Celebrate Cairo at AUC's CultureFest

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

The blackouts are back. Plus: regional tension is growing

Good morning, and happy Friday. Eid is over and we are all back in town and maybe it’s time to see Cairo again through a different lens.

This begs the question, why stay indoors when you can attend the AUC Culturefest? In our guide this week we share the lowdown on the performances, lectures, exhibitions and book bazaars they are holding to celebrate the rich culture of Cairo. If you are an alumnus (or not) it’s high time to gather your loved ones and shuffle over to AUC downtown campus.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ENERGY-

The blackouts are back: Rolling blackouts have been resumed in Egypt since Monday after the Electricity Ministry put blackouts on pause for 35 days during the month of Ramadan and the Eid vacation. Power cuts will last for 1-2 hours each day between 11am and 5pm.

BANKING-

You can now withdraw more from your bank account: The Central Bank of Egypt has raised the daily limit that individuals and companies can withdraw from their bank accounts both at branches and via ATMs.The daily limit on over-the-counter withdrawals has been set at EGP 250k for individuals and companies, up from EGP 150k. Meanwhile, the daily limit on ATM withdrawals now stands at EGP 30k, up from 20k.

ECONOMY-

#1- Growth forecast revised: The World Bank has downgraded our growth outlook for the current fiscal year yet again, now expecting growth to slow to 2.8% — a 0.7 percentage point drop from its previous forecast in January and a whole 1.0 percentage point drop from the previous fiscal year.

#2- The IMF had a slightly more optimistic outlook, leaving its growth forecast for Egypt for the current fiscal year unchanged at 3.0% on Tuesday, after having successively downgrading the country’s GDP forecast in previous reports.

TRADE-

Egypt’s exports grew 5.3% y-o-y in the first three months of the year to total USD 9.6 bn. Building materials were the most in-demand export in 1Q 2024, accounting for 20.4% of our total exports, followed by foodstuff, chemical products and fertilizers, and agricultural exports.

DEBT WATCH-

Qalaa offloads 18% of its stake in Taqa Arabia in debt settlement agreement: Qalaa Holdings has signed a debt settlement agreement with Banque Misr, Banque du Caire, Arab African International Bank, and Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait to settle the entirety of its EGP 4.5 bn debt in exchange for a 17.68% stake — 239 mn shares — in Taqa Arabia and a land plot overlooking the Nile. Qalaa — Taqa Arabia’s parent company — will retain the right to repurchase its shares in the energy distribution company from the banks within the next five years, but if that doesn’t happen the banks can resell the shares back to Qalaa in the sixth year.

M&A WATCH-

B Investments is snapping up a majority stake in OFH: OrascomFinancial Holding (OFH) shareholders have responded to private equity firm B Investments’ MTO for a majority stake in the company. Owners of some 3.3 bn shares — a 69% stake in the company — have accepted the offer, according to EGX.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

#1- We have another short work week ahead: The public and private sectors will beoff on Thursday, 25 April in observance of Sinai Liberation Day.

#2- Next fiscal year’s draft budget is up for discussion: Finance Minister Mohamed Maait and Planning Minister Hala El Said will discuss the draft state budget and socioeconomic development plan for FY 2024-25 in the House next Sunday. The state budget and development plan will be voted on before the start of the next fiscal year on 1 July.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The international press focused on the rising regional tension between Israel and Iran after Tehran launched a retaliatory missile and drone attack on Tel Aviv last Saturday (itself retaliation for an unprecedented attack by Israel on Iran’s embassy in Syria earlier this month). Western leaders have been pressing Israel to practice restraint to avoid triggering a full-blown armed conflict.

But Israel has carried out an attack inside Iran near an army base in the central city of Isfahan overnight, with no reports of damages. Air defenses shot down the drone attack, according to Iranian media. “Sound of explosions have been heard near the central Iranian city of Isfahan and Tabriz in the country’s northwest after air defense systems fired at suspicious objects,” Iran’s PressTV reported early this morning, citing Iranian officials.

