Travel well

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Fresh economic indicators reflect dynamism, challenges in 2025

Good morning folks, and welcome to another wintry weekend. We’ve got your weekly news roundup ahead, alongside recs to help you settle into the weekend state of mind.

Whether you’re a frequent business flyer, a digital nomad, or an occasional vacationer, this week’s guide will help you build a travel kit that makes for a stress-free trip.

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

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

#1- Inflation dipped to 24.1% in December: Annual headline urban inflation fell 1.4 percentage points to 24.1% in December, marking inflation’s second drop in two months and Egypt’s lowest inflation reading since December 2022, according to data from state statistics agency Capmas. Food and beverage price inflation — the largest component of the basket of goods and services used to calculate headline inflation — fell 4.3 percentage points throughout the month to an annual rate of 20.3%.

#2- December’s PMI reading saw non-oil private sector output contract at its fastest rate in eight months: Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity in December fell to 48.1 from 49.2 in November, according to S&P Global’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report. The downturn marked the sector activity’s fourth consecutive month of contraction and the sharpest contraction in sector output in eight months. Driving the decline were rising prices amid a weakening EGP against the USD, which saw demand and new order volumes fall, particularly in the construction and wholesale & retail sectors.

#3- Net foreign assets fell 35% to USD 5.96 bn in November: Egypt’s net foreign assets fell to USD 5.96 bn in November, down from USD 9.2 bn the previous month and marking the figure’s second consecutive monthly drop. Driving the decline was the worsening deficit in the net foreign assets of commercial banks, which dropped to a deficit of USD 5.84 bn, compared to USD 1.4 bn in October. The central bank helped cushion the fall, with the bank recording both a decrease in its liabilities and slight increase in its foreign assets in November. The country’s net foreign asset surplus has shrunk 58% since its May 2024 peak of USD 14.3 bn.

#4- Net foreign reserves came in at USD 47.1 bn at the end of December 2024, marking an increase of USD 157 mn from November, according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt. Net foreign reserves have now increased month on month for 28 consecutive months.

#5- GDP growth was up 0.8 percentage points y-o-y in 1Q FY 2024-2025, coming in at 3.5% y-o-y for the three month period. The figures marked a recovery from the slowdown in 1Q FY 2023-2024, which had declined sharply from the 4.4% a year earlier amid global economic headwinds and domestic challenges.

ENERGY-

The gov’t greenlit the construction of a 252 MW extension to the Gabal El Zeit wind farm: The New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) secured government approval to build a 252 MW wind power extension at the Gabal El Zeit wind farm, increasing its capacity by 43.5%. The news comes amid unconfirmed reports that the government is in talks with UK-based private equity giant Actis over the acquisition of the longtime privatization target.

POLICY-

The gov’t announced a plan to clear outstanding dues to exporters: The Finance Ministry and the Investment Ministry announced a new mechanism to clear EGP 60 bn in overdue payments to exporters through the Export Development Fund. The plan covers arrears tied to shipments made up to 30 June 2024 and involves a combination of cash-based disbursements and offset arrangements.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

It was a busy week in the int’l press, with a number of stories vying for top billing.

Israeli airstrikes killed hundreds in Gaza this week as Egypt, Qatar, and the US returned to the negotiating table in a last-ditch attempt to hammer out a ceasefire agreement before the end of the outgoing US administration’s term on 20 January. While sources speaking to Reuters indicated that the talks were progressing, no agreement had been reached as of writing late Thursday.

Natural disasters shook the world: Wildfires erupted in multiple areas of Los Angeles on Tuesday, leading to evacuation orders for over 100k LA residents by Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, over a hundred were killed and over 40k displaced after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck western China and Nepal on Tuesday.

Trump raised ire around the world with threats to annex Canada, Greenland: In separate comments throughout the course of the week, US president-elect Donald Trump suggested annexing both Canada and and Denmark-ruled Greenland. Trump’s remarks, which followed news that the president-elect will be sentenced on 10 January on charges that he allegedly paid hush money to a celebrity, sparked widespread backlash from the countries’ top officials and observers throughout the world.

That wasn’t the only political crisis on Canada’s horizon, though: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would be resigning as prime minister and as leader of the country’s Liberal Party after coming under pressure from fellow party members to step down. Trudeau’s decision, which will end a nine-year run in office, follows a series of dismal polls that predict a decisive Conservative victory in elections set to take place by the end of this year.

