Cool for the summer

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Opening date for Grand Egyptian Museum set for 1 November

Good morning, friends, and welcome to the weekend. With last weekend’s hotter-than-ever weather behind us, we can finally get out there and enjoy the summer sun.

As the heat rises, so do our cravings for all things cool. In this week’s edition of The Enterprise Guide, we’re sharing our favorite cool, sweet treats you can get your hands on whether you’re in Cairo, on the coast, or chilling in El Gouna.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

TOURISM-

The grand opening of the even grander Grand Egyptian Museum will take place on Saturday, 1 November, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly announced on Wednesday. The museum is expected to attract up to 5 mn visitors a year and provide a boost to a sector that employs around 10% of Egypt’s workforce.

ENERGY-

Egypt to import more Israeli gas for USD 35 bn through 2040: Egypt will import an additional 130 bcm of Israeli natural gas under an amended agreement with the Leviathan field partners, in a transaction worth USD 35 bn that extends supply through 2040. The amended agreement builds on a 2019 contract between Egypt’s Blue Ocean Energy and Leviathan partners Chevron and Ratio Energies.

No more electricity subsidies by FY 2028-2029? The Madbouly government plans to gradually bring electricity subsidies down to zero by the fiscal year 2028-2029, with the aim of freeing up funds previously earmarked for petroleum and electricity subsidies and channel the money back into “targeted social programs”.

The Finance Ministry is studying a new package of incentives to support the solar energy sector, which includes exempting solar power plant components from customs duties and value-added tax, Hatem Tawfik, secretary general of the sustainable energy division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Cairo Solar, told EnterpriseAM. The proposed incentives also include exempting solar plant contracts from taxes, replicating previously applied incentives for green hydrogen projects.

ECONOMY-

Non-oil private sector activity declined for the fifth consecutive month in July, although the rate of decline eased from the prior month, with businesses reporting weaker rates of contraction in activity and new orders.

DEBT-

New sukuk issuance on the horizon? Egypt may tap the international debt markets with a new USD 1 bn sovereign sukuk tranche by September or October, a government source told EnterpriseAM. The upcoming sukuk issuance will mark our first international issuance of the current fiscal year, and is part of the country’s USD 5 bn international sovereign sukuk program.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Abou Ghali Auto announced on Tuesday the launch of the Sandstorm S24 — a made-in-the-UAE double-cab pickup truck that it will start producing in Egypt in 2026 for export to regional and global markets. Abou Ghali is importing the S24 already-assembled from the UAE until local assembly ramps up next year.

The Madbouly government is also preparing three incentive programs to boost the local production of vehicles including trucks, light commercial vehicles, minibuses, and electric taxis.

MEANWHILE- The government is preparing to restrict imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles so that only officially licensed agents are able to get their hands on them. The decision aims to ensure that all EVs imports comply with local environmental and safety regulations.

IPO WATCH-

The National Printing Company began trading on the EGX on Tuesday under the ticker NAPR.CA following a secondary sale that was 23.6x oversubscribed. The stock debuted at EGP 21.25 per share — a markdown from its fair value, which was set at EGP 28.27 a pop. The company made a stellar trading debut with shares jumping to a high of EGP 23.69 before settling at EGP 23.25 — up 9.4% from the IPO price — ranking among the top five performers on the bourse.

TRADE-

Egyptian exports to the US will continue to enjoy the baseline 10% tariff, remaining unaffected by the list of new tariffs unveiled by US President Donald Trump last week. Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) exports are also expected to retain preferential access — but US officials have yet to offer confirmation here. A team of officials has been holding talks with their US counterparts to clarify the treatment of exports of products under the agreement.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

Israel on the brink of full Gaza occupation: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing his security cabinet to approve a “full conquest” of the Gaza Strip. The push for a full takeover comes as Gazans are increasingly starving to death, and faces significant opposition from Israel’s own military chief Eyal Zamir, who warned that such an operation would put an unbearable weight on the Israeli army and endanger the remaining captive.

