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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Hamas and Israel reach phase one agreement in Sharm El Sheikh

Good morning, friends. The pleasant weather is ushering in a long weekend that is undoubtedly well-deserved.

In this week’s edition of The Enterprise Guide, we’re listing our favorite landmarks and activities for souls wishing to dive a little deeper into the iconic coastal city of Alexandria.

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

DIPLOMACY-

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement in Sharm El Sheikh on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, paving the way for a ceasefire and for hostages and prisoners to be exchanged within 72 hours. The breakthrough in talks — which began three days ago, and were brokered by Egypt, the US, Qatar, and Turkey — should also see Israel withdraw its troops to an “agreed upon area,” and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Hamas confirmed the agreement had taken place, and thanked the brokers, including Trump, in a massive shift in tone, while Israel is set to convene its government today to ratify the agreement.

Trump said he may head to the region and — most likely — visit Egypt on Sunday, as negotiators work in the meantime to reach a final agreement.

The caveats are still there: Earlier ceasefires have broken down due to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza, so Hamas will be looking for clearer timelines and assurances of Israel’s withdrawal. The question of Hamas’ disarmament — which was one key point in Trump’s plan — and the interim government of technocrats, are still contentious, and will need time to iron out.

SPORTS-

Egypt has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time in its history. The Pharaohs cruised to a comfortable 3–0 victory over Djibouti yesterday in Morocco, securing Hossam Hassan and his players the top spot in Group A ahead of the final round of qualifiers.

ECONOMY-

#1- Annual headline urban inflation eased for the fourth consecutive month in September, falling by nearly three percentage points to 11.7%, backed by a y-o-y drop in meat and vegetables prices, according to data from state statistics agency Capmas seen by EnterpriseAM. September annual headline reading was pretty much expected by our analysts, who saw headline inflation continuing its downward path during the month. The reading is also up by 0.7 percentage points from Reuters Poll’s median estimate of 11.0% y-o-y.

#2- The World Bank revised Egypt’s growth forecast for FY 2025-2026 to 4.3% y-o-y, marking a modest increase of 0.1 percentage points from its previous forecast in June, the international financial organization said in its latest Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) Economic Update report.

#3- An Egyptian delegation is set to land in Washington next week to discuss the combined fifth and sixth reviews of our USD 8 bn Extended Fund Facility program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a senior government official told EnterpriseAM. The delegation will discuss outstanding issues in the program throughout the week, coinciding with the IMF / World Bank annual meetings from 13-18 October in DC, we were told.

#4- Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity slipped further in September as new orders dipped at the quickest pace in five months, according to S&P Global’s latest Purchasing Managers Index report (pdf). The country’s headline figure fell in September to a three-month low of 48.8, down from August’s 49.2.

ENERGY-

#1- Less LNG coming our way: The Oil Ministry plans to reduce the number of agreed-upon LNG shipments scheduled for shipment this month to six, from an initially planned 19, a government source told EnterpriseAM.

#2- Scatec’s USD 650 mn Naga Hammadi solar project for EgyptAlum securedfinancial backing from a host of international financial organisations (IFOs). The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank each signed letters of intent to finance the project, with energy produced directed toward the state-owned aluminum producer’s nearby aluminum complex.

DEBT WATCH-

Egypt’s debt capital markets continue to gather momentum, with more than EGP 9 bn in new sukuk and securitization transactions closed, reflecting growing demand for structured and shariah-compliant instruments to fund corporate growth.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Auto sales bounced back in August after July’s decline, rising 12.7% m-o-m to 17.6k units, up from 15.6k sold in July, according to figures from the Automotive Marketing Information Council (AMIC) seen by EnterpriseAM. This marks the first time sales have breached the 17k threshold since June 2022, reinforcing the recovery momentum that began earlier this year despite July’s brief pause.

