Time to pick up a hobby

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Gov’t slashes 2024 privatization program target + Egypt could be in line for some USD 400 mn from the UK

Good morning, folks, and happy long weekend. The mercury is on the rise and we are trying to escape the heat. But aside from lying on the sofa in front of the idiot box, what is there to be done?

Plenty. And our guide is all about the many hobbies you can pick up that can keep you cool and occupied. Whether you have been fancying stepping into the kitchen or want to find an activity you love to share with your little ones, we will have something for you.

The whole country is off today in observance of Sinai Liberation Day.

And don’t forget to turn your clocks an hour forward: Daylight savings time returns at midnight tonight. Clocks will jump forward one hour until the final Thursday of October.

Enterprise Weekend comes out on the first day of the weekend at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with Enterprise Egypt AM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

WE HAD A SLEW OF PRIVATIZATION NEWS-

Gov’t slashes 2024 privatization program targets: The government aims to raise around USD 1 bn through the privatization of state-owned companies and assets via stake sales to strategic investors or EGX listings this year — a significant drop from previous estimates of USD 6.5 bn.

Next on the privatization agenda: The Madbouly government is preparing to fully exit state-owned plastics manufacturer Alamal Alsharif Plastics, selling its entire 46.6% stake within weeks. The state is also looking to finalize the stake sale of the Gabal El Zeit and Zafarana wind farms within the coming 3-4 months.

AND THE BUDGET DRAFT IS HERE-

The draft budget is here:Finance Minister Mohamed Maait delivered his budget statement to the House on Tuesday, giving us the first proper look at the draft state and public governemnt budgets (pdf) for the next fiscal year.

ICYMI: Budget season is going to be a bit different this time round, with the issuing of the first Public Government Budget. The new budget — which does not replace the state budget — shows the budgets of all the state’s economic bodies in addition to the state budget collated together. Read our full budget coverage here.

A WHOLE LOT OF FUNDS-

#1- Another USD 820 mn from the IMF: Egypt has reportedly received the second USD 820 mn tranche under the IMF’s USD 8 bn loan program. We were expecting the tranche this summer after the fund completes its third review of the facility. The rest of the facility will be disbursed in USD 1.3 bn tranches, following reviews that will take place every six months until the program comes to an end in the fall of 2026.

#2- We could be in line for some USD 400 mn from the UK: Egypt could see USD 400 mn in budget support from the UK over the next two years, with the first USD 200 mn expected to be dispersed in tandem with USD 500 mn in budget financing from the World Bank by July. The World Bank funds are part of a wider three-year USD 6 bn financing package.

A jump in FX reserves helped the deficit in net foreign assets at the central bank shrink to its lowest levels in over two years. The net foreign assets deficit narrowed to EGP 65.4 bn at the end of March, from EGP 270.7 bn in February, El Hadidi explained — which comes out as a 76% drop by our math.

WE HAD A WHOLE LOTTA INVESTMENT NEWS AS WELL-

#1- Ajlan & Bros eyes an initial investment of USD 1.5 bn in Ras Gamila project: Saudi Arabia’s Ajlan & Bros Holding has reportedly filed an offer to the Madbouly government to secure a land plot at Sharm El Sheikh’s Ras Gamila for the establishment of ten hotels with 3k keys in the first phase of a bigger development plan.

#2- New Chinese projects coming to our industrial zones: Egypt inked 14 agreements with Chinese companies to set up projects alongside our local private sector, including a USD 800 mn fiberglass and polyester plant and a power generation center.

ALSO- Chinese steel maker Wu’an Xin Feng will set up a USD 297 mn hot-rolled steel coils plant in the Sokhna Industrial Zone after the Suez Canal Economic Zone allocated the steel maker a 750k sqm land plot to house the plant under an usufruct agreement.

MEANWHILE, ON THE ENERGY FRONT-

Egypt could spend up to USD 120 mn a month on LNG shipments this summer to support domestic demand as rising temperatures strain supplies with the Madbouly government planning to import three LNG shipments a month between July and October.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The war in Gaza and tensions between Iran and Israel dominated the front pages this week. Israel continued its attacks on Gaza, while the open exchange of attacks brought a decades-long shadow war between Iran and Israel into the open.

MEANWHILE, IN THE US- The US House of Representatives has passed a USD 95 bn aid bill for Ukraine and Israel and will send the measure on to the Democrat-dominated Senate, meaning it’s likely to become law.