US President Donald Trump has published a list of tariffs that are now in effect. Trading partners are sorted into three groups depending on trade surplus, with most of the Gulf falling to the first group hit by the minimum 10%. Canada will be slapped with a 35% tariff, higher than the earlier announced 25%, as diplomatic friction between the country continues and after it said it would recognize a Palestinian state; Switzerland was slapped with a 39% tariff; and India will be subject to a 25% tariff.

Trump also raised tariffs on India to 50% to take effect starting 27 August, a punishment for its purchases of Russian oil which the White House says is fueling the war in Ukraine. Trump also said he is planning a potential 100% tariff on semiconductor chips from countries that do not have manufacturing operations in the US, a move seen as targeting China.

OVER IN THE BUSINESS PRESS- Disney’s ESPN will acquire NFL Network and other media assets from the National Football League, in exchange for the NFL taking a 10% equity stake in the sports network. Disney did not disclose the values of the sale, analysts estimate it lands in the ballpark of USD 2-3 bn.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Stay cool and grab an ice cream cone. Temperatures in Cairo are set to peak at 36-37°C over the weekend, before cooling down to 23-24°C. If you’re headed up north, you’re in for cooler weather, with temperatures reaching highs of just 29°C and lows of 26°C, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

In the mood for an outdoor movie night this weekend? Tonight, travel agency Desert Adventures is hosting an open-air movie night in the Wadi Degla Protectorate — and they’re screening none other than noughties’ cult classic Hob El Banat. You can book your spot through their website.

You get a mango, you get a mango, everybody gets a mango. Today, Ismailia’s famed mango festival is kicking off with a series of mango markets, parades, and curated mango bazaars across the city. To find out more, head to the festival’s Facebook page.

Tamer Hosny is heading to Kiki’s. Tonight, the Egyptian megastar will be performing his signature hits up north at Kiki’s Hacienda White, joined by local selector George Gehad. Tickets can be purchased through Kiki’s website.

Sahel fun is still going strong at Porto Golf Alamein City with powerhouse performances from Hamid El-Shaeri, Masar Egbari, and Sharmoofers tonight. Still got some fuel in your tank? Make sure to get your tickets at Ticketsmarché.

Get caffeinated and grab your polaroid camera, because tonight, &ME — one fifth of Keinemusik — is bringing the beats all through the night until sunrise at North Coast’s Sol Beach. Promising to have you dancing till the sun’s up, the German EDM DJ and producer will be going solo this time around. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketsmarché.

Dream a little dream at Ras El Hekma’s ESCĀ Beach Club tonight, as Brooklyn-hailing party series All Day I Dream lands in Sahel. If there’s anything these folks know how to do, it’s how to party by the beach. British DJ Lee Burridge, German EDM artist Nils Hoffman, Belgian DJ Lost Desert, and Russian producer Amonita will be whipping up their signature beats — so you best believe it’s going to be a wild night. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarché.

Tomorrow, Kuwaiti megastar Nabeel Shuail will be paying the Address Beach Resort a visit as part of the Layali Marassi festival. Shuail will be joined by maestro Medhat Khamis. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketsmarché.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Marwan Pablo and Lege-cy are bringing a rap night to New Alamein on Friday, 15 August. The two artists will perform at U Arena as part of the New Alamein Festival. Tickets can be purchased through Tazkarti.

What do Amal Maher and Ahmed Saad have in common? On Saturday, 16 August, they will share the stage at the Address Beach Resort. You can secure your spot by visiting Ticketsmarché.

This summer’s coolest treats and where to find them

? Sweet treats are a seasonal delight, and an unquestionable must-have. Whether we’re bearing the scorching Egyptian sun or barely escaping the heat at home, sometimes we just can’t help but make a beeline to the nearest cool treats spot. Fortunately, this summer’s offerings have not spared us any creative ice cream flavors or sugary, refreshing concoctions. Here’s our roundup of cool treats ready to melt in your mouth this summer.

