The Last Cigarette: ASSER YASSIN, August 2019 Issue, Identity Magazine by Identity Magazine

AUGUST 2019 - 20 L.E., VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

SUMMER 2019 MAKEUP TRENDS

The Do’s & Don’ts of Travelling With Friends

Your Guide to Summer Concert Wardrobe

T h e La st C iga rette

A S S E R YA S S I N

IDENTITY LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

28 ASSER YASSIN

THE LAST CIGARETTE

or some pitiable ill-fated souls, summer’s just getting underway. So if you’re a student or a member of the workforce who happened to be stuck in the city for this or that reason, and are now Sahel, Red Sea or out of the country bound, we couldn’t be happier or more excited for you. But since you practically missed out on half the summer season already, our editorial team left nothing to chance and made sure you don’t waste another valuable minute. From summer reads, playlists, recipes, love advice, travel tips, fashion, hair and makeup trends; you’ll find it ALL in there. No need to thank us! Happy Eid and summer holidays everyone

Rola Kamel

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s lifestyle, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities. Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus. The subscription rate is 240 L.E./year (12 issues) through Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Distribution by AL AHRAM Website: QPIX SOLUTIONS Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

6 August 2019

IDENTITYMAGEG

IDENTITY MASTHEAD

IDENTITY AUGUST 2019, VOLUME 14 ISSUE 5

Founder & Managing Editor Rola Kamel Editor-in-Chief Nawal Ismail Art director Alia El Abd Copy-Editor Amina El Fayoumy Senior Staff Writer Amina Moustapha Staff Writers Aya Aboshady & Omnia Essawy Relationship Expert Marwa Rakha Food Writer Soha Darwish Senior Graphic Designer Sandy Saied Marketing & Advertising Manager Riham Yehia Business Developer Raghda El-Sayed Digital Marketing Manager Youssef Ali Social Media Specialist Shady Hani Video Editor Ahmed Mostafa Identity Magazine Distributor Ashraf Fouad 8 August 2019

IDENTITY CONTENTS

ON THE BEACH 8 The Lust List 10 Summer Playlist: A

Song for Every Mood 12 Taking your Pet on Vacation

STYLE 14 The Summer Makeup 16

18 20

24 28

Trends You Need in Your Life According to your hairstyle, Here’s the Braid you Should Rock! Get the Look: Hailey Bieber Can You Get Away With Turning Your Swimwear Into Real Clothes? Bag and Shoe Trends: Summer ‘19’s Must Have Items! Your Guide on What to Wear to a Summer Concert! Asser Yassin: The Last Cigarette

18 50 Summer Destinations 54 Travel Guide: Mauritius 56 Fire Up Your Grill... For

the Perfect BBQ Feast!

OUT & ABOUT 58 60 62 64

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER 36 Growing In Love: The

38 40

42 44 46 48

Do’s & Don’ts of New Relationships The Do’s & Don’ts of Travelling With Friends Eight Tricks To Throw The Instagram-worthy Summer Party Of Your Dreams Which Summer Destination in Egypt Suits your Personality? Spend your Summer Vacation at One of Egypt’s Hidden Gems! The Busy Women’s Guide to a Great Body Summer Reads

10 August 2019

SUMMER DESTINATIONS

Advertorial Snaps Press Releases Horoscopes

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19219

IDENTITY THE LUST LIST

THE LUST LIST

VICTORIA’S SECRET MINI DOT BIKINI Soak in summer with this cute, tiny, throw in your suitcase swimsuit. There is no summer without your bikini.

12 August 2019

ZARA IRIDESCENT PEARL EARRINGS Your summer look won’t be the same without those dangle earrings with combined iridescent freshwater pearl beads and colourful crystals.

PULL & BEAR RUFFLED CROSSOVER DRESS Make the most of your summer with this perfect summer dress! Pull & Bear offers you a short sleeve wrap dress with ruffle trims and a V-neckline to stay chic in the heat.

DIOR EYEWEAR SQUARE SUNGLASSES Square sunglasses are in style, and keep in mind that the colours of current styles are bright and popping, this Dior sunglasses will go with anything.

VALENTINO ROCKSTUD LEATHER SANDALS Elevate your warmweather time with Valentino’s gold sandals, crafted in Italy. Wear them with a neutral ensemble for an alfresco dinner date

IDENTITY ADVERTORIAL

ORANGE INITIATES AN ANTI-PLASTIC CAMPAIGN ON THE SIDELINES OF AFCON 2019 Orange Egypt, the prominent telecommunications provider, took the chance of Egypt hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to launch its “Game of Changes” campaign. The anti-plastic initiative aims to inspire the football fans to collect the plastic waste for recycling; where the recycled products will be used in the establishment of a football pitch that will be donated to the “Leprosy Colony” at Abu Zaabal, Qaliubiya. The Company has set up special places inside Cairo Stadium, with signs (Throw - Write - Receive). These places are designed for the fans to get rid of empty plastic bottles.

Furthermore, Orange took the first step by encouraging its employees to actively participate in this initiative and raise awareness of the importance of reducing the use of plastic that harms the environment. As part of their plan to spotlight the importance of taking environmental responsibility, Orange has allocated some places at its premises to build awareness about recycling. Since plastic waste is globally held as the most significant environmental case, Orange aims to highlight the issue through the “Games of Change”. This initiative eliminates plastic waste by using safe and clean means and provides better infrastructure for the community.

