The road less traveled

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Madbouly forms new committees to ensure private sector involvement in decision making

Good morning, friends, and a very happy Friday to you all. Warmer and more comfortable temperatures this weekend are perfect for what we have in store after you, right after you catch up with this week’s news.

Do you have an international friend coming to town? Or perhaps you just want to forge a deeper relationship with the city. Venture beyond the standard attractions and take the road less travelled to explore the true heart of the city that lies within Cairo’s chaotic charm.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

POLICY-

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly announced yesterday the formation of six economic advisory committees, comprising a large cohort of investors and experts. The new committees will ensure continued and deepened communication between policymakers and the private sector as the state pushes its reform drive into the new year. Madbouly identified six focus areas in which the government aims to ensure private sector and expert involvement in the policy-making process, including macroeconomics, export development, digital economy and entrepreneurship, tourism development, political affairs, and urban development and real estate exports.

** Check the full list of advisors here

ECONOMY-

IMF, World Bank cut Egypt’s growth forecast: The IMF and World Bank have lowered Egypt’s growth projections for the current and upcoming fiscal years. The IMF now sees the economy growing at a 3.6% clip during the current fiscal year, down 0.5 percentage points from previous forecasts. The World Bank is a tad less optimistic, having slashed this fiscal year’s growth forecast by 0.7 percentage points to 3.5%. The lenders now see the Egyptian economy growing between 4.1-4.2% during the fiscal year 2025-2026.

EXPANSION-

Edita enters Iraq through stake acquisition in Tuama Jebur Abbas: Edita Food Industries acquired 49% of Iraqi snack maker Tuama Jebur Abbas (TJA) through a capital increase in a USD 8 mn transaction, marking the snackmakers first entry into the Iraqi market.The acquisition gives Edita access to a three-production line factory — two lines for cake and one for biscuits. Edita plans to invest some USD 27 mn in the Iraqi market over the coming three years.

M&A-

SIC secures bigger stake in CIRA Education: Social Impact Capital (SIC) is set to increase its stake in CIRA Education from 51.2% to 88.7%. The extra 37.5% stake will officially change hands once the MTO is settled.

IPO-

Bonyan gets listing greenlight from EGX: Real estate investment firm Bonyan secured approval from the EGX’s listing committee to list its shares on the EGX under the ticker symbol BONY.CA. The Compass subsidiary is gearing up for its EGX debut in the first half of 2025, a longer window than suggested by unconfirmed reports earlier this month, which penciled in an IPO for 1Q 2025.

TELECOMS-

WiFi calling launches in Egypt: All four mobile operators in Egypt rolled out WiFi calling services this week, allowing users to make calls over internet connections at the same rate as regular calls. The service aims to address coverage gaps in dense neighborhoods and high-rise buildings.

MANUFACTURING-

More on AOI’s solar panel factory: State-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization’s (AOI) joint solar panel manufacturing project with Sweden’s Sunshine Pro is set to be operational in July of this year and have a production capacity of 1 GW of panels by July 2026.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

Business Ya Shabab kicks off next week: The exhibition will run from 29 January, until 8 February at Cairo Stadium. The exhibition will host 150 exhibitors showcasing traditional crafts, handmade products, and startup innovations.

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-

#1- Ceasefire officially began in Gaza: A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, commenced on Sunday. The six-week agreement facilitates an end to the assault, humanitarian aid entry, and the release of 33 Israeli and 2k Palestinian hostages, with more releases planned. On the first day, three Israelis and 90 Palestinians were exchanged amid celebrations in Gaza.

#2- Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president: Donald Trump took the oath of office on Monday, promising to bring back America’s “golden age.” On his first day, Trump revoked 80 Biden-era policies, issued far-right executive orders, and declared a national emergency at the southern border to deploy armed forces.

AND- The World Economy Forum Annual Meeting took place: World leaders, banking sector titans, and global private sector players spent the past week in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, which began on Monday, 20 January and will wrap up today.

The meeting was held under the title Collaboration for the Intelligent Age and focused on five main points — rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, investing in people, safeguarding the planet, and industries in the intelligent age.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- It’s a cloudy weekend in Cairo with a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C both today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

It’s time for the country’s largest book fair. The Cairo International Book Fair is back for its 56th edition starting today and continuing till Wednesday, 5 February. The event will take place at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in New Cairo, and will host guests of honor that include the Sultanate of Oman, scientists and artist Ahmed Mostageer, and author Fatma Elmadoul.

Rev up your engines, car lovers: MM Events is here with an unforgettable car show with mind-blowing innovations, game-changing reveals, and all the latest trends shaping the future of cars. Mark your calendars for this high-octane experience on Friday, 24 January at Ain El Hayah resort. Tickets are available on Collard Tickets.

