Your guide to Mother’s Day

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

EGP dips, EGX sentiment turns, and derivatives trading kicks off

Good morning, friends, and congratulations on making it to the weekend after what has been a particularly rough week — to say the least. The war in the Gulf has sent shock waves throughout the world — and Om El Donia is no exception. Let’s dive in.

Also in today’s edition: With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve listed the ways you can celebrate (and avoid the last-minute panic) in this week’s Enterprise Guide.

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

EGP WATCH-

It’s been a rather rocky week for the EGP. On Sunday, the EGP slid 1.7% against the greenback as banks opened to execute exit orders that saw the currency slip to nearly 49 per USD. On Monday, the greenback edged closer to the EGP 50 mark for the first time in 10 months, as geopolitical tensions set off a familiar pressure cycle, before breaching the EGP 50 per USD barrier in midday trading on Tuesday. This was triggered by a US advisory urging citizens to depart from over a dozen regional countries, including Egypt. Toward the end of the week, the EGP managed to hold steady.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

#1- The EGX30 sprint to 60k is likely to take longer than some market participants initially expected, as market sentiment shifts to “neutral” on Egyptian equities, marking a retreat from one of the year’s most ambitious targets following the sell-off triggered by the war.

MEANWHILE- Derivatives trading kicked off for the very first time on the EGX on Sunday with the launch of three- and six-month futures contracts tracking the EGX30 index.

#2- The first round of meetings to assess Banque du Caire’s fair value on the EGX kicked off, paving the way for the government to move ahead with the state IPO program despite current geopolitical tensions. The government is looking to offer a stake of 30-40% on the EGX, with the final valuation still under wraps.

TOURISM-

Egypt’s tourism industry has so far escaped the fallout from the war in the Gulf largely unscathed — with European visitors still arriving on schedule and hotel cancellations limited to guests who simply can’t get flights out of the GCC.

ECONOMY-

#1- Non-oil private-sector operating conditions slipped 0.9 percentage points in February to 48.8, moving further away from the all-important 50.0 threshold that separates contraction from growth.

#2- Interest payments on public debt jumped 40.9% y-o-y in 7M FY 2025-26, reaching EGP 1.5 tn, as high interest rates and a large debt stock continued to drive servicing costs.

#3- Egypt received a USD 2.3 bn disbursement from the IMF. We secured the fresh funds after passing the fifth and sixth reviews of the Extended Fund Facility and the first review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

AND- The IMF is assessing how the war in the Gulf could impact countries with existing loan programs, including Egypt and Jordan. The exercise will inform the fund’s upcoming evaluations of existing programs.

LOGISTICS-

Egypt offered to ship Saudi crude to the Mediterranean from Yanbu via the Sumed pipeline that runs from Ain Sokhna to Sidi Kerir. With Hormuz effectively closed due to ongoing hostilities and ins. premiums rising, Saudi is facing a major rethink of regional logistics.

PRIVATIZATION WATCH-

The government is weighing the transfer of seven state-owned companies to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt. The plans include the transfer of Egypt Aluminum, Misr Fertilizers Production Company, Abu Qir Fertilizers, Cid Pharma, Zahraa Maadi for Investment and Development, and Heliopolis Housing.

DEBT-

The recently debuted Citizen Bond brought in EGP 2 bn in just its first week. By bypassing traditional banking channels and offering the bonds directly to citizens, the Finance Ministry is looking to diversify and restructure its local debt.

INDUSTRY-

The government is expanding its flagship industrial support program, with the cabinet approving a broader second phase aimed at injecting fresh liquidity into the sector.

🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

This week, the digital front pages were dominated by the escalating US-Israel-Iran war and its widespread repercussions across the region and the rest of the world. Here’s a quick rundown.

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took over global headlines, with retaliatory strikes from Iran quickly dominating front pages soon after. The news sent oil prices soaring, with shipping coming to a halt in the vital Strait of Hormuz — a major threat to global oil supply. On Sunday, Opec+ agreed to boost oil output by 206k bbl / d to cushion regional disruptions.