REAL ESTATE-

Developers will be allowed to pay the 20% down payment on both North Coast land transfer fees and Desert Road improvement levies over one year, instead of upfront, following lobbying off the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) by the Federation of Egyptian Industries’ (FEI) real estate division, according to a statement seen by EnterpriseAM. The remaining dues will be settled over five years at an annual interest rate of 10%, rather than the higher Central Bank of Egypt benchmark rate.

BANKING-

#1- Net foreign assets (NFAs) in Egypt’s banking sector shrank for the first time in three months by nearly USD 583 mn to hit USD 17.9 bn in August, marking a 3.3% m-o-m decrease, according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt. On an annual basis, our banking sector has almost doubled its net foreign assets, from USD 9.7 bn in August 2024.

#2- Foreign reserves inched up again to USD 49.5 bn at the end of September, marking a USD 283 mn increase from August, according to data (pdf) released by the Central Bank of Egypt. The uptick was driven by a USD 1.8 bn increase in gold reserves to USD 15.8 bn, which helped offset a USD 1.5 bn dip in foreign currency holdings. Special Drawing Rights inched up USD 1.0 mn during the month.

MANUFACTURING-

India’s BMEC Imaging will establish a USD 4.5 mn medical manufacturing and remanufacturing facility in Egypt, according to a statement. The BMEC Imaging Egypt project will manufacture and refurbish X-ray, dialysis, and MRI machines, in addition to other high-tech pieces of medical technology.

BUSINESS-

EnterpriseAM Egypt wrapped up another successful forum on Tuesday, where we were honored by the presence of 650 policy makers, senior bankers, finance industry players, corporate leaders, and other members of our business community.

We interviewed on stage Dr Rania Al Mashat, minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation, and Hassan El Khatib, the nation’s minister of investment and foreign trade, in two keynote interviews. We also talked to business leaders about the future of work, how AI and tech are shaping the world around us, what resilient businesses are doing today to set themselves up for success tomorrow, and lots more.

Keep an eye out for our comprehensive coverage of the forum in a new special series, coming to your inboxes in the coming weeks.

🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

A BUSY WEEK FOR GLOBAL POLITICS- Japan welcomed its first-ever female prime minister, with ruling Liberal Democratic Party members electing Sanae Takaichi as their new leader following a tight race against Shinjiro Koizumi. The 64-year-old conservative, known for her alignment with former premier Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, will replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba amid growing political and economic headwinds. Takaichi is expected to be confirmed by parliament on 15 October. (Reuters | Financial Times | BBC | Bloomberg)

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned after only 27 days in office and only a few hours after his cabinet announced. He’s the third prime minister to be elected since French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and called snap elections last summer. (Guardian | Reuters | Bloomberg)

The EU is proposing a 50% tariff on steel imports to match the US’ tariff, but it could hit the UK — the biggest importer of European steel — the hardest. Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization has slashed its growth forecast for global trade next year to 0.5%, down significantly from 1.8% earlier, as the impacts of Trump’s tariffs filter through. (Politico | Guardian | BBC)

OVER IN TECH- OpenAI is getting hundreds of thousands of chips from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), bringing AMD tens of bns of USD in revenue and giving the ChatGPT maker the option to buy up 10% of the chipmaker. (Bloomberg | Reuters | Financial Times)

Gold and BTC hit fresh highs on Sunday as investors flocked to safe haven assets amid a government shutdown. Gold rose to USD 3,920.63 an ounce, before paring some gains, while BTC reached USD 125,689 for the first time early Sunday. BTC’s rise also comes during a month that has historically been a strong month for digital assets’ performance — earning it the nickname “Uptober.” (Bloomberg | Reuters)

OVER IN THE US- US federal judge Karin Immergut issued a — temporary — restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard into what the US president called a “war-ravaged city.” The order expires on 18 October, with an extension already requested by the state. The news follows a series of crackdowns on blue cities which Trump claims are breeding grounds for crime and disorder. (CNN | AP | Reuters)

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

We’re in for breezy weather over the long weekend, with temperatures in the capital reaching a high of just 28-29°C, before cooling down to 16-17°C, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Comedian Mohamed Moula is inaugurating his first standup show in Egypt with Moula Wet2asam Nosin at El Rihany Theater tomorrow, promising a night of non-stop laughter. You can grab your tickets on Ticketsmarché.