Last week was also heavy on econ news, with the IMF and World Bank spring meetings underway and the IMF unveiling its latest World Economic Outlook.

The report had the global economy growing by 3.2% this year and next — on par with last year. That’s essentially the midpoint between the really slow growth we saw in the 2010s and the rapid growth we saw in the early years of this decade during the freemoney era. The US economy will grow at a 2.7% clip, faster than most advanced economies, while China’s GDP will expand at a 4.6% clip, unchanged from last year.

Meanwhile, Fed chair Jay Powell once again “dialed back expectations of a [US] rate cut”in remarks that “called into question whether the Federal Reserve will be able to lower interest rates this year without signs of an unexpected economic slowdown.” His worry: Inflation in the first quarter was higher than he’d have liked.

ALSO- Microsoft made a whopping USD 1.5 bn investment in the UAE’s G42, arguably the region’s most important AI firm. The transaction completes G42’s pivot away from China and onto US technology.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- The warm weather will continue through the weekend where sunny rays will take over Friday with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C in the evening. There’ll be a few clouds on Saturday but it won’t stop the heat — look for a high of 30°C and a low of 17°C at night, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

German electronic music group Keinemusik are performing at the Giza Pyramids for the first time tonightat 7pm. Tickets are selling out fast and are in their seventh wave, get them now on Ticketsmarche.

Amal Maher will perform at The Marquee Theatre at Cairo Festival City tonightat 9pm. Tickets are selling out fast on Ticketsmarche.

For two nights only you can catch Schokolade, a theatrical performance of how a bewitched boy became trapped in a piano at Rawabet Art Space tonight and Sunday, 21 April at 8pm.

Fan-favorite spinners Disco Misr will be performing at CJC 610 along with Bakirtonight.For reservations message their Facebook page.

Join From Waste To Good Taste in their Sustainable Design Initiative at The FactoryDowntown from tonighttill Sunday, 21 April. Environmental activists and influencers will come together to preach sustainability and how to adapt it in your everyday life. They are also offering workshops on how to upcycle and recycle old bits and pieces in your house to create fashionable or decorative items. Attendance is without charge — all you have to do is pre-register your attendance here.

Soothe your ears with an evening of classical music with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra at the Cairo Opera House in their performance of Great Symphonies IX and a collection of the world’s most famous musical pieces led by Maestro Ahmed Saidi tomorrow. The concert starts at 8pm, get your tickets at Tazkarti.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Gamers, buckle up for Egypt’s biggest gaming festival:Insomnia is back at the International Exhibitions Center from Thursday, 25 April to Saturday, 27 April, making it an immersive weekend of quests, level-ups, and never-ending clicking game experiences. Get your tickets here.

Cairo comes alive: Experience the city at the AUC Tahrir CultureFest.

Immerse yourself in the Cairene spirit at AUC’s inaugural Tahrir CultureFest. This week-long event, which will conclude on Monday, 22 April, celebrates the city’s past, present, and future. Enjoy live music, delve into a treasure trove of books, explore a local market, and walk through captivating exhibitions that celebrate our wonderful, complex city.

Hold your horses — Before you grab your keys and head out, don’t forget to register for the event here at no charge. Doors open every day at 12 pm, but AUC students and alums can enter campus starting at 9 am.

EXHIBITIONS & ACTIVITIES

#1- Tahrir is a time machine. The square is Cairo’s cultural heartbeat, a landmark of grief, joy, and promises of dreams. The Tahrir Images and Narratives exhibition in the Armenian Room documents the many incarnations of the square from 1900-2011, celebrating the space that has changed with the city. The exhibition is open every day from 9am to 9pm.

#2- Explore AUC’s rich history at the AUC Archives Exhibition. This exhibition captured every milestone at AUC between 1920 and 2019. Make sure to check out the archives from the earliest days of The Caravan. The exhibition is open every day of the Culture Fest from 9am to 9pm in the Marriott Room.