Brent crude prices had a volatile week, reaching USD 83 per barrel on Monday, nearing a record USD 84 on Wednesday, and stabilizing back to USD 83.1 per barrel on Thursday. Shipping costs also reached record highs, with freight rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) surging 94% from last Friday’s close to nearly USD 424k per day.

European markets suffered major blows throughout the week, with the Stoxx 600 dipping midweek and then steadying on Wednesday. The oil price shock rattled Asian markets, with South Korea’s Kospi making headlines on Wednesday following a record 12.1% plunge amid a tech sell-off and growing investor fears. Asian shares then surged on Thursday as the Kospi bounced back, jumping 12%.

Following the strikes, the region faced widespread business disruption as airports in Dubai and Doha remained closed, and major airlines halted operations for the week, causing major losses. Asian and European airline stocks were in the red by as much as 8% on Monday in one of the sharpest aviation shocks in recent years. Airline stocks were mixed on Thursday as limited operations resumed in the region.

MEANWHILE- In the business press, multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway’s 4Q 2025 earnings made waves on Sunday, as its net income flagged as ins. operations took a hit and a long-term investment in Occidental Petroleum was written down. Newly appointed CEO Greg Abel assured shareholders that the firm will maintain Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy and not shy away from dealmaking.

AND- On Wednesday, the world's largest alternative asset manager Blackstone saw its clients pull out USD 3.7 bn from its flagship BCred fund in 1Q 2026. The private credit sector is currently facing scrutiny over valuation and transparency. Rival investment group Blue Owl’s decision to halt redemptions also put pressure on the sector.

ALSO- Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei resumed talks with the US DoD over the military’s use of the firm’s AI tools. Amodei is making a last-ditch attempt to reach an agreement regulating the Pentagon’s access to Anthropic’s Claude models.

Over in tech, Apple announced its most affordable laptop ever — the MacBook Neo. The lightweight device is the company’s first low-cost offering in more than a decade, with prices starting at USD 599.

🌤️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

We’re in for another cool weekend in Cairo, with temperatures peaking at a high of just 22°C, with a low of 12°C, today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Ladies, ready to trade your iftar slump for a night run? Cairo Runners is hosting a special Women’s Night 5K Race tonight at Promenade, New Cairo. The event also includes a 2K Fun Run that is accessible to everyone. The night starts at 8pm — you can register via the Cairo Runners’ website.

Indie band Wust El Balad will be taking over El Gomhouria Theater in Downtown tonight for a special Ramadan Evenings live show. You can book tickets on Tazkarti.

Looking for a whimsical family night this Ramadan? Fada Arts is bringing El Leila El Kebira to Madinaty’s Boom Room tomorrow for an unforgettable puppet show. Expect a warm, nostalgic evening filled with laughter. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Looking for a luxurious Ramadan experience? Layalina Tent is taking over Mohamed Ali Palace tonight for a magical, entertainment-filled suhoor night. You can secure your tickets now on Ticketsmarché.

🎤 HAPPENING LATER-

Famed Nigerian singer Burna Boy is landing in Egypt on Sunday, 22 March at El Gouna’s Conference and Culture Center. The singer will be bringing his chart-topping Afro-fusion music to the stage. You can book your tickets on Ticket Egypt.

Wegz is taking over the Great Pyramids of Giza on Friday, 27 March to celebrate PUBG Mobile’s Anniversary Carnival. The iconic rapper is the first name revealed in a lineup of to-be-announced stars set to perform at the Carnival. Expect interactive PUBG-themed experiences throughout the night. You can book your tickets on Ticket Egypt.

Musical icon Hany Shaker is heading to Theatro Arkan on Thursday, 2 April for a live show of his timeless classics. The night is set to be a celebration of heritage, nostalgia, and elegance. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarché.

Global icon Shakira is landing in Egypt on Tuesday, 7 April for a live performance at the Great Pyramids of Giza. The concert is part of her ongoing world tour and is set to be an unforgettable one. You can get your tickets now on TicketEgypt.