Prepare yourself for a transcendent night by the Giza Pyramids with Anyma and his show Quantum Genesys happening tomorrow. Get tickets to this ultimate electronic music experience on Ticket Egypt now.

Honor the 50th anniversary of Umm Kulthum’s passing with a musical produced by El Adl Group Studios at The Theater. Experience the legend’s life story through this special musical showing tonight, tomorrow, and next week on Thursday, 16 October and Friday, 17 October. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

🎤 HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Up for some classic drama? The iconic musical Oliver is taking the stage for the first time in Egypt at Theatro Arkan from Thursday, 16 October to Saturday, 18 October. Enjoy the Dickens-inspired musical production by Fabrica. You can book your spot on Ticketsmarché.

The Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival returns from Wednesday, 1 October to Sunday, 26 October, bringing Cairo to the forefront through a series of performances, panel discussions, and workshops. Don’t miss out on the unique Tim Etchells-directed performance L’Addition with duo Bert and Nasi showing on Wednesday, 15 October and Thursday, 16 October at Rawabet Art Space. Book your spot on Ticketsmarché.

Alexandria again and forever: Your guide to a weekend on the coastal city

🌊 There is little that competes with the beauty of Alexandria, particularly in fall. Not sure how to spend your weekends now that Sahel season is well past us? We’d argue that walking through the ancient city’s streets and legacy beaches should be on your to-do list this October if you’re looking to fill up your agenda during the long weekend. Beyond cathartic sunsets by the sea, there’s a lot to do in Alexandria.

ACCOMODATION-

Where you stay has a lot to do with how your getaway goes. Point in case: if you choose the downtown area around El Raml Station, you’ll be closer to Bahary than Montazah. The first thing to do is decide where you want to go and what you want to see. We’d also recommend leaving your car behind, as Alexandrian traffic may as well be an unaired episode of Squid Game. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stroll through its streets or converse with one of the drivers of its iconic yellow cabs?

Looking for a place to crash beyond your usual stays? These are our top picks:

#1- ROMANCE HOTEL: Located on the corniche, Romance is minutes away from Stanley Bridge, and offers a stunning view. A night via Booking will run you EGP 3k.

#2- RIXOS AL MONTAZAH: Offering a calm, luxurious experience, Rixos allows its guests to retreat in front of the sea in the heart of Montazah. The average price per night is around EGP 6.5k via Booking.

#3- STEIGENBERGER CECIL: Right next to the Raml Station, the Steigenberger Cecil is one of Alexandria’s oldest hotels, famed for its classical aesthetic and breathtaking architecture. From the exterior to the color-scheme, décor, and a historic bar you might recognize from Nadine Labaki’s film Back to Alexandria, this celebrity-frequented hotel is a dream come true. A night will set you back EGP 5.5k on average, according to Booking.

#4- WINDSOR PALACE HOTEL: This historical stay stands right next to the Steigenberger Cecil and shares its aesthetic. Also featuring classical architecture and a striking white façade, this is a hotel that will transport you back to the days of the monarchy. A night costs EGP 3.9k on average via Booking.

💡PRO TIP- Sometimes it’s better to contact hotels directly if you’re looking for a bargain.

Going the AirBnB route? The app offers stellar apartment options across Alexandria, and caters to all sorts of budget and aesthetic needs without breaking the bank. On the app, you’ll find properties with a direct sea view and others situated in historic neighborhoods such as Fouad Street. Just be sure to read the reviews and do your homework.