This one is for the curious: Don’t miss out on Dangerous Experiment at Teatro Al Assema, an eye-opening, hour-long lecture by Dr. Khaled Ghattass where he delves into topics like relationships, life choices, and societal challenges — with a 20-minute Q&A session at the end. The lecture will take place on Friday, 24 January. Get your tickets on Ticketsmarche.

Treat your ears to some Egyptian folk music: Sohba Semsemia brings you a vibrant singing and dancing show featuring traditional simsimiyya and tanbura music. Catch their performances at Rawabet Art Space from Wednesday, 8 January until Saturday, 1 February. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

End the first month of the year on a high note (literally): Lebanese DJ Rodge will be performing at CJC 610 right after an energetic performance from Bubblegum Kollective. The night will kick off at 9pm on Friday, 31 January. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

160 of Egypt’s most celebrated and promising artists. The 10th Edition of Cairo Art Fair is now open at TAM Gallery in Abu Rawwash and will continue running till Friday, 31 January.

Catch the grand final of the Double Dribble Basketball League at Heliopolis Sporting Club Shorouk on Saturday, 1 February. The event will start at 4pm and will run till 8pm, featuring matches between New Giza and Maadi Retro, along with the third place match between Negm El Geil and Underdogs. If that’s not enough, there's also going to be an exclusive performance from Egyptian rapper Moscow.

The ultimate gaming event in Egypt is here. Gamergy Egypt will feature live competitions, immersive experiences, and activities to bring together gaming fans of all ages. The festival will take place from Thursday, 30 January to Saturday, 1 February at Al Burouj Cultural Hub. Earlybird tickets are now available on their website.

Catch Saleh El Nawawy’s comedic debut: The Dubai-based filmmaker and comedian will be performing live at Theatro Arkan on Saturday, 1 February. Tickets are on Ticketsmarche.

The offbeat guide to Cairo

While the Pyramids and museums rightfully draw mns of visitors each year, the true heart of Cairo beats in its less visited corners. If you’re showing someone around the city, you might want to step off the well-worn tourist path and show them the city’s chaotic charm beyond the postcard images.

CULTURE: Cairo is a living, breathing melting pot of culture, where ancient monuments stand shoulder to shoulder with contemporary life — medieval Islamic architecture alongside French colonial facades, traditional feluccas competing with Nile dinner cruises. These lesser-known cultural spots will give your guests a deeper understanding (and appreciation) of the city’s rich layers.

#1- DARB 1718: In the historic district of Fustat, this cultural center is located in an Ottoman-era building, leaving its original architecture — thick walls and traditional mashrabiya windows — largely intact. The center hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary Egyptian and international artists, film screenings, and workshops in traditional crafts. The rooftop terrace overlooks a view of the Amr Ibn al-Aas mosque — the first mosque ever built in the country (and the continent). Check their Instagram page to catch an exhibition.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: The Hanging Church, The Coptic Museum, and the Fortress of Babylon.

#2- THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART: Despite being one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic artifacts, this museum remains surprisingly uncrowded. The recently renovated building houses over 100k objects spanning over 1.4k years of history, including rare Quranic manuscripts, intricate wooden mashrabiya screens, and detailed metalwork from across the Islamic world. The ceramic collection is particularly remarkable, showing the evolution of technique across different dynasties. Don’t miss the restored Damascus Room, a fully intact Ottoman-era reception room with original wooden panels and marble floors.

PRO TIP: Ask to see the collection of astrolabes in the scientific instruments section. Or, if you’re a bookworm/researcher, make an appointment to view the rare manuscripts in the museum’s library. The museum is located in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar and is open from 9am to 5pm everyday, and from 9am to 11:30am then 1:30pm to 5pm on Fridays.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: Abdeen Palace Museum.

#3- CINEMA RADIO: This art deco landmark in downtown Cairo houses several independent cultural initiatives in its upper floors. The building’s modernist architecture tells the story of 1930s Cairo, while its current occupants represent the city’s contemporary creative scene. Shop local from their revolving selection of shops, grab a bite or a cup of coffee, satisfy your cinephile guest, or attend an experimental music performance on their rooftop with views over downtown.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo and Tahrir Square.

HISTORY: It's no secret that this city is home to some iconic landmarks — some more famous than others. While most visitors make a beeline for Ancient Egyptian monuments, Cairo’s historical richness runs far deeper.