The Mother’s Day cheat sheet

🤱 Did you know Egypt was the first Arab nation to adopt the celebration of Mother’s Day back in 1956? Ali Amin, a journalist and founder of Akhbar El Youm, proposed celebrating the matriarchy of Om el Donia on March 21, and we’ve been struggling to think of different ways to please and delight our moms ever since. With the special day just around the corner, we know how challenging it is to come up with a novel way to celebrate the special ladies in our lives from year to year, but before we dive into our suggestions, consider this…

It’s essential to understand your mother’s love language. Does she value tangible gifts, shared experiences, or perhaps acts of service? Identifying the right language is key to choosing the perfect Mother’s Day treat for Set El Koll.

A thoughtful gift (or two)

#1- A framed memory: Who doesn’t want their favorite memory immortalized? Pick a cherished family picture (or many) and get it professionally framed for a gift that’s personal and close to heart.

Services such as Kader Frames offer specialized framing services using high-quality materials tailored to your specific needs. They also host a wide selection of artwork and mirrors if your mother has an artistic flair. You can visit their branches in Mohandeseen, Maadi, and New Cairo, or reach them via Instagram. Online platforms like Paintastic also allow you to print and frame photos in various sizes and colors, alongside custom printing on mugs, clothing, and even credit card stickers.

#2- You can’t go wrong with a statement purse: If she has an eye for fashion, a signature handbag is a surefire way to put a smile on her face. Egypt boasts no shortage of exceptional local brands with high-end selections. You can check out Emelie for genuine leather pieces; Nuniz, which offers unique, functional pieces; and Sami Amin for authentic motifs drawing from Egyptian heritage. If you’re looking to go all out, Okhtein offers world-class designs that turn heads left and right.

#3- Gold and silver: Aside from being safe-haven investments, the love affair between women and jewelry is one that has long stood the test of time, making a ring, necklace, or a pair of earrings a safe wager. There’s no need to break the bank; a delicate, thoughtful piece can fit any budget.

For gold, traditional jewelers across Egypt often offer markdowns to celebrate Mother’s Day. Homegrown brands such as Jude Benhalim and Menna Boudy offer innovative 18k and 24k gold-plated designs. For gold or silver coins and bars, BTC offers special Mother’s Day editions.

If she prefers silver, the vintage Fathy Ibrahim shop in Downtown Cairo’s Talaat Harb Square offers beautiful pieces at reasonable prices. For those looking to splurge, Azza Fahmy ’s world-renowned gold and silver calligraphy jewelry offers pieces that are true wearable art.

If you’re looking for fun, youthful, and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces in a slew of bright colors and unconventional silhouettes, we’d recommend checking out Nashwa Jewelry and keeping an eye out for the homegrown brand’s upcoming Mother’s Day collection.

#4- A gift for daily use: Does a constant yearning for caffeine run in the family? You might want to splurge on a high-end espresso machine. Is the airfryer in her kitchen begging to retire? Replace it.

Where to get them: Options range from Black + Decker coffee makers to Nespresso machines or the De'Longhi Dedica for milk frothing. Philips and Tornado offer durable, reliable air fryers at various price points. Meanwhile, Xiaomi provides several robot vacuum models.

#5- For a subtle home makeover: Have those Friday night gatherings gotten a little monotonous (and she’s made sure you’ve heard it)? A little dash of color or an eye-catching pattern in the form of a new tableware set that’ll have family and friends dishing out compliments might just be what you need to check out.

For this, we’d recommend Fathy Mahmoud Porcelain. The established Egyptian brand offers a number of incredible collections unlike any we’ve encountered elsewhere. Throughout their branches across Cairo — or online — you can browse through porcelain dinner sets, decor, kitchenware, and drink sets across different price points suitable for all budgets. In the Niche also offers a variety of fun, lively designs that are just as pretty to look at as they are to use.

