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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Madbouly gov’t aims to transfer all state-owned companies to SFE

Good morning, friends, and Ramadan kareem. We hope you’re hydrated and caffeinated, and ready for the holy month. We’ll know in a few hours’ time whether Ramadan begins tomorrow or on Sunday, as Dar Al Ifta is expected to hold its traditional moon sighting this evening.

In our Enterprise Guide this week we take a deep dive into the best series set to grace your screens this Ramadan — with a dozen of the month’s 39 titles reviewed, you’ll be set for all your Suhoor series debates.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

PRIVATIZATION-

All state-owned companies could come under the SFE: The Madbouly government is aiming to transfer the administration of all state-owned companies to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) in order to boost their returns, Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib said during his participation in the Investopia 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi Wednesday.

ECONOMY-

#1- Kouchouk laid out the details of the new social protection package: Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk shared the details of the government’s long-awaited social protection package of wage and pension hikes and support to Egypt’s most vulnerable following the cabinet’s weekly meeting on Wednesday. The new package included wage hikes, pension increases, cost of living increases for government workers, an EGP 10 bn economic empowerment fund, short-term Ramadan and Eid relief, and support for irregular workers.


#2- Remittances from Egyptians abroad jumped 51.3% y-o-y in 2024, reaching USD 29.6 bn. Inflows from Egyptians abroad increased as they started sending more of their remittances through official channels after the float of the EGP in March last year put an end to the parallel market that had pushed remittance flows through unofficial channels.

INVESTMENT-

#1- Haier to invest USD 500 mn in expanding Tenth of Ramadan complex: Chinese appliance manufacturer Haier plans to inject USD 500 mn over the next five years to expand its industrial complex in Tenth of Ramadan to increase its production capacity 5x. Haier will acquire additional land through the Industrial Development Authority and begin operating the second phase of the complex in 4Q 2026.


#2- Turkey’s Eroglu will set up a USD 120 mn garment factory in Qantara West: Eroglu Garment — a subsidiary of Turkish clothing manufacturer Eroglu Holding — is investing some USD 120 mn in a new integrated garment factory in the Qantara West Industrial Zone.


#3- More golden licenses awarded: Cabinet agreed to award a golden license to China’s state-owned Xinxing for its USD 145 mn ductile iron pipes factory in Ain Sokhna’s TEDA industrial park and Yada Egypt for its EUR 70 mn furnitureplant in New Alamein.

ENERGY-

#1- Local gas production dipped to an eight-year low of 4.87 bn cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2024, shedding 16%, or nearly 1 bcf/d, y-o-y, according to the Middle East Economic Survey (MEES), marking the third consecutive year of declines. Meanwhile, separate figures from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (Jodi) indicated an even lower figure of 4.77 bcf/d.


#2- AMEA to set up 1.5 GWh energy storage in Benban, Zafarana: UAE’s AMEA Power signed an agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to develop two battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 1.5 GWh. AMEA will set up a 500 MWh storage station in Benban and a 1 GWh facility in Zafarana, along with the necessary transformer stations and grid connections.

AUTOMOTIVE-

Ford shut down local retail operations: US-based automaker Ford Motor Company discontinued new vehicle sales in Egypt, effective 26 February. The company did not specify what prompted the decision, saying only that it comes as part of its efforts to realign its business strategies and that it follows a consideration of market trends.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

Online applications for industrial land open tomorrow, March 1. Investors can submitapplications electronically beginning tomorrow for over 2.1k industrial land plots across 22 governorates via the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform. In response to investor requests, the deadline has been extended by 10 days instead of a week, allowing applicants more time to complete the necessary paperwork — especially given the Ramadan schedule.

CBE’s foreign reserve data lands Monday: On Monday, 3 March, the CBE will release February’s foreign reserve figures, offering insight into the country’s liquidity and financial stability.

PMI figures incoming Tuesday: S&P Global is expected to release Egypt’s PMI figures for February on Tuesday, 4 March.

Cairo hosts emergency talks on Gaza on Tuesday: On Tuesday, 4 March, Egypt will hold an emergency Arab League summit to discuss the latest developments in Gaza.

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-

It was a busy week in Trumpland, with the US president walking back his plan to displaceGaza’s 2 mn citizens amid regional pushback. “I'll tell you, the way to do it is my plan. I think that's the plan that really works. But I'm not forcing it. I'm just going to sit back and recommend it,” Trump told Fox News.

