Going remote

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

brace yourself for the electricity bill

Good morning, all, and a very happy Friday. We are ready to do some resting and relaxing as we enjoy one of our last weekends of the season.

In the Enterprise Guide this week: Maximizing your productivity could mean seeking a new workspace outside your office — or home — even if only for a few days. Today, we’ve put together a list of workspaces and work-friendly cafes, where you can go to lock in and focus in Cairo.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ENERGY-

It was a really busy week on the energy front, with a whole lot of news regarding the Imminent electricity price hikes.

Electricity prices to rise by an average of 30% next month: The Electricity Ministry has completed its study on increasing electricity prices, with plans to introduce the hike in September following cabinet approval, a ministry source told Enterprise. Prices will rise by an average of 30%, with higher consumption households set for larger increases and lower consumption households in line for smaller price hikes.

Why wait until September? The Electricity Ministry has reportedly begun implementing hikes that will see household electricity prices rising by 14-40%, ministry sources told media outlets. The hikes have reportedly come into effect for those in the highest consumption bracket using prepaid meters — with brackets below this to follow soon — while those billed monthly will see these increases reflected in their bills starting September. This marks the second round of electricity price increases this year, following earlier hikes in January.

And it doesn’t stop here: The government is set to hike electricity prices for the industrial sector for the first time in four years on the back of record-high electricity production costs, a government source told Enterprise. The price will rise by EGP 0.55 per kWh to EGP 1.94 per kWh, with the 39.6% increase slated to come into effect this month.

ALSO FROM THE ENERGY SPHERE- The government is set to sign contracts with eight local-foreign consortiums to produce a total of 1.7 bn Kw/h of electricity from municipal solid waste across a number of governorates, Waste Management Regulatory Authority (WRMA) consultant Khaled Elfarra told Enterprise. The waste-to-energy projects will come at a total cost of USD 900 mn-1.2 bn.

ECONOMY-

Unemployment was down 0.5 percentage points y-o-y in the second quarter of the year: Egypt’s unemployment rate fell to 6.5% of the total workforce in the second quarter of this year, falling 0.2 percentage points from the previous quarter, according to data released by state statistics agency Capmas.

M&A-

AD Ports subsidiary acquires majority stake in Safina: AD Ports’ Noatum has acquired a majority stake in maritime, logistics, and cargo services provider Safina Shipping Services. The agreement to acquire the stake in the “key player in the Egyptian maritime industry” will close in 3Q 2024.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The week was busy with ceasefire talks: Senior government officials from Egypt, Qatar, and the US met up in Doha last Friday in hopes of securing a ceasefire in Gaza and agreed to reconvene in Cairo shortly after to finalize an agreement based on the proposal presented in Doha. Hamas voiced its objection to the proposal, which included allowing Israel to keep its troops stationed at Gaza’s border with Egypt, alongside new terms for swapping hostages for prisoners.

And Blinken made the rounds: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spent the week in Israel, Qatar, and Egypt — where he met President Abdel Fattah El Sisi — in efforts to push for a ceasefire.

AND IN BUSINESS NEWS- After their worst day in years, global stocks record their best week in nine months: Global stocks saw their best week since November of last year after better-than-expected inflation figures from the US helped calm recession fears triggered by “alarming” US economic data. This comes as markets rebound from a “brutal” sell-off during the first week of August that saw some indexes hit multi-year lows and wiped USD tns from global stock markets.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Yet another hot weekend in Cairo with a high of 36°C and a low of 26°C today, with the same temperature continuing into tomorrow. It will be a bit cooler in Sahel with highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C during the weekend.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Let your inner child roam at The Play Festival Vol.2 at D-Bay today starting 2pm. After the success of Vol.1, this edition promises to come back with bigger interactive experiences and live content from Peace Cake. Tickets are available here.

Witness both the origin of love and its future in Kaif Badaa El Hob: fi sanat 3000. The play will take place today and tomorrow starting 8pm at Rawabet Art Space. Grab your tickets here.

The iconic Cairokee will be performing at the festival with Tul8te opening for them tonight at 10pm. Find your tickets to the band’s show here.

The Bond-Firewill strengthen family ties. The day will start with diverse activities for artistic souls, thrill seekers, or rhythm lovers and end with a cozy bonfire experience where families can tell stories, laugh, and develop closer relationships. The event will take place tomorrow at D-Bay, starting at 2pm.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

None other than Wegz to close out the iconic new Alamein Festival. The concert will take place Friday, 30 August at 10pm at the U-Arena. You can grab your tickets here.