OUR FAVORITE COOL TREATS IN CAIRO-

#1- Budz: Cairo’s first two-in-one pizzeria and brewery, Budz was conceived by a group of college friends with a fresh idea. Budz is the perfect spot to fill your stomach with a masterfully baked Neapolitan pizza and satisfy your caffeine cravings with specialty coffee and matcha… or a cold prickly pear fruit shake.

Our cool pick: Making rounds this summer is the Egyptian fruit delicacy prickly pear — and Maadi’s Budz is taking full advantage of it. Inspired by fruit vendors tucked into every corner of the streets, the trendy pizzeria has aptly launched their refreshing prickly pear cold Shouki Blend.

WHERE TO GET IT: Catch Budz’s special summer drink at their branch in Maadi.

#2- Tortina: A powerhouse in the desert scene in Egypt, Tortina has long graced us with mouth-watering sweets, from flavor-filled cakes to oriental delicacies.

Our cool pick:Summers are all about fruit-infused treats, and Tortina is spearheading the campaign. While we never complained about enjoying a fresh mango on its own, we certainly won’t be with some crème brûlée inside. Tortina’s Mangolé Brulée lets you scoop crème brûlée from inside a full mango — a cool dream for a hot summer evening.

WHERE TO GET IT:Get your Mangolé Brulée at any of Tortina’s many branches across Cairo or order through their website or from Talabat and Instashop.

ALSO IN: You can find Tortina at its many branches across the North Coast.

#3- Malouk Eats: If you’re on a diet this summer, Malouk Eats is the way to go to satisfy your sweet cravings. The brand prides itself on its gluten and dairyfree all-natural products. Their menu covers everything sweet that your heart could desire, and whatever you choose, rest assured it’s a healthier alternative.

Our cool pick:If matcha is your go-to, Malouk Eats just dropped a matcha-flavored ice cream we couldn’t get enough of. If you’ve been looking to jump on the latte ice-cream bandwagon, you should give Malouk’s coffee beans flavor a try. Blend one scoop with milk and ice and you’ve got yourself a cool drink to sip on — and a few extra scoops to spare.

WHERE TO GET IT: Head to Malouk Eats’ physical location in Maadi or order through their website for delivery in Cairo and Alexandria.

#4- Copa Açaí X Juhayna: Our favorite acai bowl spot and one of Egypt’s leading dairy brands joined forces for a set of fresh smoothies. Blending Copa Açaí’s fresh fruit and Juhayna’s authentic Greek yogurt and N&G plant-based milk, the smoothies come packed with protein and nutrients. If you need a healthy pick-me-up to brave the summer heat, try their smoothies for a cool treat.

WHERE TO GET IT: Head to any of Copa Açaí’s trucks in New Cairo or Sheikh Zayed for your smoothie. You can also order online through Talabat.

ALSO IN: You can find Copa Açaí at North Coast’s Hacienda White, Marassi, and Northed Zahra.

OUR FAVORITE COOL TREATS IN SAHEL-

#1- Pào: This beloved Taiwanese spot has brought us bubble tea drinks like we've never seen before when it first opened in New Cairo. Among the many boba spots that have overtaken Egypt in recent years, Pào takes the crown for its unique flavor concoctions — and most importantly, good boba. In just two years, the spot has managed to open over 15 locations across Cairo and the North Coast.

Our cool pick:This summer, the boba spot has decided to help us fight the heat with their new line of sugarfree ice cream — available in mango, taro, and mango eweis flavors. Pào is giving us the coolest sweet treat all while making sure we’re still on our health A-game.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can’t miss Pào if you’re in Sahel this summer. Catch your low cal ice cream at Hacienda Red, Seashell, Telal, Marassi, Northed, La Vista Bay, Almaza, and Ceasar Matcha.

