The guide to getting your life together

1

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Enjoy 8 weeks of lights on

Good morning, wonderful people, and happy Friday. We hope you enjoy your weekend before we return to a short workweek and two months without power cuts.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

#1- IMF pushes back third review of our loan program: The IMF Executive Board pushed back the third review of our USD 8 bn loan program to 29 July to “finalize some details,” IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said during a press briefing. The postponement “is not unusual in these kinds of circumstances,” she said, pointing to regional headwinds and domestic structural challenges.

The Fund is keeping an eye on planned fuel subsidy cuts: The new government is currently in discussions with the IMF over its policies and goals for the coming three years, with a particular focus on monetary and financial policies as well as policies related to public spending, a source told Enterprise. The timeline of slashing fuel subsidies is apparently an important point of discussion, given how heavily it weighs on the state budget.

#2- CBE leaves interest rates unchanged in line with expectations: The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) left interest rates unchanged yesterday, attributing the decision to continued monetary policy tightening cycles in advanced and emerging markets and a decline in inflation worldwide, according to the CBE’s Monetary Policy Committee readout (pdf). The decision aligned with expectations of 13 analysts and economists we surveyed before the meeting.

CABINET WATCH-

New gov’t releases policy document: The new Madbouly government laid down its plans for its three-year term in a 276-page document that added more color to the government’s policy statement last week. One key focus area is broadening private sector involvement, with private investments to make up 51% of total investments in Egypt by fiscal year 2026-27 and 70% by 2030 — a significant step up from 25.5% of total investments last fiscal year. Other highlights include government plans to address unemployment and improve healthcare. The House general assembly voted on the policy yesterday.

LEGISLATION WATCH-

El Sisi ratifies Unified Ins. Law: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi gave the final approval for the Unified Ins. Law, which will draw up new, comprehensive rules for regulating the ins. industry and widen compulsory coverage.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

#1- A long break from power cuts: The government will halt the rolling blackouts starting Sunday and until mid-September, Prime Minister Moustafe Madbouly confirmed during a presser held on Wednesday.

#2- We have another long weekend ahead: Public and private sector workers will have Thursday, 25 July off in observance of the 23 July Revolution.

#3- Act Financial’s IPO to wrap up: The subscription period for retail investors is set to end on Tuesday, 23 July, wrapping up the EGX’s first IPO in a year.

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-

The week started with Trump and ended with Biden. The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump — well, most of him — dodged an actual bullet during an attempt on his life at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. The ensuing fallout has seen the US right wing rally around their — now official — nominee, with erstwhile critics like former Republican candidate Nikki Haley closing ranks behind Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Markets, meanwhile, are increasingly pricing in a Trump victory, which is expected to pad corporate profits but hurt the US’s underlying fiscal fundamentals.

Trump also announced that he would be bringing Ohio senator JD Vance on as his running mate. Vance, once a sharp critic of Trump, has been a key interlocutor between the Trump campaign and Silicon Valley’s tech scions, who have channeled mns toward pro-Trump super PACs. A case in point is Elon Musk, who said this week that he would be donating around USD 45 mn per month to one such PAC.

Meanwhile, Democrats are twisting in the wind, putting more pressure on President Joe Biden to step aside and save their chances in the November election. Former President Barack Obama reportedly told allies that “Biden’s path to victory has greatly diminished,” the Washington Post wrote yesterday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confronted Biden with their concerns, as did former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who reportedly told Biden privately that polls indicate a Democratic loss.

Across the pond, political gridlock continues to prevail in France after the lame duck government resigned on Tuesday. The government will continue to run current affairs in an advisory capacity ahead of the Paris Olympic games, set to kick off on 26 July.