IDENTITY ON THE BEACH

Summer Playlist A SONG FOR EVERY MOOD by Omnia Essawy

It is finally summer vacation time. Which means it is time to have fun, full-time. And an essential ingredient in the recipe for the best summer ever is, of course, a summer playlist that captures those carefree days. Since you will be doing a lot of activities during your vacation, one playlist will not do. You’ll need a separate playlist for each activity to make the best out of every moment. The choice could be hard, which is why we’ve created the perfect summer playlists for you. All you need to do is just enjoy! ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST: • Something Just Like This - Coldplay • Heaven - Avicii • River - Bishop Briggs • That’s What I Like - Bruno Mars • Girls Like You - Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B • Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran • Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots • Do Or Die - Thirty Seconds to Mars INTIMATE DATE-NIGHT PLAYLIST: • Just You and I - Tom Walker • Don’t Give up On Me - Andy Grammer • You Are the Reason - Calum Scott • Walk Me Home - Pink • Love of My Life - Bohemian Rhapsody • Music to My Eyes - Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper • One Day at a Time - Sam Smith • I Wanna Be Yours - Arctic Monkeys

BEACH DANCE PARTY PLAYLIST: • Dancing With A Stranger - Sam Smith and Normani • I Don’t Care - Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber • Señorita - Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello • Sucker - Jonas Brothers 14 August 2019

• Cake By The Ocean - DNCE • X - Nicky Jam & J Balvin • Genius - (LSD) Sia, Diplo, Labrinth • Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

BEACH WORKOUT PLAYLIST:

• Viva La Vida - Coldplay • Happier - Marshmello ft. Bastille • High Hopes - Panic! At The Disco • Immortals - Fall Out Boy • Wake Me Up - Avicii • Dumb Blonde - Avril Lavigne & Nicki Minaj • Thunderclouds - (LSD) Sia, Diplo, Labrinth • Bad Guy - Billie Eilish

CHILLING ON THE BEACH PLAYLIST: • Let Her Go - Passenger • I Love You - Billie Eilish • Fields Of Gold - Sting • Tightrope - Sara Bareilles • Nirvana - Sam Smith • Hypnotized - Coldplay • You - Keaton Henson • Skinny Love - Birdy

the area you’re going to be exploring/relaxing in. Therefore; you have to make sure the hotel where you’re spending your vacation allows pets.

#3 Cruise Ships

Even though not many cruise ships allow pets on board, you could still ask around and you’ll probably find at least one that’s fine with it. And a cruise ship here is important because it’s going to give your pet the full windy-sea experience. That’s in addition to the amazing photoshoot you’re going to do for them with the blue ocean in the background!

#4 Toys, Lots of Them

TAKING YOUR

Pet on Vacation by Aya Aboshady

This one goes out for all the pet lovers: Who doesn’t want to go on a nice vacation by the beach with their pet? Whether you own a dog, a cat or even a squirrel; we brought you some tips and tricks so you don’t have to worry too much about taking your furry friend with you.

#1 Up to Date with Shots and Vaccinations

You need to be able to enjoy your vacation with your little furry friend. But that won’t necessarily happen if you ignore or forget to check that they have taken all their due shots and vaccinations. In order to avoid any inconveniences that could occur away from home.

#2 Pet-Friendly Hotels

Before you pack your bags, checking for pet-friendly hotels is a must. You don’t want to travel a long way to find out that pets aren’t allowed around the place where you’ve booked. Whether in the hotel itself or 16 August 2019

While you go for a solo swim or read a book on the sand, your pet will need some distraction as well. Which is why bringing a lot of their favorite toys along with you is a no brainer, in that case. Just make sure that they’re either rubber toys or stuffed animals so you would, again, avoid any inconveniences that might occur while you’re not looking.

#5 A Park/Playground

You need to have a nearby park so you could walk your furry animal anytime. Yes, you’ll have to walk him on the beach, anyway. But still, pets love parks. Especially that they get to meet fellow animals and play all they want. It’s really important.

#6 Cleaning up and Control

Cleaning up after your pet is very crucial on trips, because you don’t want to annoy anyone by neglecting that. That’s actually one major reason why a lot of hotels don’t usually allow pets. So after relieving themselves or messing things up as they play around, you need to make sure you clean and tidy up after them. We also shouldn’t forget about control; a leash should be on you at all times. Your pet needs to behave, because annoying, barking and jumping at tourists or vacationers will cause you unnecessary trouble.

#7 Food Containers

During vacations, we - humans - don’t know when we will get hungry next. It could be four hours or literally five minutes after we just ate. And the same goes for our pets. That’s why food containers should always be on you at all times, so your little friend doesn’t starve. And, as much as possible, try to go for healthy options in order for your pet to avoid infections, nausea or any kind of illness.

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Credits: @goudalization Most Popular Articles

In dedication to his life, Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Ezzat Abou Ouf was One of a Kind!

Do Egyptians Really Need a Ministry of Happiness? Check out identity-mag.com for more! IDENTITYMAGEG

IDENTITY BEAUTY

THE SUMMER MAKEUP TRENDS YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE by Aya Aboshady

Summer is here, and so are the newest makeup trends for the season! For the whole year, women sport - more or less- the same type of makeup looks. Even though summer is synonymous with bright colours, what’s so special and really cool about it is how you can easily and creatively play with them! And that’s why we brought you the top makeup trends for this summer:

STATEMENT BRIGHT LIPS

So many women are pro the no-makeup-look, and we honestly think it’s always pretty stunning for the summer. Especially if you decide to either bare it all or use the least amount of makeup on your face with an outstanding bright-lip statement! Whether it’s a bright red color or even a purple one, this makeup trend is really eye-catching!