ALSO IN:Pào has several branches across Cairo, with deliveries available through Talabat.

#2- It Bar: Smoothies are making a comeback this summer, and It Bar got the memo. If the on-trend flavor names don’t grab your attention, the colors certainly will. The Coco Mango Glow, Sour Candy, It’s Giving Sunset, or It Matcha are bound to give you a refreshing boost of coolness while you’re lounging in the sun.

WHERE TO GET IT: Find the smoothie bar at North Coast’s Diplo 3, Sidi AbdelRahman.

#3- Stavolta: Born in Maadi over 10 years ago, Stavolta was among the first to bring us authentic Italian gelato in a gelato-barren Cairo. Their gelato hasn’t disappointed since and they’ve only expanded their menu with newer ways to enjoy their fresh gelato. Whether in a cone, a cup, or a popsicle, Stavolta is the perfect cool treat refuge from the chokehold of the summer heat.

Our cool pick:Stavolta’s gelato has joined the Can Cake fest and introduced their very own Gelato Can Cakes. Perfectly convenient for a quick bite mid-tanning or in between beach dips, Stavolta’s new treat has got you covered in Sahel.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can try Stavolta’s Gelato Can Cakes at any of their branches in Sahel: Diplo, Mountain View, Fouka Bay, and Lakeyard.

ALSO IN:You can still get your hands on the Gelato Can Cakes if you’re in Cairo. Find their branches in Maadi, West-town, Iconia Zamalek, and Arkan. If you’re in Cairo, you can order through Talabat or El Menus.

OUR FAVORITE COOL TREATS IN EL GOUNA-

#1- Dara’s Ice Cream x V7: If Dara’s ice cream cones and V7’s refreshing soda weren’t cutting it for you, the two linked up for a new pink lemonade flavor. The collaboration includes pink lemonade-flavored ice cream and pink lemonade soda. The two cool treats come in a surge of bright pink, bringing summer to your tastebuds.

WHERE TO GET IT: Get your pink lemonade ice cream or drink at Dara’s Ice Cream in El Gouna.

ALSO IN: You’ll find the cool treats at any of Dara’s Ice Cream’s many locations in Cairo.

#2- Daily Dose: When Daily Dose first opened in El Gouna, it quickly cemented itself as one of the coastal city’s prime coffee destinations.

Our cool pick:For when you’re lounging by the Red Sea, Daily Dose offers cool summer drinks to replenish you in the heat of the sun. Go for one of their fresh smoothies from a selection of fruit and vegetable blends for a cool and nutritious boost.

WHERE TO GET IT: Get your smoothies at Daily Dose’s only Gouna location in Abu Tig Marina.

ALSO IN:You can also find Daily Dose in Cairo at Mivida and Majarrah Mall, and in Sahel at Playa Mountain View.

Sally Hawkins delivers a stellar performance in Bring Her Back

? What is this strange lady hiding? Following their directorial debut, Australian brothers Danny and Michael Philippou have released their latest psychological horror, Bring Her Back, starring Golden Globe-winning English actress Sally Hawkins.

The plot: Andy (Billy Barratt) and his blind stepsister Piper (Sora Wong) have their lives turned upside down when their father suddenly passes away, leaving them in the hands of social services, who entrust them to a foster mother, Laura (Hawkins). Laura is a very strange lady who lives with a silent, odd — and equally strange — boy called Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips). Andy and Piper soon learn that Laura lost her young daughter Kathy in a drowning incident, later deciding to care for Oliver, who had also lost his family.

Ghosts and monsters of a psychological nature. From the very first night, Andy notices the house’s peculiar nature — from taxidermied animals and aggressive pets to the enigmatic Oliver. Andy attempts to save his sister from Laura, who he quickly notices is manipulating her to cause a rift between them. Laura has plans for Piper — and sinister ones at that.

A psychological thriller for the books. We were quick to realize that this isn’t your average psychological thriller. From the get-go, Bring Her Back stands out as a movie that eschews jump scares and the like. Instead, the movie proves to be a gripping and terrifying slow burn, maintaining suspense until the very end.

