Picnic weather

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Climate talks in disarray as tepid G20 statement fails to impress

Good morning wonderful people, and welcome to the weekend. Sit back, relax, and let us run you through last week’s highlights and this weekend’s hidden gems.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

#1- The IMF wrapped up our fourth review, though the Executive Board greenlight is still pending: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly announced that the IMF’s review was set to wrap up Thursday at his weekly presser, noting that only procedural steps remained before the Fund’s Executive Board was expected to formally greenlight the decision. The IMF stated that the two sides had made “substantial progress on policy discussions toward the completion of the fourth review” in a statement released Wednesday, though the Fund’s Egypt head Ivanna Hollar suggested in a separate statement that there was still a little way to go before the review could be concluded.

#2- CBE holds rates steady: The Central Bank of Egypt left key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, it said in a statement (pdf), citing continued broadly stable growth and continued persistent inflation as among the reasons for the decision. “The Committee views the current monetary policy stance as appropriate until a significant and sustained decline in inflation materializes,” the statement said, noting that inflation is expected “to ease appreciably” beginning in 1Q 2025.

Where rates stand: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the overnight deposit rate at 27.25%, the overnight lending rate at 28.25%, and the main operation and discount rates at 27.75%.

IPO WATCH-

United Bank kicked off its planned offering on the EGX on Wednesday, with the bank offering shares for up to EGP 15.60 a pop in a private placement. The total offering could see the bank raise up to EGP 5.1 bn by floating 330 mn of its shares — equivalent to a 30% stake.

AND- Another IPO is in the works: Local real estate developer Al Ahly Sabbour is looking to list some 20-25% of its shares on the EGX, Chairman Ahmed Sabbour said. The company expects to tap an advisor in early 2025, Sabbour said, adding that the final decision on the exact stake to be offered rests with the board and the chosen advisor. The company’s ownership is split between the National Bank of Egypt, which holds a 40% stake, and the Sabbour family, which owns the remaining 60%.

EDUCATION-

Our friends at EFG Hermes launched a USD 300 mn fund that aims to build an “institutional, world-class K-12 operator” in Saudi Arabia. The firm’s Saudi Education Fund “aims to capitalize on the clear market opportunity that is evidenced by the growing student population in private schools, which is expected to more than double.”

ENERGY-

Egypt, UAE ink raft of new energy investments: Senior Egyptian and Emirati figures from the private and public sectors inked numerous investment agreements Wednesday for renewables projects across the length and breadth of the country. The new investments include a floating solar plant in Lake Nasser, a solar plant in Nag Hammadi, and a renewables-focused industrial zone in East Port Said.

AUTOMOTIVE-

The country’s oldest automaker is back in business: State-owned El Nasr Automotive has officially restarted operations after a 15-year hiatus, delivering its first batch of electric 49-passenger buses in partnership with China’s Yutong to Transport Ministry-affiliated companies. We first heard that El Nasr was linking up with a then-unnamed Chinese company to produce buses back in March from a government source.

M&A WATCH-

Ezdehar now fully owns Zahran Market: Private equity outfit Ezdehar Management has purchased the remaining 40% stake of supermarket chain Zahran Market, bringing its total stake up to 100%. The company did not disclose the value of the transaction.

LEGISLATION-

House gives its final approval to proposed refugee bill: The House of Representatives voted in favor of a government-drafted bill that aims to establish a legal framework for refugees’ status, rights and obligations, after the law received preliminary approval earlier in the week. The law’s executive regulations will be issued in six months.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

The Annual Digital Nation Conference is being held from 25 to 27 November at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center. This year’s conference is being held under the theme “Digital Industrial Renaissance” and will “explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are revolutionizing manufacturing.”

The Egypt Energy Show is being held from 26-28 November at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The event will bring together over 10k attendees, 180 exhibitors, and 70 speakers from all over the world to showcase the latest technologies and solutions in the energy sector, from power generation and energy storage to solar power and green energy. Find the link to register on the event’s official website.

The Woodshow Cairo is taking place later in the week, kicking off on Thursday and running through the weekend to wrap up on Saturday. The event is billed as the “leading exhibition platform for wood, furniture & woodworking machinery industry in the MENA region,” bringing together over 11k visitors and 180 exhibitors. Register to attend through the link shared on the event’s official website.

