamiliar location it will require both Face ID and Touch ID. So unless you’ve been kidnapped, the phone won’t lead to your ruin.
The Crown has come to an end.As Netflix bids a royal farewell to the popular show, this last season was filled with what-ifs and maybes from the Queen’s hesitancy to step down for Prince Charles, to watching Tony Blair’s popularity rise and fall.
SPOILERS AHEAD-
Part two of the season starts off with an awkward and mono-syllabalic Prince Williamgrieving his mother. The focus on William’s appeal to young girls/women was overdone. There was nothing merely significant about his actions — in fact, the director succeeded at showing the young prince’s normalcy, he experiences grief as any other teen. We did see moments of his struggle to adapt to the royal role and the attention that led to his identity today.
Then there’s the William vs Harry dynamic. Harry was demonized for being the “troublemaker,” while William was portrayed as the “sensible” and “responsible” one. Speaking of the red-headed prince, Dominic West, who plays Charles, attributes Harry’s book, Spare, as a tool that helped him be more in character and to understand how Harry felt during that season, calling it a “gift.”
We also see the fateful ‘meet-cute’ between William and Kate at St Andrews University. The Princess of Wales’ common middle-class background with no connections to the royal family made her relatable — but what shocked many was her mother, Carole (Eve Best, aka Princess Rhaenys of House of the Dragon), scheming for her daughter to attract the prince because Kate told him that she, like most women, fancied him. A lot of people called the portrayal a “ good job,” while others deemed Carole’s actions true and described it as “canny,” “desperate,” “pushy,” and “meddling,” as per The Standard.
Finally, the controversy was left for last: The Queen’s talks for abdication, the approval of Charles’ marriage to Camilla, and the preparation and foreshadowing of her funeral were in the last episodes. We also painfully watched how the death of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret took a toll on an aging Elizabeth — you will sense that this season does build up a sympathizing narrative, since it was filmed when the long reigning monarch passed away.
WHAT YOU WON’T SEE- The Harry-Meghan debacle and any further events leading up to today. Many reviews called it a “ cop out ” and a “ mesmerizing mess ” while others say that it’s better left this way.
You can catch the final episodes of The Crown on Netflix.
Related
⚽ Al Ahly is one step away from making history. The Red Devils are aspiring to reach the final of the World Cup for the first time in history. The team will be meeting Brazil’s Fluminense in the Club World Cup’s semi-final at 10pm tonight. The victorious team will be meeting the team that comes out on top from the match between Man City and Japan’s Urawa.
Girona to take back the top spot in LaLiga? Girona lost its leading position yesterday after Real Madrid defeated Villarreal with four goals and occupied the top spot temporarily. Tonight the team will be hosting Deportivo Alaves at 10pm and might change its standing in the league.
Champions League draw: UEFA announced the draw for round 16 of the Champions League today, which resulted in the following matches:
Porto vs Arsenal
Napoli vs Barcelona
Paris Saint Germain vs Real Sociedad
Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid
Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund
Lazio vs Bayern Munich
Copenhagen vs Man City
Leipzig vs Real Madrid
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?EAT THIS TONIGHT-
Bake My Day is worth your dough — pun intended. All the way from Amsterdam comes a restaurant that has a menu influenced by Dutch, Belgian, Moroccan and Indonesian cuisine. The place is situated in two locations in New Cairo Cairo Festival City Mall and Zia Mall, just after Mivida, and delivers within the area.
Bake My Day is ideal for breakfast and a nightly spot for tea. While it has an all-day menu, we opted to sample their breakfast menu. We loved some of the pastries, but we found that some were too sweet or rich, such as the almond or pistachio croissant that left us in a stupor.
We’ll be coming back for their Belgian fries, though: The cut was thicker and longer than our finger, which had just the perfect amount of salt seasoning and had the perfect combination of crunch and softness.
We also tried their Moroccan pancakeswith goat cheese and smoked salmon. The pancakes resembled a feteer but grainier, but while the plate was stacked, the Moroccan among us was disappointed that they opted to cut it into thin slices and not give us the full squared pancake. Overall, the combination tasted great, so they got a pass.
Unfortunately, we were too full to try anything elsebut their other menu options looked tempting. What we can say is that the coffee is not up to par and a bit on the bitter end, so maybe have your coffee before or after you go.
PRO TIP- Try their mega croissant…just because it’s a mega croissant. The mutant pastry’s price will vary based on your choice of filling. Do note that you need to order it a day in advance.
Related
? OUT AND ABOUT- (all times CLT)
ART-
See the tale of three women through art at the A Tale of an Ethereal City exhibition by Khadiga Abou Hussien in collaboration with Rasha Arous & Sara Kouedi at Bibliothek Art Gallery. The exhibition opened its doors yesterday and will continue until Tuesday, 2 January from 7-10pm.