18 August 2019

COLOURFUL WINGS Is anyone else feeling that the normal bold black eyeliner is getting really boring? Yeah, us too! And you have a chance to brighten it all up for the summer and make your eyeliner scream in magnificent colours. From pink to yellow, blue and green; you’re going to make a colourful statement with your winged eyeliner on the beach!

#2 BRIGHT EYES

Don’t get us wrong; we love smokey eyes! However, it’s time to edge it up a bit and take the ‘smoke’ to a whole other level. Instead of creating the usual black and brown smokey eyes, how about you grab a bright-colored makeup palette and start smudging? We’re pretty sure you’ll end up creating a masterpiece to rock for the season!

GLITTERY HIGHLIGHTER

The whole glittery Coachella vibe has been going on in the world of makeup for some time now. But since it grew on many women, it’s not getting old. Better yet, it’s getting really creative and so many women are stepping up their game with it. Using glittery and sparkly highlighter instead of the normal one is the new trend for summer. And it looks outstanding in photos!

FRECKLES

No natural freckles? No problem! Makeup is making everything possible nowadays! And artificial freckles are the newest and coolest addition to the makeup world. It does not just work for a day out on the beach; but adding light brown dots all over your face could perfectly make you look 10 times more attractive in a summer night outing!

August 2019 19

ACCORDING TO YOUR HAIRSTYLE, Here’s the

Braid you Should Rock! by Aya Aboshady

Braids add a really fun twist to everyday mundane hairstyles, but not all braids suit all the different hair types and styles. From the shorts soft curls to the long waves, the straight and the really curly hair; braid styles differ based on the hair type. Therefore; we’re here to guide you through that and tell you which braid you should go for, according to your original hairstyle.

BOHO WAVES AND BRAID For all the stunning wavy-haired women, whether it’s long or short; the Boho Waves and Braid is a very pretty hairstyle. All you need to do is create a messy loose braid on the side and you’re good to go!

WATERFALL BRAID This one is definitely made for the REALLY longhaired women out there. Because if you want to keep it down and straighten it with a twist, you’ve got to try side-braiding a chunk of it in order to make your hair look like an actual waterfall!

20 August 2019

TUCKED-AWAY HEADBAND BRAID

DOUBLE DUTCH BRAID

4 FISHTAIL

Who said short-haired women can’t rock a Fishtail Braid? Whether your hair is straight, wavy or even curly; you could easily pull up a chunk in the middle of your hair, right behind your head, and turn it into a half up-half down fishtail!

Want to go a little fancy with your long or mid-length hair? Then, there’s nothing better than creating the Double Dutch Braid the Kim Kardashian way, and it doesn’t matter what your hair type is! From university to the club and even the beach; the best thing about this hairstyle is that you could go anywhere with it and look like the fanciest fierce queen ever!

The Headband Braid looks beautiful on curly-haired women! It’s so chic and laidback at the same time. All you have to do is section a sidepart of your hair in the front along your hairline, braid it and show off your curls!

REVERSE BRAID BUN Having a boring day at home and want to play a little with your mid-length hair? A Reverse Braid Bun is the answer! And it’s easy to do. Just flip your hair upside-down and braid it as you normally would but in that direction, and pull it up in a bun!

FRENCH BRAID

If you have long straight hair, then a French Braid is definitely what you’re going to rock! And the best thing about that braid type is that it works for a normal outing, a college morning or even a night out with friends. August 2019 21

Get The Look:

Hailey Bieber by Omnia Essawy

Summer is the time for that tanned glowy face and sun-kissed complexion. And no one perfects a truly authenticlooking back-from-the-beach glow like supermodel model Hailey Baldwin or Hailey Bieber now. How does she ALWAYS manage to look sun-kissed and luminous? We got the answer for you!

2. CONCEALER:

3 1. LUMINIZER:

Hailey likes to let her skin breathe, so for this beachy look, she steers away from foundations and starts with some luminizing glow drops. Specifically the Dr. Barbara Sturm glow drops which she applies all over her face using her fingertips. This helps to start off her makeup already looking kind of glowy and luminous. 22 August 2019

Hailey then moves on to the concealer. Still skipping the foundation step all together, Hailey only uses a concealer under her eyes and on the parts where her skin usually tends to get a bit red. A preferred choice of concealer to Ms. Bieber is the Tom Ford Concealer Pen, which she applies directly from the concealerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s applicator then taps onto her skin using -also- her fingertips.

3. BRONZER:

An essential factor in capturing Haileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glowy tanned beach look is bronzing. Using an angled brush, Hailey applies a contouring cream from the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Palette on her cheekbones and her actual cheeks to get an authentically tanned look. She also blends the contouring cream into her hairline and jawline.

5 6

6. SETTING POWDER: Because what we’re looking for is glowy not greasy, we have to make sure we control the oils in our faces. Which is exactly why Hailey applies the Georgio Armani Pressed Setting Powder on the areas that tend to get oily on her face like T-zone and under the eyes.

8 10

9 4. BLUSH: Hailey keeps her authenticity throughout the whole look and applies the luminous lightweight liquid blusher Fluid Sheer from Giorgio Armani on her cheeks and all the way across the face to capture the true caught-inthe-sun feel. She also applies this product by doing a tapping motion using her fingertips.

