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Thursday, 29 Jan 2026

The Week In Review
The Enterprise Guide
At The Movies
From The Bookstore
Hot And Fresh Out Of The Kitchen
What To Listen To
The Enterprise Entertainment Calendar

Skip the gifts and make a memory this Valentine’s Day

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Today at a glance

1

THE ENTERPRISE GUIDE

Skip the gifts and make a memory this Valentine’s Day.
2

Last Week in 3 Minutes

FinMin to IPO 20% stake in AlexBank.
3

At the Movies

A monument of bones and a glimmer of hope.
4

From the Bookstore

A vulnerable memoir from daughter to mother.
5

Hot and Fresh Out of the Kitchen

Lemongrass is JW Marriott’s best-kept secret.
6

WHAT TO LISTEN TO

A “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler.

Thursday, 29 Jan 2026

The Week In Review
The Enterprise Guide
At The Movies
From The Bookstore
Hot And Fresh Out Of The Kitchen
What To Listen To
The Enterprise Entertainment Calendar
1

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

FinMin to IPO 20% stake in AlexBank

Good morning, folks, and happy long weekend. And well deserved at that, after a volatile workweek — the USD tumbled to a four-year low, gold broke USD 5.3k, and the EU and India finally sealed a landmark trade deal. We’ve got the full rundown below.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’re tired of the usual flowers-and-chocolate routine, we’ve put together a guide to experience-based gifts that’ll make memories that last longer than even the most expensive bouquets.

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

IPO WATCH-

The Finance Ministry is exploring a possible listing of its 20% stake in AlexBank on the EGX as early as this year after talks to sell the stake to majority shareholder Intesa Sanpaolo stalled.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

China’s Xinfeng Steel is doubling down on Egypt. The company is now planning a massive USD 10 bn integrated industrial complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, up 6x from an initial USD 1.7 bn price tag mentioned in April when the project started construction.

BANKING-

The Central Bank of Egypt has instructed local banks to shorten the grace period for SME loan repayments before classifying them as non-performing loans (NPLs). Effective this month, SMEs will be downgraded to “default” status after 90 days of non-payment, down from the previous 120-day threshold.

ECONOMY-

Egypt’s current account deficit narrowed by a significant 45.2% y-o-y to USD 3.2 bn in 1Q FY 2025-26, down from USD 5.9 bn a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Egypt. The uptick was driven by a near 30% y-o-y rise in remittances to over USD 10 bn and an increase in the services surplus on the back of tourism and Suez Canal revenues.

M&A WATCH-

#1- Orascom Construction shareholders gave its board the green light to proceed with the acquisition of OCI Global’s construction business, the ADX and EGX-listed company disclosed following a general assembly meeting on Thursday. The only snag? The seller is currently barred by a Dutch court from signing on the dotted line.

#2- Admaius Capital Partners is exiting its stake in cosmeceutical manufacturer Parkville Pharmaceuticals after just two years, selling to Africa-focused private equity firm Adenia Partners in a transaction that underscores a broader revival in Egypt’s private equity and M&A markets.

PHARMA-

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has signed an EGP 1.3 bn financing agreement with Ibnsina Pharma. The facility will back a major green logistics expansion by Ibnsina and reinforce the growing role of development finance in sustaining capex as elevated local borrowing costs persist.

🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

This week’s news cycle was shaped by Trump’s ongoing tariff barrage and the rest of the world’s response to US volatility. Sunday saw US President Donald Trump threaten Canada with a 100% tariff on goods sold in the US after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney struck a deal with China earlier this month to cut tariffs and remove trade barriers. Trump accused Carney of turning Canada into a “drop off port” for Chinese goods, suggesting that this is China’s tactic to evade US tariffs.

On Monday, the USD sank to a new low, plunging 0.6% before sliding another 1.3% on Tuesday to hit a four-year low. The major sell-off has been sparked by Trump’s tariff threats over the week, his fight for Greenland, the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, and persistent geopolitical tensions. Gold prices also hit new highs as uncertainty drives safe-haven investments, first surpassing USD 5.1k per ounce on Monday and then jumping to almost USD 5.3k an ounce on Wednesday.

The EU and India concluded negotiations on a landmark freetrade agreement on Tuesday to scrap tariffs on 99.5% of Indian goods. The pact aims to boost two-way trade and hedge against the US’ volatile policies and relentless tariff threats. The two-decades-in-the-making agreement is expected to save European companies around EUR 4 bn in duties and double EU exports to India by 2032.