Meta drops fact-checking, shifts to user moderation: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this week that Facebook and Instagram would be ditching fact-checking in favor of user-generated community notes — like those relied upon by Elon Musk’s X — to flag false information. Framed as a move to “restore free expression,” the change comes as Zuckerberg seeks to mend fences with US president-elect Donald Trump ahead of the latter’s inauguration on 20 January.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Temps are expected to stay steady in the capital this weekend, with a high of 19°C and a low of 11°C today and tomorrow.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Treat your ears to some Egyptian folk music: Sohba Semsemia brings you a vibrant singing and dancing show featuring traditional simsimiyya and tanbura music. Their performances at Rawabet Art Space will continue until tomorrow. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Step into a fun, interactive children’s show where you choose what’s right and wrong. Through fun, laughter, and engaging storytelling, Aywa Aywa La2a La2a at Rawabet Art Space encourages children to learn and embrace social and cultural values that matter. The show will continue to run until tomorrow. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Don’t miss out on Ramy Sabry and Ilmond taking the stage at Open Air Mall’s Winter Festival tonight starting at 7pm. Get your tickets through Ticketsmarche.

End your weekend with a bit of exploring. On Qahraweya’s Wrapped in Silk tour, you’ll witness artistry firsthand as you tour the creative heritage of Al Haraneya and Dahshour. You’ll even get to use your hands to create date based products, bake in an oriental oven, and craft with Halfa grass. The tour will take tomorrow and get your tickets by messaging their page.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Tour the land of the stars with Qahraweya. Join their Cosmos Cinema tour on Friday, 17 January where you’ll tour the world of Egyptian cinema through the ages to get a glimpse behind the curtain at the magic and mastery of filmmaking in Egypt’s golden age and beyond. Details on how to reserve your spot can be found on their Facebook page.

Catch some laughs at Ahmed Khairy’s first standup comedy special. On Friday, 17 January the comedian will take the stage with a special show called “Made In Egypt” at El Rihany Theatre. Get your tickets on Ticketsmarche.

The guide to no-hassle travel

The difference between a stressful trip and a fun adventure comes down to what’s in your bag. It’s time to move beyond the basic toothbrush and passport checklist and onto travel essentials that solve real problems. From tech solutions that keep you connected across continents to clever comfort items that turn economy seats into business-class experiences, these recommendations will earn their place in your luggage.

ELECTRONICS AND CONNECTIVITY

In the age of connectivity, staying powered up and plugged in isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Whether you’re navigating foreign streets, capturing memories, or staying in touch with your loved ones, having the right gear can make or break your trip.

#1- PORTABLE CHARGER: With a portable charger, there’s no need to stress out about finding an outlet while you’re out and about.

WHAT TO BUY: This Anker power bank (EGP 1.5k) charges from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes and can charge up to two devices at the same time. This heavy duty RAVPower brick (EGP 1.7k) can charge up to 3 devices at the same time and recharges quickly for those who don’t plan on staying in the same place for too long. Want total freedom from outlets? Blavor ’s outdoor charger (USD 50) uses solar power to re-juice your devices. It also comes with a built-in flashlight and compass for all you outdoorsy types.

#2- UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTER: Don't let a major inconvenience ruin your trip.

WHAT TO BUY:Most travel adapters available in Egypt prioritize Type A USB ports. In the age of USB C supremacy, you might prefer Tessan ’s travel adapter (USD 27 to USD 70), which lets you choose between different port combinations and wattages based on your needs.

#3- E-SIM: Ditch the roaming costs and the search for pins to swap SIM cards.

WHAT TO BUY:Airalo (iOS | Android) is maybe the most popular eSIM on the marketplace. You can choose the network, amount of data, and length of coverage based on your trip and your budget. Plans typically range from USD 4.5 to USD 36. Other options that may be less customizable but have their own advantages include Nomad (iOS | Android), Holafly (iOS | Android), and FlexiRom (iOS | Android).

COMFORT AND SLEEP

Long flights, timezone changes, and unfamiliar beds can wreak havoc on your sleep stats. The right comfort items can help you arrive refreshed and make any accommodation feel more like home.

#1- NECK PILLOW: No one wants a stiff neck on vacation.

WHAT TO BUY:You can find memory foam travel pillows at Ricrac for EGP 350 to EGP 395, and at Magalis for EGP 405.

If your neck needs some extra loving, invest in a Cabeau neck pillow, which ranges from USD 25 to USD 60. All their pillows have raised side supports, memory foam cores, and adjustable straps. Some of their offerings feature straps that will prevent “bobblehead” sleeping by keeping your head secured upright and comfortable (as long as you don’t mind looking a little silly). Didn’t have time to grab one? Cabeau is available in many international airport shops.

