Your guide to Ramadan catering services

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Egypt moves iconic state hotels under Sovereign Fund of Egypt

Good morning friends, and happy first Friday of Ramadan. It’s been a calmer-than-usual week in the press, and we’ve got the full rundown for you below. Still unsure what to watch after iftar? You might want to check out our guide to Ramadan 2026 series.

In Ramadan, gatherings are aplenty, but sometimes preparing an entire feast from scratch can get pretty exhausting pretty quickly — you don’t have to. In this week’s edition of The Enterprise Guide, we’re listing our favorite catering services that will do all the heavy lifting so you can sit back and savor the moment.

🗞️ LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

PRIVATIZATION WATCH-

#1- Egypt is moving its most iconic state-owned hotels under the Sovereign Fund of Egypt in a bid to accelerate foreign investment and unlock higher returns from tourism assets. The assets, currently overseen by the Holding Company for Tourism and the former Public Business Sector Ministry, will be transferred following the ministry’s dissolution.

#2- The government is preparing to unveil a new list of state-owned enterprises slated for listing on the EGX, in a renewed push to revive its privatization program while keeping a close eye on market liquidity.

#3- Several large-scale hotel and residential projects will be offered up along the Nile — a move that could significantly change the face of the city. The recently approved plan will see significant changes along 11 km of the Nile and bordering areas in Maadi and Dar El Salam.

ECONOMY-

FinMin is moving beyond simple debt reduction toward a structural overhaul of the local bond market, with the finalized public debt strategy aiming to aggressively lengthen average maturities, slash interest costs, and bring the debt-to-GDP ratio down.

AND- The ministry is preparing to roll out a sweeping package of 49 tax and customs reforms designed to catalyze capital markets and drive both foreign direct investment and portfolio inflows;

DEBT-

The Finance Ministry will debut its first retail-focused “Citizen Bond” (Sanad El Mowaten) for individual investors this Sunday, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced. The 18-month, fixed-income instrument will be sold exclusively through Egypt Post’s nationwide network.

SOCIAL SECURITY-

The Madbouly government is combating pre-Ramadan inflation, earmarking EGP 40.3 bn for a massive social support package. The first phase is designed to get support to families quickly, ahead of Ramadan and through Eid, when spending typically rises.

REAL ESTATE-

Hassan Allam Holding is expanding its real estate presence in KSA with the launch of Noor Khuzam, an SAR 3.3 bn integrated residential community in North Riyadh. The project, developed in a partnership between Hassan Allam’s newly established development arm Grova Developments, Saudi Arabia’s Tilal Real Estate, and the National Housing Company, will build over 3k units across 228k sqm.

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE-

The International Finance Corporation is putting USD 208 mn to work across Egypt and East Africa, targeting engines of everyday economic life, including banks that lend to small businesses, companies that manufacture medical equipment, and platforms that move food from suppliers to consumers.

HOSPITALITY-

Talaat Moustafa Group is handing over the operations of two of its landmark heritage hotels to Mandarin Oriental. The Hong Kong–based global luxury hotel operator will take over the operations of the Old Cataract Aswan and the Winter Palace Luxor and relaunch them under the Mandarin banner in July 2027.

🌍 AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

It’s been a packed week in the global press, with several stories taking center stage — let’s take a closer look.

Markets remained sensitive to AI developments and the tech sell-off. On Monday, shares of French software developer Dassault Systèmes fell nearly 8% before the company briefly halted share trading. Skepticism over AI spending has led to sharp market value declines in the world’s most valuable technology stocks: Microsoft saw a 17% drop in shares YTD, wiping out more than USD 600 bn in market value, while Amazon fell nearly 14%, erasing about USD 343 bn. Market values for Nvidia, Apple, and Alphabet have also seen drastic declines.

On Wednesday, however, global shares steadied as investors were reassured by early earnings reports from private software companies. Firms like McAfee, Rocket Software, and Perforce Software reported solid annual revenues. The sell-off showed signs of abating with the S&P 500 information technology sector rebounding from previous losses, closing in the green on Tuesday.

In other AI-related news, Meta announced a new agreement with Nvidia to use Nvidia chips in its AI data centers. Shares of both companies jumped during Tuesday’s extended trading. The social media giant was in hot water on Thursday after its CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in court that the company no longer seeks to maximize the time spent by users on its platforms and bars kids under 13 from logging on. The CEO’s claims ran counter to internal emails and documents indicating otherwise.