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

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

Eyes were fixed on two events this past week — the COP29 climate talks in Baku and the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

In Baku: Climate talks were in disarray as Saudi Arabia led a group opposing the inclusion of steps outlining how countries will transition away from fossil fuels and embrace greener energy in the final agreement. The talks, which wrap up today, have also seen continued division over wealthy countries’ contributions to developing country climate change mitigation efforts, with parties reluctant to put a number on climate financing proposals.

And over in Rio de Janeiro: The G20, meeting in Rio, pledged to impose taxes on the super-rich — and repeated a demand that the climate finance pool be expanded to “tns” not “bns” of USD.

Following the meeting, the G20 issued a statement with what’s being described as weak language, further throwing a wrench in stalled negotiations at COP29. The shortcoming was made all the more concerning as world leaders are in “disarray” before Donald Trump — who is expected to bring yet more chaos and uncertainty — enters office.

AND IN BUSINESS NEWS- Insider sales in the US by executives have hit their highest level for any quarter in the last two decades as record numbers of senior figures in the corporate world unload shares in their companies amid a post-election stock market boom.

Senior execs from some of Wall Street’s most recognizable stocks have been getting in on the action, including Tesla board director Kathleen Wilson Thompson, who has sold some USD 34.6 mn worth of the EV maker’s stock — which has increased in value by over 37% since election day, in part due to the CEO’s involvement with the incoming administration.

PLUS- Nvidia reported lower than expected revenue growth in its 3Q 2024-25 earnings results, with the chipmaker saying its revenues grew 94% y-o-y and 17% q-o-q. The company also forecast its lowest revenue growth in seven quarters, with the rollout of its Blackwell AI chips set to initially weigh on margins.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Expect a high of 28°C and low of 16°C in the capital today, and similar temperatures tomorrow with a high of 27°C and low of 18°C, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Grill Setup is back. This outdoor culinary concept brings delicious food, special cocktails, and great music. It’s taking place tomorrow at ZED Park from 1pm til 9pm. Kids and pets are welcome. Book your spot through the link in Grill Setup’s instagram bio.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

Sharmoofers are about to liven the stage at their Malahy concert tonight. The concert will start at 7pm. Tickets are available at Ticketsmarche.

You still have a chance to see these art pieces. Due to the high turnout, Cairopolitan’s Cairo Prints exhibition is scheduled to be extended until the end of December at Garden City. The exhibition features a collection of prints and artworks created by more than 180 Egyptian and Arab artists.

The From Alexandria With Love exhibition is open, a tribute to the artistic works of brothers Seif and Adham Wanly from the 40s to the 70s. The exhibition is taking place at Art Talk Gallery in Zamalek and you have until Sunday, 24 November to visit.

Time to dust off basketball shoes and jerseys, Double Dribble League is back. At Maadi Sports Club, guys and gals who play ball will get together in twelve teams and battle it out every Friday for the next 12 weeks. Stay tuned for more details.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Witness the musical theatrical show I Love You, You Are Perfect, Now Change, which dives into love and relationships in a light, comedic way. The show will take place at El Rihany Theater in Downtown on Thursday, 28 November at 8pm. You can book tickets through TicketsMarche.

Leila Men El Zaman El Gameel. Omar Khairat is performing a concert at the Bassily Auditorium in AUC New Cairo on Friday, 29 November. Tickets are available on Tazkarti .

The IL Monte Galala Crystal Lagoons Aquathlon returns. There are events ranging from the Olympic Race to the Family Fun Race where participants can experience excitement, competition, and prize money for top finishers. The Aquathalon will take place on Friday, 29 November starting at 8:00am. View the available courses and sign up through Collard Tickets.

The guide to a perfect picnic

The temperatures are dropping, and the crisp air has set in, and you know what that means — time for a picnic. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a peaceful solo retreat, this guide will help you plan the ultimate picnic, from choosing the perfect spot to packing the essentials.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT PICNIC SPOT: Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly park, a scenic location near your home, or a place to be surrounded by nature, here are some of the best spots in Cairo you might want to consider.

#1- AL AZHAR PARK: This park has gardens, fountains, and breathtaking views of Cairo’s skyline. It’s an ideal spot to set up a gathering with friends and family, unwind, and share a relaxing meal. Al Azhar Park is located in El Darb El Ahmar.