#3- Take a leisurely stroll around theHomegrown Market and Bazaar on campus at the Fountain Area behind the Cafeteria. More than 20 local farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and AUC alums will be showcasing their finest products in a celebration of Egypt’s thriving local craftsmanship from 12 pm to 9 pm. Only a few booths accept credit cards or Instapay, so keep cash on hand.

#4- Gather ‘round, bookworms. The Book Bazaar at CultureFest is a must-visit. AUC Press and Tanmia Bookstores are offering you great books for special prices. Reread Naguib Mahfouz’s masterpieces, catch up on the latest international fiction, brush up on your history, or learn how to summon spirits and talk to ghosts using Ancient Egyptian magic.

AUC Bookstores is offering 15% off of all non-AUC Press books and 20% off all AUCP books. Yes, that includes the gorgeous coffee table book you’ve been eyeing for months. Tanmia is letting its books go for up to 75% off, so bring a suitcase.

#5- TheCairene Crafts Stations are just a pool of cultural richness. Witness the intricate craftsmanship of woodcarving, brass engraving, and Khiyamiya at this fascinating corner of the Culture Fest. You can watch, meet, and learn from these artists from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on any of the five days left. P.S., be prepared to shell out, because these decorative artworks are too good to not take home.

#6- Did you think we forgot about the kids? Not a chance. CultureFest’s Kids Corner is the perfect place to have fun with your little ones. Let them experience a traditional Aragooz performance, listen to stories by renowned childrens’ storyteller Hanan El Taher, and learn through play with FunLab.

#7- CultureFest x Qahrawya is taking you on a special tour of Tahrir. On Friday and Saturday, you can walk through the streets of Downtown Cairo and uncover the history of AUC Tahrir, Talaat Harb Square, Said Halim Pasha Palace, and other historic monuments. There are two tours per day: One at 10 am and the other at 3 pm. Each tour lasts three hours and attendance is on a first come first served basis.

#8- Pedal around the most architecturally fascinating area in Cairo on Friday between 7:30am and 9:30am. The Cairo Bike Downtown Cultural Heritage will highlight all the landmarks of Downtown Cairo — you’ll never look at the stunning architectural and cultural landscape without wonder again. Unfortunately, registration is closed. Fortunately, if you missed registration but still want to listen about the wonders of downtown Cairo, Downtown on the Move is a panel that will follow the tour to discuss sustainable urban mobility concepts. The panel will take place from 10-11:30am.

#9- Better start on those vocal warmups because it’s time forKaraoke. The AUC Student Union has prepared a night of music and fun from 6-8 pm on Friday. All ages, styles, and expertises are welcome. Whether you’d rather pay tribute to Abdelhalim Hafez or shake it off with Taylor Swift, the stage is yours.

#10- Where did Ramses go? Find out on Sunday, 21 April at 8pm. Director Amr Bayoumi’s award-winning Where Did Ramses Go?, about the relocation of the famous Ramses II statue from Ramsis Square in 2006 is being screened in Ewart Memorial Hall. The film discusses heritage, family dynamics, and the use of ancient symbols in popular and political culture. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director, making it a must-attend for film buffs.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND TALKS

#1- Traffic is a hallmark of urban living in Cairo: Early birds can catch experts discussing key concepts of sustainable urban mobility in the city. The panel, Downtown on the Move: Mobilizing Active Transport and the X-minute City, will be taking place on Friday, 19 April from 10am to 11:30am in Oriental Hall.

#2- This one’s for entrepreneurs.Industry insiders will be exploring the entrepreneurial landscape in Downtown Cairo on Saturday, 20 April. The Future of Start-Ups in Cairo will be hosted on the GrEEK Campus Rooftop from 1-2 pm.

#3- All roads lead to Downtown, but where is Downtown going? Join real estate gurus in an exploration of how boutique hotels, Airbnb, and coworking spaces are transforming the typology of Downtown’s landmarks. Evolution of Cairo: Downtown Reimagined will be hosted in Ewart Memorial Hall on Saturday, 20 April from 6-7pm.