#1- EL MOEZ STREET: A simple walkthrough of this medieval street will provide much to marvel at, but the real charm of El Moez lies in its quiet corners and hidden courtyards. The northern section between Bab Al Fotouh and Al Azhar Street houses some of Cairo’s most stunning architecture. The Qalawun Complex ’s striking striped marble facade houses a 13th century hospital and a beautiful mosque with stunning stained glass windows. Down the road is Beit El Suheimi, a masterpiece of Ottoman domestic architecture, with its magnificent mashrabiya windows and hidden courtyards. You can explore the summer and winter reception halls, private family quarters, and the iconic courtyard.

PRO TIP: Grab your tickets for the historic buildings of El Moez from the ticket booth across from the Qalawun Complex.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: Khan El Khalili, Bab Zuweila, and Shari’ El Khayamiya.

#2- THE CAIRO CITADEL: Beyond the famous Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Citadel has several overlooked areas that tell fascinating stories. The Gawhara Palace, though partially open, contains impressive Ottoman decoration, and thanks to being perched on a hill, offers views over historic Cairo. The ancient Bir Youssef, with its ingenious medieval lifting mechanism, is also worth a visit. The older Al Nasir Mohammed Mosque, which boasts distinctive minarets and Persian tiles, often stands empty while crowds flock to the alabaster mosque.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: The Mostafa Kamel Museum, which includes the revolutionary’s mausoleum and belongings, and the National Military Museum, with warfare exhibits dating to ancient times.

#3- THE NILOMETER: This 9th century architectural marvel stands as a testament to ancient engineering in Egypt. The structure features an octagonal column marked with measurements that was used to predict the annual Nile flood levels — which was crucial to tax assessment and crop planning. The interior showcases some of the city’s finest examples of classical Arabic calligraphy and geometric art. The quiet garden surrounding the Nilometer in Rawda Island also offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: Also located on the island are the Manasterly Palace, a remaining portion of a 19th century complex, and the Umm Kulthum Museum, celebrating the life of one of the most beloved icons in Arab history.

NATURE: Most visitors don’t associate the capital with natural experiences, but there’s more to Cairo than the bustling city. Away from the central city’s concrete landscape, you’ll find unexpected oases, desert landscapes, and even wildlife.

#1- FELLUCA: While you can find a plethora of felucca along the corniche willing to take you aboard, some have modernized the traditional sailing experience with comfortable cushions, delicious food, and pre-booking options, all while maintaining the charm of these ancient vessels. A fan-favorite is Cafelucca, which offers breakfast, lunch, or dinner options for those wishing to enjoy a meal with an unparalleled view.

#2- WADI DEGLA PROCTORATE: The limestone canyon just outside Cairo proper feels worlds away from the city. The wadi features hiking trails of varying difficulty, with chances to spot desert wildlife and small marine fossils from when the area was underwater. Visitors can enjoy a barbeque with their friends after a leisurely high, or just sit back and enjoy the view with a cup of tea brewed over a charcoal fire.

PRO TIP:Due to the lack of shade, it’s best to visit the proctorate during the winter.

ANOTHER PRO TIP: 4x4 SUVs are highly encouraged if you’re planning on driving through the terrains.

#3- DAHSHUR: Head on over to the countryside. This working agricultural area allows visitors to immerse themselves into the rural life and witness traditional farming experiences, in addition to enjoying a true farm-to-table meal experience. Aside from being a getaway for nature enthusiasts, history lovers will also enjoy seeing the nearby Dahshur pyramids.

PRO TIP:If you’ve never been before, it’s best to go with someone who knows the area, or book a private tour or local guide.

ADVENTURE: Sometimes the greatest adventures come from stepping away from the guidebook. These activities might require more planning, but they offer unforgettable experiences of the city.

NEARBY SITES TO CHECK OUT: The Bent Pyramid and Djoser Pyramid in Saqqara.

#1- SKYDIVING: It’s one thing to walk by the pyramids, but getting a bird’s-eye-view is a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you’re a veteran jumper or a first timer, you can skydive or paraglide over the pyramids.

PRICE: USD 350 to USD 800 per jump.

#2- KAYAKING IN THE NILE: Grab a kayak and navigate the legendary waters of the river with the Nile Kayak Club. They offer both introductory sessions for beginners and advanced training for experienced paddlers, all of whom will be able to enjoy the striking cityscape and peaceful stretches of riverside greenery.

PRICE:EGP 180 to EGP 250 per session.

#3- ADVENTURE PARK: Find the fun at Mario High Ropes, a zipline park nestled among the mountains near Saint Simon Monastery in Moqattam. The park features ziplines, high ropes courses, and rock climbing suitable for all levels. The mountainous desert formations are a fresh switch from the inner city views of Cairo and visitors of all ages get to enjoy the high adventure courses and rock climbing opportunities.

