Nurturing mindful digital balance

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

THIS WEEKEND: Madbouly government downgrades Egypt’s growth forecast

Good morning, folks, and happy Friday. How is the second month of the year coming so close to an end?

Time does fly when you're scrolling or watching endless reels. Aside from ruining our relationship with our smart devices, it takes a toll on our physical and mental health.But, we have news for you: Our mindful technology use guide will assist you in adopting some habits and small tweaks to regain control over your relationship with your smart devices.

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-

ECONOMY-

Gov’t trims next fiscal year’s growth forecast: The Madbouly government has downgraded its growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to 4.2% — 0.5 percentage points below projections penciled in last month.

MEANWHILE- A report on the continent’s macroeconomic performance by the African Development Bank sees Egypt’s growth slowing to 3.7% in 2024, down from 4% in 2023.

ENERGY-

#1- Egypt is getting more gas from Israel: The Israeli Energy Ministry has greenlit an agreement that will see Israel increase its gas exports to Egypt from Chevron’s offshore Tamar field starting July 2025. Under the agreement, Israel will raise gas exports by an additional 4 bn cubic meters (bcm) annually for the next 11 years — triple what is currently exported from the field.

#2- Another 1-GW solar plant by Scatec is officially underway: Norwegian renewables developer Scatec is set to build a 1-GW solar power plant to power EgyptAlum’s Nagaa Hammadi industrial complex under an agreement inked by the two parties. The first 500-MW phase of the project will be completed within 18 months, while the second phase is set to wrap up within two years.

TOURISM-

Tourism is off to a good start this year despite regional tension: Tourist arrivals in the first 40 days of this year were up 5% from the same period last year, Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said on Monday. While hitting Egypt’s target to welcome 18 mn tourists this year is looking increasingly difficult due to the geopolitical tensions in the region, a turnout close to the target is still possible, Issa said.

WAR WATCH-

Egypt testified before the ICJ against Israel: Egypt — among 52 nations — started presenting arguments to the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the court to build a non-binding opinion on the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Foreign Ministry legal advisor Yasmine Moussa took to the floor of the ICJ to condemn the Israeli occupation of Palestine before a public hearing on Wednesday for the UN to build an advisory position on the legality of the occupation (watch, runtime: 6:13:25). “Israel is deliberately … creating conditions of life that are intended to make life in Gaza impossible, imposing siege and starvation, including by impeding humanitarian access and the distribution of relief through constant obstruction and bombardment,” Moussa said.

US vetoes calls for a ceasefire for a third time at the UN: Algeria’s draft motion calling for an immediate ceasefire was blocked by a US veto at the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Of the 15-member body, 13 nations voted for the resolution and the United Kingdom abstained.

Egypt slammed the US veto as “shameful” in a statement released late on Wednesday by the Foreign Ministry. While Algerian UN Ambassador to the UN Amar Bendjema told the council before the vote that, “A vote in favor of this draft resolution is support to the Palestinians right to life. Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them.”

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

G20 foreign ministers, including our own Sameh Shoukry, met in Brazilto discuss ongoing crises — the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The ministers shared a grim outlook that “proposals to upgrade global governance will advance easily.”

The EU launches its Red Sea and Gulf maritime security mission, dubbed Eunavfor Aspides, to “contribute to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation, for the sake of the EU, the region, and the wider international community.”

Two of the US’ biggest credit card lenders are getting married: Capital One is acquiring Discover Financial Services in a USD 35 bn all-stock transaction. The transaction will see Discover shareholders receiving 1.0192 shares in Capital One for every share in Discover. The merged company will see Capital One shareholders holding 60% and Discover shareholders taking the remaining balance.

FDI inflows to China slow to a crawl: Foreign direct investment in China in 2023 hit its lowest level in three decades on the back of slow post-pandemic recovery and a spiraling property crisis. Direct investment liabilities — a gauge that measures foreign capital inflows — were down 82% y-o-y in 2023 at USD 33 bn — its lowest since 1993.

US chipmaker Nvidia reported a 265% y-o-y jump in quarterly revenues on the back of a splurge in AI spending that has now pushed the company’s valuation to USD 1.7 tn — surpassing that of tech goliath and Google-parent company Alphabet, reports the Financial Times. Net income also skyrocketed 770% during the same period to USD 12.3 bn.