#4- Cairo’s Cafés are iconic monuments of Downtown Cairo. On Sunday, 21 April at 5-6pm, world-renowned writers will present Cairo Cafés: The History of Cultural Life from the Margin. The significance of cafés within the city’s cultural and sociopolitical history will be explored in Oriental Hall from 5-6pm.

#5- Experience Gazan poetry with acclaimed Palestinian writer Mosab Abu Toha. On Sunday, 21 April, Abu Toha will be doing a reading of Palestinian poems focused on themes of homeland and freedom at 6pm in Oriental Hall, which is followed by a Q&A.

#6- Taking place on Monday will be Omar El Shenety’s analysis of the changes in Cairo’s economy.Economic Inequality in Cairo in Light of Economic Transformations, Social Changes, and Urban Expansion will discuss how the rapid growth of the city, creation of new neighborhoods, changes in the structure of the nuclear family, and evolving attitudes towards wealth and work have contributed to uneven access to resources and opportunities. You can catch this talk in the Armenian Room.

PERFORMANCES

#1- Nothing says Cairo like El Leila El Kebeera. Step into classical Egyptian folklore on Friday, 19 April from 3-4 pm and experience this traditional puppet operetta, originally written in the 1960s by Salah Jaheen and composed by Sayed Makkawi, at Ewart Memorial Hall.

#2- El Warsha Theater Troupe is (re)making history. Starting at 8pm on the same day, El Warsha will be using songs, sketches, and tales to bring Egypt in 1870 — a period that reflects the nation’s identity at the crux of transformation — to life. Catch A Night on Emad el Deen on Friday, 19 April starting 8pm in Ewart Memorial Hall.

Chuckle with Fasel Men El Lahazat El Lazeeza. You won’t have any fingernails left after you finish All the Dangerous Things. American diner food at Crumbs

📽 AT THE MOVIES-

Fasel Men El Lahazat El Lazeeza was one of the highest-rated eid movies this year that follows the well-known formula of the family switch.

Saleh Abou Saada (Hesham Maged) is a father and husband of an impoverished family.Along with his loud and demanding wife Dorreya (Hannah Al Zahed) and troublemaker son Boudy (Jan Ramez), the family’s dynamic is chaotic and hectic. His son is always getting himself in trouble and his wife complaints about their deteriorating home get to Saleh, making him feel helpless and unappreciated.

When Dorreya takes her son to a wedding in Alexandria, Saleh discovers a strange vortex-like hole in his home’s storage room. He stumbles into it and teleports to another dimension. There he arrives at a better, cleaner version of his own home and, coincidentally, of himself, his family, and friends. This ‘other world’ is akin to the Good Place, everyone is nice to everybody and is leading an idealistic existence.

In this alternative universe, he is respected and appreciated and decides to pull a ‘Prince and the Pauper’ scheme to swap places with his well-groomed look alike (non-consensually, of course). Dorreya then discovers his secret and joins him, along with their son, to get on with the life they believe they deserve.

It is funny and relatable. That being said, the only hiccup would be that the movie is somewhat slow-paced when it comes to the narrative. It eventually speeds up and the end is rushed which undermines the true essence and moral of the story — which is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side — in case you were wondering.

The great performances didn’t come as a surprise, especially with the talents like Hesham Maged — who starred in Ramadan’s Ashghal Shaqa — and Bayoumi Fouad, who needs no introduction. But Hannah El Zahed’s performance was disappointing: There were several moments where she went OTT and did not play off well with Maged, but it didn’t take away from the film.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the film at Cinema Galaxy at Maadi, Cima Arkan, VOX Cinema,Cinema Premier at Americana, and Point 90. Watch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime 2:36)

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham will take a toll on your sanity. Like it did for Isabella Drake, whose child is kidnapped in the middle of the night from home. The case quickly runs cold and she hasn’t slept a wink since — with only a nap or random blackout here and there. She then dedicates her life to finding him.