MUSIC-
Warm up your vocal chords, gang. Karaoke Night is back at ROOM Art Space and Cafe. ROOM’s doors are open every Tuesday for you and your friends to belt out your favorite tunes, starting at 8pm and ending at 10pm. You can reserve your spot here. Keep in mind that the entry fee is accompanied by an EGP 50 minimum order per person.
Get ready for the season with the Cairo Opera House which will be hosting a series of events celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve:
The Cairo Symphony Orchestra will host a Christmas concert on Saturday, 23 December at 8pm. You can book your ticket from here.
For Disney fans: The Disney Classics concert will be held at the Opera’s Main Hall on Monday, 25 December. The concert will start at 8pm. Tickets are available here.
Don’t miss the Nutcracker ballet shows. The performances will be presented by the Cairo Opera Ballet, along with the Cairo Opera Orchestra. The first show will be held on Tuesday, 26 December, and will continue until Thursday, 30 December. Tickets are available here.
The orchestra will also put on another concert on Sunday, 31 December celebrating New Year’s Eve. Click here to book your ticket.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS-
Get into the Christmas spirit with these festive events all around the capital.
Want to sit back and enjoy some Christmasy tunes? Arkan Plaza has you covered. TheirChristmas Show, put together by Gaby Bishara, will bring you the smooth sounds of Louis Armstrong and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself in a blend of your favorite jazz tunes and classic Christmas tracks. Clear your schedule on Friday, 22 December to head on over.
Kazoku is hosting a Christmas Dinner on Monday, 25 December, in celebration of this festive season. Head on over at 9pm and enjoy the great food we’ve come to expect. Mira Cassisseya will be performing throughout the evening. Interested? You can find more information in the link provided above.
Looking for something a bit more intimate? Villa Belle Époque cordially invites you to dinner on Christmas Eve Sunday, 24 December. Live entertainment and a five course dinner… What more could you ask Santa for? Don’t forget to reserve ahead of time.
The classic Christmas staple The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at the Cairo Opera House by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company everyday starting 26 December up until the 30th.
FILM-
Zawya cinema will be screening five movies for the late director Ali Badrakhan until Tuesday, 26 December. You can know more about the schedule from here.
Eins Christmas Bazaar is bringing you some handmade goodies, kicking off this past Friday and continuing until Sunday, 1 January, 2024. The bazaar is being held at the Gallery, in Maadi.
THEATER-
Art and friendship clash in Fann by Kenoma Theater at Rawabet Art Space. Their most recent production is an Egyptian adaptation and production of renowned playwright Yasmine Reza’s Art. The play will have only three performances starting Thursday, 21, Friday 22, and Saturday, 23 December. You can buy your tickets here.
Enter the improv world in 2024. Starting Friday, 5 January, Ramsi Lehner will be hosting a ten-class improv workshop to help you improve your public speaking skills, expand your range as an actor or performer, help you develop your standup comedy, or even just make you better at communication. The classes will take place every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Register here to claim a spot.
EVENTS-
ThatReallyCoolStudio is shining the light on Palestine, the occupation, and how we got here. Tomorrow and Wednesday the studio will be hosting a series of talks, an exhibition, an art auction, and a video library — plus food — for those interested in learning more about Palestine. All the proceeds from this event will be donated to Gaza humanitarian relief.
SPORTS-
The Cairo Half Marathon is taking place in a few months: Mark your calendars for Friday, 1 March and start stretching. Cairo Runners is bringing back a fan favorite, offering the same distances as The TriFactory. Tickets are available until 27 February, giving you ample time to convince seven of your friends to join, which will get a 10% reduction in price when you register.
Related
? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-
I Kill Killers is a page turner that will leave murder-mystery fans hungry for more.The plot follows a celebrated concert pianist who takes it upon herself to hunt serial killers in her down time. But, the vigilante’s latest victim, bound to her in an unlikely coincidence, isn’t as easy of a kill as usual. While she is thrown into a rivalry with the serial killer, she also must evade an FBI agent who’s on her tail.
Author ST Ashman’s storytelling gift is captivating: Her time spent as a criminal justice system psychotherapist helps her flesh out the minds of the characters in a way that not many others could do. Her writing, brimming with suspense, will keep you at the edge of your seat the whole time, making it easy to fly through the pages.
This book is for all Dexter fans out there looking to fill the hole the show left after it ended. The use of dual points of view really added to the story as well. But, warning, it is not for our more delicate readersas itcontains graphic depictions of murder and other sensitive content — but lovers of a good mystery-thriller won’t be able to put it down.
Don’t worry, there’s a sequel on the way. Ashman won’t leave you hanging for too long, with an expected publication date of 15 September, 2024.
The EGX30 rose 2.2% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.3 bn (35.1% above the 90-day average). Foreign investors were net buyers. The index is up 73.5% YTD.
In the green: Juhayna (+7.4%), E-Finance (+6.1%) and CIRA Education (+4.2%).
In the red: َQalaa Holding (-0.4%), Beltone Financial Holding (-0.3%).
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