We’d suggest looking at stays in the San Stefano/Glim Bay area or the Downtown/Raml Station area, as they’re centrally located next to key landmarks, and the proximity to the tram makes transportation across the city easier. Areas such as Sidi Beshr often see lots of construction work around this time of the year, so we’d recommend crossing them off the list.

TREAT YOUR TUMMY-

FIRST OFF, BREAKFAST-

#1- GAD: Gad at Stanley is pretty much a surefire choice if you’re looking for an Egyptian breakfast with a view. We’d recommend the cheese falafel, foul “bil khalta,” and zinger fries.

#2- ZAGHLOUL: A TikTok-viral Gen Z favorite, Zaghloul proved every bit fameworthy when we tried it ourselves. You’ll find the humble joint on a side street in the Azarita area. Despite its modest seating arrangements, Zaghloul offers a slew of oriental classics, with platters comprising everything but the kitchen sink meant for sharing.

#3- EL BRAZILI: The Alexandrian experience would be incomplete without a perfectly concocted cup of coffee from El Brazili at its Raml Station or Azarita branches. You’ll find fresh pastries that offer an alternative to the traditional Egyptian breakfast. Our picks would be the wholegrain croissant with turkey and mixed cheese, paired with a hot Spanish latte. For dessert, don’t miss out on their signature chocolate cake.

NOW, FOR THE MAIN MEAL-

Craving seafood? Well, you’re in luck. The coastal city has no shortage of seafood dining destinations across its corners, and we’re pretty sure you have a favorite spot in mind, so we’ll spare your time and skip those. Instead, beyond the calamari and the fried kebda, we’d recommend you pay these spots a visit:

#1- RUBY’S: Tucked amid the trees in the streets of Kafr Abdo, Ruby’s was an accidental find, and one happy accident it was. The warm décor and inviting lighting caught our attention, and the food kept it. You’ll find an expansive menu that leads to generous portions. We’d recommend the caramelised onion and bacon burger and the fillet chicken bacon wrap.

#2- B.A.D SUSHI: If you’re craving some California rolls, like we are, give B.A.D a shot and you’ll realize it’s not half bad — pun intended. Located near Ruby’s, this sushi spot stands out for its fresh rolls and high quality ingredients. Don’t let their scant social media presence fool you — they’re as busy as ever.

#3- MA SERA: Sometimes the sight of the sea triggers inexplicable cravings for Italian cuisine. The good news is that Ma Sera has perfected the culinary craft. You’ll find it on Fouad Street, minutes away from the Greco-Roman Museum. With a bright design balancing the luxury of old with modern nonchalance, Ma Sera is a spot you won’t want to miss. We’d recommend the chicken parm for your main and a pecan pie cheesecake for dessert.

OUT AND ABOUT IN ALEXANDRIA-

As we’ve already established, there’s no shortage of things to do in Alexandria — whether that’s an afternoon stroll, a date with the Mediterranean, or a visit to its historical landmarks.

QUICK NOTE– Operating hours at historical landmarks may differ from season to season.

#1- Stroll through history at the Greco-Roman Museum: The museum is located in the Attareen area opposite Fouad Street. Founded by Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Botti and inaugurated during the reign of Abbas Helmi II in 1892, this museum stands as the only haven for Greco-Roman artifacts in Egypt, housing a vast collection of statues and other relics found in the city and its surrounding areas. If you’re a history buff, you’ll have the time of your life.

HOURS: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm.

TICKETS: EGP 40 for Egyptians, reduced to EGP 20 for Egyptian students, and EGP 400 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 200 for foreign students.

#2- Historical bling at the Royal Jewelry Museum: Located in Zizinia, the museum is housed in a palace established by Zeinab Fahmy in 1919 and later inhabited by her daughter Princess Fatma. The museum was originally established to showcase the royal family’s jewelry collection, alongside other possessions such as stationary, coins, and gifts given to the family by other royals. Among the most significant pieces is a chessboard made of gold inlaid with diamonds, gifted to Farouk I by the Crown Prince of Iran upon his marriage to Princess Fawzia in 1939. The palace walls are intricately adorned, and is as much an art gallery as it is a jewelry museum.