☁️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Expect a cloudy day today with the mercury climbing to a high of 20°C and dropping to a low of 13°C at night. Saturday should see more sunshine with a temperature peaking at 24°C in the morning and cooling to 12°C in the evening, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

MUSIC-

Don’t miss Hisham Abbas and Hamid El Shari tonight at CJC 610’s round of Ma Yatlobohoo El Mostame3oon. The duo will deliver all the hits you love and will feature DJ Andy Cheikho to set the mood. Message CJC to find out how to book your spot.

ENTERTAINMENT-

Comedian Mohamed Helmy and podcast host Alaa ElSheikh are taking to the stage once more in HelmyMan’s Podcast 3alMasra7 at Zed Park tonight. Tickets are available here and range from EGP 375 to EGP 675.

Already have plans or just want an extra dose of giggles? ROOM New Cairo is hosting the Konafa Comedy Night tomorrow. The five comedians will be starting their performance at 9pm, but doors open at 8:30pm. Tickets are available for EGP 200, but does not include the one minimum order required.

SPORTS-

Double Dribble Leagues has got all basketball enthusiasts covered. Running until today the weekly mixed league hosted at the Maadi Sporting and Yacht Club is for anyone who wants to live out their baller dreams or stay fit while having fun.

EVENTS-

Join Sarij al-Din Sarij for a book signing and discussion of his short story collection titled Searching for You. Hosted by Bibliothek Egypt, the event will take place tomorrow at 6pm.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

ARTS-

Bibliothek Gallery’s new curated exhibition, Lines of Intimacy, explores the possibilities of printmaking. The exhibition features three artists crossing boundaries through their work and is open daily from 10am to 10pm until next Saturday, 2 March.

SPORTS-

The Cairo Half Marathon is taking place soon: Mark your calendars next Friday, 1 March, and start stretching. Cairo Runners is bringing back a fan favorite, offering 5km, 10km, and 21km runs as well as a Family Run. Tickets are still available, giving you ample time to convince seven of your friends to join, which will get a 10% reduction in price when you register.

Get down and dirty at the TriFactory’s Tough Mudder Egypt next Friday, 1 March. The obstacle course challenge will take place at Belle Vie Club in New Zayed.

EVENTS-

Fancy yourself a detective? Murder-mystery fans can pull out their magnifying glasses to crack this case. Cluedupp and Crime Scene Investigator are staging a hard-boiled outdoor event next Saturday, 2 March where you have to solve four murders around the city by solving puzzles, interrogating witnesses, and hunting for clues. Find more details here.

Bibliothek Egypt is hosting yet another book signing for Reem Basyuni’s two latest works, Mario Abu al-Abbas and In Search of Happiness, on Friday, 1 March at 6:30pm. Along with the book signing will be a seminar titled Architecture and Impact.

ENTERTAINMENT-

Like comedy and want to get in on the fun? Presented by Al Mothalas, El Khatba is an interactive comedy experience at Rawabet Art Space on Friday, 1 March at 8pm.

How to use technology mindfully and foster a healthy relationship with our devices

Do you ever get the feeling that your phone is more of a frenemy than a friend? We’ve all lost track of time endlessly scrolling through articles, posts, and cat videos instead of tackling to-do lists or reading books that have been gathering dust on our shelves. The truth is our devices were designed to distract us and pull us into their digital embrace.

But there’s a way out of the chaos of digital distraction: Mindful technology use.Mindful tech use isn’t about abandoning our devices or turning into a social media hermit — it’s about forging a conscious connection with technology, reclaiming our attention, and navigating the vast ocean of information purposefully.

Prolonged screen time and use of technology can lead to real-life long-term issues. It takes a toll on your physical health through bad posture, back pain, neck pain, worsening eyesight, poor sleep… Should we keep going?

But the effects can be more insidious.Psychotherapist Salma Tarek (LinkedIn) told us that people who use technology excessively might also experience anxiety from the constant barrage of stressful news circulating online. It can also make it difficult to regulate your emotions and impact the quality of your social interactions and sense of connection, says Tarek. This might end up making you feel less satisfied and fulfilled in the long term.

Learning to use technology mindfully will help us focus our attention on ourwellbeing, freeing us up to pursue more engaging or productive activities without completely cutting us off from the rest of the world. Reducing those notifications will help us regulate our use and encourage us to be present instead of being sucked into whatever flashes on our screen, says Tarek.