SIGN OF THE TIMES-BTC miners are looking at AI and power centers as they look to cope with reduced revenues following the halving this past weekend.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- The heat is slightly less intense today with a high of 35°C today, and we’re seeing some clouds on Friday with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Saturday will have more sun — look for a high of 32°C and a chilly low of 15°C, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Moustafa Amar is making an appearance alongside Andy Cheiko at CJC 610 tomorrow. For reservations message their Facebook page.

Gamers, buckle up for Egypt’s biggest gaming festival:Insomnia is back at the International Exhibitions Center from today until Saturday, making it an immersive weekend of quests, level-ups, and never-ending clicking game experiences. Get your tickets here.

Discover the corners of old Cairo on a walking tour with Saradeeb tomorrow morning. After your traditional Egyptian breakfast in Al Gamaliya area you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Dome of Saladin Al-Ayyubi and the Qalawun Complex. Do note that the tour will be conducted in Arabic. Click here to book your spot and check out the itinerary of the trip.

A fusion of music genres at Rawabet Art Space tomorrow. Starting at 8pm, six artists who perform rap, techno and mahraganaat music will be getting together under one roof jamming and blending these three genres together. Book your tickets at Ticketsmarche.

The Institut Français is hosting an exhibition of Armenian artist Kegham Djeghalian Jr. called “Photo Kegham of Gaza: Unboxing.” In this exhibition, the grandson tries to reveal the legacy of his grandfather, Kegham Djeghalian, a photographer who devoted his life to documenting various aspects of life in the Gaza Strip. The exhibition will be held tomorrow at 6pm, no fee is required for entry.

Abdelbaset Hamouda will be performing at El Sawy Culturewheel on Saturday at 8pm. Click here to book your tickets.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Get ready for the inaugural Maadi Book Festivalat The Courtyard Maadi on Wednesday, 1 May until Monday, 6 May from 11am-11pm. Immerse yourself in a world of literature and creativity as they showcase a diverse array of books, novels, handcrafted products, unique gifts, and interactive activities. There’s also endless price reduction and something for every book lover to enjoy. No tickets are required.

Master the art of punch needle embroidery at Darb 15 on Friday, 3 May from 12pm. Say goodbye to stress and hello to creativity as you channel your energy into crafting beautiful designs with every punch. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, get crafty, and unleash their inner artist. To book your spot DM Darb15 on their Instagram.

Thrive through hobbies: Your guide to trying something new

We all know the feeling: Another week down, another to-do list conquered. But let’s be honest, sometimes the post-work slump hits hard. What if there was a way to turn that “What now?” into an excited “What next?” Hobbies can be a chance to explore, create, and connect beyond the workday grind. Get yourself out of the work-scroll-sleep rut and into these activities.

COOKING-

#1- MAMUSHKA: Mamushka, a kitchen located in Maadi, offers exclusive individual cooking classes for 4-9 people. Gather a group (or just your partner for an exciting date night) and head over to learn how to make pizza or pasta from scratch, or how to prepare chicken and steak to absolute perfection. Once you’ve put the aprons away, you and your companion(s) can sit back and enjoy your own creations. These private classes cost between EGP 600-1k depending on the cuisine.

#2- MON APPETIT: Ready to take your culinary skills seriously? Monappetit is a culinary and hospitality academy that offers short lifestyle cooking courses. Each program spans over 1-5 days, and includes courses in bakery, pastry, hot kitchen skills, food styling, food photography, and modern plating. Whether you’re perfecting your craft or getting ready to impress some loved ones, Monappetit is the place to go to level up. If you frequent West Cairo that is.

#3- THE COOKING SCHOOL:The Cooking School is an aptly named company. They offer a roster of dynamic classes with renowned chefs. Learn to roll your own sushi, make the perfect burger, and explore different international cuisines. You can bring your little ones along for their own special classes too. Courses are announced on a monthly basis, and are priced between EGP 950-1350. You can find The Cooking School in New Cairo, and as summer approaches, you can take your skills on the road and all the way to Sahel.

ART-

#1- IL PENNELLO: Il Pennello is a beautiful introduction to the world of pottery. While it’s a great spot for a good bite, you’ll find yourself staying for the painting. Grab a mug, a plate, a vase, or even a decorative chicken and a paintbrush. Drinking out of a mug you designed is more satisfying than you think, and once you’ve run out of space to store them, they make great handmade gifts.