#2- ZED PARK: This modernized park has tons of places where you can set up your picnic. It has a blend of nature and modern amenities for all ages that you can make use of during your picnic. There are also some food vendors available on-site if you don’t feel like packing your own picnic basket — but that’s cheating. ZED Park is located in Sheikh Zayed.

#3- AQUARIUM GROTTO GARDEN PARK: This is a not so hidden gem in Cairo and a great spot for a family picnic. Nestled on an island by the Nile, this historic park offers a tranquil retreat. Kids can enjoy the playground, or take a leisurely walk by the pond. The Aquarium Grotto is located in Zamalek, and requires an entrance fee of EGP 20.

#4- WADI DEGLA PROTECTORATE: Hankering for a taste of the desert (or a place to grill without setting anything on fire)? Wadi Degla’s expansive valley — home to a number of desert animals and remarkable plant life — is perfect if you want to get away from the noise of the city, go for a hike, and have a much-deserved picnic afterwards. Wadi Degla is located in Tura, and requires an entrance fee.

WHAT TO EAT: Because it’s not a picnic without the food.

#1- FRESH FRUITS: Fresh-cut fruits are a great addition to any picnic. It’s a refreshing and healthy choice — and you can buy them precut to save yourself the effort. There’s an array of options to choose from, and they’re a great mess-free addition to your picnic basket.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find precut fruit at Seoudi, Fresh Food Market, and Gourmet.

#2- DRINKS: A variety of drinks can elevate your picnic experience and keep everyone refreshed. Pack a mix of options like sodas, juices, sparkling water, from your local grocery story, and maybe even a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate for when it cools down. Don’t forget to bring cups — which you can find on Amazon or Rabbit, and at Gourmet — and a cooler — found on Amazon, Gourmet, or Polarbox — to keep everything at the perfect temperature.

#3- CHARCEUTERIE BOARDS: Charcuterie boards make for a great group snacking session. Packed with a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh accompaniments like olives and grapes, they’re suitable for all preferences and great for sharing. They’ll also look great on your picnic (and Instragram) layout.

WHERE TO BUY- You can assemble your own charcuterie board from store-bought products, but if you’d like to save yourself the effort, they’re readily available on Gourmet and Goodsmart, or you can order one from On Board Eats and The Grate Board. Some options need time to prepare, so plan ahead.

#4- PASTRIES: Think buttery croissants, fluffy donuts, or even the perfect finger food: mini sandwiches. They’re easy to pack, mess-free, and great for a casual snack or dessert. Bring some coffee or tea along too for a cozy treat.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find some options at TBS, Ratios, or Paul.

WHAT TO BRING: Preparing for a picnic is half the fun, and thorough preparation ensures you’ll have everything you need for the perfect day in the great outdoors.

#1- PICNIC BASKET: What’s a picnic without a picnic basket? You’ll need somewhere to carry all the goodies you’ve brought along, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a woven basket to feed into the rustic aesthetic and make your picnic even more visually appealing. You may also want to bring some food containers for easy storage, to make sure everything is tight-sealed and prevent any spillage.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find picnic baskets on Amazon or Jumia.

#2- PICNIC BLANKET: For the purpose of both functionality and aesthetic, you might want to bring a blanket to sit down on. This will keep you from placing your food (or behind) directly on the grass or sand, and will also add some more visual appeal to your picnic.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find classic checkered ones on Jumia or Amazon. If you’re practicing extreme minimalism or the no-buy pledge — or don’t see the need to shell out for a picnic blanket — any blanket or bed sheet will do.

#3- GRILL/PORTABLE STOVE: You may want to take your picnic a step further and turn it into a barbeque. In this case, you’ll need to bring a grill or a little picnic stove to cook your meal on.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find some lightweight grills on Amazon, Gourmet, Gazebo, Homzmart, and BBQ House.

#4- GAMES- Now that you’ve lounged and eaten, it’s time to have some fun. Bring along some card and board games to connect with your loved ones and amp up the bonding time.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find games on Amazon, 2oolameme, and Noon.

An even grander and more audacious film as its predecessor.

📽 The gladiators have made a stunning return to the arena in Gladiator II. The words of a famed gladiator, “What we do in life echoes in eternity,” has held true with Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel. Scott has managed to deliver a sequel just as grand and ambitious as its predecessor, introducing a new generation to the brutality and beauty of the gladiator’s world.