Excellent performances all around. Hawkins carries the film on her shoulders, delivering a stellar performance. The character of Laura is complex, and Hawkins proves to be the best person to embody all her intricacies. Hawkins brought light to a genre that has long remained in the dark. Bring Her Back exceeded all our expectations, presenting a complete experience that fans of the genre will appreciate.

QUICK NOTE: The film contains violent scenes that may not be suitable for all age groups.

WHERE TO WATCH- Bring Her Back is screening at Vox Cinemas in City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria. You can also catch the movie at District 5 and CFCM’s Scene Cinema, City Stars Cinema, P90 Cinema, Cima Arkan, and Zawya. You can watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:39).

What you don’t know about Medusa

? “There is one question that devours me still. Why didn’t I close my eyes?” In Stone Blind, English writer, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes offers an incredibly fresh take on the tale of the infamous mythological gorgon: Medusa, a woman forced to become a monster and turn those who return her gaze into stone.

As the old myths have it, Medusa was a ruthless fiend with no heart, a beast of no logic, and a tale told to scare children. Her death at the hands of Perseus earned him his heroism, and was cause for much celebration as the poets would note. Yet, what if Medusa’s tale was drastically different? In her fourth novel, the A Thousand Ships author answers that question.

A mortal born to a family of gods. An outsider from the get-go, Medusa is born a beautiful mortal girl to a family of inhuman sea deities. Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale, are immortal, and take it upon themselves to care for their mortal sister, vowing to keep her away from harm — yet some promises cannot be fulfilled. When Medusa is assaulted by Poseidon in the temple of Athene, the goddess of wisdom acts unwise, cursing the mortal demigoddess.

Yet this isn’t just Medusa’s story — it’s the story of every single mortal and god involved in her making. Stone Blind has a slew of narrators, including Medusa, her severed head, Sthenno, Euryale, Athene, Perseus, and more. The POV constantly shifts, and so does the tone. The reader is given an in-depth look at how each piece of the puzzle came to find its complement, and the unpleasant portrait that ultimately formed.

Haynes is a masterful storyteller, and Stone Blind cements that fact. The award-winning author writes with precision, wit, and emotion. The novel proves a page-turner, and the alternating narrators make it easy to glide through. Whether you’re a seasoned mythology aficionado or a first-time reader, Stone Blind is a pleasure to read, and carries within its pages lessons that remain relevant today.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can get Stone Blind from The Bookspot or get the e-book from Amazon. You can also listen to the audiobook on Storytel.

Where to go for a chill breakfast in Heliopolis

?When it comes to kicking the weekend off, nothing does the trick quite like a hearty breakfast. At Heliopolis’ Coy, you’ll find no shortage of breakfast staples and then some. Situated right in the heart of the district, Coy offers an ephemeral escape right in the middle of all the action.

Coffee, breeze, and benedicts. Coy is a come-as-you-are destination; the restaurant is all about comfort — and comfort food. Though it’s smack in the middle of El Nozha street, you’ll quickly come to find that weekend mornings spent at Coy lend themselves to a calmer nature, with a first-hand view of a Heliopolis yet to be disturbed by traffic. The breakfast menu is far from overwhelming, featuring a selection of classics — and a few experimental dishes.

You can’t go wrong with the continental omelette, stuffed with guacamole, bacon, turkey, and cheese — it was a solid choice that didn’t disappoint. Another surefire hit would be the whipped eggs and truffles pretzel, served with a side of sautéed mushrooms. The latter proved particularly flavorsome, and we’d definitely recommend trying it out if you’re feeling adventurous with your first meal of the day.

You’ll also find a traditional English breakfast, oriental options, and lighter selections like the recovery bowl — packed with oats, quinoa, fruits, and dark chocolate. For a refreshing start to the day, we’d recommend pairing your meal with a cold brew affogato.