#2- FOKHARA: Take it one step further and make your own ceramics by hand. Get familiar with the clay at Fokhara. The studio is open four days a week, when you can go practice handbuilding or wheelthrowing (don’t worry, you’ll soon get familiar with the terms). Each single course is three hours long — check their page for the schedule — and runs for EGP 750. Bring along your little ones along for EGP 500. You can commit to your craft by registering for the month-long course for EGP 2.7k or the three-month course for EGP 7.7k.

#3- ART CAFÉ: Try something new at Art Café. You can find drawing and painting classes in their Maadi and Sheikh Zayed branches, but why not pick up a brand new skill? Art Café offers a host of applied arts classes, like metal smithing, carpentry, macramé weaving, staining glass, and working with leather. Children can develop new passions with classes that teach them the basics of photography, fine arts, and photography.

CULTURE CLUBS-

#1- BAB INITIATIVE:Bab Initiative is a community center situated in Maadi, created to bring like- and active-minded people together. If you’re interested in writing but can’t seem to sit down and get clacking, maybe joining a monthly writing club will encourage you to hone your craft. An Arabic writing club is available too.

#2- DIWAN: It’s no surprise that Book Club = Diwan. Members of Diwan’s English and Arabic book club community meet up once a month to discuss works selected by the groups that are available at Diwan. Make time to get lost in a good book and discuss them with other bibliophiles in Diwan’s Zamalek branch. You can register for the book clubs here and here.

#3- BIBLIOTHEK: West-siders can enjoy a book club closer to home at Bibliothek, a cultural hub in Sheikh Zayed. While you’re there, you can grab some extra goodies from their bookstore, meander around their galleries, and grab a bite or a coffee at their café. For details on how to join the book club and more information about their schedule, DM them on Instagram.

SPORTS-

#1- BIKE ZONE: Cycle your way through C-Town with Bike Zone. This Heliopolis -based club organizes multiple cycling routes per month, hoping to build a community of cycling enthusiasts. No bike? No problem. You can rent a bike and helmet from Bike Zone.

#2- ASCENT: Looking for an adrenaline rush and a challenge? Ascent is an indoor rock climbing center in Sheikh Zayed that lets you test your limits, conquer challenging routes (or problems — get with the lingo), and help you reach new heights (literally). Both complete beginners and seasoned climbers can find their niche there, whether you’re attending one of their classes or going for freeplay. Youngsters as fresh as six years old can attend instructed sessions. Walk-ins are accepted — You can claim a day pass on arrival.

Once you’ve become comfortable enough to tackle outdoor climbing, you can join the team on one of their local bouldering trips.

#3- OSANA: Looking for something more mindful and less strenuous? Explore the world of yoga at Osana in Maadi. This community-focused wellness center offers a wide range of classes for you to try out, from a gentle ashtanga to a heart-pumping vinyasa. Instructors from all around the world visit Osana to offer yogis diverse classes or teach the art of serenity. You can book available classes on their website.

Getting the itch to take your practice on the road? Osana now organizes holistic yoga-focused trips to Bali.

Ritchie’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will please fans. Eat and leave the world behind at Sabeh. What’s the story behind the Greek goddesses?

📽 AT THE MOVIES-

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is directed by Guy Ritchie and stars Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, and Alex Pettyfer. Even though the film does use Ritchie’s style — plenty of rough and tough British underdogs — you can’t help but notice that it echoes Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

It is loosely based on some World War II documents that were revealed at the end of 2016. The movie tells the story of Operation Postmaster, the unofficial, unsanctioned mission that Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) assigned to a group of rogue, rebellious daredevils. The goal was to sink the German U-boats and cut off supply from the Nazis while encouraging the United States to join in the war against Germany. Ian Fleming, the creator of Bond’s character, was involved in the operation and has reportedly drawn inspiration for the iconic character from the real event.

The film opens up with a scene of Gus March Phillips (Cavill) and Anders Lassen (Ritchson) on their fishing ship being stopped by German police at sea. After a few back and forths regarding why they’re at sea and a bit of police mockery from the pair, Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) show up and eventually blow up the police ship. This is the first of many attacks towards German police that the group initiates throughout the movie.

The movie follows the five rebels — they picked up their fifth member, GeoffreyAppleyard, from German captivity on La Palma — as they embark on the mission. With the help of more characters along the way, the group later became known as The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Be prepared for subtitles. A majority of the storyline involves the German language so be prepared for lots and lots of subtitles.