Picking up 16 years after the events of the first film, the story focuses on Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), now a man, struggling with destiny and vengeance — when his adopted homeland Numidia falls under the Roman Empire’s siege, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Lucius is then captured and returned back to Rome. Unknown by the Romans, he finds the city ruled by the brutal and deranged Emperor twins — Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), and gets thrown into the colosseum to battle for their entertainment and his life.

The cast shines across the board. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus, a former slave turned master of gladiators, was a great exercise of the icon’s acting chops. Meanwhile, Pascal brings in a steady, stoic intensity to his character which contrasts perfectly Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn’s chaotic personas. Mescal’s tenure in arthouse productions is pointed in this film, playing the character with more subtlety than some would like, but most will appreciate.

Gladiatorial battles reached new heights, having the contenders face off against rhinos and a naval battle. While there are probably — definitely — many historical inaccuracies, the visual spectacle is worth the watch and entertaining.

Verdict: With its bold storytelling, unforgettable performances, and breathtaking visuals, the film cements its legacy as a worthy successor to the original.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find showings of Gladiator II at VOX Cinemas in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Cairo Festival City, Citystars cinemas, Cima Arkan, and Scene Cinemas at District 5.

With a little help from my friends

📚 This book will help you navigate the challenges of healing. Sylvester McNutt III’s Care Package: Harnessing the Power of Self-Compassion to Heal & Thrive blends personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and motivational wisdom to provide readers with the tools they need to overcome the burdens of shame, guilt, codependency, and self-doubt.

McNutt openly shares his own battles with childhood trauma, boundary-setting, and self-worth. He creates a sense of connection where readers are not just receiving advice from an expert, but listening to someone who has experienced similar struggles. This relatability infuses the book with a warmth and sincerity that makes its lessons resonate deeply.

McNutt focuses on healing strategies, such as managing stress, cultivating healthy habits, and creating boundaries that protect one’s emotional well-being. His guidance on processing childhood trauma and staying present as an adult is both practical and compassionate, acknowledging the difficulty of such work while offering hope for meaningful transformation.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Care Package at Diwan.

Turkey’s CZN Burak lands in Egypt

🍴 CZN Burak, the internet sensation by the chef with the megawatt smile, is officially here in Cairo. Known for his viral videos of larger-than-life dishes and his unique blend of traditional Turkish flavors with a modern twist, Burak Özdemir has finally opened a branch in the heart of Cairo. From hosting global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Will Smith to dazzling fans worldwide, CZN Burak ’s newest restaurant is set to become the city’s hottest dining spot.

Skip the appetizers. Not only will you need the stomach space, we found that our picks couldn’t beat their Egyptian counterparts. Sorry, chef.

Don’t go looking for variety — lamb is the main event in all of the main courses. Most plates are designed to be shared between two to four people, but one dish comes with a special show of skill. The restaurant prides itself on its grilling expertise, and the beef really was some of the best we’ve had.

The Ali Nazik dish was unlike anything we’ve ever had before. Grilled and pureed aubergine is topped with a generous portion of melt-in-your-mouth cuts of beef tenderloin. It may be too unfamiliar for some, but seasoned foodies will come back for this dish.

When it came to the traditional Turkish picks, we played it safe with the Lamb with Kabseh Tandoori, which could’ve easily fed three people. The clay pot included three pieces of perfectly soft and buttery lamb shanks bedded on fluffy tandoori spiced rice.

Unfortunately there was no space left for dessert, but they have it all from bakalavas to exotic fruit platters — you’ll surely find something that’s equally satisfying your sugar cravings and tastes heavenly.

A word of caution: The restaurant brings on the noise and the bill. There will be an occasional sudden cacophony due to plates being played with spoons and the gathered staff cheer and whoop as a fire display happens nearby. The performance lasts around for a few seconds before it starts again later on. We also like to say that the items on the menu are on the pricier side, so we suggest bringing a few friends to share the experience (and the bill) with.

💵 Per person: EGP 3k

🪑 Outdoor seating: No

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

A fresh harvest of features in Stardew Valley 1.6

🎮 The latest update of Stardew Valley is here, and so are the patches. Developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has once again delivered a fresh round of improvements and additions to this beloved farming sim. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a newcomer, get ready to sink your weekend into the game.