5. HIGHLIGHTER: Time to glow! Hailey sticks to the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Palette and uses her fingertips to apply its creamy highlighter on the highpoints of her cheeks, nose bridge and Cupid’s bow. She then applies powder highlighter at the very end on the same places she applied cream highlighter to make sure it’s set and to add an extra glow to her face. Hailey’s choice of highlighter is the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder which she applies using an angled brush.

7. MASCARA:

Hailey appreciates good mascara. Feathered thicklooking lashes are an essential factor in achieving this beachy natural glam. So she uses Mac mascara and brushes both her upper and lower lashes carefully until she reaches that naturally feathery lashes look.

8. LIPSTICK: Because applying lipstick the traditional way will make the lips stand out in such a natural look, Hailey applies it onto her lips in a light tapping motion to add just a light color to her lips and brighten up the whole look. Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Twist Matte lipstick is a perfect choice because of its matte strong texture and beachy summery color pallets.

9. EYESHADOW: Hailey keeps it simple and understated all the way to help make the look as easy to achieve and naturallooking as possible. Which is why she uses the same bronzer she used for her cheekbones on her eyes and applies it using her fingertips. No need for brushed and long complicated applying techniques.

10. SPF SETTING POWDER: The last and final step of Hailey’s summer beach look is applying an SPF Setting Powder all over her face to make sure it’s protected from the sun and to also set any liquid product onto her complexion. August 2019 23

IDENTITY STYLE

Can You Get Away With Turning Your Swimwear Into Real Clothes? by Raghda Elsayed

Designers have been putting tremendous efforts in turning swimwear into pieces of art, making the beach the new real-life runway. With various styles coming out every season – in some cases some trends happen with swimwear before real clothes – it’s almost near impossible to buy yourself only one piece of swimwear. With people nowadays buying more than one swimsuit, with most, realistically, not being functional as swimwear, can we sneakingly figure out a way of turning them into everyday wear? It sounds ridiculous, but if you give it some thought, it’s very doable. Not just with beach parties, but in city outings as well. Let us prove our point. Mango

Mango

Asos

The Modern Chic Look Sleeved bikini tops are now a thing; they look amazing but serve us horribly due to the tan lines. If you’ve bought yourself one, then instantly regretted it, it can still pass as a regular top if styled with confidence. In this look, we styled the brown bikini top with flared belted white pants, simple brown flat sandals, and a straw bag. With keeping the colours mono-tonic, and classical, no one will doubt that this is a real top.

24 August 2019

Mango Gap

The Retro Look

H&M

This one piece looking swimsuit from Oysho is, in fact, two pieces. We don’t need to explain why the top can pass as a regular top, because look at it! Even if this swimsuit was one piece, it still could’ve passed as a regular top. To style it, we paired it with a black skaters skirt for a more girly feel, and to play with the volumes and silhouettes. To keep everything else simple, we used black ballerina flats and simple earrings, all from H&M.

Oysho

H&M H&M

The Summer Look With bikini tops being just as fancy as any regular top, you can easily get away with wearing it as a regular top especially during summer parties, which would be the obvious choice for the transition.

Patbo Cult Gaia

H&M Cult Gaia

Jeffrey Campbell

Just style the bikini top with a solid coloured skirt, preferably black just so the colors and patterns won’t clash together. Depending on the pattern of choice, keep the accessories aligned with the same pattern feel or colours. In this case, the tropical pattern was the inspiration for the green accessories and the straw purse as well.

H&M

Oysho

H&M

Oysho

The Other Looks You Can Pull Off While we only styled just three swimsuits, the possibilities are endless! A long as you style it with confidence, and make sure the overall look is place and time appropriate, then by all means go for it. Experiment with what you have, and break the rules along with it!

August 2019 25

BAG AND SHOE TRENDS: SUMMER ‘19’S MUST HAVE ITEMS! by Raghda Elsayed

With most of the fashion trends in clothes leaning more towards basic fashion, it’s becoming harder to make a fashion statement with just a top or a dress. Lucky for us, the trends with bags and shoes this summer are all about making a statement! Here are some of this summer’s hottest trends that will allow you to make a statement and still be elegant!

Saint Laurent

NEON AND BOLD COLOURS

Max Mara

Neon and bold colours have been around for a few years, but this year we are finally seeing pieces that will not make us look like we are lost from a rave. We picked those two pieces from Max Mara that seem to keep a balance between the fun colours, as well as the elegance and classiness. The yellow is bold enough to make a statement, but not too much to make it look costume-y.

Max Mara

Bottega Veneta

Sophia Webster

STRAW AND WOVE Bershka

26 August 2019

Max Mara

Pull & Bear

This is a trend that we’re all here for! With the option of going for an item from a fashion store or having them handmade, the possibilities are endless. Depending on the design you opt for, you can make it look very classical, or go casual with it. Thankfully, many of the straw bags are also environmentally friendly.

PLASTIC AND SEE-THROUGH This style is somewhat debatable. While it does look fun, some of the shoes can be uncomfortable and the bags show everything you carry. But if you adopt the motto of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty is Painâ&#x20AC;?, this style might be just for you! For the bags, the possibilities are endless. From literal plastic bags lookalike styles, to see-through classic backpacks. As for the shoes, you can opt for the vinyl straps, or simple plastic heels.