End Sahel season on a high note with Adriatique at AHM Club in Silversands, where you can dance the summer away, or what’s left of it. The event will take place on Saturday, 31 August, and you can get your tickets here.

Beyond WFH: Alternative remote workspaces

In the age of flexible work environments, the quest for the perfect spot to get things done remotely is more important than ever. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, on a hybrid schedule, or simply a fan of commuting (we won’t judge), finding a space that balances comfort and productivity — and hopefully coffee — is key to a healthy work-life balance. Here’s where to look or go to lock in and focus in Cairo.

CO-WORKING SPACES: If you’re looking for an office-like environment to boost your productivity.

#1- Moca Spaces: Your booking assistant for remote working. This is an app (App Store | Google Play) that you can use to find workspaces in your area. In each location, you’re able to see the amenities available at that specific space, from WiFi to food to printers and more. You can book hourly slots, day passes, or customized bundles depending on how long you need the space.

#2- Regus: This website offers a variety of options for working spaces. Whether you’re looking for a permanent desk for the day or opting for a hot desk situation where you share the space with multiple people, Regus has it all. Just input your location and scan through all the available options.

#3- MQR: This chain has workspaces scattered across the country. The spaces MQR offers are packed with amenities that make the stay all the more comfortable. Book a private office, shared space, meeting room, or training room Downtown, in Maadi, October, Zayed, New Cairo, or even Gouna, Menofia, and Aswan.

Membership available: Rather than buying a daily pass everyday, you can also decide to invest in a membership with MQR, starting at EGP 500.

DESIGNATED WORK CAFES: If traditional workspaces aren't your style, try a café designed for working. This way you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable atmosphere with some coffee while staying productive and focused.

#1- Bibliothek: Situated on a balcony in Arkan, this library is dreamy enough to make even work seem relaxing. Surrounded by books, the cafe at Bibliothek makes for an incredible work environment. So grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and get to work. Similar spaces include: Diwan Cafe, which has multiple locations across Zamalek, Heliopolis, Cinema Radio, and the North Coast — and Al Kotob Khan in Maadi.

#2- Pink Blanket Mama: Located in Garden 8, this wooden, lecture-hall-looking library is the perfect place to find focus. Whether you’d rather sit at a table or lounge on some cushions, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Try not to let the food there distract you too much.

WORK-FRIENDLY CAFES: If you’re looking for something even more casual without too many distractions, head to one of these cafes. No libraries, no desks, just comfortable seating and lots of power outlets.

#1- Holm Cafe: In the heart of Zamalek, Holm has comfy couches and a delicious menu to fuel up on. Grab a coffee, snuggle-up on a couch, and stay in the zone for as long as you’d like.

#2- Cake Cafe: Getting things done will be a piece of cake — pun absolutely intended. With multiple locations including Zamalek, Capital Business Park, and Swan Lake East, this quiet (on workdays) cafe is ideal for working. Plus, the cake will only make you focus more, so the calories don’t really count…

#3- 30 NORTH: Nothing makes for a productive day like a good cup of coffee, especially if it’s brewed by a pro. Located in Sheikh Zayed, The Grand Egyptian Museum, Zamalek, and New Cairo, this coffee shop is the place to be.

The case for Alien: Romulus

? AT THE MOVIES-

The Alien franchise has been under scrutiny since 1992, when the third installment’s extensive production, script, and directorial issues took a toll on its reception (and its box office haul). The franchise’s next positive rating came three movies and two decades later with Prometheus. Enter Alien: Romulus (watch trailer, runtime: 2:01) which — while still being disputed online — has garnered an 81% rating, making it the third-highest rated of all seven films.

The lowdown: Set between the first two films, another Weyland-Yutani crew investigates the wreckage of the USCSS Nostromo, the commercial ship once inhabited by the crew members from Alien, recovering the body of the Xenomorph evacuated by Ripley 20 years in their past.

Does the film have the legs to stand on its own? It depends on why you loved the Alien franchise to begin with. Lovers of gore and body horror will be glad to see the hallmarks of the films alive and happy, but those who looked to Alien for the plot might find Romulus’s to be a little thin. The nostalgia here is a double-edged sword — fans appreciated the callbacks and homages to the previous films, but those already disappointed called it cheap fan service.