Trump also made some more moves on the economy front: The US president confirmed that postponed tariffs on Canada and Mexico “will go forward” when the delay expires this week. He also signed an order to examine tariffs on copper, and said he would introduce a “gold card” visa program that provides a route to US citizenship for the low price of USD 5 mn. Meanwhile, his controversial USD 4.5 tn tax cut plan narrowly passed the House.

He also got Ukraine’s signoff for a minerals agreement: Ukraine agreed to a framework for an economic agreement that will see the US tap its revenues from rare minerals. Trump — who pushed hard for the agreement with personal attacks on his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky — had earlier hinted the Ukrainian president could arrive in Washington as soon as this weekend to sign the agreement.

Elsewhere in the world, Germany’s parliamentary elections saw the center-right Christian Democrats come out on top, snapping up 29% of the vote, with leader Friedrich Merz promising “independence” from an indifferent United States. The bloc needed one more coalition partner for majority, with far-right Alternative for Germany coming in a close second with 21%, its highest share ever. Investors are watching closely for government negotiations, hoping for a “debt brake” reform soon that will ease restrictions on fiscal spending and spur growth.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ declining health caught headlines, after the Vatican confirmed that his condition has worsened, prompting global speculation about the future of his leadership. The 88-year-old pope had been battling a severe respiratory infection, requiring high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions. (Reuters | WSJ | AP | Bloomberg)

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- This weekend will be a weekend of clear skies and sunny spells in the capital for both Friday and Saturday with mercury set to rise to a high of 20°C. As for the evening on Friday, temperatures will drop back to a chilly low of 13°C and even a chillier low on Saturday evening with 11°C.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

It’s shopping time. Buy some clothes, accessories, and products from local brands at the Ramadan Edition of Lydia Akram Market. The market will take place today at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center in New Cairo from 11am till 10pm.

Creating hued prints using a timeless photographic process. People of Art is hosting a Ramadan-themed Cyanotype workshop with Youssef Madbouly in New Cairo where participants will learn how to make art with cyanotype. The workshop will take place today from 10am till 2pm.

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THE ENTERPRISE GUIDE

The billboards are up, the trailers are out, and the heated social media debates have begun

It’s Ramadan season — which means endless series to keep us entertained. The billboards are up, the trailers are out, and the heated social media debates have begun. Thirty-nine series are set to dominate our screens this Ramadan season, including returnees like El Atawla 2 and El Madah 5, with 25 set to be a snappy 15 episodes and 14 set to entertain all month. Here are the shows we think are going to make a splash from day one:

#1- RAMEZ ELON MASR: The yearly wildcard Ramadan prank show we love to hate is back. By the sound of the name, we think this season’s prank has something to do with SpaceX’s failure — because no Ramadan is complete without a celebrity getting pranked to within an inch of their sanity.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- As always, if you can’t catch it at Iftar, you’ll find it on Shahid.

#2- KAMEL EL ADAD++: You know what they say, third times the charm. This hit comedy series is back for a third season after capturing watchers’ attention for two Ramadans in a row. This year should be no different, as Laila and Ahmed's family up the ante with new adventures as they move to a new home and Sherief pursues football abroad. The return of Laila’s ex-husband and Ahmed’s sister also contribute to an unexpected whirl of events. Forgotten what went down last year? Here’s our review of last season.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- This show is a Shahid exclusive, but you can get a sneak peek with the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:22).

#3- WELAD AL SHAMS: From orphanage to outlaws, Welad Al Shams brings us a gritty new crime drama for Ramadan. Welaa (Ahmed Malek) and Moftah (Taha Desouky) grew up together in Dar Al Sham's orphanage, and carry an unbreakable bond and a shared mission to protect their fellow orphans. But when they cross Maged (Mahmoud Hemeida), the orphanage’s ruthless owner, their world turns upside down. Expect intense performances with emotional depth and adrenaline-fueled twists, along with potential trending tunes from shaabi singer Essam Sasa and the anticipated acting debut of rapper Flex.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- Catch this show on WatchIT and Yango Play or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:33).

#4- LAM SHAMSEYA: When Nelly (Amina Khalil) suspects Wessam (Mohamed Shahin), her husband Tariq’s (Ahmed El Saadany) close friend, of harassing her stepson, she refuses to stay silent — but taking a stand comes with consequences, setting off a devastating chain of events. Alongside our protagonist is a star-studded roster including Yosra El Lozy, Aseel Omran, Safaa El Toukhi, Tharaa Goubail, and Yasmina El Abd. Directed by Karim El Shenawy (Take Care of Zizi and Seventh Year Itch), this social drama could raise awareness of the ongoing taboo around child harassment.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- Catch this show on Shahid and WatchIT or get the gist of the show from the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:09).