Allbirds

Nike Tretorn Rawlins III Jogger

ATHLEISURE H&M

H&M

Bershka

Through the years, athleisure has been a huge trend with fashion, to the point of athletic brands expanding to fashion lines, and fashion brands expanding to athletic lines. This year, the fashion industry is all about the athleisure, and we are happy because we can finally be fashionable as well as comfortable!

CROCODILE SKIN

Bershka

This has always been a classic, but thankfully, we are now getting items with fake leather, which makes it more ethical and cheaper! Whether you opt for a high-end brand like Calvin Klein or a pair of platform sandals from Bershka, you will always look classy!

Pull & Bear

Bershka

CROSS BODY BAGS

Bershka

The poster child of the 90s made a comeback last year, and they are continuing this summer. The designs, however, are becoming more versatile, and fresher than what we were used to. You will easily find the cross body version of all the styles mentioned above. The ones we picked are from Pull & Bear and Bershka; they show the plastic style as well as the neon style.

Calvin Klein

Bershka

August 2019 27

YOUR GUIDE ON WHAT TO WEAR TO

a Summer Concert! by Raghda Elsayed

Summer concerts and gigs are becoming a ritual, which means we have to pack our summer wardrobes accordingly. But since concert outfits are different from party outfits, some might find it tricky to pick the right look. So we created you a list to inspire you to find the best concerts look, that not only match your personality, but also the place you’re going to!

The Fiesta Look WHEN TO WEAR IT: If you’re a party animal who wants to be the center of attention and make a scene when you dance, this look is for you. The look can be tweaked to fit the exact place and event you’re attending. HOW TO WEAR IT: You need to introduce a bold colour in your look, and go with it. For this look it’s important to remember that if you opt for an item with a loud colour, keep the design simple. And if you opt for a loud design, keep the colour simple.

Nord Dtromrack Rodarte

In this look, we picked this red colour for the skirt, and built the whole look around it. With the colour giving us a bit of a Latin feel, we opted for this heavily ruffled top to give a Flamenco vibe to the look, but still kept the colour black. EXTRA STYLING: Styling is tricky here, because it will make the look either chic, or tacky. In this case, we opted for black earrings, which have a fun design, but are not too loud. The shoe choice remained a classic black sandal, which could be replaced with any classic black shoe.

Mary Frances

However, to give it a little bit more fun, we added this purse with Frida Kahlo who heavily inspired the look. Depending on how you get inspired by this look, the purse could still be a bit loud, but only if it supports the overall look. If not, then opt for a classic black purse. Calvin Klein

MAKE-UP: There is no fixed makeup suggestion for this look, but just like the colours vs. design theory; if you opt for big hair, keep the makeup simple, and vice-versa. 28 August 2019

Steve Madden

The Graphic Tee-Look WHEN TO WEAR IT: This style is appropriate for music concerts in both Cairo, and Sahel. This look is for those who want to pull off a modern, carefree and youthful style. HOW TO WEAR IT: The casual look is very diverse. You can opt for a classical band t-shirt, or a graphic shirt, which are currently available in most fashion stores. You can either wear the shirt with denim shorts, or mom fit jeans for a more conservative look. EXTRA STYLING: Styling is key with this look, since it would take you from being a fashion icon, to basic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and no one wants to be basic. Since your shirt will already have a bold print on it, it is not recommended to go heavy with the necklace. As for earrings, hoops are your safest bet, since they are classic, but still make the look edgy. You can go bold with your purse, shoes, and sunglasses if applicable. MAKE-UP: Make up plays a huge role in this look. It has to create the perfect balance between making an effort to take the look to the next level, while not looking like you tried too hard. We suggest a very clean, no makeup-makeup look, enhanced with a bold lip colour. Moschino

Pull & Bear

Gucci

Bershka

August 2019 29

The Elegant Look with a Twist: WHEN TO WEAR IT: This look is more appropriate for classical concerts, unlike the previous look. If you want to present yourself as a person who spends an extra amount of time to get ready, this look is for you.

Brixton

HOW TO WEAR IT: If you want to stay classic, always opt for a black dress. Of course, other colours are welcomed. But black works with all body types, skin colours, and for any occasion. This dress from Bershka has a very minimalistic approach, but with enough subtle design choices to make it look interesting. The simple ruffled short sleeve gives it the right amount of fun, while the square neckline balances the elegance and fun. The slit, however, is the highlight of the dress, since it shows just the right amount of skin without looking vulgar.

Burberry

EXTRA STYLING: Give them something they do not expect. Wear a bag that would bring a bright pop of colour. This will break the classiness of the black colour and introduce the fun, because remember, you are still going to a concert or a festival! As for your footwear, follow the latest summer â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;19 trend, and hop on the sporty dad sandals wagon. This style is debatable, but hear us out; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun, extremely comfortable, and will create the minishock value which will be enough to turn heads, but not for the wrong reason. With everything else in the look being proper and elegant, the sandals will not be the main focus. MAKE-UP: We recommend keeping the makeup to a minimal with this look. Opt for the no-makeup-makeup look, or follow the new glass skin trend and give a shine to your face. Whichever makeup approach you opt for, remember that highlighters are your best friend.