HOURS: Daily from 9am to 5pm.

TICKETS: EGP 20 for Egyptian adults, reduced to EGP 5 for Egyptian students. EGP 220 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 110 for foreign students.

#3- Visit the Planetarium at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: One of the most notable activities offered at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the Planetarium shows — interactive cultural and scientific films presented in hour-long shows suitable for both kids and grown ups. The library also hosts a slew of exhibitions and cultural events on the regular. When you’re done with your tour, we’d recommend getting a cup of joe from the Cilantro branch overlooking the sea.

HOURS: The library is open daily from 10am to 7pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, and is closed on Fridays.

TICKETS: EGP 10 for Egyptian adults, reduced to EGP 5 for students. EGP 150 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 20 for foreign students.

💡PRO TIP- Tickets are reserved via the window on a first-come-first-served basis, so we’d recommend getting a headstart as demand is usually high, especially during weekends. The last shows conclude around 2pm, and you can check out the agenda and separate ticket prices here.

#4- The sound and light show at the Citadel: Aside from stellar sunset views, the Sound and Light show at the Citadel is one not to be missed. Watch as Alexandria’s heritage, founding history, and famous landmarks are displayed across the walls.

HOURS: Shows start at 8:30pm and 9:30pm, while the Citadel itself is open from 9am to 6pm.

TICKETS: There are two categories for Egyptians: EGP 100 and EGP 200. For non-Egyptians: EGP 1.125k and EGP 1.35k.

#5- Operatic nights at the Alexandria Opera House: Inaugurated in 1921, the Sayed Darwish Theatre’s design draws inspiration from the Vienna Opera. The Opera House elicits a feeling of historical time travel upon entry, and its architectural character is one that will stamp itself on your memory. Keep track of the shows playing here.

#6- Stroll through El Montazah and the Antoniadis Gardens: Spend a languid day amidst Alexandria’s Montazah garden. We’d also recommend visiting the Antoniadis Gardens in Smouha, where you can stroll and dine among the trees.

Dwayne Johnson proves he’s more than just The Rock

📽 Some films are love letters to the audience, others are a love letter to the Oscars — an attempt to please critics and tip the scales in hopes of an award (or five). The Smashing Machine falls under the latter category. In his latest film, director Benny Safdie (parting ways with his brother Josh, with whom he’s known for films like Uncut Gems) banks on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The film’s plot covers the years from 1997 to 2000 in the life of US wrestler and MMA champion Mark Kerr (Johnson). Kerr is introduced as a brilliant undefeated champion until he experiences his first glaring defeat in a world championship in Japan. Kerr falls into depression, finding solace in opioids and ruining his health in the process. We then meet his girlfriend, Dawn (Emily Blunt), with whom he shares a tumultuous yet loving relationship. Soon enough, Kerr sets his mind on recovery with the help of Dawn, and his friend and athletic frenemy Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader).

A new side to The Rock: For as long as memory could recall, Johnson had limited himself to a certain typecast — himself. In The Smashing Machine, he proves that diamonds do indeed hide in the rough. Johnson was given space to deliver a performance that is new to the veteran actor and wrestler — one that veers from the usual cookie-cutter action movie slop (and sets him up for a Best Actor award). The film’s strength lies in its cast’s performances, all of whom masterfully embody their characters’ emotions and complexities.

That said, their acting doesn’t quite make up for an oftentimes underdeveloped plot. Kerr’s addiction felt like a piece of information reluctantly given to the audience. Despite Johnson and Bader delivering one of the film’s best scenes, the audience is fed crumbs about the details of his addiction and his recovery. The removal of what is undoubtedly an emotional cornerstone of their friendship leaves the relationship between Kerr and Coleman feeling hollow, disserviced by the actors’ scant chemistry.