ALSO- Major flight cancellations took place with around 10k flights cancelled in the US in light of the major winter storm sweeping across the country this week. US crude and natural gas production experienced a drop while spot power prices surged — Energy Aspects predicted a total loss of around 300k barrels a day and 86 bn cubic feet of natural gas production.

Several European airlines suspended their flights to destinations in the Middle East over geopolitical concerns, namely the protests in Iran. On Sunday, Air France temporarily cancelled flights between Paris and Dubai over the weekend, and KLM suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv until further notice, avoiding airspace over Iran and Iraq as well.

⛅ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Grab your favorite coat and brace for the cold, we’re in for a cool few days this weekend. Today, temperatures are set to peak at just 21°C before further cooling down to 12°C. Tomorrow has more of the same in store, with a high of 23°C and a low of 13°C. Saturday will be a tad warmer, with the mercury peaking at 24°C before cooling down to 14°C, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

It’s the time of year to stock up on books. The Cairo International Book Fair returns to the Egypt International Exhibitions Center for its 57th year, still running through this weekend and continuing until Tuesday, 3 February.

Looking for a different kind of family outing? The Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children is back, running from Thursday, 29 January to Friday, 6 February at venues in Cairo and Alexandria including the French Institute, Goethe Institute, AUC Tahrir Square, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The theme this year revolves around rhythm, featuring a lineup of performances by art collectives like Red Bridge Arts and Cie Circocentrique, with participants coming in from Egypt, Switzerland, the UK, and more. Tickets and details are available on Ticketsmarché.

Attention Cairo runners: Registration is now open for Cairo Marathon 2026, happening on Friday, 6 February. Claim your spot through Cairo Runners’ website — tickets available until Friday, 30 January.

Popular youtuber-comedian Eyad El Mogy, aka Mogzz, is bringing his humor live to the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile with an encore of his El Sabt El Momtaz special on Saturday, 31 January. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

🎤 HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Switch up the clichés for comedy this Valentine’s Day with Zarf Tarek Gedan Valentine’s Edition. Actor-comedian Tarek El Ebiray brings his interactive standup show to Heliopolis Library Theater on Thursday, 5 February. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Up for some pre-Ramadan shopping? Cairo Flea Market is hosting a special Ramadan edition at its new location Heliopolis’ Ghurnata Community Space on Saturday, 7 February. Browse vintage finds, local treasures, and get an early dose of the Ramadan spirit before all the family gatherings kick off. Doors are open from 10am to 10pm.

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2

THE ENTERPRISE GUIDE

Skip the gifts and make a memory this Valentine’s Day

💝 The best Valentine’s Day doesn’t require spending a fortune on gifts — all you need is a little planning. Instead of expensive roses that wilt in a week, or chocolates that disappear in a single sitting, consider something that lasts a little longer… creating a memory.

Creating an experience-based gift requires some forethought, so we’re giving you plenty of time to plan. Whether you choose to stay in, stay in Cairo, or take a trip, these memories will definitely last longer than a bouquet.

For the romantics: the classics done right

#1- Cafelluca: A modernized felucca experience that’s a step up from the traditional, Cafelucca offers 2-hour private cruises with onboard food, drinks, and karaoke — if you want to serenade your significant other. They have set menus with a 3-course Oriental Egyptian dinner and all-you-can-drink sodas, though we would recommend you banked more on the view than the food. Boats depart from Dokki and Maadi, and you can find more booking details on their Instagram page.

#2- Villa Belle Époque: The boutique hotel is hosting an intimate Valentine’s dinner that features a thoughtfully crafted five-course meal with live entertainment and the kind of old-world elegance that’s hard to find in Cairo. Villa Belle Époque is known for its Acacia restaurant, left by world-renowned chefs, situated in a restored historic villa that will hit every box on your romantic atmosphere checklist. You can find booking details on their Facebook page.

#3- DIY picnic: Want a more personal touch to your dinner? There are plenty of beautifulgreen spaces in Cairo to head to for a private picnic for two if you want to venture beyond your garden. Don’t have the cooking chops to impress your date? We would recommend grabbing a delicious selection of sandwiches and pastries from Ratios or Cake Café.