Tory Burch Bershka

LoveStrength

Sam Edelman

30 August 2019

Bershka

Illesteva 8 Other Reasons

Quiz

Alessandra

Quiz

Madewell

Quiz

The Beach Concert Look

Steve Madden

WHEN TO WEAR IT: Obviously during a beach concert. The look is summer-y and flirty, and works best if you’re on the beach. While it might work in other occasions, it’s going to be extremely hard to pull off. HOW TO WEAR IT: This is very simple and straight to the point. Opt for a matching outfit with a fun pattern that speaks for itself. You won’t need to put much effort into the look, but it will give the impression that you have. EXTRA STYLING: If you’re in with a colourful and/or busy pattern, keep the styling simple. Just like we’ve mentioned earlier, hoop earrings are the best choice for a busy look, which is why we opted for it in our look. We chose a very simple purse with one of the colours in the print. However, make sure you don’t use accessories the same colour as the dominate colour. As for the shoe, keep it simple and comfortable. If heels aren’t your friends, skip them and wear what’s appropriate for the place, and your feet. MAKE-UP: Again, this will depend on your choice of clothes. However, remember that you are on the beach and in summer. Make sure your face does not melt! August 2019 31

IDENTITY ASSER YASSIN: THE LAST CIGARETTE

A SSER YA SSIN The Last Cigarette by Amina Moustapha & Aya Aboshady

Photographer: MAY EL HOSSAMY It’s hard not to roll out the clichés. The shoulders are broad; the eyes piercing; the smile extremely charming... It would be churlish not to acknowledge, straight off the bat, that Asser Yassin is absurdly handsome, but that’s not all there is to the extremely talented actor. Since the beginning of his career, and his debut in the cinema world in Omaret Yacoubian, Yassin has stolen the heart of the audience with his many brilliant performances. On the day he smoked his last cigarette, we met with the incredibly skilled actor to hear all about him becoming Ambassador of Goodwill by the International Organization for Migration in Egypt, his newest projects, his new tattoo that set the social media on fire, and also why he decided to puff the last smoke.

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1. Tell us more about being chosen as Ambassador of Goodwill by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt, and about the responsibilities that come hand in hand with that. I’ve be working on finding a cause to serve and this is actually a great cause, owning to the fact it’s already under a very capable umbrella that is not wasting effort here and there, but quite the contrary we can strategize, we can prepare, and actually strive for a higher purpose. I believe that whatever podium I am standing for or behind forces me and places a certain kind of pressure on me to serve and give back to my community; be it through UNHCR, IOM, UNAIDs or 500500 Hospital. IOM is a great organization; we have similar values of where to help and how to help, and I am very honored that I was chosen to represent it. It’s a great responsibility and I am always up for the challenge. 2. Why did you decide to quit smoking? What strategy are you planning to follow in order not to relapse and go back to smoking again? It’s simply because I need more time, not less time, and cigarettes for me mean less time. It’s as if you want to make the maximum out of your journey, as if you want to reach a place, and in order to reach it efficiently you have to be very athletic. You want to run for 100 meters; with smoking you’re going to make it in a longer time. I want the fast way. And if you practice more, you’re going to make it in even lesser time, and more efficiently. So smoking was holding me back. I‘ve reached a certain stage in my life where you know nothing is worth it except the people you care for and love, and the love you get back. That’s it. My strategy to quit is easier said than done. It’s a journey, you must enjoy the ride. You have to keep on searching for the right path, which I did, so this is the last time you will see me smoking a cigarette. 3. What has been your greatest accomplishment as an actor? Every time I take on a new film, it’s like it’s my first time to act. Be it a major role, a secondary role, or a cameo appearance, I’ve always been like “Damn it, did I ever know how to act before? This is all new to me!” It seems like that, but once you’re in front of

the camera and once you get into the process you retrieve all the past experiences, and then you add to them. And when you do, you’re like “Okay let’s do it differently this time, let’s find a new approach for this role.” I don’t think I’ve reached the point where I can say that this is my greatest achievement. Once I finish a role, I am always looking for the next one. I evaluate every experience, whether I am satisfied with it or not, before I move to another. Yet my favorite performance remains my role as Taha in Torab El Mas. 4. Think about a demanding director, professor or cast mate. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person? Literally that’s the best thing that can happen to anyone in any career. As an actor, I don’t need anything other than a demanding person to keep me on my edge. I am a hard worker, and for over a year and a half I learnt to play the drums for a few scenes for one of my roles. If I didn’t find a demanding director on the other end, I will be disappointed. Why would I take on this extreme challenge and go all the way unless my director is that demanding? It’s motivational for me, because in the end we work hard to create a piece of art that will live for years and years to come. In order to deal with someone that demanding, you must give your all or go home, that’s the formula. 5. Tell us about a time where you had difficulty with a character. What was the role and why was it challenging? Three characters mainly; Mo in Zay El Naharda,Yehia in Rasayel El Bahr, and Taha in Torab El Mas all express how much I matured from one role to the other, and I think the most mature one is Torab El Mas. Maybe if I’ve started with it, the answer would have been Zay El Naharda. I was 28 and now I am 38; it all depends on your inner observation. Torab El Mas specifically was a challenge because it was shot two years later than it was planned to be, so the script itself developed, the way we were all perceiving the characters changed, including Marwan Hamed, the director and Ahmed Mourad the scriptwriter. My character was supposed to be nerdy and a bit light, but it took a darker approach and he became more of a loner and an introvert, playing him was so inspiring.

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6. What’s the secret behind your new tattoo? It’s the name of my grandfather; he just passed away three months ago. He had a great impact on me. We had a very special relationship; we used to read a lot together, exchange lots of books, and converse about things no one would ever converse about. We were really close; I am the eldest grandchild and I have the badge of the Yassin family. I am his extension.