Here’s how to use technology in a way that benefits our lives instead of taking over it.

DISABLE ALL NON-HUMAN NOTIFICATIONS-

Muting all notifications is great for disconnecting in the short-term, but it’s not practical for everyday use. Instead, identify the notifications that are genuinely useful for staying in touch, or up-to-date on work-related tasks, and silence the rest.

Use Do Not Disturb (DND) strategically. Both iPhones and Androids let you set a schedule for the notifications you receive so you can block out specific times you want to spend concentrating, relaxing, or socializing. If you need to zoom in on one activity, but want to receive certain and/or relevant notifications, you can use Focus mode instead. Curating the banners and red badges that clutter your home screen guarantees that you’re reducing unnecessary interruptions, and can curb mindless scrolling, says Tarek.

Want to fine-tune notification customization beyond built-in DND features? Try a third-party app. Android apps like Nights Keeper, Digital Wellbeing, and Tasker and iOS apps like Freedom, Focus Keeper, and OffScreen can help lock you out of apps and websites for specific periods of time, or train you to work in focused bursts with set breaks.

USE ONE DEVICE/APP AT A TIME-

Cycling through different apps and devices can keep us occupied for hours and hours. Dedicating your time to just one app or device can help you focus on and engage with whatever entertainment you’re enjoying or information you’re consuming. This will make it easier for you to notice when you’ve had your fill of whatever you’re doing.

If you plan to focus on just one device for an extended period, it’ll be easier to scheduleregular breaks to disconnect and refocus. Stretching, breathing exercises, or even taking a walk will help you feel refreshed and prevent burnout.

CHARGE YOUR PHONE OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM-

We hear this one often. But is it practical? Creating a tech-free sleep sanctuary will help you resist checking your phone before sleep or first thing in the morning. It’ll also stop you from checking it if you wake up in the middle of the night, which disrupts your sleep cycle.

Invest in an alarm clock. Rather than relying on your phone, get yourself a single-purpose alarm clock. This will break the association between using your phone and waking up, and encourage a calmer and more mindful start to your day. Instead of scrolling for half an hour before waking up, you could do some stretches and set your intentions/goals for the day.

TRY A DUMB PHONE-

You’ve met the smartphone, now meet the cure.Dumb phones are phones with limited options that focus on primary functions like making calls, sending texts, and basic multimedia features. They typically don’t offer app stores or any third-party apps. And don’t worry, they don’t all look like early the 2000s bricks.

This may not be the full-time phone for you. Unless you enjoy being off the grid, you can save this phone for weekends and vacations. While many of them offer basic internet access and email, some of us need more hands-on connections and digital services in our day-to-day lives.

… but they can be a great alternative to just ditching your phone during a digital detox — it lets you disconnect from the digital world without completely making you unreachable. And remember when batteries lasted longer than 0.75 days? The limited functionality of these phones translates to a significantly longer battery life, meaning you don’t have to walk around with a charger or rush home because you’re at 1%.

Madam Web is the odd one out in the Marvel universe + The WheelHouse is a new concept cafe in District 5. PLUS: Another true crime page-turner for those nights at home

? AT THE MOVIES-

Yet another Marvel-based superhero film hit the theaters last week, marking Sony’s fourth installment in the Spider-man Universe. The consensus: It was tragic — for the filmmakers, the actors, and definitely for the time we spent watching it. But maybe you should go see it — we predict a “I watched it when it first came out” cult classic renaissance for the film in 10-20 years á la Halle Berry’s Catwoman and Ben Affleck’s Daredevil.

This origin story (watch trailer, runtime: 3:02) follows Cassie Webb (Dakota Johnson), a paramedic who gains clairvoyant abilities after a near-death experience. This gives her access to the Web of Life, which shows her how everyone’s lives are interconnected. Johnson’s character is tasked with saving three young women from an antagonist whose motive seems to be simply the joy of being evil.

But the real villain is the writing. Like any superhero, Cassie has a tragic backstory — and so on and so forth — checking off all other genre prerequisites. The only differentiator is that Cassie’s abilities aren’t physical, which would have been an interesting concept to explore if not for the fact that it seems to have completely stumped the writers. It may be especially startling since Sony also brought us the exceptional animated Spider-Verse films.