ICYMI: Stardew Valley gives you the chance to escape the 9-5 grind. Players inherit a rundown — albeit charming — farm from their grandfather, prompting the decision to leave their corporate life behind and move to the countryside. On the surface, Stardew Valley looks like a typical farming sim, as farming activities are how you primarily earn money to fund your adventures, but you quickly learn that things in Pelican Town aren’t as ‘wholesome’ as they may seem.

What to expect: The update introduces a bevy of new content beyond UI, expanding the world of Stardew Valley with both subtle and major improvements. Players now have a fifth farm type to choose from that prioritizes animal rearing instead of farming. More crops are added to the roster — including a couple that grow in winter — to shake up your routine a little bit. More quests, new dialogue, mystery boxes, new (furry) neighbors, 40+ new items, more pets, visual improvements, and new festivals will keep you occupied for days. You can find the whole changelog here.

💯 Rating: 10/10 on Steam.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: ~200 hours for completionists, but we suggest you play for leisure.

🔁 Replay value: 10/10

👾 Platforms: Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, App Store, and Google Play.

💵 Price: USD 5.99 on Steam, USD 14.99 on Nintendo, Playstation, and Xbox, and USD 4.99 on iOS and Android.

A deep dive into cults

👂 Behind the curtains of cults. A Little Bit Culty offers listeners an exploration of high-control groups and the abuses of power within them. Hosted by Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames, the podcast focuses on the lived experiences of survivors and the psychological underpinnings of cult behavior.

We get the breakdown of why people join cults, with an emphasis on the idea that individuals often join “a good thing” that gradually becomes harmful. Through interviews with survivors and experts, the hosts explore the nature of manipulation, showing how victims are put through isolation, humiliation, and coercive tactics.

These conversations uncover patterns of abuse that listeners may recognize even from everyday contexts, such as corporate environments or toxic relationships. Discussions with guests like linguist Amanda Montell and business expert Cameron Herold reveal how language, social cohesion, and authority can become tools of control, challenging listeners to reevaluate cultural norms and recognize manipulative behaviors in their own lives.

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

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

8 November – 31 January (Friday-Friday): Double Dribble League at the Maadi Sports Club.

19 November – 31 December (Tuesday-Tuesday): Cairo Prints Exhibition at Garden City.

12-24 November (Tuesday-Sunday): From Alexandria With Love exhibition at Art Talk Gallery in Zamalek.

13-22 November (Wednesday-Friday): Cairo International Film Festival.

22 November (Friday): Grill Setup at Zed Park.

22 November (Friday): TriFactory TMK Run at District 5.

22 November (Friday): Arees El Bahr Play at Theatro Arkan.

22 November (Friday): Sharmoofers at Malahy.

23 November (Saturday): Rahet Bally Experience at Majarrah, Sheikh Zayed.

24 November (Sunday): Omar Khairat concert at Monaco Hall, Triumph Luxury Hotel.

26 November (Tuesday): WKND Comedy at Boom Room, OpenAir Mall Madinaty.

27 November (Wednesday): Saad Al Oud Concert at Boom Room, OpenAir Mall Madinaty.

28 November (Thursday): I love you, you are perfect, now change play at El Rihany Theatre.

29 November (Friday): Crystal Lagoons Aquathlon VOL.2 at IL Monte Galala, Ein El Sokhna.

29 November (Friday): Omar Khairat concert at Bassily Auditorium in AUC.

DECEMBER

3 December (Tuesday): Ali El Haggar Tetrat W Zekrayat concert at Theatro Arkan.

5 December (Thursday): Muslim at Theatro Arkan.

5 December (Thursday): Abdel Halim Hafez tribute concert at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

5 December (Thursday): Tul8te at ZED park.

6 December (Friday): TriFactory PMH warm-up run at District 5.

7 December (Saturday): Marwan Pablo and Nayer Nagui concert at Grand Egyptian Museum.

7 December (Saturday): AFP Future of Finance at Conrad Cairo Hotel & Casino.

13 December (Friday): Aura Music Festival at Lac Du Caire.

14 December (Saturday): TriFactory’s The Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

15-17 December (Sunday-Tuesday): Cairo Blockchain Week at Cairo Citadel.

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Climate talks in disarray as tepid G20 statement fails to impress

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