7. Tell us more about ‘Saheb Al Makam’; who is the cast and when should we expect it to be released? Its’a very interesting project written by Ibrahim Eissa, directed by Mando El-Adl, starring Yousra, Amina Khalil, and including a lot of cameo appearances. Expect a nice cool humane film with a bit of comedy in it. It’s family film that the audience of any age can watch with a nice message to it; which is basically not to materialize everything in your life, and to look around you because there is a lot to see that you don’t want to miss out on. It’s different from anything I’ve ever done.

We thank Asser for such an inspiring interview, and we wish him all the best in his next project.

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IDENTITY ADVICE

Growing In Love:

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF NEW RELATIONSHIPS by Marwa Rakha

Those early days of getting to know someone are tough: you have to figure out if you really like them, how much you like them, and what you want with them — if anything. What should you do if you’re dating but not sure if you’re really into this person? Yes, you like them and everything but that doesn’t mean you are sure you want a relationship with them. Should you be upfront and let them know you’re not that into them and hurt their feelings, keep it to yourself and figure it out on your own, or walk away before they get more attached to you? We reached out to our Relationship Expert Marwa Rakha to help us unveil more secrets about relationships. 40 August 2019

Is it considered tricking someone by not being sure in the beginning of the dating process with that person? The worst thing about dating, or any relationship in general, is expectations. Expecting feeling in a certain way, hearing certain words, or simply being with someone in a certain way. It is totally normal that when you meet someone “interesting”, there are sparks and attraction in the beginning. It is also normal that after the attraction phase fades away, there comes a time of uncertainty. It is natural to have doubts, to worry that you are with the wrong person for you, to wonder if things are going too quick or too slow, and to pull away – yes! It is natural for one, or both, to back off a bit. What would be “tricking” and totally unethical is lying to someone about how you feel about them by saying things that you do not mean or feel, and by exaggerating showing feelings that you do not have. Why call every couple of hours if you do not feel like it? Why do you say, “I miss you”, if you don’t? Why do you get intimate and say, “I love you”, when you don’t? Voicing that would make you honest or rude? Not voicing that would make you considerate or selfish? Assuming that you took my advice, and never showed feelings that you do not have, the answer to that question would be simple. Here is a scenario to make it more tangible: You just met someone, liked one another, began going out, and you are being true to yourself. You are not faking anything. Then that person expects more, asks for more, and eventually asks you why you are not giving more.

Being honest about how you feel, in that scenario, is not rude. You are a decent person who does not want to lead anyone on, and who is not being manipulative. That is why you need to clearly express how you feel when you are faced with an unsatisfied partner. If you have worries, doubts, or negative feelings, express them without being offensive. If you feel that it is too early to be exclusive and commit, say it. If you feel that you are pressured, be clear about it. What happens if you don’t? You get in trouble! You get accused of playing people’s feelings! You become a jerk! If you are a man, and you get really intimate with a woman who believes, based on your actions, that you are in a steady relationship, you get accused of being a jerk. If you are a woman, and you take advantage of a man’s generosity, while he thinks that you are in love with him, you are at risk of being named “a golddigger”. Does love happen instantly or gradually over time? After the uncertainty phase ends, you both feel ready to be exclusive, and go steady. You get to talk about more intimate experiences, and share dreams and hopes. If that phase goes well, you are ready to commit and get engaged. If that phase does not go well, the relationship ends. You only commit to a person after falling in love and getting to know that person well – as well as your value system allows you. These phases take time and there is no specific timeline to the phases. If you feel that a phase is dragging on, have a talk with your partner. When should you walk away, and when should you stay? Walk away if the relationship is distressed! If there are too many ups and downs, if there is a lingering sense of insecurity, if you feel bad but have no logical reason to justify your feelings, if you feel pressured to be someone you are not, if you feel used or abused in any way, or if you know, deep down, that that person is not right for you.

If the relationship is growing steadily and the two of you are putting in effort to get to know one another, then that is a relationship worth investing time and emotions in. August 2019 41

IDENTITY A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF WITH FRIENDS

travelling

by Amina Moustapha

Planning on travelling with your pal/s this summer? That’s so cool. There is nothing more fulfilling than travelling and wandering the world, and no one better to share the road with you than your friend. But here is the issue, the choice of a travel companion could make or break any trip. It can sometimes even ruin your relationship with this person. Before you even pack your bag or decide on dates, you’ll need to decide on company. Many trips like family trips, honeymoons, school trips, etc. already have predetermined companions. Those come with certain expectations, but what about the regular trips? What should the expectations be? Let’s not waste time and discuss what are the do’s and don’ts of travelling with friends. 1. Discover If Your Travel Styles Synchronize Some character differences could be overlooked, meaning the two persons could find a middle ground, but with some differences it is hard to find a middle ground. In order to avoid bumping into this second type of differences, you must learn about them even before organizing the trip. For instance, if you’re an early bird and your companion is a night owl, if you’re the type who likes to really savour the place you visit, and your friend prefers to rush to see everything there is to see…you might have a problem here. If there is no middle ground, you better reconsider this trip. 42 August 2019

2. Agree on a General Budget It is always awkward to discuss money with friends, but agreeing on a general budget before organizing a trip is a must! For example, if you like to spoil yourself and stay in luxury hotels, while your friend tends to play it cheap; how can these two scenarios coexist with each other? Same goes with food, places to visit, activities…When you agree on a budget, it gives you both a sense about the other person’s mindset.