For the adventurous: do something, rather than sit

#1- Remal El Rayan: About three hours from Cairo lies one of Egypt’s first luxury glamping experiences in Wadi El Rayan. You and your better half can stay in geodomes or safari suites with private jacuzzis and stargazing from your bed — literally, some tents have skylights you can open. The camp offers sandboarding, beach buggies, ziplining, 4×4 desert adventures, and delicious meals at their restaurant Lummaya. It’s camping without sacrificing hot showers or comfortable beds. Booking information can be found on their Instagram page.

#2- Skydive Pharaohs: For couples with ironclad guts, consider tandem skydiving. Skydive Pharaohs is the first USPA-certified skydiving provider in the country. No experience required — they offer tandem jumps for beginners alongside qualified instructors. They also have paramotor flights, microlight tours, and even tethered helium balloon rides. You can get more information on their Instagram page.

#3- Pyramids Diving Center: Afraid of heights? Ditch the jumpsuit for diving gear. Pyramids Diving Center gives you the chance to explore the beauty of the Red Sea’s vibrant reefs together, whether you’re certified divers or want to try it for the first time. Probably beats dinner and a movie, right? You can find the booking details on their website.

For the foodies: the way to the heart is via the stomach

#1- Mamushka: A Maadi gem that’s part cooking class, part private dining experience. Mamushka hosts private dinners where Chef Mariam cooks a customized meal just for you. You can also opt for cooking classes where you learn to make anything from Italian to Indian dishes together, then eat what you’ve made. The space feels like being hosted at someone’s home — cozy, intimate, and completely different from a regular restaurant meal. Booking information is available on their Instagram page.

#2- The Cooking School: Professional-level culinary classes in a fully equipped commercial kitchen. Book a private class for just the two of you and pick your cuisine — Italian, Egyptian, pastry, etc. — and leave with skills you’ll use again for each other. You can find more information about their courses on Instagram.

#3- Chef On-Demand by Breadfast: Want a cozy night in with marvelous food? Breakfast’s Chef On-Demand service sends a vetted professional chef to chook in your kitchen, handling everything from planning the menu, buying ingredients, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. All you need to do is eat. You can find your chef and book your romantic dinner by visiting the Chef On-Demand website.

For the indulgent: go big or go home

#1- Nev Spa: Pamper yourself and your loved one through one of Nev’s three couples packages. These include a combination of Turkish baths, hair masks, body masks, royal hammams, facials. and 50-minute massages to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and squeaky clean. You can find the available packages on their website.

#2- Marinoz: Rent a private boat or yacht in Gouna or Hurghada for the day, cruise the Red Sea, snorkel at reefs, and have lunch on board. Marinoz can arrange everything from speedboats to luxury yachts depending on how extravagantly you want to spoil yourselves. All information on booking and the available vessels can be found on their website.

#3- Zawya Cinema: Rent out a theater for a private screening of your favorite films or your first date movie in a historic downtown cinema with just the two of you. Films need to be in DCP or BluRay format, and they can help secure rights for specific titles. More interesting than whatever’s at the mall, and the crowd will be decidedly better. Find more information on Zawya’s website.

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3

At the Movies

A monument of bones and a glimmer of hope

🎥There’s a moment midway through 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple where Ralph Fiennes slow-dances with a sedated zombie to Duran Duran. It’s exactly as strange as it sounds, but that’s the film in a nutshell: totally unhinged, surprisingly tender, and far more interesting (or bizarre) than you’d expect from a fourth franchise installment.

The Bone Temple picks up immediately after the events of 28 Years Later. Spike (Alfie Williams) has been initiated into the Satanic cult led by Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), a tracksuit-clad fanatic modelled after disgraced British media personality Jimmy Savile. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) continues his solitary existence at his skeletal memorial, where he’s developed an unlikely bond with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), the Alpha from the previous film. Their strange relationship — part medical experiment, part interspecies friendship — yields a discovery that could change everything.

Nia DaCosta takes over directing duties from Danny Boyle, trading his frenetic, iPhone-shot aesthetic for something more deliberate. The narrative splits between Jimmy’s brutal cult rituals and Kelson’s quiet experiments with Samson, and the contrast is striking: one thread explores how low humanity can sink, while the other asks how much of it can be salvaged. It’s a tonal shift that won’t work for everyone, but DaCosta handles the balancing act with confidence. Whether or not that confidence is deserved is a matter of contention online.