IN SPORTS NEWS- Spain clinched the Euro 2024 title after a late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal, handing England its second final defeat in three years. On the other side of the Atlantic, Argentina nabbed the 2024 Copa America title after beating Colombia in the final, making it the only country with 16 titles under its belt.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Mercury is reaching a peak of 38°C in Cairo today and a low of 27°C.Tomorrow the temperature rises with a high of 39°C before dropping to a low of 28°C at night, according to our favorite weather app. And it’s a bit cooler in Alexandria and the North Coast during the weekend, with highs of 33-35°C and lows of 24-26°C between today and tomorrow.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Spend your weekend on a tour through Historic Cairo: Tomorrow explore the historic houses of Beit al Harawy, Beit al Set Wassila, and Beit Gamal Al Din Al Zahaby, and the church of Virgin Mary in Haret el Roum, where the Coptic Orthodox Pope sat from 1660 to 1799, and Abdel Zaher did his bookbinding. To book your spot click here.

Mouled Ahl Al Zikr x Sawy Culture Wheel: Sheikh Mahmoud Al Tohamy will present an evening of recitation and chanting at El Sawy Wheel in Zamalek tonight at 8 pm. Reserve your tickets here.

Gen Z WTes’eeniYa Gedo is taking over Rawabet Art Space’s stage this month till Wednesday, July 31 from 8pm. Watch a play that explores the generational divide through conversations at a coffee shop. It follows three generations as they discuss their struggles, highlighting the impact of technology on their lives and the challenges of finding common ground. Get your tickets here.

Want art but need to keep your kidney? Visit The Summer Affordable Art Show at TAMGallery, which runs until Monday, July 22. If the title was not self-explanatory, expect to find the works of over 150 contemporary Egyptian artists to enjoy and choose from. Doors open from 12pm to 10pm everyday.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Marwan Moussa, Afroto, DJ Nooriyah, and DJ duo Bubblegum Kollective are going to theseaside to deliver an unforgettable night at CJC Seashore Ras El Hekma at 9pm on Friday, July 26. Get your tickets here.

The guide to getting your life together

In need of a hard reset? We’re seven months into the year, and our new year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Are you ready to get your life together? We have just the trick to help you get back on track. The best part is that the most important tool is already at your disposal. Our phones contain a wealth of resources that can help organize our day-to-days. Here are our top picks.

ORGANIZATION-

Stay on track and tick things off of your to-do list.

#1- NOTION: This app doesn’t target just one specific aspect of your life. Instead, it helps you keep all your tasks — whether work or personal — organized. Notion is known primarily as a note-taking app, but according to Zapier, once you’re familiarized with the app’s features, it can function as an all-in-one workspace. Track anything — from your to-do list, to your meal plans, to your reading list, and watch as the details of your life become clear and easily managed.

IN-APP PURCHASES: A subscription to Notion Pro will set you back USD 48 per year, and adds features that include unlimited file uploads, private collaboration for up to 100 guests, and a 30-day version history to restore or view any edits made.

SPLURGE OR PASS? We’d say pass. The additional features won’t really add much to your experience as a user, and the app is fully functional without it.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find Notion on the App Store and Google Play, and download the desktop version here. Notion Calendar can be downloaded as an iOS app or on your desktop. Unfortunately, Notion Calendar isn’t available on Android.

#2- STRUCTURED: There’s something about seeing your entire day organized on a schedule that just makes you feel in control. When you first download the daily planner, it will ask you when you usually wake up and when you sleep, and then creates a timeline for you to fill out. Fill this out every night for the next day (or create a routine) and see the entire day laid out in front of you. Notifications and reminders will make sure that you never miss a task.

IN-APP PURCHASES: The pro version totals USD 15 per year, and adds features including calendar integration, multiple alerts per event, and an AI assistant that can convert plain text into a schedule.

SPLURGE OR PASS? Splurge. The additional features will streamline your day and keep you on top of things. Calendar integration makes everything run smoothly, and the AI assistant lends an extra hand.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find the Structured app on the App Store and Google Play.

#3- HABIT TRACKER: Create new habits and stick to your goals. This app will make sure you remember to drink more water, make time for reading, or go on walks, all while logging every step in the right direction. It can also be used to quit habits instead of creating them. Use it to help you give up smoking, watch less TV, or spend less.

You’ll receive reminders to make sure you stay on track. If you find yourself dropping the ball on a habit you want to develop, the app will bring that to your attention and remind you of your progress.

IN-APP PURCHASES: The pro version will set you back USD 3.50 per year, or a bulk payment of USD 9 forever. It adds features that include unlimited habits, progress reports, mood charts, and cloud syncing.