#5- ASHGHAL SHAQA GEDAN: Returning for a second season and even more house maintenance chaos, Hamdy (Hesham Maged) and Yasmine (Asmaa Galal) are now juggling life as parents to four kids — and things are only getting messier. With Hamdy struggling to keep up at work and Yasmine making the bold decision to return to her career, the couple faces a whole new level of challenges, laughter, and unexpected twists — and they still can't seem to find a housekeeper. We’re sure the show will continue to deliver its signature mix of comedy and relatable family drama, proving that balancing work, kids, and marriage is no easy task. Read up on our review for last season.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- It’s streaming on Shahid, but you can watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:14).

#6- MUAWIYA: This two-years-delayed controversial series will be diving into one of the most pivotal and debated chapters of Islamic history, with the series chronicling the rise of Caliph Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan (Lojain Ismail) from his early days to his role in shaping the Umayyad Caliphate. Directed by Tarek El Eryan, the cast features Asmaa Galal, Saba Mubarak, Eyad Nassar, Ahmed Bedier, Aicha Ben Ahmed — which makes it all the more exciting to watch.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- Catch it exclusively on Shahid, but get a feel of the series through the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:45)

#7- ِEKHWATI: Our favorite Nelly Karim is back, and this time, she’s bringing a powerhouse, all-female cast with her. In Ekhwati, she plays Soha, a woman who's trapped in a toxic marriage — until one night, she dreams of her husband’s death… only to wake up and find his body at her doorstep. With suspicion rising and danger lurking, she turns to the only people she can trust: her three sisters. Joining Karim in this gripping drama are Gihan El Shamashergy, Ruby, Kinda Alloush, Hatem Salah, and Ali Sobhy.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- You can find it on Shahid and WatchIT. But watch the trailer for more context on YouTube (runtime: 2:18).

#8- NOS EL SHA’B ESMO MOHAMMAD: We know that Essam Omar is here to deliver a performance that's sure to make us giggle. Mohamed (Essam Omar), who works at the airport as a mechanical engineer stuck in a mind-numbing routine, is desperate to shake up his life. In his quest for excitement, he finds himself in love with two completely different women — Sara (Mayan El Sayed) and Mai (Hagar El Sarrag) — and planning to marry both at the same time. But as fate would have it, his bold choices turn into pure chaos.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- You can find it exclusively on Shahid or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:40).

#9- MONTAHY EL SALAHEYA: After losing his job, marriage, and only daughter, Saleh is desperate to rebuild his life after prison. But when he turns to online gambling for a fresh start, he finds himself caught in a web of consequences he never saw coming. Starring Mohamed Farrag, Yasmin Raeis, Heba Magdi, Hassan Malek, Donia Maher, and Mahmoud Ellisy, the show explores the dark reality of addiction and redemption in a world where second chances come at a price.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- You’ll find the series on Shahid or you can opt to watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:59).

#10- AHWET EL MAHATTA: Get your sleuth on and follow Taha Barada (Ahmad Khaled Saleh), a young prosecutor, as he gets thrown into the deep end when a mysterious murder at a train station lands on his desk. The victim? A hopeful actor (Ahmed Ghozzi) from Upper Egypt chasing a dream that ends in tragedy. As facts clash with instinct, Taha finds himself tangled in a case that tests the very foundations of justice. With Bayoumi Fouad, Hala Sedki, and Intesar rounding out the cast, the show explores the fine line between truth and perception — because sometimes, the evidence doesn’t tell the whole story.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- The series is exclusive to Yango Play but you can watch the series on YouTube (runtime: 0:31).

#11- ALBI W MOFTAHO: Romance is back, and so are Asser Yassin and Mai Ezz El Din in a love story directed by Tamer Mohsen that’s anything but predictable. Albi w Moftaho follows Ezzat (Asser Yassin), a reserved Uber driver whose life takes an unexpected turn when he picks up Mayar (Mai Ezz El Din), an independent woman with three divorces behind her and no intention of walking down the aisle again. As fate keeps pulling them together, emotions get tangled, and choices must be made. With Ashraf Abdel Baky, Diab, Mahmoud Azab, and Ahmad Khaled Saleh joining the cast, it’s surely going to be a throwback to old Egyptian romance movies.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- You can either watch it on WatchIT or Yango Play. Until then you can watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:09).

