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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

FinMin to introduce new tax incentives to e-commerce platforms

Good afternoon, friends, and happy hump day. While the weather seems to be cooling down, the news cycle is heating up.

THE BIG STORY TODAY-

The Finance Ministry is planning to introduce new incentives to encourage local and foreign e-commerce platforms to join the tax system, as part of a major push to tighten its grip over the e-commerce sector, senior government sources told EnterpriseAM. There are no plans to introduce taxes for uncharged services, we were told.

REMEMBER- Egypt’s Tax Authority subjected global tech companies to a simplified tax registration system, and required them starting FY 2023-2024 to charge and remit 14% value-added tax (VAT) on their activities in Egypt. The current VAT law covers all transactions conducted through electronic distribution platforms, which include websites, digital portals, e-commerce stores, and any other online marketplaces that sell products or services to customers.



THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s another busy afternoon in the global press, with the recognition of Palestinian statehood still leading the headlines. France became the latest country to recognize Palestine at a UN summit in New York on Monday, joining the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. “The time has come to end the war in Gaza, the massacres, and the death,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. Monaco, Malta, and Luxembourg have also declared support for Palestine, with more nations expected to follow suit as the UN General Assembly kicks off later today.

Defying other European countries, Germany and Italy remain firmly opposed. The former says recognition should only happen at the end of “the political process,” but has warned against annexations in Israel-occupied territory in the West Bank. Italy, however, outright considers recognition “counterproductive,” as thousands of pro-Palestine protests erupt across Milan and other Italian cities. (BBC | Guardian | CNN | Reuters | Axios)

Despite the barrage of statements from Western countries, “recognition changes little on the ground,” with Gaza hospitals “days away from shutdown” and residents continuing to flee as Israeli tanks advance into the city center. The escalating ground offensive has exacerbated the health crisis, especially as fuel shortages threaten hospital operations, “[exposing] the lives of patients and the wounded to certain death,” Gaza’s Health Ministry said. (BBC | ABC)

MEANWHILE- Evacuations are underway in China, with schools and businesses shut down in at least 10 different cities as Typhoon Ragasa approaches the southern coast of the East Asian nation. Hong Kong has raised its typhoon warning ahead of the storm’s arrival. Ragasa — labelled the most powerful storm on Earth in 2025 by the Philippines’ meteorological agency — has been named the “King of Storms” by China’s meteorological agency, and is set to maintain super typhoon intensity as it inches closer to the coast. (Reuters | BBC)

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Enjoying the breeze? It’s here to stay for now. We’re in for cool temperatures in Cairo with the mercury set to peak at just 31°C before cooling down to 20°C, according to our favorite weather app.

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FOR YOUR COMMUTE

When helpfulness becomes a career trap

? We all know that person at work — the one who never turns down a request, always volunteers for extra projects, and keeps everything running smoothly. They’re admired, appreciated, and seemingly indispensable. But beneath this surface success lies a troubling pattern that career researchers are increasingly documenting, Forbes reports. The very helpfulness that makes an exemplary employee might be hindering their professional advancement.

It turns out that being the go-to person is rewarding only if you’re an altruist. Being the person managers think of when urgent projects arise and the colleague whose willingness to help everyone is genuinely appreciated creates an unbalanced ecosystem that can lead to employees taking on more than their fair share of work. The very behaviors that earn them praise in reviews can also create invisible barriers to career advancement.

Psychologists refer to it as the competence trap. Besides being overwhelmed by taking on more than their fair share of work, professionals who are “too generous with their time” become defined by their helpfulness. “Colleagues begin to see you as the helper rather than the leader. Managers may rely on you for execution but overlook you for strategy,” according to the outlet. “When you say yes to everything, others may assume you have no priorities of your own. They may unconsciously view your time as less valuable.”

Over months and years, these patterns materialize into informal job descriptions that exist nowhere on paper, but everywhere in practice — with little to show in return. This dynamic creates an unbalanced ecosystem where some employees consistently absorb more than their fair share of work. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows that while employees who take on extra duties often receive positive performance feedback, they also tend to experience slower career growth and less time for their core responsibilities.

This phenomenon doesn’t affect everyone equally. Studies consistently show that women face disproportionate pressure to take on supportive, behind-the-scenes work that researchers call "organizational citizenship behaviors.” These tasks rarely appear in formal job descriptions, but are essential to keeping a workplace running smoothly: coordinating team activities, mentoring newcomers, and filling gaps in projects.

The motivations run deeper than just people pleasing. Many professionals — especially women — worry that refusing extra tasks will make them seem uncommitted or hard to work with. In competitive environments, the fear of being perceived as less dedicated can drive people to take on workloads they can’t sustain.