Trtl travel pillows are the most convenient of the bunch, with a unique design that’s difficult to replicate. Instead of a traditional U-shaped pillow, Trtl is more like a padded pedestal designed to support your head on one side if you like to sleep leaning against something and weren’t lucky enough to grab a window seat. They are incredibly lightweight, but don’t expect to be able to wear over-ear headphones while using them. Prices range from USD 56 to USD 90.

#2- SLEEP MASK: Trying to catch a snooze on the plane or block out the glaring TV LED clock in your hotel room? Let a sleep mask block out the outside world.

WHAT TO BUY: Chances are that you already own a comfortable eye mask, but if you’re looking to upgrade, you can find a number of options online both locally and internationally. You can find some on Amazon Egypt, with prices ranging from EGP 190 for a basic sleep mask to EGP 545 for one that’s comfortably padded and wrapped in cotton, or EGP 619 for a more contoured mask that boasts complete blackout.

If Cabeau or Trtl tickled your fancy with their neck pillows, you might want to grab one of their eye masks on your way to checkout. Trtl’s USD 60 sleep mask boasts complete blackout, but has a front panel that you can adjust if you prefer a little light to shine through for increased awareness. You can also remove the contoured cups if you prefer less pressure around your eyes. Cabeau has a comfortable eye mask for USD 20, but you might want to opt for their similarly priced Nap Now hoodie, an ultra-light and easily packable hood with adjustable straps and an added strip to contour to your nose for complete blackout. Its satin lining will also protect your hair.

ORGANIZATION AND SECURITY

Nothing causes travel stress like disorganization or getting pickpocketed. These essentials will help keep your belongings safe and easily accessible throughout your journey.

#1- ANTI-THEFT BAG: Keep your valuables safe.

WHAT TO BUY: Pacsafe bags are known for their anti-theft features, lockable zips, and cut-resistant material. If you’re a backpack bro, you might want to grab yourself their Metrosafe Daypack for USD 139 on Amazon, as their official site does not ship to Egypt just yet. It’s great for everyday use, is lightweight, and conveniently sized for air travel. Away’s Everywhere Zip backpack offers a more sizable option at USD 195, and is sleek enough to tout on business trips.

#2- DOCUMENT HOLDER: Everything you need on-the-go in one place.

WHAT TO BUY: Bellroy’s USD 159 Travel Folio is a sophisticated and elegant travel wallet that will fit two passports, up to eight cards, and a flat bill storage slip that fits all global currencies. Forgot your pen? You’ll find one stowed away in there, as well as a SIM ejector pin. It also offers RFID protection to keep your card chips safe from high-tech pickpockets.

A more budget-friendly option is the USD 20 Zero Grid travel wallet, which holds up to 10 cards and one passport. Traveling as a family? Grab the Valante document organizer for USD 23, which can hold up to six passports, with enough space left over for all your boarding passes, bills and coins, and two pens. It also claims to be RFID protected and water resistant in case of any spills.

From PTA meetings to prison and back again

? Lara Love Hardin’s The Many Lives of Mama Love is a memoir like no other. It peels back the layers of a seemingly perfect life to reveal a life of addiction, crime, and transformation. Her raw honesty with her ability to find humor and humanity in the darkest places makes this memoir a scintillating exploration of resilience and hope.

The memoir begins with the shocking reveal of Lara Love Hardin’s life. From the outside, she’s the typical suburban soccer mom, living in a large mansion. But behind closed doors, she’s struggling with a heroin addiction funded by stolen credit cards from her neighbors. When the police come knocking, her double life is exposed, leading to her conviction on 32 felonies and a sentence that transforms her into inmate S32179.

Jail introduces Hardin to a brutal world where high school-style cliques mediate survival. Snickers bars become currency, sanitary pad boxes serve as furniture, and navigating the unspoken rules of jailhouse politics becomes an absolute necessity. Against all odds, Hardin rises through the ranks to become a “shot caller,” using her resourcefulness and empathy to bring healing and unity to her fellow inmates.

When she's released, things get harder: Rebuilding her life while carrying the stigma of her past is a challenge. She reinvents herself as a ghostwriter, legally borrowing others’ identities while crafting powerful narratives. In the course of this, she meets Oprah, meditates with the Dalai Lama, and dines with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Despite these accomplishments, the shadow of her past lingers.

It’s a narrative of pain, resilience, and redemption. Hardin’s story sheds light on the systemic challenges that make recovery nearly impossible, while also praising the power of community, kindness, and self-determination. Her transparency makes this memoir accessible to all readers, mixing moments of heartbreak with a bit of humor and hope.

WHERE TO FIND IT- The Many Lives of Mama Love is available at Diwan.

India has never been closer

? If you’re on the hunt for authentic Indian flavors, head to a hidden corner in Nasr City where Charminar offers a culinary journey all the way to South Asia.