In the business press, the Netflix-Paramount-Warner Bros tensions continued to make headlines after Warner Bros Discovery reconsidered a renewed hostile USD 108 bn bid from Paramount Skydance, a move from Paramount that was seen as an attempt to derail a potential tie-up with Netflix.

Elsewhere in the global press, the CHF appreciated against the EUR and USD, driven by geopolitical turmoil and the greenback’s recent dip. The Swiss currency has already recorded a 3% rise in 2026. Fund managers are more pessimistic about the USD than at any point in the last 10 years, following its 1.3% drop against a basket of other currencies in 2026. Confidence in US assets is waning, and the currency is still vulnerable to further losses.

AND- The automotive industry reeled from a USD 65 bn hit following a sweeping reversal of US climate policy. The downturn has disproportionately affected the companies that wagered the most on EVs, with global automotive player Stellantis being hit the hardest after suffering a USD 26 bn write-down.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

It’s going to be a cool, breezy weekend in Cairo, and we’re looking forward to it. We’re in for highs of just 22°C and lows of 11°C today and tomorrow, according to our favorite weather app.

🎤 HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

Up for a farm getaway during the holy month? Hazel Farm is hosting a Ramadan on the Farm special on Friday, 27 February and Saturday, 28 February. The evening begins with a sunset farm tour on the Giza grounds, followed by a farm-to-table iftar. The night continues with dessert decorating, a cozy bonfire, and seasonal Ramadan drinks. Spots are limited — you can secure yours through Kidzapp.

Fancy a Qahrawya walking tour this Ramadan? The Cairene tour agency just announced its special “Iftour” calendar for the month, offering five walking tours in the heart of Cairo paired with Ramadan iftars. The tours will run from Saturday, 28 February, to Wednesday, 11 March, and will take place in Zamalek, Al Khalifa, Al Mounira, and other areas across the city. You can book your spot through the link in their Instagram bio.

Caterers to ease your Ramadan hosting duties

🍽️ Ramadan gatherings are the heart of the season: they’re warm, they’re lively, and they’re what make up that Ramadan spirit we all know and love. But hosting one? A huge, dreaded hassle that often means long hours in the kitchen. While it can be rewarding to host a big family iftar or suhoor, sometimes opting for catering offers us a well-deserved break — a chance to skip the planning and the stress, and simply be present to fully cherish time with loved ones.

For a cozy family gathering

Not exactly a wizard in the kitchen? Too busy to pull together a whole family feast? These caterers come in handy for a classic family dinner, delivering up-to-par food without the need to splurge:

#1- Tamr Jannah Catering: A Ramadan gathering means all the classic dishes, especially in the first week. If you’re looking for all the admittedly heavy-yet-homey classics, Tamr Jannah brings the full staple feast of Egyptian, Lebanese, and comfort Arab fusion platters. Think fattah and kibbeh, sharkaseya and stuffed pigeons, tajines, stuffed vine leaves, and dolma. You can contact them through Instagram .

THE PRICE TAG- The per-dish category on their "3zouma" menu ranges from EGP 220 to EGP 8.8k, with each dish serving 12-15 people — larger or smaller groups can be arranged for upon request.

#2- Marinate: Similarly offering all the oriental classics, Marinate caters comfortably for a 20-person gathering. On top of the familiar main dishes, they also serve up hefty plates of Ramadan desserts made for 15-20 people. You can contact them on Instagram or through the number in their bio.

THE PRICE TAG- Main dishes on their Ramadan menu (pdf) serve 10-20 people, with soups, salads, appetizers, pasta, and other specific main dishes charged per person. Prices per dish range from EGP 850 to EGP 4k.

#3- Cult: The pink coffeehouse is bringing their beloved breakfast and brunch selection to your suhoor tables, introducing a suhoor catering service for the season. When the usual ful, eggs, and falafel spreads start to look too familiar, switching it up with Cult’s signature “cultcados” and freshly baked bagels sounds like a fun suhoor night.

Cult offers three packages: The prime package delivers the full suhoor experience with a live egg station, a cold station featuring an extensive savory menu, their caffeine lineup, and a Ramadan dessert exclusive: Croissant Um Ali. The classic package includes everything except the cold station, and the signature package offers the full lineup minus the egg station.

THE PRICE TAG- The prime package is priced at EGP 850 per person. The classic and signature packages both come in at EGP 550 per person. You can contact Cult on Instagram for more details.