PRO TIP- Don’t leave right when the movie ends to get the chance to see the real historical figures and additional details from their lives that were left out of the movie.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the film at, Cima Arkan, VOX Cinema, Americana Plaza, and City Stars. Watch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime: 2:05).

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Explore Greek Goddesses in a new light in Divine Might: Goddesses in GreekMyth. Natalie Haynes’s novel focuses on the powerful female deities of Olympus and the Furies. Leaving behind the usual spotlight on male gods, Haynes illuminates the strengths, complexities, and desires of goddesses like Athene, Aphrodite, and Hera, presenting a refreshing take on familiar legends.

Celebrating female empowerment through origin stories and insightful analysis, she sheds light on each of their motives urging readers to reconsider traditional interpretations. Whether unraveling the etymology of Aphrodite’s name or reevaluating Hera’s character, Haynes navigates the complexities of Greek mythology with academic rigor and a sardonic tone.

Some chapters may feel scattered or lacking in cohesion. Nevertheless, her engaging storytelling ensures that even experts in Greek mythology will find new insights to ponder. The Sunday Times agree that it is “a witty, intelligent book”

You can find it atCherry Blossom Books.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Fun, food, and farm animals — Sabeh is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.Tucked away in Orabi Compound on Cairo-Ismailia Road, Sabeh is a literal farm-to-table haven for you and your loved ones to enjoy in solitude. There are plenty of activities for both the young and the young-at-heart to enjoy, good food, specially-made desserts, and most importantly, tea.

Disconnect and reconnect. While putting your phone away isn’t a policy at Sabeh, you might find yourself doing so anyway. The welcoming atmosphere and rustic decor of the open-air farm are enough reason to put your phone down, and keeping your hands busy will make sure that it stays down. There’s plenty to do on the farm, from basketball to table tennis, dominos to playing cards, and planting to learning magic tricks. Once you’ve expended all your energy, you can walk over to the barns and say hello to goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, chickens, and turkeys.

After spending the day getting your hands dirty (maybe literally), you can feast on a menu of your choosing. As you reserve, you get to pick between set menus for breakfast or lunch/dinner. Breakfast consists of baladi bread, eggs, a variety of cheeses, traditional accompaniments, a selection of fresh juice, and tea. Lunch includes duck, pigeon, chicken, potatoes, mixed grill, okra tajin, goulash, mahshi, kishk, molokheyya, and fattah.

Shell out for the goat. You can choose to indulge in some mandi — succulent goat cooked underground, accompanied by golden basmati rice, and salads. Any choice of menu will end with a steaming cup of traditional tea prepared on coal fire, some Um Kalthoum playing in the background, and a mess of fiteer and honey. The best part is that if you take a liking to any of the products you try at Sabeh, you can purchase a jar or two to take home, alongside any plants, or even magic tricks your kids want to bring to show and tell.

💵 Per person: EGP 1k

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

Rise of the Ronin blends combat and strategic thinking

Rise of the Rōnin is a chance to forge your own legend. The devs of Team Ninja throw you into the heart of Japan’s Edo period recently covered by Blue Eye Samurai and Shōgun. You become a Rōnin, a samurai without a master when an assassination you were tasked with goes wrong.

The plot is interesting without compromising the gameplay. The clash between tradition and the rapidly modernizing country blends the historical intrigue of the era and a barrage of thrilling action. The combat is fantastic and challenging, demanding the strategic thinking and fast reflexes we imagine real samurais had to hone.

Visuals are stunning — but manage your expectations. Team Ninja doesn’t have the budget of big dev studios like Sony or Rockstar Games, but the graphics are great for a developer of their size. While the beauty of the countryside and the impressive soundtrack make for a great experience, we think the studio bit off more than they could chew with the open-world concept — the world design can feel a little repetitive and the cities seem weirdly devoid of people.

Peak versatility: Not only is your character customizable — arguably the most fun part of a lot of games — but you can also play co-op with up to three players. It’s not often that you see an action-adventure RPG with that option. Even Assassin’s Creed only pulled it off with Unity. You can also toggle between three difficulty levels, making it a great hack-and-slash to unwind with or a challenging and strategic game.

💯 Rating:85% on Google Reviews

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 21 hours to complete the main story, 34.5 hours with side quests, and 75 hours for completionists.