PRICE:EGP 120 to EGP 220 per activity. Activity bundles are available.

When life pulls them apart, can one day each year bring them back?

? Trying to fit a lifetime into Six Days. Animated by an iconic lyric by singer Warda — “and what have the years done to us?” — this directorial debut by Karim Shaaban offers a meditation on the passage of time, as the film’s characters see the changes that impact them and the world around them over the course of a lifetime.

The story revolves around two main protagonists: Youssef (Ahmed Malek) and Alia (Aya Samaha) are childhood neighbors and close friends, bonded by their shared love for cinema, long walks, and spending time together. Their paths diverge when Alia and her family are forced to move suddenly from their old neighborhood in Manial to 6th of October City, resulting in them drifting apart.

Seven years later, Youssef and Alia meet by chance and decide to schedule a meetup on the same day each year. Over the course of twelve years, the pair meets only six times, discovering with each encounter how life has changed them.

The streets of Cairo play a pivotal role in the film, both as a reservoir for memories and meanings for the characters. The attention to detail in capturing each time period — from 2006 to the present — is notable, reflecting the subtle societal changes over the years in a way that resonates deeply with a generational nostalgia for the past.

The film succeeds on two fronts — pacing and execution. The film is never monotonous despite its focus on only two characters, with the audience remaining engaged throughout each sequence. Yet despite its many touching moments, the film occasionally suffers from lack of depth in dialogue and a number of plot gaps that affect how realistic certain events are — reminding us of fellow drama One Day.

WHERE TO WATCH- Watch Six Days at VOX Cinemas at City Centre Almaza and Mall of Egypt, City Stars, Point 90, Cairo Festival City Cinema, and Cima Arkan. You can also watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:52).

The art of leadership in a polarized world

? When the public gets angry, they get loud. Take the TikTok ban in the US — creators flocked to the platform to express their indifference to China having their online data, the main reason the ban was (briefly) implemented in the first place. The Israeli war on Gaza also saw significant public pushback, with Meta users voicing anger that the company’s algorithm was censoring any content that opposed the Israeli narrative. In The Age of Outrage, Oxford University professor Karthik Ramanna dives into the psychology driving these displays of public anger — and what leaders can do to deal with it.

This book is a guide for leaders at a time when public trust in institutions is lacking. Ramanna draws from his experience as an academic, his years working for large organizations, and case studies from companies like IKEA, Nestle, and Disney to explain the anger that marks our social and political scenes.

The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying cause of anger rather than treating it as just another passing crisis. He gives readers a five-step plan that aims at calming public tension during controversial times and encouraging constructive dialogue. Advising leaders against a firefighting approach, Ramanna promotes proactive steps that work on improving the relationship between individuals and organizations.

The advice isn’t just theoretical. Ramanna offers anecdotes about leaders who managed to successfully deal with public anger — giving concrete examples of how to apply his recommended techniques.

You can find this book at Diwan or Amazon.

Coffee that makes sense

?Grab your dose of caffeine in the sun at Senses Specialty Coffee. The nights might be cold but the afternoons are nice and sunny — so make use of it and go grab your favorite caffeinated drink at Senses Speciality Coffee.

This truck offers a variety of drinks and pastries for every taste. Whether you’re craving a classic Turkish coffee, an iced salted caramel latte, or some matcha, this place has it all.

The coffee standout was the hot pistachio latte. This trendy flavor is still going strong. The earthy combination of pistachio and coffee was a delight that we highly recommend. There’s also an iced version of this drink if you prefer a colder treat.

For the matcha lovers: The blended salted caramel matcha offers a new and exciting twist on a drink you know and love. There are also flavor options galore — including strawberry, white chocolate, and coconut.

Hungry? Senses has many breakfast and pastry options to choose from. Their Double Truffle Eggs Sandwich was delicious and the almond croissant was freshly baked and offered the perfect level of flakiness.

? Per person: EGP 300

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: No

FFVII Rebirth gets a PC port

? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment in Square Enix’s remake of the 1997 classic, is finally on PC a year after its Playstation release. As players leave the industrial city of Midgar behind, they’re introduced to a vastly different game — one that brings both fresh experiences and new challenges… And sometimes stumbles under the weight of its own grandeur.

The most immediate change veteran players will recognize is the shift to an open world. Rebirth’s world is impressively realized — from coastal regions to mountain ranges, each area is distinct and carefully crafted. These environments serve the game’s themes well, making the stakes feel tangible as players explore both pristine wilderness and areas damaged by mako energy extraction. The visual presentation is accompanied by a strong soundtrack that ranges from orchestral pieces to rock arrangements, effectively supporting both quiet moments and dramatic sequences.