For an all-out feast

If you’re already indulging in a catering service, why not go all out? Some caterers can help you arrange a full-fledged Ramadan spread for a dinner lineup that feels like a true departure from the expected.

#1- Meat Party BBQ: What better way to shake up your meals than with a sizzling BBQ spread? Barbecuing isn’t everyone’s forte, for varying reasons, but with Meat Party, you get a full smokehouse experience without the stress.

The catering service is going all in with their Ramadan offers this season — a classic iftar menu, and two new menus: a Brazilian Churrascaria experience and a suhoor menu by Ful Party. It’s certainly not every day you get to break your fast over a Latin-inspired, fire-led feast with your loved ones. You can message Meat Party on Instagram for bookings and more details.

THE PRICE TAG- Their Ramadan menu (pdf) requires a minimum of 20 guests, priced at EGP 2k per person. The suhoor menu (pdf) charges EGP 850 per person. The Brazilian Churrascaria menu (pdf) requires a minimum of 30 guests and 500g per person — their cut selections range between EGP 1k-15k. Transportation comes in separately at EGP 3k.

#2- Rania El Gazzar Catering: For a slightly more boujee than usual iftar, Rania El Gazzar’s catering service concocts a curated iftar selection that strays from the familiar culprits. They offer unconventional soup choices, their salad lineup includes dates with halloumi, beetroot ravioli, crispy quinoa, and more of the like, and taro gratin with chard, chicken peanut butter sauce, and oxtail stew shepherd’s pie style are among some of their original main-dish concoctions. You can head to their Instagram for bookings.

THE PRICE TAG- Main dishes go up to EGP 2.4k per person — check out their iftar menu (pdf).

#3- Nawara Catering: Certified chef Ghada Nawara’s catering brand brings a fine dining experience to your Ramadan meals. Nawara’s menu is as extensive and diverse as can be. The starters selection features refreshing ingredients, and the mains deliver globally-inspired dishes including East Asian, Indian, and Arab cuisines. Their dessert lineup is also a standout, offering a varied array of sweet treats to round off a filling meal. You can head to Nawara’s Instagram or website for bookings.

THE PRICE TAG- Prices range between EGP 1.2k-4.5k per dish, with each serving up to 15 people.

#4- The Y’s Catering: This home catering service also takes a different route, delivering a thoughtfully curated iftar selection with a distinct fine-dining lean. Steaks, lamb shanks, French ducks, and other protein-based mains offer Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Classic pastas, innovative salads, and unique soup blends also feature on the menu. You can head to their Instagram for bookings.

THE PRICE TAG- Their iftar menu (pdf) offers three packages: the basic package starts at EGP 1.4k, the standard at EGP 1.7k, and the premium at EGP 2k per person, with a minimum requirement of 20 guests.

For an elaborate spread to impress

If you have a taste for the finer things in life and would like to bring that luxury over to your Ramadan table, these fine-dining caterers are ready to indulge you.

#1- RG’s Catering: On top of a classic iftar menu, RG’s Catering offers table design and styling for a fully elevated fine-dining experience. They deliver well-balanced iftar dishes — orzo vegetable, truffle, and lentil soups, Mediterranean-leaning appetizers and salads, and mains that feature beef piccata, osso bucco, kofta, macaroni béchamel, molokhia casseroles, and more.

Their packages range from intimate spreads serving 10-15 people to feasts that can serve up to 50 people — perfect for a refined, statement-making iftar gathering. You can head to their Instagram for bookings and further details.

THE PRICE TAG- Their Sohbet Ramadan iftar menu serves 10-15 people and is priced at EGP 25k. They also offer an open menu for a more personalized selection.

#2- The Sage Experience: Known for their fine-dining concepts, The Sage Experience’s Ramadan menu offers a similar story. The iftar line-up (pdf) includes truffle parmesan orzo soup, labneh tomato confit, feta and mint phyllo rolls with honey and pistachio, tenderloin roast, and braised wagyu, among other flavorful dishes. Expect nothing less than a refined, indulgent setup and opulent cuisine. You can book with The Sage Experience through their Instagram .

THE PRICE TAG- Reservations require a 15-guest minimum with EGP 1.9k per person, with a full bar setup option for EGP 300 per person. Transportation across Cairo costs EGP 5k.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Revisiting classics in Ramadan: Ailat Zizi

🍿 More than 60 years after its premiere, Ailat Zizi remains a quintessential Egyptian cinematic staple. What at first may appear to be a lighthearted family comedy carries director Fatin Abdel Wahab’s unique vision — one that was remarkably modern for the 1960s when it came to family, individualism, and freedom.