Mother’s Day experiences to keep on your radar

#1- A Nile cruise: If she enjoys the water, take her on a boat trip to watch the sunset. You can choose a small private felucca for a quiet escape or a larger cruiser that offers a full experience with dinner and live music.

Where? Boats are available along the Nile in Zamalek, Dokki, Manial, and Maadi. You can also pre-book a trip with Cafelluca, which offers set lunch and dinner menus at various times throughout the day.

#2- A staycation in Cairo: Pamper her with an exceptional weekend getaway away from the daily routine . A two-day hotel stay — complete with a luxury dinner, breakfast in bed, or a handwritten note with flowers — can be the ultimate reset. Sometimes the best gift is waking up without an alarm or a to-do list.

Where? Consider iconic luxury hotels like the Hilton Zamalek, Sofitel El Gezirah, or the Nile Ritz-Carlton. For a more intimate vibe, boutique hotels like Villa Belle Époque or Villa Atouta in Maadi offer a charming, personalized experience.

#3- Book a full-day spa experience: Every mother deserves a break from the pressures of daily life. Booking a package that includes a therapeutic massage, a facial, or a Moroccan bath can provide a much-needed sense of renewal.

Where? Major hotels like the JW Marriott, Kempinski, Dusit Thani Lakeview, and Four Seasons offer luxury spa centers with Nile views. Specialized centers like Neve Spa and Boutique Spa in Zamalek, or Osana in Maadi, offer various massage and wellness packages. Need further inspo? Check out our dedicated guide here.

#4- A getaway to a nearby city: Turn the day into a lasting memory with a short trip outside Cairo. Alexandria, with its spring breeze and sea views, is a classic choice. If she prefers nature and seclusion, Fayoum is the perfect spot for a day among the lakes.

Revisiting Classics: 1962’s El Zoga 13

🍿 You can’t go wrong with a classic romance, and when you pair icons Shadia and Roshdy Abaza in a comedy, it’s an assured hit. Directed by Fatin Abdel Wahab, 1962’s El Zoga 13 remains especially memorable among the director’s celebrated comedies. Blending light humor, cheeky romance, delightful music, and a compelling story, El Zoga 13 is the perfect black-and-white classic for a wholesome night in.

The timeless playboy-girl-next-door trope. Mourad (Abaza) is a wealthy businessman and a notorious playboy who, upon seeing Ayda (Shadia) on the beach, falls in love at first sight and wants to marry her. When Ayda is put off by his playful flirtations, Mourad meets her father (Hassan Fayek) and offers him a job at his company, using that as his way to approach Ayda. He proposes to her the second day, and Ayda, clearly charmed by him, accepts.

Ayda soon discovers that Mourad has been married 12 times and decides to teach him a lesson. The story unfolds to show Mourad’s desperate advances toward her and Ayda’s playful scheme involving his ex-wives and fiancées to get back at him. Shadia and Abaza are as charming as ever, delivering the captivating performances they are so well known for — and it’s hard not to root for both characters.

The movie moves at a lively, fast pace, unlike many older films — its events brimming with an irresistible sense of playfulness. Light-hearted and easy to follow, it makes its nearly two-hour runtime feel like it flies by. If you’re looking for an old-but-gold refresh, El Zoga 13 is your next heartwarming rewatch.

WHERE TO WATCH- El Zoga 13 is streaming on Watch It (watch, runtime: 1:54:26).

Al Khan by Granita: Go for the suhoor, stay for the view

🍴 When it comes to Ramadan experiences in Cairo, there’s no shortage of options — from high-end tents to low-key, street-style experiences, we’re spoiled for choice. For our most recent late-night Ramadan excursion, we decided to have our suhoor with a side of great views, and where better than Al Azhar Park’s Al Khan by Granita ?