SPLURGE OR PASS? Splurge. If you’re serious about developing or stopping a habit, the extra features will definitely help.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find Habit Tracker on the App Store and Google Play.

FINANCE-

The next group of apps will help you track what you're spending, save some green, and overall become more aware of your finances.

#1- POCKET EXPENSE: Say hello to your new personal finance assistant. Through Expense, you’ll be able to log your income and expenses, and create monthly budgets depending on your habits or fixed costs. You might find yourself reluctantly deciding to skip the take out and make a meal at home.

It also creates charts to summarize your expenses. These charts will help you visualize everything going in and out of your bank account, breaking it down into categories. It also gives you an overview of your total spending and income and shows you your current total net worth at any moment.

IN-APP PURCHASES: The premium version costs USD 10 per year, or a bulk payment of USD 20 for access forever, adding features that include adding multiple accounts, advanced reports, ability to attach photos, unlimited budgets, and widget accessibility.

SPLURGE OR PASS? Pass. Multiple accounts is a great but unnecessary feature for most of us. The unpaid version gives you a straightforward report that will suffice.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find Expense on the App Store, and a very similar app on Google Play since it isn’t available on Android.

#2- SPLITWISE: Perfect for a group trip or a night out, Splitwise lets you manage shared expenses with any group of people. You can log all your shared expenses, who paid for who, and the app will automatically calculate the balance, making sure that everyone’s square.

IN-APP PURCHASES: The pro version costs USD 40 per year, and adds features that include unlimited expenses, currency conversion, receipt scanning, and itemization.

SPLURGE OR PASS? Pass. Currency conversion can be done outside of the app in a matter of seconds, albeit less conveniently. As for receipt scanning and itemization, whoever you're splitting costs with will probably already be aware of the items, and you can attach notes to each transaction.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find Splitwise on the App Store and Google Play. You can also sign up here to use it through your browser.

#3- GOWISH: If online shopping is a temptation you just can’t quit, this app is for you. GoWish is a digital wishlist, letting you save the interesting things you come across. Saving things to buy later will help slow down impulsive shopping. The other main feature of the app is creating a wishlist for gifts — which you can then share with friends.

IN-APP PURCHASES: Good news: All the features are unpaid.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD: You can find GoWish on the App Store and Google Play.

MINDFULNESS-

Unwind, slow down, and take care of your mental health.

#1- BALANCE: Say hello to your personal meditation coach. Being the highest-rated meditation and sleep app in the US, Balance provides customized meditation plans based on your experience, goals, and preferences. Having it on your phone will allow you to clear your mind anywhere and at any time.

It’s beginner friendly. Balance asks about your familiarity with meditation during the setup process, and offers beginners the option to learn the fundamentals of meditation, and how it can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.

IN-APP PURCHASES: You can try the app’s premium features at no cost for a year, and then for USD 90 annually. If you’re not satisfied within the year, don’t forget to cancel the subscription before it renews automatically.

SPLURGE OR PASS? If it becomes part of your routine by the end of the trial year, definitely splurge.

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD:You can find Balance on the App Store or Google Play.

Fly Me to the Moon: Romcom meets political cynicism

? AT THE MOVIES-

A different race to the moon: Fly Me to the Moon follows a new (and fictionalized) aspect of the Russian-American space race in the 1960s, which ended with the success of the US Apollo 11 mission and the first moon landing.

The plot: CIA officer Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) enlists the help of public relations and marketing expert Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) to develop a new marketing strategy for the Apollo 11 mission that will preserve the support of Congress in light of the failure of the previous ten missions… And stage a fake “back-up” moon landing in case Apollo 11 meets their demise.

Kelly meets Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), astronaut and director of the Apollo 11 operation. A relationship develops between them, but is threatened by Kelly's involvement in the government scheme.

There have been mixed reactions: Some critics considered the film “ relentlessly mediocre,” while others said “ it was the kind of movie they missed in theaters,” especially with Johansson and Tatum’s chemistry on screen. The film, despite its perceived shortcomings, is still a good choice for a light cinema outing — Just keep your expectations in check.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can catch Fly Me to The Moon at VOX City Center Almaza Cinema and Mall of Egypt, City Stars Cinema, Point 90 Cinema, Cairo Festival City Cinema, and Cima Arkan. It is also scheduled to be available on Apple TV, but the date has not yet been determined. (Watch the trailer, runtime: 2:31).