Need a refresher? The events of Ailat Zizi unfold within the home of a middle-class Egyptian family that is anything but ordinary. Sabaawi (Fouad El Mohandes) is a character in a state of alienation, attempting to prove his worth through eccentric inventions. El Mohandes delivered a brilliant performance, portraying both the stubbornness of the intelligent and the vulnerability of the insecure.

Meanwhile, Sanaa (Soad Hosny) reflects a growing population of young women in the 60s dreaming of quickfire fame and chasing the silver screen. She shares certain traits with her brother, Sami (Ahmed Ramzy), who exists in a state of absurd rebellion against traditional societal molds, searching for himself through multiple romantic flings — one of which leads him to yoga, of all things.

The family’s matriarch (Aqeela Rateb) is an unusually progressive mother, a stark contrast to the overbearing mother trope prevalent in cinema at the time. She supports her children's decisions, even those she disagrees with. She acts as the family’s center — not as an oppressive force, but as a guardian of personal space, despite her occasional grumbling.

Zizi, the observer: Abdel Wahab’s directorial approach to the film is what makes it relevant decades later. By relying on a child’s-eye perspective, Abdel Wahab allows the youngest sister, Zizi (Ikram Ezzo), to serve as a neutral observer. Zizi’s vantage point exposes the fragility of adult dreams when faced with the direct, often shocking, innocence and rationality of childhood.

Ailat Zizi is a visually beautiful and brilliantly written film; the characters' storylines intersect and collide in a visual overlap that mirrors the chaos and confusion within the family. If you’re looking for a nostalgic watch brimming with deep social analysis neatly wrapped in comedy, Ailat Zizi should top your list.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can stream Ailat Zizi on Watch It.

An anti-modern tale of desert life on the edge

📚 Saudi Arabian writer Abdel Rahman Munif’s 1977 work, Endings, stands out among its contemporaries for the seemingly simple choice of its setting: the desert. Translated into English by Arabic Language and Literature professor Roger Allen, Munif’s novel follows al-Tiba, a nondescript village in an unspecified part of the Arab world, and its struggle with unrelenting droughts.

The village and its inhabitants come into focus through collective descriptions of their ways of living, their unique temperaments, their knack for storytelling, and the way they’re all curiously attached to al-Tiba. The village, however, is plagued by cruel droughts that at first seem occasional, but turn out to be a constant battle that the villagers endure as their supplies of food and water are slowly eroded.

The story reads like mythology. The narrative maintains an impersonal style with individuals given limited characterization, while animals and natural forces seem to hold symbolic meaning. One character who stands out with clearer outlines is ‘Assaf, a solitary hunter who is often ridiculed by the villagers, and his canine companion. The scarcity of resources leads some villagers to unite in a heedless hunting spree that quickly becomes a lesson for them on the importance of mindful resource use.

In the few comparisons between the modern city and the primitive al-Tiba — mainly from villagers who have made transitions into urban life and return for visits — their desert life seems defined by cynicism more and more. Yet the narrative reminds us again and again that this village is unlike any other, where nostalgia and sentimentality unabatingly take deep root in the villagers’ hearts.

Munif’s Endings unfolds as a slow-paced read, yet its simple premise sparks the imagination. The translation is clunky at times, with prose that sometimes feels repetitive or falls flat. Despite this, the narrative remains compelling and refreshing, exploring rarely explored subjects — most prominently the theme of encroaching modernity — and rendering the book a gem on ancient life in the Arabian peninsula.

WHERE TO GET IT- The paperback is available for purchase at Diwan.

StarCraft II isn’t just a golden oldie, it’s a masterclass in gaming business

🎮 It’s been over 15 years since StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty landed on 27 July 2010, effectively resurrecting the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre overnight. In an industry obsessed with the “next big thing,” Blizzard’s masterpiece has pulled off the rarest trick in gaming: staying relevant for a decade and a half.

When StarCraft II first launched, it was more of a cultural event than a game. Selling over 1.5 mn copies in its first 48 hours, it garnered critical acclaim — sitting at a comfortable 93 on Metacritic — and became the de facto face of early 2010s esports. Over the years, the trilogy expanded with Heart of the Swarm (2013) and Legacy of the Void (2015), refining the balance and concluding one of gaming’s most epic space operas.