We saw this coming: A week after the trailer was released, Johnson left her talent agency. While this was an overt harbinger for the movie’s caliber, there were some interesting nuggets we wish they would have pulled the thread on. Our verdict: Experience the film to appreciate the inevitable memes.

WHERE TO WATCH- Madame Web is screening in VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Cima Arkan, CFC theaters, and Citystars cinemas.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Where do we draw the line between justice and revenge? Rebecca Makkai’s protagonist in I Have Some Questions For You has spent her adult life trying not to think about her classmate’s murder. Now a professor and a podcaster, Bodie Kane is invited back to her hometown to teach a course and inadvertently gets caught up in investigating the killing, for which she now thinks the wrong person was convicted.

The popularity of true crime podcasts and documentaries has been in contention lately, with the ethics of consuming tragedies as entertainment being questioned. But their inevitable high ratings keep them in production. Makkai forces us to confront our collective obsession with true crime in her self-aware mystery, which brings self-appointed Detective Columbos into sharp relief.

In this novel, we are the intruder. We are the greedily compelled masses that can’t turn away from the violence and gore of true crime. And Bodie hates us. This may make her a character difficult to like for some, but perhaps that’s the point. Perhaps that hate is projected, as Bodie is unable to stop herself from digging into the past.

Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those open-ended philosophical novels that harp on about the impossibility of finding the truth. Instead, it discusses the uncomfortable idea that maybe finding out the truth is worse — that it can’t offer you the closure you desperately need.

WHERE TO FIND IT-Cherry Blossom Books is restocking the book soon for EGP 297. If you can’t wait, you can get it on Kindle as an ebook for USD 14.99.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

The WheelHouse bridges together, food, drinks, and bikes. This cafe, staying true to its namesake, is in a wheelhouse in District 5 in New Cairo. The downstairs area is your typical cafe, with the addition of some funky biking decor, and when you go upstairs you’ll find a bike tuning studio, where they also host occasional workshops. You can even rent a bike to go around the compound to squeeze in a workout and take in the vistas.

Aside from the niche decor, the food hits the spot. Their concise menu spares you the confusion: They offer all-day brunch, sandwiches, salads, and biscuits. The breakfast burrito will give you a hearty start to your day, or if you’re looking for something to fill that hole in your soul. We enjoyed the halloumi grilled chicken sandwich, though it was on the drier side — so a drizzle of that balsamic dressing should do the trick. The tuna sauerkraut sandwich was also a hit.

The biscuits were the star of the show. With both sweet and savory options, there are a lot of flavors to choose from. Our favorite savory biscuit was the Jalapeno, meanwhile the honey flavor won our sweet tooth over. We’d recommend giving the whole collection a go out if you give The WheelHouse a visit.

There’s seating for everyone’s preference. With both an outdoor and indoor area, the cafe is a solid spot to hang out no matter the weather, and even with big groups. If you choose to sit outside you’ll also have the option of a shaded area or a table where you can bask in the sunlight. The staff will go the extra mile, so expect excellent service while you enjoy their treats.

? Per person: EGP 200-400

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

The ninth edition of Like a Dragon brings old faces and new adventures

The Yakuza goes to Hawaii in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The tenth title in the Like a Dragon installment comes as a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020), and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023). Another 3D action adventure, this volume retains the franchise’s signature dynamic and fast-paced battles.

But that’s not the only thing it keeps — some familiar faces make a comeback. While the 2020 and 2023 protagonist Ichiban Kasuga naturally returns, so does Kazuma Kiryu, the original series leading character. The cast make their way to Hawaii (eventually — if you remember, the series has a habit of giving players episode-long exposition) to look for Ichiban’s biological mother, once presumed dead.

You switch protagonists halfway through — taking control of Kiryu, now battling cancer as well as Japan’s yakuza system. Ichiban and Kiryu’s dynamic — that of opposites, Ichiban the happy-go-lucky labrador and Kiryu the dramatic and brooding black cat — delivers heartfelt humor and plenty of emotional payoff.

The familiar gameplay receives a welcome injection of variety, with new job classes and the sprawling Hawaiian setting, offering a playground for customization and exploration, and swapping the neon-drenched alleys of Kamurocho for the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii is a refreshing change.

The vastness of the game can occasionally lead to a sense of repetition. While side quests are still as good as ever, you may find their objectives and rewards formulaic. Thankfully, the main story’s twists and turns, coupled with the captivating personalities, often pull you back in before monotony sets in.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 60-100+ hours.