Fiennes, unsurprisingly, dominates every frame he’s in. His Kelson is equal parts scientist and madman — delivering some fever-dream sequences that sound absurd on paper, but he commits so fully that it lands as both darkly funny and strangely moving. O’Connell, fresh off his acclaimed turn in Sinners, makes a compelling foil — all cheerful menace, grinning while ordering atrocities.

The Bone Temple has limitations besides the absurdity. As a middle chapter, it carries a transitory quality that can feel like filler to those who prefer plot over world-building. Spike’s arc takes a backseat to Kelson, a jarring departure from the most recent installment. The gore is relentless, so if you’re squeamish, consider skipping the snacks. However, the film’s ambitious experimentation has largely paid off according to critics and online polls, blending body horror with dark comedy and genuine emotional stakes in ways the franchise hasn’t attempted before.

WHERE TO WATCH- The Bone Temple is screening at Vox Cinemas in City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and City Center Alexandria, as well as District 5’s Scene Cinema. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch; runtime: 2:02).

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From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
4

From the Bookstore

A vulnerable memoir from daughter to mother

📚 Parental relationships are rarely simple, but when your mother is a revolutionary icon… things only get more complicated. In her first-ever memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me, Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy recounts her entire life experience with her mother, women’s rights activist and educator Mary Roy. Published in late 2025 after Mary’s death in 2022, Roy delivers an extremely honest and unfiltered account of their polarizing relationship, unpacking the heavy and relatable burden of reconciling with a dysfunctional parent whose shortcomings unconsciously spill out into their own child.

“I left my mother not because I didn’t love her, but to be able to continue to love her.” Roy’s relationship with her mother is a layered, confusing muck of emotions — mostly painful, but in hindsight oddly cathartic. Suffering through an early divorce, raising two young kids, and dealing with a toxic family, Mary Roy had all odds against her. When she decided to open up her own makeshift school, she became an anti-thesis to conservative Indian traditions, a leap from the submissive woman archetype.

Steadfast and intimidatingly self-assured, Mother Mary required Roy and her brother to call her Mrs. Roy during school hours, a title that becomes a testament to the tough-love relationship they share with her. Roy grows up feeling instinctively attached to her, yet resents the fear and fragility drilled into her. She finally rebels and breaks away when she goes off to college, and mirrors her mother’s fearless independence.

The push-and-pull Roy experiences between honoring the legacy of her mother and confronting the pain she has caused her is deeply felt throughout the memoir. Most strikingly, she grieves her death in a way uncharacteristic of a daughter: “I mourn her as a writer who has lost her most enthralling subject,” Roy writes.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find a physical copy of the memoir at Bibliothek. You can also get the kindle version on Amazon or the eBook on Kobo.

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5

Hot and Fresh Out of the Kitchen

Lemongrass is JW Marriott’s best-kept secret

🍴Finding Lemongrass requires a small leap of faith. You’ll wander past JW Marriott’s garage, down a hallway lined with conference rooms, wondering if you’re on the right floor. Once inside, you may not feel immediately reassured either with the bright lighting, decor a little stuck in time, and a practically deserted dining room. But stick around, the food makes the case for itself.

The menu hops across Asia — Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, China, and Japan — and the kitchen handles the range with impressive confidence. The ambience is more business lunch than candlelit rendezvous and the location practically dares you to stumble upon it, but for a casual dinner with friends or family where food is the point, you’ll be glad you trusted the short trek.

The standouts came early. Beef gyoza stuffed with tenderloin, truffle paste and drizzled with goma dressing were rich and deeply savory, quickly becoming a table favorite. The Lemongrass spring rolls (more accurately summer rolls) were bracingly fresh, with the chili dip offering just enough kick. For the curious, there’s a tuna foie gras nigiri that may sound like a dare, but is worth trying. The smashed cucumber salad was cool and punchy, and the duck spring rolls were satisfyingly rich. There wasn’t a dud in the bunch.

The mains held steady. The half Peking duck came with all the ceremonial trappings — paper-thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and leek — and tasted every bit as good as it looked. The Kung pao chicken struck the right balance of heat and crunch, and the cashews pulled their weight. The vegetable pad thai was rich and scratched the noodle itch that follows any pan-Asian visit.

Dessert brought a few surprises, not all of them intentional. The Japanese cheesecake was dense, but still delicious. The pistachio matcha crème brûlée looked gorgeous and tasted good, though the matcha itself seemed to have wandered off somewhere. The mochi — listed as two pieces, one yuzu, one mango — arrived as vanilla and mango. Not a disaster, but not exactly what we ordered.