But there’s no arguing that the film is both beautiful and thrilling. Director Fede Álvarez of Don’t Breathe, Evil Dead, and Calls does what he does best: Horrifies an audience mesmerized by the beauty of cinematography.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch a showing of ِAlien: Romulus at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza or Mall of Egypt, Citystars cinemas, Cairo Festival City cinemas, Cima Arkan, and Zawya Cinema.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Wandering Stars follows the descendants of Jude Star, a Cheyenne survivor of the 1864 Sand Creek massacre, right up to the present day. While this tale of resilience picks up after the intense ending of author Tommy Orange's first novel, it can be read as a standalone piece.

It kicks off with a look at the American government's brutal campaign against Native Americans, including the infamous slogan, “Kill the Indian, Save the Man.” This refers to the horrific boarding schools that indigenous youth were strongarmed into attending, aimed at stripping away Indigenous culture.

When the novel reaches the 21st century, the Red Feather family struggles with society's refusal to see Native Americans as part of the present day. Lony, the youngest Red Feather, watches an Avengers movie and imagines what powers a Native American superhero might have — like flying because of feathers or being invisible because no one acknowledges their presence.

It also dives into the tricky relationship between race and identity through Sean Price, a high school student adopted by white parents. After getting his DNA test results, Sean finds out he has European, Native American, and African ancestry. Despite this, he feels he can't fully claim any of these identities, particularly grappling with how society sees and treats him as a Black person.

It’s not a "good things happening to good people" type of story. The book takes you on a deeper journey into self-confidence, heritage, and what it means to belong — whilst blending in cultural insights and historical truths.

It is currently out of stock at Cherry Blossom Books, but you can find it on X.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Whether you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal or unwind with friends over drinks, Villa Lucca, located in Palm Hills’ Golf Central, is the perfect combination between sophistication and comfort.

Villa Lucca’s menu caters to every palate. The spicy carne pizza caught our attention with its ambitious combination of flavors — Italian pizza dough topped with tangy tomato sauce, creamy fiori di latte cheese, savory beef bacon, salami, oriental sausage, a drizzle of olive oil, a hint of chili flakes, and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds.

But, the dish that truly stole the show was the Orzo Chicken. The dish was cooked to perfection — the orzo, rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented the tender baked chicken balls.

A tempting array of freshly displayed desserts: We couldn't resist the allure of a decadent finale to the dining experience. The rich, velvety chocolate of the chocolate fudge is the perfect sweet conclusion to a homey and satisfying meal.

? Per person: EGP 800.

? Outdoor seating: Yes.

? Alcohol: No.

? Accessibility friendly: Yes.

Black Myth: Wukong crushes expectations

Black Myth: Wukong’s controversy was no match for its gameplay. The game released last Tuesday to much contention around Chinese developer Game Science, whose streaming guidelines were a blast from the Gamergate past, but it lived up to our high hopes anyway. Less than 3 hours in, the game had already crushed Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077’s all-time player records, logging 1.2 mn players on Steam.

ICYMI: You, the Destined One, set out to decipher the secrets of an ancient legend in an epic action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology (watch trailer, runtime: 4:45). Your primary weapon is a staff that extends and shrinks in size, used for attacks of different stances that allows for multiple styles of strike patterns and levels of power. But the art of war is not just violence. You can cast spells that include transformation into different creatures and beings. Each transformation comes with its own movesets and stats.

Game critics everywhere agree on one thing: The game is a cinematic masterpiece… When it works. The stunning in-game world is breathtaking in its optimal settings, but your GPU will suffer to render it. People complaining about bugs reported stuttering, severe lag, desynced audio, and awful frame rates, so keep an eye out for some patches soon.

Combat is customizable… In the main menu, you can adjust your combat levels, called Sparks, to customize your stamina, fighting skills, combat stances, mysticism, spells… You get the gist. This might seem overwhelming and complicated at first, but your playstyle becomes a fingerprint — no two players will have the same experience playing this game.

…And insanely fun. Even though you only have the one weapon in your arsenal, combat never becomes boring. It does test your learning curve — if you don’t have a knack for picking up new skills, you will definitely feel the wrath during challenging boss fights.

If you’re an Xbox player, brace yourself. The game wasn’t available for pre-ordering or pre-downloading on the console, sparking fears that Sony had once again bought console exclusivity. This was only exacerbated when the game failed to launch on the online store on Tuesday. But turns out, it’s no one’s fault but Xbox. Game Science released a statement saying that release on the console will be delayed until the Series X|S port meets the developer’s quality standards.