The solution isn’t to stop being helpful. Instead, learn to be strategic about your contributions. The most successful professionals understand that their effectiveness depends on focusing on high-impact tasks rather than accepting every request that comes their way. When someone is known for thoughtful decision-making about their commitments, their agreement to help carries more weight.

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EAT THIS TONIGHT

Every craving gets its moment at Carlo’s

?️ You’ll never run out of options at Carlo’s. This restaurant truly offers an international experience, featuring a menu that spans Egyptian and Lebanese staples, Italian classics, and even fresh sushi. Add in playful fusion dishes that mix cuisines — like their signature Egyptian-style risotto — and you have the ideal spot for group dining when everyone has different cravings.

Kick things off with the stuffed vine leaves served with yogurt. This classic dish is prepared expertly — perfectly cooked rice, creamy yogurt, and flavors that masterfully balance savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The chicken liver with pomegranate molasses is another standout: rich and savory with just the right hint of sweetness. For easy sharing, the mini chicken shawarma plates deliver bold, satisfying flavors with all our favorite traditional spices packed into perfectly portioned bites.

Carlo’s covers a lot of ground with its main dishes. The shish tawook arrives tender and perfectly charred, available in both Lebanese and Egyptian styles, so you can choose based on your preference. If you’re in the mood for pan-Asian cuisine, the beef teriyaki hits the right note, with tender meat glazed in a sweet and savory sauce that complements the beef without overpowering it.

For something more adventurous, try the Egyptian risotto with boneless chicken — it’s creamy and hearty, and a surprisingly successful twist on the Italian classic. You can even order it with boneless pigeon for a more traditional touch. While the flavors work beautifully together, the texture may not appeal to everyone. Still, it’s a dish worth trying if you’re curious about fusion cuisine.

Carlo’s also offers an impressive drink selection, with their tropical options especially notable. The piña colada is smooth, tropical, and refreshing without being too heavy. The passion fruit fizz and tropical passion fruit stand out as tasty companions to the rich food options.

HOW TO GET IT- You can order Carlo’s directly to your door through Talabat or by calling the number listed on their page. If you’d rather dine in, they have four branches across Cairo in 5A, Waterway White, District 5, and Arkan.

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Sports

Dembélé takes the crown + Pyramids vs. Al Hilal + Ahly and Zamalek in the league

⚽ Dembélé makes history: French striker Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain was awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or for footballer of the year. An outpouring of support for Liverpool and homegrown star Mohamed Salah flooded the internet, with many believing he was snubbed even as he moved up in the rankings, securing fourth place after a standout season with Liverpool — his best since entering the list in 2018.

TOP AWARD RESULTS-

  • Woman player of the year: For the third consecutive year, Aitana Bonmatí — Barcelona;
  • Young player of the year: Lamine Yamal — Barcelona;
  • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma — Manchester City/Paris Saint-Germain;
  • Striker: Viktor Gyökeres — Arsenal/Sporting Lisbon;
  • Men’s club: Paris Saint-Germain;
  • Women’s club: Arsenal.


A continental showdown in Jeddah: Al Hilal is hosting Pyramids at Al Inmaa Stadium tonight for the African-Asian-Pacific Cup as part of the Intercontinental Cup competition.

Where things stand: Pyramids are walking onto the pitch fresh off a stunning 3-0 victory over New Zealand’s Auckland City. Our homegrown team aims to make a mark on the continental stage and secure a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Al Hilal has had quite the journey, climbing back from Saudi Arabia’s second division to become Asian champions.


Egyptian league action: Al Ahly will face Haras El Hodoud in an away game at 5pm, as part of the 8th round of the Nile League. The Red Devils have finally found their form with a win against Ceramica Cleopatra, ending a rough patch that had them in 11th place with just nine points. They’ll want to secure all three points from this match before their showdown against Zamalek next Monday.

Meanwhile: Zamalek are taking on El Gouna at Cairo Stadium at 8pm tonight. The White Knights are comfortably at the top of the scoreboard with 16 points, just one ahead of Al Masry despite having a game in hand. A win would give them the momentum they need to extend their lead.


En España: Real Madrid is heading to Levante for their sixth La Liga game tonight at 10:30pm. Los Blancos have a two-point cushion over Barcelona after picking up 15 points from their opening five games.

Other Spanish fixtures tonight:

  • Athletic Bilbao vs. Girona (8pm);
  • Espanyol vs. Valencia (8pm);
  • Sevilla vs. Villarreal (10:30pm).


The Carabao Cup returns: The third round (Round of 32) of the English cup returns tonight with eight matches, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the Premier League teams in action.