Is it worth your time? Yes. Despite certain fallbacks, the film’s originality and cinematography stands out, capturing the essence of the late ‘90s. The Smashing Machine marks a pivotal new moment in The Rock’s career, and we’re excited to see what he does next. Were expectations overblown? Perhaps, especially after Safdie earned Best Director at the Venice Film Festival with the movie receiving a 15-minute standing ovation. Our final verdict? Don’t expect a full-blown biopic, but a powerful drama about a man, his partner, and his friend as they navigate through life.

WHERE TO WATCH- The Smashing Machine is screening at Vox Cinemas at City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Alexandria. You can also catch the movie at City Stars Cinema, Scene Cinema at D5 and CFCM, Cima Arkan, P90 Cinema, and Zawya. You can find the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:30).

Revisiting the gothic classic Frankenstein

📚 What makes a monster? This is the question posed by the enduring story of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein, a pioneer of science fiction. Centuries later, and Frankenstein’s creation still haunts us, now as a horror staple reimagined across movies, shows, plays, and the go-to Halloween costume. Although our desert climate robs us of a true fall season, reading (or rereading) novels like Frankenstein can summon its ghostly spirit. With Halloween in the air — even if fall isn’t — it’s the perfect time to revisit one of literature’s great tragedies.

Victor Frankenstein’s fanatical idea: Victor grows up deeply curious about the “natural philosophies” and the mystical elements of life, reading extensively on ancient thinkers. His study of human anatomy in particular triggers his fascination with the creation of life, and thus, on a rainy November night, the monster of Frankenstein is born. Coming out of a frenzy of whether he could instead of whether he should, Victor quickly realizes the horror that he has created, the mere sight of the creature sending him into a nervous episode.

A monster to society, an imitation of God. As soon as Victor is met with his creation, soon as he abandons him out of fear. The naive, mentally underdeveloped monster wanders off, left to fend for himself in a world he doesn’t belong in. His grotesque appearance isolates him from society despite his self-acquired decency. Like any other life form, he desires companionship but is only met with terror every time he is seen. What follows probes the moral complexities of the relationship between creator and creation. The monster, failing to receive love from his creator, seeks vengeance by bringing tragedy into Victor’s life.

Shelley’s imagination brought the literary world a compelling exploration of the dangers of reckless scientific ambition and the obsessive pursuit of knowledge. Frankenstein’s creation challenges the notion of the hero, turning a supposed monster into a living creature that we feel the urge to sympathize with. His unconventional appearance brings to light themes of prejudice, societal norms, and the good and evil in human nature.

Unfolding across chilling landscapes and dark, stormy weather, the novel cultivates an eerie atmosphere that is quintessentially gothic. Shelley’s dramatic use of language and earnest, introspective narrator set the tone for a moody, thought-provoking read.

Frankenstein is the ultimate blend of science fiction and gothic fantasy, but with an added existential undertone that has cemented its place in the world of storytelling. We’ve seen the idea regenerated countless times — in the Oscar-winning Poor Things, in the anticipated film interpretation starring Jacob Elordi, and in the many more traditional adaptations across the years — yet returning to Shelley’s original promises the richest experience.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find the paperback on Amazon Egypt or eBook on Amazon, and keep an eye out for a restock at Diwan. You can also find it on Apple Books and Project Gutenberg at no charge.

Intentional pizza, exceptional pizza

🍕 Il Forno is redefining what pizza can be in Cairo. What immediately sets Il Forno apart is their commitment to doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering an endless menu of mediocre options. Their selection isn’t a limitation — it’s intentional. Every pizza on the menu feels purposeful, curated by someone who genuinely loves pizza and understands flavor.

The ingredients speak for themselves. You can taste the difference in every bite of this Italian-style pizza, which suddenly stops feeling like junk food and starts feeling like a genuine culinary experience. Of the pizzas we tried, the Four, the Black, and the Evergreen broke through the roster of an already exceptional variety.