Fair warning: the kitchen took its time. Dishes arrived at a leisurely pace, so don’t arrive hungry. But when the food lands, it lands well — the portions are generous, ingredients taste genuinely fresh, and the cooking is careful without being fussy. Reservations are encouraged. Want dinner and a show? Book their teppanyaki experience.

💵 Per person: EGP 1.6k–2.1k

🪑 Outdoor seating: No

🍺 Alcohol: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

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6

WHAT TO LISTEN TO

A “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler

👂Charmed by good-natured conversation? US Comedy star Amy Poehler has, in a very short time, managed to capture widespread attention with her breakout podcast: Good Hang. The concept is simple, the conversations are spontaneous and sincere, and she hosts a slew of charming guests. In addition to earning listeners’ love, Poehler’s show earned the Golden Globe for Best Podcast — a newly-added category to the awards list. Our thoughts? Well deserved.

In a world that is becoming increasingly lonely and isolated, Poehler meets with friends and acquaintances from the industry for a series of interviews anchored by fun and laughter. In under 50 episodes, the guest list has featured prominent figures such as Ryan Coogler — whose film Sinners has just achieved a historic feat with the most Oscar nominations ever — her Parks and Recs co-star Rashida Jones, and fellow SNL icons Maya Rudolph and Tina Fey, the latter being the show’s very first guest.

In one particular episode featuring celebrated Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence — whose spontaneous personality, comedic wit, and candid nature made her a perfect fit for the show — Poehler gets Lawrence to spill the beans on her favorite behind-the-scenes stories from films such as The Hunger Games and Die, My Love, her Hollywood beginnings, and her experience with motherhood. At one point, Lawrence recalls how a talent scout and modeling agent seemingly discovered her by chance in NYC when she was just 14. Beside the heartfelt stories, it was a joyous episode that had us giggling non-stop.

While Good Hang is indeed a relatively light show, it provides the listener with a much-needed sense of warmth. This largely stems from the genuine human connection fueled by Poehler’s energy in every conversation. This is the kind of podcast that will have you picking up the phone, calling up your best friend, and planning a coffee date just to chat and enjoy a … good hang.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anghami | YouTube | YouTube Music.

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THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

🗓️ JANUARY

22 January – 3 February (Thursday-Tuesday): Cairo International Book Fair.

29 January (Thursday): Official holiday in observance of the 25 January Revolution and Police Day.

29 January (Thursday): Tommyy at Theatro Arkan.

29 January (Thursday): Mahmoud Radaideh at Al Anfoshy Theater.

29-30 January (Thursday-Friday): Umm Kulthum Musical at Drama Hall – City of Arts and Culture, New Capital.

29 January – 6 February (Thursday-Friday): Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children.

30 January (Friday): Ali Quandil: Crowd Work at Hilton Cairo Grand Nile.

30 January (Friday): Cairo Marathon normal registration ends.

30-31 January (Friday-Saturday): Darb 15 Garage Sale in Maadi.

31 January (Saturday): Eyad El Mogy: El Sabt El Momtaz – The Last Dance at Hilton Cairo Grand Nile.

FEBRUARY

6 December – 15 February (Saturday-Sunday): Cairo Prints at Cairopolitan in Garden City.

5 February (Thursday): Zarf Tarek Gedan at Heliopolis Library Theater.

6 February (Friday): Voices of the Century at the Opera Hall in New Capital.

6 February (Friday): Cairo Marathon at Heliopolis, Merryland Park.

7 February (Saturday): Cairo Flea Market at Ghurnata Community Space, Heliopolis.

11-15 February (Wednesday-Sunday): Animatex at AUC Tahrir Square.

13 February (Friday): Bryan Adams at the GEM.

17 February (Tuesday): First day of Ramadan (TBD).

MARCH

20 March (Friday): Eid Al-Fitr (TBD).

APRIL

2 April (Thursday): Hany Shaker at Theatro Arkan.

13 April (Monday): Sham El Nessim.

25 April (Saturday): Sinai Liberation Day.

MAY

1 May (Friday): Labor Day.

26 May (Tuesday): Arafat’s Day.

JUNE

16 June (Tuesday): Islamic New Year.

30 June (Tuesday): June 30th Revolution.

JULY

23 July (Thursday): July 23rd Revolution 1952.

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