While the “dead game” memes have circulated for years, the competitive scene tells a different story. The ecosystem has shifted from the Blizzard-controlled World Championship Series (WCS) to a more open, third-party circuit. Today, the torch is carried by the ESL Pro Tour and massive events like the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh. The funding has evolved as well — where Blizzard once footed the entire bill, major sponsors and gaming gear giants now drive the prize pools, keeping the stakes astronomically high.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of StarCraft II’s longevity is its watchability. You don’t have to play the game to enjoy it, a fact that has spawned a lucrative economy for content creators. YouTubers and streamers like Lowko, WinterStarcraft, and PiG, along with the iconic casting duo Tasteless and Artosis (Tastosis), have built sustainable businesses purely by monetizing replays and commentary. They translate the chaotic, 400-APM (actions per minute) madness into digestible narratives for hundreds of thousands of daily viewers.

The verdict: StarCraft II remains the gold standard of the genre. It is unforgiving, stressful, and infinitely complex — and that is exactly why it hasn’t been replaced. Whether you are sweating through a 1v1 ladder match or relaxing with the wildly popular Co-op Commanders mode, the game feels as crisp today as it did in 2010.

💯 Rating: 93/100 (Metacritic), 9/10 (IGN).

⌛ Hours of gameplay: Infinite (Multiplayer), 30-40 hours (Campaigns).

🔁 Replay value: 10/10.

👾 Platforms: PC, Mac.

💵 Price: F2P (Multiplayer & first campaign), USD 39.99 for full Campaign Collection.

The anthems that shaped Ramadan in Egypt

💿🌙 For decades now, Ramadan has been linked in our collective conscience with warmth, intimacy, and the sort of spirituality felt everywhere. Just as the month makes its presence known through the details of daily life — our food, decorations, and traditional dress — its influence has extended to music, be it through songs, hymns, dramatic “mosalsalat” intros, or even TV commercials. These melodies often fade throughout the year, only to resurface as the month approaches, with their absence adding to their value.

In today’s edition of Now Playing, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Month by revisiting its most significant musical milestones in Egyptian history.

Wahawi Ya Wahawi is widely accepted as the oldest known Ramadan song to hit the airwaves. First broadcast in the 1930s, written by Hussein Helmy El-Manesterli and composed and sung by Ahmed Abdel Qader, it spread like wildfire among the old and the young alike. From its lyrics, which contain ancient Egyptian vocabulary, to its joyful melody reflecting its era, this song has lived for over 89 years as the ultimate expression of Ramadan joy.

Then came Ramadan Gana. In 1943, composer Mahmoud El Sherif reached out to Abdel Qader to present him with a brand new Ramadan anthem. Abdel Qader turned it down, eventually passing it on to Mohamed Abdel Mottaleb, who was also initially unconvinced, accepting it only out of obligation. The song then became one of the singer’s most — if not the most — popular. With its sweet melody and lyrics by poet Hussein Tantawi, Ramadan Gana has captured the love and longing for the month in every household ever since.

Even the Masaharatis began to sing. A tradition as old as Islamic civilization itself, the practice evolved to include a hint of music. This is evident both in the neighborhood drummers who chant rhythmic phrases to a specific beat and in professional artists like Sayed Mekawy. Mekawy sang and composed “ El Masaharati,” based on the poems of Fouad Haddad.

An ode to Ramadan until the very last second. Our sonic odes to Ramadan extend even to its departure. Sharifa Fadel, with her soulful voice, gave us Tam El Badr Badry. Written by Abdel Fattah Mostafa and composed by Abdel Azim Mohamed, the song beautifully mourns the end of the Holy Month as the moon completes its lunar cycle. Decades later, it remains an impactful melody evoking genuine sadness at beautiful moments gone too soon.

As Om El Donia’s soundscape evolved, contemporary names also became intertwined with Ramadan melodies. From Ali El Haggar and his iconic 80s and 90s TV series intros, to Mohamed Mounir and the Bakkar song that defined a generation’s childhood, to Hussain Al Jassmi, Sherine, and Amr Diab. Their commercial jingles transcend the products they promote, evolving into warm anthems of family, friendship, and happiness that cross the boundaries of time and place.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

🗓️ FEBRUARY

27-28 February (Friday-Saturday): Ramadan on the Farm at Hazel Farm.

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

MARCH

3 March (Tuesday): Angham at Al Mashrafia tent, the Grand Egyptian Museum.

21 March (Saturday): Eid Al-Fitr.

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

APRIL

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

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.

AUGUST

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

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

OCTOBER

6 October (Tuesday): Armed Forces Day.

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