The Four is a bold cheese lover’s dream, featuring brie and goat cheese alongside the expected mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano you might find at other quality establishments. It’s rich without being heavy, and the brie adds an unexpected twist on a combination we already love.

The truffle comes in two ways on the Black. Truffle oil and paste are indulgently flavorful and surprisingly not too overwhelming on the palate — a common pitfall with truffle pizzas. Combined with white mushroom cream and sautéed mushrooms, it’s earthy, sophisticated, and perfectly balanced.

The Evergreen tastes exactly like its name suggests — it’s bright, fresh, and vibrant. The basil pesto base with stracciatella and sundried tomatoes creates a pizza that feels lighter and more refreshing than your typical pie.

The crust alone is worth the visit — expertly made dough with just the right amount of char to give it that earthy, wood-fired taste without any bitterness. It’s chewy in all the right ways: substantial but not exhausting to eat.

Every weekend, Il Forno introduces the Drop — a limited-quantity specialty pizza that’s only available while supplies last. It’s a clever way to keep the menu exciting and showcase seasonal ingredients or experimental flavor combinations.

Il Forno operates out of a small kitchen, with limited seating in front. The seats aren’t the most comfortable, but after a taste, you’ll happily perch anywhere just to dive into the pizza immediately. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the wait time is refreshingly short considering each pizza is made fresh to order.

The reality check: Il Forno’s one fault is that they don’t deliver. And while we understand why — they take the freshness of the pizza very seriously, as anyone who cares about their craft would — it pains us that we can’t welcome it to our doorstep. That is, unless they’re catering your event, which they will happily do.

💵 Per person: EGP 350-500

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

What does grief sound like?

💿 In Lorde’s sophomore album Melodrama, each form and stage of grief gets the spotlight. From quiet moments of acceptance to unrelenting yet hopelessly futile rage, this is an album that is as raw and honest as it is indeed melodramatic.

**In this new monthly section of the Weekend Edition, we will shine the spotlight on an album or artist who has shaped or enriched the musical landscape as we know it. For our second installment, we’re revisiting an artist hailed by the greats as “ the future of music.”

The rise of a musical maven: Born in 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand, Ella Yelich-O’Connor — known by her stage name Lorde — first found her way to the spotlight in the fall of 2012 with her debut song (and instant classic), Royals — the lead single of her first album Pure Heroine. The then-16 year-old’s album was overwhelmingly positively received, earning wide acclaim for its mature storytelling and vocals.

Pure Heroine presented a take on pop that remained at the time unexperienced; mainstream music that spoke to the struggles of youth beyond school drama and failed summer flings. It was a coming of age album that dissected consumerism, class, and nostalgia from the perspective of a girl labeled by the masses as “too wise for her age.” The album’s release in September 2013 would see the industry changed for good, a feat acknowledged by the Grammys on its 10th anniversary.

There was fear that Pure Heroine would be a one-off success, and that the artist from Down Under had set a bar far too high for her nonchalant arms to reach — but that was not the case. On 2 March 2017 at the age of 19, Lorde would announce her sophomore album Melodrama, accompanied by lead single Green Light — a quick hit that quelled any doubts that the artist had lost her spark four years following her rise. The reviews were in: stellar, boisterous, triumphant, cathartic — all words used to describe the single. Three months later, the record would hit shelves all across the world.

Love, heartbreak, loss, and the liminal spaces in between. On first listen, you might find yourself wondering whether the album was released in 2025 or 1995 — it’s timeless in the sense that it does not restrict itself to cultural references the kind of which date a work. Melodrama is an amalgamation of sounds and feelings, incorporating influences from the ‘90s and early noughties, with the synth-pop sounds of the ‘80s and a hint of ‘70s pop rock, all while displaying masterful storytelling of a young woman navigating emotions unbound by a particular era — ones relatable to all strata of listeners.