? Rating: 10/10 on Steam, 95% audience rating.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 39 hours to complete the main story and the side quests.

? Replay value: 9/10.

? Platforms: Steam and Epic Games for PC, and Playstation.

? Price: USD 59.99 for the standard version, USD 69.99 for the deluxe version.

Uncovering chilling truths in modern mass hysteria

Unraveling the mystery of mass hysteria in Hysterical. Hosted by Dan Taberski, this seven-part series dives deep into a baffling outbreak of illness among high school girls in LeRoy, New York.

How it all starts: It’s 2011, and a 16-year-old girl posts a video on YouTube. She’s struggling with strange facial tics and movements, which she links to a past incident where she fainted after headbanging at a concert. Her symptoms have escalated, and she’s reaching out for help. She’s not alone.

As her video circulates, more girls from her school come forward, revealing similar symptoms. It’s a bizarre, unsettling situation where classrooms seem to be filled with outbursts and tics, only affecting teenage girls. Is it a psychological phenomenon, a physical ailment, or something more sinister?

What makes the podcast compelling? Its refusal to sensationalize the story. Instead, it offers a nuanced exploration of mass hysteria, comparing historical cases with modern-day mysteries. The podcast navigates through various theories — from environmental toxins to psychological triggers — without falling into the trap of treating its subjects as a spectacle.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can listen to the podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts and Spotify.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

AUGUST

16 July-15 October (Tuesday-Tuesday): In the Company of Mahmoud Said exhibition at Aisha Fahmy Palace.

11 June-2 September (Tuesday-Monday): Afashat w Aflam exhibition at Bibliothek.

11 July-30 August (Thursday-Friday): New Alamein Festival at North Coast.

11 July-30 August (Thursday-Friday): Paramotor Ride at North Square.

12-24 August ( Monday-Saturday): I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Rawabet Art Space.

22 August (Thursday): Gen Z Festival at D-Bay.

22 August (Thursday): Esaad Younis and Omar Khairat at New Alamein Festival.

23 August (Thursday): KIKIS Setup Beach Party at Hacienda Heneish.

23 August (Friday): Cairokee at New Alamein Festival.

23 August (Friday): The Play Festival Vol2at D-Bay.

23-24 August (Friday-Saturday): Kaif Badaa El Hob: fi sanat 3000 at Rawabet Art Space.

24 August (Saturday): The Bond-Fire Vol 1 at D-Bay.

24 August (Saturday): Macrame Workshop at Royal Park, Sheikh Zayed City.

24 August (Saturday): Omakase Experience at Izakaya North Coast.

28 August (Wednesday): Omar Khairat concert at Mahka Theatre in Salah El Din Citadel.

30 August (Friday): Wegz Live at New Alamein Festival.

31 August (Saturday): Adriatique at AHM Club in Silversands.

31 August (Saturday): Andromida Pink Floyd tribute concert at Sawy Culture Wheel.

SEPTEMBER

1-4 September (Monday-Wednesday): International Food, Beverage & SuperMarket Equipment Exhibition 2024 at Cairo International Convention Centre.

12-15 September (Thursday-Sunday): MEDFEST Egypt at AUC Tahrir Square

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

19 September (Thursday): Omar Khairat concert at ZED Park.

20 September (Friday): Bikers Automotive Festival at El Leila El Kebira.

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

3-12 October (Thursday-Thursday): Film My Design festival at Zawya Cinema.

10-12 October (Thursday-Saturday): EVs Electrify! Expo & Conference 2024 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

29-30 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Intelligent Cities Exhibition & Conference (ICEC) at Waldorf Astoria.

NOVEMBER

14-16 November (Thursday-Saturday): Raabta Wellness Festival at El Gouna.

DECEMBER

14 December (Saturday): The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon.

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Beyond WFH: Alternative remote workspaces

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The case for Alien: Romulus

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Black Myth: Wukong crushes expectations

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Uncovering chilling truths in modern mass hysteria

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Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily

Going remote

An independent publication supported by

Today at a glance

brace yourself for the electricity bill

Get Enterprise daily

Related

Related

Beyond WFH: Alternative remote workspaces

Related

Related

The case for Alien: Romulus

Related

This publication is proudly sponsored by

Black Myth: Wukong crushes expectations

Related

Uncovering chilling truths in modern mass hysteria

Related

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Related

An independent publication supported by

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