Chelsea’s away day: The Blues are visiting Lincoln City at 9:45pm, desperately needing to snap a poor run that’s seen them without victory in their last three matches across the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Liverpool rotation expected: The Reds will be hosting Southampton at 10pm tonight at the historic Anfield. With their strong form continuing after beating out Atlético Madrid, we expect Slot to shuffle the deck. Salah, van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Konaté are all likely to sit this one out.

Tonight’s other cup ties will be kicking off at 9:45pm:

  • Barnsley vs. Brighton;
  • Burnley vs. Cardiff City;
  • Fulham vs. Cambridge United;
  • Wigan vs. Wycombe;
  • Wolverhampton vs. Everton;
  • Wrexham vs. Reading.

This publication is proudly sponsored by

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OUT AND ABOUT

Women take center stage at SheArts Festival

MARK YOUR CALENDAR-

? SheArts Festival returns to spotlight talented women, running from Thursday, 2 October to Sunday, 5 October. Expect an exciting lineup of musical performances and plays, along with a series of public workshops you won’t want to miss. Tickets for live shows are available on Ticketsmarché, and you can sign up for workshops through the festival’s Instagram before spots fill up.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

Get ready for another tribute night brought to you by Room Art Space. Rock out with cover band Divine for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute event tonight. You can secure your spot through EasyKash.

Enjoy a hilarious night with Comedy Therapy at CJC 610 tonight. Khaled Elshoky, Hatem El Sokkary, and Engy Hashem will take the stage to bring you some much-needed laughter this week. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Your favorite comedy group, Konafa Comedy, is performing at El Sawy CultureWheel on Thursday, 25 September. This iconic night’s lineup of stand-up comedians is one you won’t want to miss. You can find tickets on El Sawy CultureWheel’s website.

HAPPENING LATER-

You have another chance to see Tamer Ashour, who returns with yet another electrifying show at El Arena on Friday, 26 September. Get your tickets through Ticketsmarché.

Tamer Hosny and Disco Misr are set to light up the stage at Hacienda White’s Galambo on Friday, 26 September, to close out the Sahel season. Head to Ticketsmarché now before tickets sell out.

Huge comedy moment coming your way: Mo Amer ’s standup show lands in Egypt on Wednesday, 1 October, at the New Administrative Capital. Grab your tickets before they’re gone on Ticketsmarché.

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GO WITH THE FLOW

What the markets are doing on 23 September 2025

The EGX30 rose 0.3% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 3.7 bn (15.1% below the 90-day average). Regional investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up 18.8% YTD.

In the green: E-finance (+3.9%), Eastern Company (+3.4%), and Juhayna (+3.4%).

In the red: Misr Cement (-2.5%), Ibnsina Pharma (-2.3%), and Orascom Development (-2.1%).


? SEPTEMBER

23 September (Tuesday): Ozzy Osbourne tribute night at Room Art Space.

23 September (Tuesday): Comedy Therapy at CJC 610.

25 September (Thursday): Konafa Comedy Night at El Sawy CultureWheel.

25 September - 2 October (Thursday-Thursday): Cairo Food Week.

26 September (Friday): Tamer Ashour at El Arena.

26 September (Friday): Tamer Hosny and Disco Misr at Hacienda White’s Galambo.

27 September (Saturday): The Bloody Wedding at Eazees International Women’s Theater Festival.

29 September (Monday): The Butterfly and Red String at Eazees International Women’s Theater Festival.

30 September (Tuesday): Helenas at Eazees International Women’s Theater Festival.

OCTOBER

1 October (Wednesday): Helenas at Eazees International Women’s Theater Festival.

1 October (Wednesday): Mo Amer Comedy Night at the New Capital.

2-5 October (Thursday-Sunday): SheArts Festival.

3 October (Friday): Tamino at the Cairo International Convention Center.

5 October (Sunday): Medhat Saleh and Amal Maher at Abdeen Palace.

6 October (Monday): Armed forces day.

7 October (Tuesday): 2025 EnterpriseAM Egypt Forum.

10 October (Friday): Anyma at The Great Pyramids.

15 October (Wednesday): Scorpions concert at New Capital.

15 October (Wednesday): Cairo Marathon early bird registration ends.

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

30 October - 7 November (Thursday-Friday): Cairo International Jazz Festival.

31 October (Friday): Daylight saving time ends.

NOVEMBER

11 November - 7 December (Tuesday-Sunday): Forever is Now at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

DECEMBER

19 December (Friday): DJ Tiësto at the Giza Plateau.

JANUARY

30 January (Friday): Cairo Marathon normal registration ends.

FEBRUARY

6 February (Friday): Cairo Marathon at Heliopolis, Merryland Park.

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