#12- AL ATAWLA 2: After winning over audiences last Ramadan, the hit series is back for a second season — and things are getting even more intense. The ongoing feud between Nassar (Ahmed El Sakka) and Khedr (Tarek Lotfy) takes a dramatic turn when Nassar faces a life altering crisis, with his daughter becoming ill and requiring treatment that will set them back mns. Desperate to fund his daughter’s treatment, he teams up with Khedr once again and finds himself working for Issa Al Wazzan (Bassem Samra), who is very much alive and out for revenge, so yalla beena. But that’s not all — a new and unexpected enemy will enter the picture making things even more complicated than before. This season also welcomes some fresh new faces, including the one and only Fifi Abdou.

WHERE IT’S SHOWING- You can watch the show on Shahid or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:45).

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From the Bookstore

Another take on the role of humans in climate change

? The intricate relationship between human civilization and the natural world. Auden Schendler, known for his work in sustainability, wrote Terrible Beauty to dive into the paradoxes and challenges of the modern day environment and call for meaningful change.

The book is structured as a series of essays that blend personal anecdotes with environmental commentary to humanize the broader issue. Schendler shares experiences from his own life to highlight the connection between individuals and the natural world, making the concept of climate change seem more tangible and relatable.

He calls for change and offers a roadmap for action. Schendler advocates for policies that hold corporations accountable and push them to prioritize environmental integrity over profit. He lists measures that would drive substantial progress including political engagement, community organizing, and leveraging corporate influence to advocate for environmental policies.

You can find it at Diwan.

This publication is proudly sponsored by

From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
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Hot and Fresh Out of the Kitchen

Orzo clay casserole with gizzards and meat

? Orzo Clay Casserole with Gizzards and Meat

INGREDIENTS-

- 1 cup orzo pasta

- 250g meat gizzards, chopped

- 250g beef cubes (or lamb, if preferred)

- 1 large white onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 tbsp butter or ghee

- 1 tsp tomato paste

- ½ cup tomato purée

- 2 cups beef broth (or water with a maggie cube)

- 1 tsp salt

- ½ tsp black pepper

- 1 tbsp seven spice blend (*or use a mix of: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom)

OPTIONAL-

- ½ tsp paprika (for color and smoky flavor)

- ½ tsp chili flakes (for heat)

- a pinch of nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS-

1. In a pot, heat 1 tbsp of oil of choice or butter over medium heat, then add the gizzards. Sauté for a few minutes, then pour a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside. In the same pot, add your choice of beef or lamb cubes, season with salt, pepper, and half the seven spice blend, and brown them for about 5 minutes — remove and set aside.

2. In a separate dry pan, toast the orzo over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes — or stir until golden brown, then set aside.

3. In a deep oven-safe pot or casserole dish, heat butter & remaining oil, then sauté the onions until soft and golden. Add the garlic, tomato paste, and tomato purée, and cook until the sauce thickens.

4. Then begin assembling the casserole: the gizzards, meat, toasted orzo, remaining spices, and paprika (if using). Pour in the broth and mix well, then cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until the orzo absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

PRO TIP: If you like a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.

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WHAT TO LISTEN TO

Early-career professionals will want to listen to this

? Helping early-career professionals navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Let’s Talk Offline is a podcast where cohosts Gianna Prudente and Jame Gadsden address a wide range of topics relevant to young professionals — including negotiating salaries, setting boundaries, and managing office relationships.

Gianna is a Gen-Z early career professional and Jame is a millennial community manager. Using their diverse generational perspectives and professional insights, they lead engaging discussions that help listeners thrive in their careers.

It follows a conversational format that is both engaging and informative. The hosts share their career journeys and often feature expert guests to provide additional depth on various subjects. Whether listeners are experiencing imposter syndrome, thinking of pursuing graduate education, or just curious about AI in the workplace, this podcast has advice on it all.

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


FEBRUARY

27-28 February (Thursday-Friday): Lydia Akram Ramadan Market at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.

MARCH

21 March (Friday): Medhat Saleh at the Cairo Opera House.

APRIL

1 April (Tuesday): Annual Flower Exhibition at the Agricultural Museum.

2 April (Wednesday): Cairokee at CUBIX, El Gouna.

25 April (Friday): Tamer Ashour concert at ZED Park, Sheikh Zayed.

MAY

21-31 May (Wednesday-Saturday): Disney On Ice at Cairo International Stadium

30 May (Friday): Adam Port at the New Administrative Capital’s Green River.

OCTOBER

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

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

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