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Another edifying book by the Harvard Business Review Press: The Case for Good Jobs focuses on “how great companies bring dignity, pay, and meaning to everyone's work.” Now more than ever, companies are having trouble finding and retaining employees because work conditions are perceived by many as being sub-optimal: The pay is not satisfying, work environments are stressful while offering limited opportunities for growth.

Better work conditions means a stronger competitive edge. In her new book, MIT Sloan School of Management Professor and Good Jobs Institute Co-founder & President Zeynep Ton aims to help leaders understand the ways through which the Good Jobs strategy will give their companies a competitive advantage.

The “how” is simple enough… Exceptionally important investment in people combined with a number of operational choices ultimately leads corporations — in all kinds of industries — towards excellence.

…But implementation is trickier. Ton makes the case for the Good Jobs strategy as the most efficient means of achieving motivated, productive employees, and satisfied customers and shareholders. Then, the author goes on to highlight throughout the remaining chapters how awareness and courage will help achieve the desired results and the successful implementation of the strategy she described earlier.

WHERE TO FIND IT- The book is sold out at Diwan, but look out for the restock.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Sapporo, the Japanese restaurant that should be on your to-go list: Taking residency in Sheraton Hotel, this Japanese restaurant promises you both freshness and tradition in all of its dishes—and even a performance if you sit at their teppanyaki bar.

Our dining experience was a long haul — much like the flight to Tokyo — so strap in: Starting with the appetizers we ordered the Salmon Kushi Yaki, two skewered grilled salmon cubes with miso glaze. The salmon was a bit dry but nevertheless the umami flavor was present.

Alongside it we also got the Sea Bass Shabu Shabu, if its name does not catch your eye the taste will. The sea bass is thinly sliced in ponzu sauce and its delicate cut just melts in your mouth with a tangy and zesty flavor, definitely a must-order.

We picked a comforting and hearty option, the Sapporo Ramen Noodles: The miso chicken broth with roasted chicken and greens, did not particularly stand out but it does the job by warming you up — which is not ideal for the current weather — so it would be best ordering it in the winter.

What's Japanese cuisine without Teppanyaki? The Teppanyaki section had a variety of options for us to pick, but instead of going for the common chicken, beef, prawn we decided to order the Mediterranean Octopus—and it did not disappoint. The octopus was tender and may we say succulent, with a perfect char that added a smoky depth to the dish.

Rolling on to the sushi: In the nigiri, the salmon, salmon roe, and red tuna were fresh and almost buttery to the palate—not to mention the roe was, excuse the pun, bursting with flavor. The most important factor is that the rice to fish ratio was balanced.

Honorable roll mentions: The rolls section is overwhelming so we’re giving you the catch of the menu which are, the Rainbow Roll, the Very Belly Salmon Roll and finally the Broiled Salmon Belly.

There was not much space for dessert, but we know the most-ordered option: The Matcha Cake.

It’s a dining experience: It’s worth ordering and splurging a little extra to fully explore the menu.

? Per person: EGP 1k-2k

? Outdoor seating: No

? Alcohol: Yes

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

Say goodbye to your social life this weekend

Speedrunners and fans of retro gaming will be busy the next few days — Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition just came out. Fellow Nintendudes will be able to pick between thirteen different NES classics, including your most-played Super Mario Bros. games, old school Legend of Zelda titles, and some arcade faves.

Each game has dozens of speedrunning challenges that get harder with each level you beat. Completing challenges gives you in-game coins that you can use to unlock more levels across the different games. But trying to beat your own record will keep you occupied long enough that earning coins will be a side quest.

Speedrunning individual levels not doing it for you? Legend Challenges will have you beat in no time. These longer and more difficult games will have you speedrun through Super Mario Bros. and the OG Legend of Zelda’s entire game. It’s a good project to sink several days into.