Her search takes her to a true-crime podcaster…then everything starts to unravel. Having exhausted all her options, she hopes the interview will shed new light on the case, but she’s unsure of his intentions. She starts to question everything she thought she knew about that night and even begins to question herself and her childhood.

A bit of a slow burn at first, but you won’t be bored. The tension starts to rise throughout the pages, especially with so many of the characters coming off as untrustworthy and you’ll find yourself flying through the text to find out if your hunches are right. The twists and turns will keep you hooked and the suspense will culminate into a powerful ending.

Chapters are kept short which is part of how the book draws you in. Although punchy, the writing also develops the characters extremely well. Isabella herself is quite complex and the way Willingham weaves in the trauma of her past with the woes of her present is impressive and seamless.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can get a copy of the book from Diwan.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Crumbs isan American-style food diner truck at Fast Pass mall. They serve you loaded buns, wraps, and waffles with any topping you can think of: Fried chicken? Hot dogs? Mac and cheese? Eggs? You name it, they have it. But the highlight of our experience is the breakfast menu.

You’re eggs get served in three types of bread: Fluffy potato buns, fresh waffles, and thin tortilla wraps. We opted to pick the most unique sounding from the menu , which were the Cheesy scrambled, Bikini scrambled, and the Waffle Chicky.

Of the three we tried, we recommend you go for the Waffly Chiky, which was drenched in pancake syrup: Not just for flavor, but for the experience. Pull on some gloves and get messy as you dig into waffle stacked fried chicken, and fried eggs topped with honey mustard and pancake syrup. We were very excited for this all-american dish but we felt like it was too sweet and would have benefitted from the spicy sauce of the other two sandwiches — but regardless we think it’s a solid 7 out of 10.

Order the hash browns: If you’re a victim of constantly missing the Mcdonalds breakfast window and being deprived of their hash browns, don’t fret, Crumbs has got bigger and better hash browns, sans the oil.

They have other traditional American diner food options such as burgers, wraps, and wings. Their highly-rated dish, however, is the Waffle box: A whole waffle filled with cheesy mac and cheese, and chopped fried chicken covered in their signature spicy special sauce. Slurp.

💵 Per person: EGP 200-400

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

Freedom Planet 2 delivers high-speed thrills and a touch of story

Return to Avalice on your console. Freedom Planet 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2014 game Freedom Planet. Initially announced in 2018 and released on PC in Q4 2022, FP2 has finally made its way to console gaming.

It has been three years after the tyrannical Lord Brevon has been defeated and forced to retreat, but his legacy continues to cast a shadow over Avalice. The once-imprisoned water dragon Merga is released, unleashing a wave of destruction fueled by rage and grief across the planet.

The core gameplay remains focused on blistering speed and momentum-based platforming. You can chain together jumps, wall slides, and aerial maneuvers to navigate intricate levels at breakneck speeds. Think early Sonic side-scrollers. The pixel graphics are nostalgic but meticulous, breathing life into lush forests, neon cities, and icy wastelands.

While speed is the name of the game, FP2 injects variety with epic boss battles, environmental puzzles, and well-integrated story elements. The narrative is relatively straightforward, but is engaging enough to keep you invested in the fate of Avalice and its inhabitants, as well as the motives behind Merga’s attack.

A word of warning: Enemy hitboxes can feel a little inconsistent at times, and later levels may feel slightly repetitive. Because the story takes a backseat to the gameplay, those looking for a deep-diving narrative may be left wanting. Cutscenes and story beats are sprinkled throughout the adventure, but the narrative unfolds more through environmental details and character interactions.

FP2 is a love letter to classic 2D platformers. Its exhilarating speed, gorgeous visuals, and tight controls deliver a pure and unadulterated dose of fun, making it a fantastic experience for anyone seeking the fast-paced charming arcade adventures of yore.

💯 Rating: 10/10 on Steam, 98% on Google Reviews, check out the trailer (watch trailer, runtime: 2:04).

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 14.5 hours to complete the main story, 28 hours for all PlayStyles, and 40 hours if you’re a completionist.