Are you a night owl? Even better. If you’re the sort of person who enjoys staying in on weekends, you can still pay Coy a visit later in the day for lunch or dinner. However, be warned, as the Heliopolis dining hotspot loses its calm quality as the hours progress. If you don’t mind the noise, however, you’ll be in for a good time.

The all-day menu dwarfs its breakfast counterpart, and you’ll have a lot of decision-making to do. The good news is that you’re not likely to make a bad choice. Coy has no shortage of appetizers, salads, gourmet sandwiches, and generous mains. For our afternoon visit, we tried out the chicken taco salad, the baked chicken milanese, and the beef teriyaki.

The baked chicken milanese cast a spell on us, and we let it. Topped with fresh, grilled eggplants and served with a side of sautéed vegetables and rice — available in plain or of the garlic herb variation, which we opted for — the Italian fried chicken dish put its counterparts to shame. The dish missed no marks, and delivered on both the flavor and portion fronts — due in no small part to the rice. The teriyaki beef was a worthy runner-up, and the taco salad set high expectations for the feast to come — ones that were swiftly met.

Grab a hookah and face the screens. If you’re a football fan, you might want to check out Coy for your next match-viewing gathering. The restaurant boasts several large screens for that very purpose, and also offers a hookah service.

WHERE TO FIND COY- You can find Coy in Heliopolis at 24 El Horreya street. You can also order from Talabat and El Menus.

? Per person: EGP 500-600

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

The Tucker Carlson Show: often conservative, always controversial

?In his weekly podcast, The Tucker Carlson Show, the veteran American broadcaster presents a conservative worldview on global politics and economics. Launched in 2024 following his departure from Fox News, the podcast has grown significantly, becoming the fourth most-listened-to in the US on Spotify.

Episodes typically run for one to two hours, featuring extended guest interviews. Despite his conservative reputation, the podcast doesn't exclusively feature right-wing perspectives. Carlson regularly hosts well-known critics of US policies and the Trump administration, including political science professor John Mearsheimer and journalist Ana Kasparian. He also interviewed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian after the 12-day war came to a halt.

One of the most notable episodes features Tony Aguilar, a retired US special forces officer who testifies to the war crimes committed at the US-established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — which handles aid distribution, replacing the UN and UNRWA. Aguilar shared his first-hand experience of overseeing aid delivery in Gaza during May and June 2025, where the Israeli military engages in systematic violations of international law, including targeting starving civilians, using humanitarian aid for military purposes, and displacing residents.

One of the stories from Aguilar’s testimony centers around Amir, the Palestinian kid who walked 12 kilometers in search of food, only to be later killed by Israeli forces upon departure from the aid center.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

? AUGUST

6-30 August (Wednesday - Saturday): Egypt Sculpture Symposium at New Alamein.

8 August (Friday): Tamer Hosny at Kiki’s Hacienda White.

8 August (Friday): Open-air movie night at the Wadi Degla Protectorate.

8 August (Friday): Hussein Al Jassmi, Disco Misr, and Ahmed Saad at Seashore.

8 August (Friday): &ME at Sol Beach.

8 August (Friday): All Day I Dream at ESCĀ Beach Club.

8 August (Friday): Ismailia’s Mango Festival.

15 August (Friday): Marwan Pablo and Lege-cy at U Arena.

22 August (Friday): DJ Fideles at ESCA Beach Club.

22 August (Friday): Bedouin at D-Bay.

29 August (Friday): Solomun at D-Bay.

30 August (Saturday): Nancy Ajram and Hamaki at The Address Beach Resort.

SEPTEMBER

4 September (Thursday): Al Mawlid Al Nabawi.

OCTOBER

6 October (Monday): Armed forces day.

7 October (Tuesday): Enterprise Egypt Forum 2025.

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

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

30 October - 22 November (Thursday-Saturday): Forever is Now at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

DECEMBER

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

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