A gorgeous Arabesque-style restaurant sitting smack on the park’s lake, Al Khan checks all the boxes for a proper Ramadan night on paper. Our latest visit, however, threw us a curveball — here’s what went down: Throughout the holy month, Al Khan boasts Iftar and suhoor menus brimming with oriental staples, live entertainment with tanoura shows and oud players, and an all-you-can-eat menu — unfortunately, we missed out on most of it…

… And found ourselves in an entirely different — yet very pleasant — situation. Having visited the restaurant on a weeknight, we weren’t expecting a full house, yet we didn’t expect to be one of just a few tables occupied. That, it turns out, was a blessing in disguise. Naturally, the buffet was slashed in favor of a set menu featuring oriental mezzes — labneh, falafel, baba ghanoug, bessara, fattoush, halloumi — alongside two ful dishes, two egg dishes, and feteer meshaltet.

With dreams of buffet trips squashed, we soon realized that our visit on a rather quiet night was exactly what we needed — it felt like a private, intimate experience. The stellar view, the soft Arabic oud music, and the ambiance soon made up for what we had feared would be a dull experience, leaving room for company to be enjoyed and conversations to be had. We had no qualms about the food, and both flavor and variety were on point, making for a thoroughly enjoyable meal — though we did have to eat fast, seeing as the outdoor-only setting threatened to cool our meal faster than we could say Ramadan Kareem.

We have no doubt that on weekends the place would be packed — at least we were told as much. Though on weeknights, we’d recommend only visiting if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds. If you’re a large group, then Al Khan proves the perfect destination. Operating hours, however, are tied to the park’s own, which closes at midnight, so be sure you plan for an early night.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Al Khan by Granita is located in Al Azhar Park, Cairo. Reservations are required, and you can make yours by contacting them through Instagram.

💵 Per person: EGP 1k

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

Care for a trip back to Raccoon city?

🎮 Sometimes, looking back is the only way to move forward. When Capcom released the Resident Evil 2 (RE2) remake in January 2019, they didn’t just polish an old gem — they effectively rebooted the franchise’s reputation. It was a masterclass in nostalgia combined with modern technology, but as recent years have shown, reaching that high standard has become increasingly difficult.

The resurrection: Resident Evil 2 (2019) replaced the fixed camera angles of 1998 with a claustrophobic over-the-shoulder view, powered by the photorealistic RE Engine. Critics hailed it as the new benchmark for video game preservation, praising how it made the Raccoon City Police Station feel terrifyingly new again. It was a statement that single-player survival horror was thriving, selling over five mn copies in its first year and proving that “scary” sells just as well as “action.”

However, the “Golden Age” of remakes was brief. The follow-up, Resident Evil 3 (2020), was poorly received by purists. Critics and fans alike lamented the missing content that defined the original. It felt less like a labor of love and more like a rushed DLC, focusing more on cinematic set pieces than the intricate exploration that made RE2 a masterpiece.

Then came the Resident Evil 4 remake. While it was a hit commercially, a growing vocal minority claims it shifted the tone too much. By removing the B-movie charm of the 2005 original in favor of gritty realism, some argued Capcom lost what made the series special. The consensus among skeptics is clear: the further we go from 2019, the less faithful these reinterpretations become.

Now, all eyes are on the horizon. Capcom is wagering on the recently released Resident Evil Requiem. Marketed as a massive comeback title, it promises a campaign twice as long as Village, featuring dual protagonists — newcomer Grace Ashcroft and the legendary Leon S. Kennedy. With rumors of a return to “true horror” and a development cycle without the technical gremlins that plagued recent PC ports, Requiem is being positioned not just as a sequel, but as an apology for the uneven quality of recent years.

💯 Rating: 93/100 (Metacritic)

⌛ Hours of gameplay: ~8-10 hours (First Run), ~20+ hours (Completionist)

🔁 Replay value: 9/10

👾 Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox Series

💵 Price: USD 40

Your go-to listening digest for Palestinian arts and culture

👂 Cultural preservation is no easy feat, especially for a people facing systemic erasure. With a profoundly rich and nuanced culture to pass down, Palestinians bear the responsibility of keeping it alive. Tarwida is one such project dedicated to this mission. Through a series of conversations with Palestinian creatives across the diaspora, the emerging podcast brings the many facets of Palestinian heritage.