One standout dish is the beef curry. The meat is slowly-cooked, soaking up all the rich flavors until it practically melts in your mouth. This dish has a thick, hearty sauce with a mix of cumin, turmeric, a bit of garam masala, all balanced by mild yogurt. Put down the utensils — this dish is best eaten with the famous parotta bread.

If you prefer chicken, a good alternative is the pepper chicken. The dish is very flavourful, with tender chicken pieces slow-cooked in peppery gravy. It is also less spicy than the beef curry, if your spice tolerance is on the lower side.

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget to try the classics. Their chicken biryani was incredibly flavorful, but the meat didn’t match the tenderness of the pepper chicken. We would have preferred smaller chunks for an easier bite.

For our vegetarian friends: You will find a whole menu dedicated to non-meat dishes replicating iconic combos. The chickpeas masala had a delicious balance of spices, but perhaps non-carnivorous diners will appreciate it more than we did.

The starters did not disappoint — our favourite was the Masala Dosa, a crispy, golden crepe made of rice flour, filled with spiced mashed potatoes and sauteed. It is served with complimentary sambar and chutney servings, and it is all-vegetarian.

? Per person: EGP 300

? Outdoor seating: No

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

Poker, but make it a roguelite

? Poker is an age-old game, but Balatro has managed to turn it into something that not only feels brand new, but has a little fantasy in it as well. This innovative deck-builder doesn’t just remix poker — it completely reimagines it, creating a game that's accessible, incredibly strategic, and has all the fun of a hack-and-slash roguelike.

Don’t worry if you’re not a poker expert. While Balatro uses playing cards and poker hands, but that’s where the similarities with sitting at the casino table end. Instead of competing against other players, you’re playing against increasingly difficult challenges that require careful deck manipulation and strategic planning.

Then comes the magic. Each run begins with a standard deck of 52 cards, but quickly evolves as you add powered cards, modifiers, and unique jokers that dramatically alter how you play. You’ll find yourself creating combinations that don’t exist in traditional card games, like hands that multiply their value based on prime numbers, or cards that gain power from being discarded. It may sound complex now, but the gameplay is so straightforward that even players completely unfamiliar with poker will quickly grasp the basics.

The strategic depth comes from carefully selecting the jokers and modifiers that complement your deck strategy, managing resources across multiple rounds and deciding on when to use powerful combinations versus saving them for tougher challenges, or boss blinds. These decisions become increasingly crucial as you navigate through each round, balancing risk and reward with every choice.

And like a true roguelike, as soon as you lose, you start over. The difficulty curve is well-balanced throughout the rounds, though some players might find the early game too easy once they’ve mastered the basics. But a lousy hand will show you that you still need lady luck by your side, no matter how seasoned you are. Different starting conditions dramatically change how you build your deck, ensuring that no two runs feel the same.

? Rating: 10/10 on Steam

⌛ Hours of gameplay: N/A

? Replay value: 10/10

? Platforms: Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Android, iOS

? Price: USD 7.99 on Steam, USD 14.99 on Nintendo, Playstation, and Xbox, and USD 9.99 on iOS and Android.

From Chicago’s south side to America’s divide

? Two friends come together to discuss personal and global issues: Khalil Gibran Muhammad and Ben Austen, the hosts of the Some of My Best Friends Are… podcast, both grew up on the south side of Chicago together in the 1980s. Khalil, now a Harvard professor, and Ben, an award-winning journalist, draw on this bond in their podcast, which places the spotlight squarely on race in America.

It’s more of a candid chat between old friends. One episode, called Immigrants Aren’t the Problem, sees the duo tackle the humanitarian and political crises surrounding immigration in America. They speak with Carolina Rubio-MacWright, an immigration lawyer and activist, who discusses current policies and their impact on cities like Chicago and New York.

Their episodes are thought-provoking but never preachy, making the podcast perfect for anyone who wants to explore issues of race and social justice through the lens of personal stories and unfiltered dialogue.

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

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.

10 January (Friday): Ramy Sabry and Ilmond at Open Air Mall.

11 January (Saturday): Wrapped in Silk tour by Qahraweya.

17 January (Friday): Cosmos Cinema tour by Qahraweya.

17 January (Friday): Ahmed Khairy at El Rihany Theatre.

18 January (Saturday): Nouma x Lamba Art tour by Qahraweya.

18 January (Saturday): Founders Live Cairo at Creativa Innovation Hub.

21 January (Tuesday): Shawshy Time at Rawabet Art Space.

22 January (Wednesday): Out of Eight at Rawabet Art Space.

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

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

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.

FEBRUARY

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

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

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

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

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Fresh economic indicators reflect dynamism, challenges in 2025

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