A beginner to speedrunning? The replay value of these challenges makes it easy for you to practice and improve. Before each level, you have the chance to watch a playthrough clip to psych yourself up and prepare.

Hardcore competitors with Nintendo’s online membership can go toe-to-toe against the best of the best online… Weekly online challenges will give you a shot to end up on the World Championships leaderboard, where you can compare your best attempts with tens of thousands of other people. But you can also play with your friends offline in Party Mode if you’re just looking for a little bit of fun.

? Rating: 7/10 audience rating.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: N/A.

? Replay value: 10/10.

? Platforms: Nintendo Switch

? Price: USD 29.99 for the digital copy, and USD 59.99 for the physical deluxe set.

Smosh read reddit posts so you wouldn’t have to

Consume online content with a side of humor. Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is exactly what it says it is. Shayne Topp, a comedian known for his work on Smosh, a sketch comedy and improv collective that built the bones of YouTube, takes listeners on the wild ride that is Reddit.

From funny ha-ha to funny weird. Each episode sees Topp alongside guest co-hosts, reading a curated selection of Reddit posts that range from laugh-out-loud funny to absolutely unhinged. They pull posts from classic subreddit pages like r/AITA, r/Confessions, and r/Weird to bring you the best of Reddit’s front page.

Beyond the laughs: The podcast also offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences and perspectives that populate the online world. Listeners get a chance to witness the wide range of the human experience, often hidden behind anonymous usernames and avatars. Relatable topics can make you feel seen and comforted by the fact that you’re not alone, and surprising ones can remind you of the bizarre nature of the human condition.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

JULY

7-31 May-July (Tuesday-Wednesday): Cairo Cinema Days program, at Zawya Cinema.

11-2 June-September (Tuesday-Monday): Afashat w Aflam exhibition at Bibliothek.

11-30 July-August (Thursday-Friday): New Alamein Festival at North Coast.

18-31 July (Thursday-Wednesday): Gen Z W Tes’eeni Ya Gedo at Rawabet Art Space.

18-22 July (Thursday-Monday): The Summer Affordable Art Show at TAM Gallery

20 July (Saturday): Cacao Ceremony & Sound Healing workshop at Bayt Salam.

20 July (Saturday): Historic Cairo tour.

18-10 July-August (Thursday-Saturday): Summer Music Festival at the Cairo Opera House.

19 July (Friday): Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Tahami at El Sawy Culturewheel.

19-20 July (Friday-Saturday): The Art of Public Speaking workshop at AUC Tahrir.

23 July (Tuesday): Revolution Day (TBC).

25 July (Thursday): Saint Levant concert at D-Bay North Coast.

26 July (Friday): Route Tech Summit 2024 at The GrEEK Campus.

27 July (Saturday): Design Summer School at Majarrah Business Park, Sheikh Zayed City

AUGUST

3 August (Saturday): Founders Live at MINT Incubator by EGBANK.

4-6 August (Sunday - Tuesday): Edugate 2024 at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski.

SEPTEMBER

15 September (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (TBC).

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

29-30 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Intelligent Cities Exhibition & Conference (ICEC) at Waldorf Astoria.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily

The guide to getting your life together

An independent publication supported by

Today at a glance

Enjoy 8 weeks of lights on

Related

Related

The guide to getting your life together

Related

Related

Fly Me to the Moon: Romcom meets political cynicism

Related

This publication is proudly sponsored by

Say goodbye to your social life this weekend

Related

Smosh read reddit posts so you wouldn’t have to

Related

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Related

About

Privacy & Support

My EnterpriseAM

Sign in

Check your email! We've sent you a magic link to sign in.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily

The guide to getting your life together

An independent publication supported by

Today at a glance

Enjoy 8 weeks of lights on

Get Enterprise daily

Related

Related

The guide to getting your life together

Related

Related

Fly Me to the Moon: Romcom meets political cynicism

Related

This publication is proudly sponsored by

Say goodbye to your social life this weekend

Related

Smosh read reddit posts so you wouldn’t have to

Related

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Related

An independent publication supported by

About

Privacy & Support

My EnterpriseAM

Sign in

Check your email! We've sent you a magic link to sign in.