? Price: USD 69.99 for the Standard Edition, USD 84.99 for the Deluxe Edition, and USD 109.99 for the Ultimate Edition.

? Platforms: Playstation, Xbox, and Steam for PC.

Get some more of that happy hormone with the Happiness Lab

Embark on a journey into the realms of happiness with The Happiness Lab, a podcast hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, a Professor of Psychology at Yale University. Driven by an evidence-based approach, the podcast delves into the scientific nooks and crannies of what makes us happy. The host also offers practical insights and actionable strategies for us to cultivate that sense of contentment.

Dr. Santos uses cutting-edge research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economicsas references: Incorporating this knowledge to unravel what influences our levels of happiness. Each episode serves as an exploration into a different chapter of human psychology, looking at the transformative power of gratitude and kindness to the challenges we face from social media that can lead to negativity.

The podcast aims to arm you with tools to handle stress, anxiety, or simply seeking a path to greater fulfillment. Through its engaging insight, it gives us a roadmap to a happier and more meaningful existence.

WHERE TO LISTEN- The Happiness Lab is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

23 February (Friday): Double Dribble Leagues weekly mixed basketball league.

23 February (Friday): Edgy Seeka comedy show at ROOM Garden City.

23 February (Friday): Red BullRoadgap at Track Sports Hall.

23 February (Friday): Pottery Painting at Qahrawya Studio.

23 February (Friday): HelmyMan Presents: Podcast 3alMasra7 at Zed Park.

23 February (Friday): Hamid El Shari and Hisham Abbas concert at Cairo Jazz Club 610.

24 February (Saturday): Konafa Comedy Night at ROOM New Cairo.

24 February (Saturday): Fatma, Marcia and Rachel tour with Qahrawya.

24 February (Saturday): Gheer La2eq comedy show at Theatro Arkan.

24 February (Saturday): Ibn Tulun tour and stucco workshop by Athar Lina and Megawra.

24 February (Saturday): R&B soul night at Elsawy Culturewheel.

24 February (Saturday): Book signing and discussion at Bibliothek Egypt.

25 February (Sunday): AUC’s Business Forward Annual Event.

25-26 February (Sunday-Monday): Medhat Saleh concert at the Cairo Opera House.

26 February (Monday): Salsa Night at Cairo Jazz Club 610.

26-29 February (Monday-Thursday): Art direction workshop at SYNC School.

27 February (Tuesday): Hardcase + Divine concert at ROOM New Cairo.

28 February (Wednesday): Ali El Haggar concert at El Sawy Culturewheel.

28 February (Wednesday): Aziz Maraka at Cairo Jazz Club 610.

28 February (Wednesday): Hisham Kharma concert at Gomhouria Theater.

29 February (Thursday): Gaza Mon Amour will be screening at Qahrawya.

29 February (Thursday): Blue Iris Unplugged Vol. 2 at ROOM Garden City.

MARCH

1 March (Friday): Cairo Half Marathon by Cairo Runners.

1 March (Friday): Red Bull Dance Your Style at Paris Marina.

1 March (Friday): EGYCON at Club 7.

1 March (Friday): Stigma album release concert at ROOM Garden City.

1 March (Friday): Tough Mudder Egypt by TriFactory.

1 March (Friday): Book signing and seminar at Bibliothek Egypt.

1 March (Friday): El Khatbaat Rawabet Art Space.

2 March (Saturday): Kajwelo event at Zed Park.

2 March (Saturday): CSI Cairo by CluedUpp.

3-6 March (Sunday-Wednesday): Digital illustration workshop at SYNC School.

8 March (Friday): Tablet El Sitt and Mushequa Artists at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

9 March (Saturday): Wadi Degla clean up event at Wadi Degla Protectorate.

9 March (Saturday): Red Bull Car Drift at Sports Expo.

11-12 March (Monday-Tuesday): Creative Industry Summit.

11 March (Monday): The Oscars

20-23 March (Wednesday-Saturday): Advertising Workshop: Presenting and Pitching for Creatives at SYNC School.

APRIL

9 April (Tuesday): Eid El Fitr (TBC).

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

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

MAY

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

5 May (Sunday): Coptic Easter.

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

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.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2023: The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Q1 2024: Opening of the newly developed Pyramids Plateau in Giza

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