The combat remains one of the game’s strongest elements. Building on Remake’s foundation, Rebirth’s battle system combines real-time action with tactical decision-making in a satisfying way. Each playable character offers a distinct fighting style, from Cloud’s iconic swordplay to Yuffie’s ninja techniques. The addition of the Synergy system allows the characters to perform team attacks, which adds a new strategic layer, without overcomplicating the existing mechanics.

Pacing problems: Rebirth sometimes struggles with pacing because of its numerous side quests and activities. While some optional content does add value to both the worldbuilding and the gameplay (like the Queen’s Blood card game), other activities sometimes feel like fluff. While these activities are entirely optional, they can still interrupt the flow of the main narrative.

The verdict: Overall, the story is able to both honor and expand on the game. The character development, particularly in the dynamic between Aerith and Tifa, is handled well, with strong voice performances doing them justice. While Rebirth is generally polished, some technical elements, like chocobo navigation and climbing sequences, can feel somewhat rigid.

Disclaimer: Despite what Square Enix wants you to think, the game isn’t an ideal entry point for newcomers. The narrative assumes familiarity with both the original game and Remake, often referencing events and characters from both.

? Rating: 4.7/5 in audience reviews.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 48 hours for the main story, 91 hours including side quests, 168 hours for completionists.

? Replay value: 10/10.

? Platforms: Steam for PC, Epic Games for PC, Playstation.

? Price: USD 54.99 for the standard edition and USD 69.99 for the deluxe edition on Steam, currently on sale for USD 38.49 and USD 48.99 respectively. USD 69.99 for the standard edition and USD 89.99 for the deluxe edition on Playstation and Epic Games, unpaid demo available on PS.

For the literature lovers

? The New Yorker’s Fiction podcast has been bringing stories off the page and into listeners’ ears since 2007. With over 200 episodes under its belt, the podcast has become a treasure trove for anyone who loves diving deep into great literature.

Peel back the layers of each story: Host Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker’s fiction editor, sits down with guest writers who choose and read their favorite pieces from a rich archive. But they don’t stop at just reading — Treisman and her guests dig into everything from the writer’s craft to the hidden meaning that might escape a casual reader.

The standout: A.M. Homes reads Shirley Jackson’s chilling masterpiece The Lottery, first published in The New Yorker in 1948. This story about a small town’s dark traditions will still send a shiver down readers’ spines today. Homes brings the text to life with her reading, then unpacks how Jackson used this seemingly simple tale to expose the dangers of blind tradition and mob mentality.

The podcast’s library spans generations of literary giants — from Margaret Atwood to Kazuo Ishiguro to Jorge Luis Borges — while also shining a light on brilliant but lesser known works. It’s like having a seat in a fascinating literature seminar, but one you can tune into while doing the dishes or taking a walk.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Ready to dive in? You can find Fiction on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami, Audible, or Amazon Music.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

JANUARY

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Aywa Aywa La2 La2 at Rawabet Art Space.

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Sohba Semsemia at Rawabet Art Space.

23 January - 5 February (Thursday-Wednesday): Cairo International Book Fair at the Egypt IECC in New Cairo.

24 January (Friday): Dr. Khaled Ghattass at Teatro Al Assema.

24 January (Friday): MM events at Ain El Hayah resort.

29 January (Wednesday): Storyteller Series Vol.1: Dina El Wedidi at Boom Room.

29-31 January (Wednesday-Friday): Fire of Anatolia at Cairo Opera House.

7 December-31 January (Saturday-Friday): Cairo Art Fair at TAM Gallery.

30 January-1 February (Thursday-Saturday): Gamergy Egyptat Al Burouj Cultural Hub.

31 January (Friday): Adventure Zipline & High Ropes - Launching Event at Adrenalin Park.

FEBRUARY

1 February (Saturday): Saleh El Nawawy’s debut at Theatro Arkan.

7 February (Friday): DHB at Giza Pyramids

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): The Art of Public Speaking Workshop at AUC Tahrir.

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): Football Access Summit at Zed Park.

14 February (Friday): Heliopolis Marathon with Cairo Runners.

14 February (Friday): Medhat Saleh Hob x Hob concert at Theatro Arkan.

21 February (Friday): E7kky Festival.

21 February (Friday): Egycon 12 at Family Park, New Cairo.

23 February (Sunday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

23-25 February (Sunday-Tuesday): Sports Expo 2025 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

OCTOBER

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

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Today at a glance

Madbouly forms new committees to ensure private sector involvement in decision making

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