👾 Platforms: Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

💵 Price: USD 12.49 for the standard edition on Steam, and USD 24.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Marone, how did we miss this Sopranos podcast?

Still yearning for your weekly dose of gabagool? Dive back into The Sopranos with Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa. Imperioli and Schirripa, who played the iconic Christopher Moltisanti and loveable Bobby Bacala, spill the tea and give us the ultimate inside scoop.

Imperioli and Schirripa’s real friendship is on full display here. Their rat-a-tat repertoire is hilarious as they share priceless anecdotes and insights that you could have only gotten from actors who genuinely lived and breathed these characters. Each episode tackles a different Sopranos adventure as the hosts dissect the plot, unpack character motivations, and drop behind-the-scenes knowledge that’ll make you want to watch the show all over again.

It’s not all serious analysis though. These guys will have you laughing along as they poke fun at themselves and the show’s more outrageous moments, sometimes even bringing other cast and crew members to add to the fun. There’s no other way to paint a richer picture of the Sopranos world.

While newcomers may still enjoy the banter, Talking Sopranos is a fan’s paradise. The deeper you are in the weeds of the series, the more you’ll appreciate the details and references they toss around. Be warned, this podcast might have you digging up your dusty DVDs and singing “Woke up this mornin’” at the top of your lungs.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can listen to Talking Sopranos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Podcasts.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

APRIL

17-22 April (Wednesday-Monday): Book Bazaar at AUC Tahrir.

19 April (Friday): Keinemusik at the Giza Pyramids by Panorama 2.

19 April (Friday): Disco Misr at CJC 610.

19 April (Friday): The Beatles Tribute concert at the Cairo Opera House.

19-21 April (Friday and Sunday): Schokolade at Rawabet Art Space.

19-21 April (Friday and Sunday): From Waste To Good Taste at The Factory Downtown.

20 April (Saturday): Cairo Symphony Orchestra at Cairo Opera House.

20 April (Saturday): Stand Up Comedy Light Show at ROOM Garden City.

20 April-June 8 (Saturday-Saturday): Sketching Course at Art Square Academy.

22 April (Monday): Noor Abdul El Majeed’s book signing at Bibliothek Egypt.

23-24 April (Tuesday-Wednesday): Omar Khairat concert at Cairo Opera House.

23 April (Tuesday): Novel writing workshop at Bibliothek Egypt.

25 April (Thursday): KONAFA CN standup comedy show at Elsawy Culturewheel.

25 April (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Sinai Liberation Day.

25-27 April (Thursday-Saturday): Insomnia Egypt Gaming Festival at the International Exhibitions Center.

26 April (Friday): Qamar El-Din musical performance by Al Warsha band at Bibliothek Egypt.

30 April (Tuesday): Metro Boomin concert at Kundalini Grand Pyramids.

30 April (Tuesday): Reading Reem Basyuni’s latest work at Bibliothek Egypt.

30 April-5 May (Tuesday-Sunday): Next Level International Summer Camp.

MAY

1 May (Wednesday): National holiday in observance of Labor Day (TBC).

3 May (Friday): Youth to Business (Y2B) event at The GrEEK Campus.

5 May (Sunday): Coptic Easter.

6 May (Monday): Sham El Nessim (TBC).

11 May (Saturday): Cairo Flea Market at Zamalek Fish Garden.

17 May (Friday): El Mahatta at The American University in Cairo.

23-25 May (Thursday-Saturday): The Design Show at Cairo International Conventions Center.

24 Mary (Friday): The Glow Run by The TriFactory at Palm Hills Sports Club.

25 May (Saturday): Techne Summit at the Cairo International Stadium.

JUNE

15-19 June (Saturday-Wednesday): Eid El Adha (TBC).

30 June (Sunday): June 30 Revolution Day (TBC).

JULY

7 July (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Islamic New Year (TBC).

23 July (Tuesday): Revolution Day (TBC).

SEPTEMBER

15 September (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (TBC).

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

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