👾 Platforms:PlayStation 5

💵 Price: USD 69.99 for the Standard Edition, USD 79.99 for the Deluxe Edition (digital only).

A light murder mystery podcast

Just whenmurder mystery aficionados think they’ve heard every podcast out there, in comes My Favorite Murder.Can someone talk about murder cases with sensitivity and humor? Well, this podcast does. Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, with a tagline of “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered,” it’s garnered a devoted following for its candid discussions of notorious crimes with plenty of wit.

In the episode on the Nervous Nose, it talks about The Crouch family murders in Michigan unravels the details of the crime with multiple sources from experts and news outlets who covered the case, giving insights into the psychology of the killer and the community’s response.

It’s mainly for true crime enthusiasts. While the subject matter may be dark, the hosts infuse each episode with humor and levity creating a space where listeners can explore the macabre side of human nature without feeling overwhelmed.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Podtail, and Spotify.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

APRIL

25 April (Thursday): National holiday in observance of Sinai Liberation Day.

25 April (Thursday): Moustafa Amar at CJC 610.

25 April (Thursday): KONAFA CN standup comedy show at Elsawy Culturewheel.

25 April (Thursday): Komedy Koshk open mic at Eden Spaces.

25 April (Thursday): Tamsin Elliott and Tarek Elazhary at Rawabet Art Space.

25-27 April (Thursday-Saturday): Insomnia Egypt Gaming Festival at the International Exhibitions Center.

26 April (Friday): Walking tour in Old Cairo with Saradeep.

26 April (Friday): Exhibition of Armenian artist Kegham Djeghalian Jr. at The Institut Français.

26 April (Friday): Qamar El-Din musical performance by Al Warsha band at Bibliothek Egypt.

26 April (Friday): Business Portraits from Zero to Hero with Karim Soliman at Consoleya

26 April (Friday): Melouk El San3a concert at Rawabet Art Space.

27 April (Saturday): Abdelbassit Hammouda concert at Elsawy Culturewheel.

27 April (Saturday) Amr Selim concert at Cairo Opera House

27 April (Saturday): Spring-cleaning flea market at Osana.

28 April (Sunday): Ali El Haggar tribute concert at Cairo Opera House.

29 April (Monday): Tahqiq Show at Rawabet Art Space.

29 April (Monday): Hany Shaker concert at Cairo Opera House.

29 April (Monday): Metro Boomin concert at Kundalini Grand Pyramids.

30 April (Tuesday): Metro Boomin concert at Kundalini Grand Pyramids.

30 April (Tuesday): Reading Reem Basyuni’s latest work at Bibliothek Egypt.

30 April-5 May (Tuesday-Sunday): Next Level International Summer Camp.

MAY

1-6 May (Wednesday-Saturday): Maadi Book Festival.

3 May (Friday): Youth to Business (Y2B) event at The GrEEK Campus.

3 May (Friday): Punch needle embroidery workshop at Darb 15.

5 May (Sunday): Coptic Easter.

5 May (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Labor Day.

6 May (Monday): National holiday in observance of Sham El Nessim.

10 May (Friday): Tamer Ashour and Mahmoud El Esseily concert at Family Park.

10 May (Friday): Fouad and Mounib at Theatro Arkan.

11 May (Saturday): Cairo Flea Market at Zamalek Fish Garden.

17 May (Friday): El Mahatta at The American University in Cairo.

23-25 May (Thursday-Saturday): The Design Show at Cairo International Conventions Center.

24 May (Friday): The Glow Run by The TriFactory at Palm Hills Sports Club.

24 May (Friday): The Elite Super Show at the Cairo International Stadium.

25 May (Saturday): Techne Summit at the Cairo International Stadium.

JUNE

15-19 June (Saturday-Wednesday): Eid El Adha (TBC).

30 June (Sunday): June 30 Revolution Day (TBC).

JULY

7 July (Sunday): National holiday in observance of Islamic New Year (TBC).

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

SEPTEMBER

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

OCTOBER

6 October (Sunday): Armed Forces Day.

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Gov’t slashes 2024 privatization program target + Egypt could be in line for some USD 400 mn from the UK

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Thrive through hobbies: Your guide to trying something new

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Ritchie’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will please fans. Eat and leave the world behind at Sabeh. What’s the story behind the Greek goddesses?

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Rise of the Ronin blends combat and strategic thinking

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A light murder mystery podcast

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