What Melodrama offered was everything that made Pure Heroine the showstopper, amplified. It’s a tale told not in logical order, but the manner in which the turbulent waves of the mind operate: the feelings ebb and flow, unrestrained and unexpected — the same is true of the artist’s lyrical progression. Across 11 unskippable tracks, Lorde shows incredible maturity and self-awareness, even when fantasy is involved. She writes of the moment love unceremoniously ends in a car park in Hard Feelings/Loveless, how she plans to exact revenge from a treacherous lover by immortalizing him with her pen in Writer in the Dark, and what it means to retreat into one’s own mind in Perfect Places.

“Drenched in nostalgia,” Lorde’s early discography paints a feeling of “youth gone missing,” one YouTuber says. Through steady world-building that relies not necessarily on imagery but rather on the feelings said imagery evoke, Lorde primes her audience, beckoning them to lose themselves to the music — and consequently, the memories. In that regard, her songs serve not only as art meant to be admired, but art meant to be interacted with, critiqued, and compared to one’s own experiences.

While Melodrama may be Lorde’s crowning achievement and the likely reason her name will still be a mainstream mention decades from now, it may have — in a way — also been her bane. Her subsequent releases, Solar Power (2021) and Virgin (2025), saw the artist veer in a new direction — one that wasn’t as widely appreciated by devout listeners who yearned for another helping of the melodramatic. Which is to say, Lorde may have set the bar too high —but we’re still holding out hope for another worthy successor.

WHERE TO LISTEN- Melodrama is available to stream on all music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Anghami, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. For those among us with a penchant for physical media, you can get your hands on the album vinyl at Sherry’s Vinyl.

Who said history has to be boring?

🎧 History isn’t boring, and anyone who claims otherwise simply hasn’t tuned into History That Doesn’t Suck. Driven by an innate belief that history lessons shouldn’t be a synonym for snooze fests, Utah Valley University History Professor Greg Jackson takes to his podcast History That Doesn’t Suck to make learning about the past an engaging experience. Through engaging storytelling backed by rigorous research, Jackson dissects chapters of American history across over 200 episodes dating back to 2017. Each episode typically runs for an hour, and tackles one particular moment in US history.

While each episode presents an independent topic, the show collectively forms a chronological journey spanning from the American Revolution all the way to present day Trump’s America. The podcast drops two to three episodes a month, following a structure that takes complex events and presents them in an accessible — and entertaining — manner.

In an episode titled Women’s Suffrage & the Passage of the 19th Amendment, Jackson narrates the long struggles endured by US women to gain the right to vote. The episode explores coverture — a common-law doctrine that delegated women’s rights to their husbands — and women’s first attempts at voting during the colonial era before discussing prominent influential figures and activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. The episode summarizes decades of social struggle that culminated in the ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

The episode embodies the podcast’s ethos of relaying complex historical events in a simplified and engaging way. Since its inception, History That Doesn’t Suck and Jackson’s non-traditional teaching methods have received wide acclaim, and the podcast is constantly ranked at the top of its genre. With more than half a mn downloads per month, the show has even found its way into classrooms, as many teachers utilize its content and methods.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

🗓️ OCTOBER

1-26 October (Wednesday-Sunday): Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival.

9-10 (Thursday-Friday): Umm Kulthum Musical at The Theater.

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

10 October (Friday): Moula Wat2asam Nosin at El Rihany Theater.

12 October (Sunday): Saleh El Nawawy at Boom Room.

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

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

15-16 October (Wednesday-Thursday): L’Addition at Rawabet Art Space.

16-17 October (Thursday-Friday): Umm Kulthum Musical at The Theater.

16-18 October (Thursday-Saturday): Oliver at Theatro Arkan.

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

24 October (Friday): Breast Cancer Run at District 5.

24 October (Friday): Cairokee at El Malahy Arena.

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.

21-22 November (Friday-Saturday): Traverse Summit at Hydeout, Hyde Park.

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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