Tarwida is a space dedicated to amplifying Palestinian voices. Listening in, you get the chance to hear from filmmakers, Olympic athletes, painters, chefs, writers, musicians, comedians, and all kinds of people who find their voices through art. With hosts Afaf Shawwa Bibi and Tala Elissa, the episodes switch between Arabic and English, featuring both prominent and under-recognized Palestinian voices.

If there’s one defining marker of a rich culture, it’s food. Palestinian cuisine takes the spotlight in one episode with renowned chef Fadi Kattan. Kattan’s background spans different cities with Palestinian parents and grandparents who have lived across various countries, yet he remains rooted in Palestinian cuisine and its significance. With restaurants and hospitality services in Toronto, London, and his hometown Bethlehem, Kattan keeps home alive through cuisine.

In his interview with host Bibi, Kattan reveals the complex politics surrounding food and his commitment to food activism, mainly through using local ingredients and supporting their producers. He explains his theory about the three “terroirs” of Palestine, where each region’s land and food culture are defined by the produce it grows. He shares his deep relationship to the kitchen, which started in his childhood with his grandmother. “The beauty of the transmission of food is that it’s alive, it’s daily,” Kattan says.

The episode feels warm and nostalgic, yet also deeply insightful and eye-opening. Kattan’s knowledge and passion for his work shine through, creating a lively and thoroughly engaging listening experience. With more than 40 episodes to explore, Tarwida promises an equally engaging experience across its entire catalog. The podcast’s unique guest lineup will leave you as informed as you are inspired — it’s more than just a casual listen; it’s a must-add to your rotation.

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

🗓️ FEBRUARY

24 February - 14 March (Tuesday-Saturday): Ramadan Premium Market at the Arena, Cairo West.

28 February - 11 March (Saturday-Wednesday): Qahrawya Iftours.

MARCH

6 March (Friday): The Women’s Night 5K Race with Cairo Runners at Promenade, New Cairo.

6 March (Friday): Wust El Balad at El Gomhouria Theatre, Downtown.

6 March (Friday): Ain Gamal Vol.61 at Theatro Arkan.

6 March (Friday): Wael El Fasheni at Wayana Tent, Al Baron.

6 March (Friday): Layalina Tent at Mohamed Ali Palace.

6-7 March (Friday-Saturday): Layalina Tent at Giza Palace Hotel.

7 March (Saturday): El Leila El Kebira at Boom Room, Madinaty.

9 March (Monday): Layalina Tent at Mohamed Ali Palace.

13 March (Friday): Hamid El Shaeri at Wayana Tent, Al Baron.

13-14 March (Friday-Saturday): Garage Sale at Darb 15, Maadi.

21 March (Saturday): Eid Al-Fitr.

22 March (Sunday): Burna Boy at Festival Plaza, El Gouna.

22 March (Sunday): Zarf Tarek Gedan at Heliopolis Library Theater.

27 March (Friday): Wegz at the PUBG Mobile anniversary carnival, the Great Pyramids of Giza.

APRIL

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

7 April (Tuesday): Shakira at the Pyramids of Giza.

13 April (Monday): Sham El Nessim.

25 April (Saturday): Sinai Liberation Day.

MAY

1 May (Friday): Labor Day.

26 May (Tuesday): Arafat’s Day.

26 May (Tuesday): Andrea Bocelli at the City of Arts and Culture in the New Administrative Capital.

JUNE

16 June (Tuesday): Islamic New Year.

30 June (Tuesday): June 30th Revolution.

JULY

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

24 July (Friday): Adriatique at the North Coast.

AUGUST

21 August (Friday): Black Coffee at Cubix North Coast.

25 August (Thursday): Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.

OCTOBER

6 October (Tuesday): Armed Forces Day.

24 October (Saturday): Blue 25th Anniversary Tour at New Capital.

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EGP dips, EGX sentiment turns, and derivatives trading kicks off

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