3. Make Deals Together When It Comes To Decisions When the ‘middle ground’ option isn’t always applicable, the “Let’s make a deal” option should come to the table. That’s the thing about having a companion; it’s not ‘me’, it’s ‘us’. Therefore to avoid someone always having things their way, or having to fight over every decision, make deals together. ‘You want to visit this place, so we will dine at a restaurant I pick’ and so on. 4. Check Each Other’s Energy Level One of the main problems that could face travel companions is not having the same pace. Is

one of you looking forward to a leisurely pace, the other ready to see a whole city in one day? Check each other’s energy level. Some of you ought to be tired, hungry, sleepy or maybe too energetic to sit in one place. Not having enough energy could milk the fun out of anything even if you’re in Disneyland, and having so much energy and not using it, is a major disappointment. Pace your energy together to be able to have fun together. 5. Break Out So You Don’t Break Up Yes, you travelled together but that doesn’t mean you can’t launch on your own sometime, especially if it is a long trip. Sometimes you need a break from each other, and that’s more than alright. Don’t consider it an insult to your friendship; having some time apart releases the negative energy that surely will rise. Recharge and then go back to have fun together, it will make you appreciate each other even more. 6. Keep Your Head in a Crisis You have no idea about the number of crises that could occur while travelling. Flight delays, losing money, getting sick, getting lost…In those cases tension will arise, and who better to toss this tension on other than your travelling companion? This will be a major mistake. Even if it’s their fault, we all mess up, so you must think before saying anything because angry words said in a stressful moment can have lasting effects throughout the rest of your trip. 7. Talk About It Obviously none of the above tips will work without this one. It might happen that you go on a trip with someone you assume is a great match, but then it turns out to be a disastrous one. As mentioned before, all sorts of unpleasant things could happen. Negative energy could be flying in the air around you. Don’t pull these feelings under the rug; talk about them in a civilized way and clear the air, or else it might explode in a very unexpected moment.

A trip is meant to be full of fun, new experiences and discoveries, so we advise you to pick that travel companion carefully. And no matter what happens, just stick to the having fun plan.

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Tricks To Throw The Instagram-worthy Summer Party Of Your Dreams by Omnia Essawy

Summer parties are the best kind of parties. It is 3. GAMES an undeniable fact. The summer mood, care-free vibes, and the detoxing atmosphere are perfect for Who can say No to a lively summer game? Well, NO ONE. If you have the space for it, set up a small throwing a casual hangout for your buddies. The place that tends to give us the best inspiration and GOALS in pretty much everything is, of course, Instagram. We all want to be able to throw the perfect Instagram-worthy summer party to bless our accounts and others’ feeds with some serious fairytale-like shots.

volleyball court, or even set it up for a small football game. Even if the space doesn’t allow it, you can always have an intimate charades tournament, Twister, or in the least play some cards. Games make it easier for the guests to relax and induce the mingling process. It also helps avoid awkward silences which are the death of any party. 4. GET YOUR PETS INVOLVED

Which is exactly why we brought to you the 8 tricks that will help you achieve a truly gram-worthy If you are one of the lucky ones who have animals in their lives, then you should be depending on summer party: 1. THEME IS EVERYTHING Theme helps control the chaos of planning. Because it gives it guidelines and helps give you a clear vision of what the party will look like. Decide on a dress code and a decorations theme that fit together to make the whole party aligned. Some ideas include tropical, all-white, beachwear party, or you could even go with your favourite TV show as the theme of the party. 2. ICE CREAM BAR It is a given and well-known fact, EVERYONE loves ice cream. And in the summer, it is basically more essential than water. So setting up an ice cream bar in your summer party will not only make your guests extremely happy, it will also make for a highly active convo station in your party, because you know people will be lining up to get a scoop of their favorite ice cream. Also if you chose to decorate the ice cream bar according to your party theme and make it as visually appealing as possible, it will make for some serious glamorous Instagram shots. 44 August 2019

them while planning your summer party. Because, just like they do in everything, your pets will add a whole new vibe to your party. Especially if you dress them up to fit with your overall theme, not only they will give you to-die-for Instagram shots, they will be the hit of the party. 5. ARTS AND CRAFTS STATION

Setting an arts and crafts station in your party gives a chance at creativity to your little guests and the guests young at heart. It will help your guests relax and unwind because their little ones are having fun, and more importantly, leaving them alone. So you’ll have happy kids, happy parents, happy guests, which equals a very happy party and even happier Instagram shots. 6. FIRE UP THE GRILL Nothing says a summer party more than a hot smokey grill covered with steak Kabobs, burgers, and grilled chicken. So basically, every summer party is a barbecue party. A cool trick for the grill buff is to scent your

charcoal with herbs and spices. This will add a deliciously smoky spin on your traditional marinade. Also, it saves you the trouble and hassle of planning a menu. Because, no one says no to Barbecue, so you’re set.

the night, and will be like you had two summer parties in one. Also, the fire is great, GREAT for pictures.

7. A FIRE PIT

It is not a party without music. And it’s not a summer party without killing music. A good playlist is a make-it-or-kill-it factor in any summer party. If you know your guests well enough, make a mix of everyone’s favorite summer jams to get the party started. If not, you can choose a style of music that compliments your party theme but still makes the party pop! It also won’t hurt if you opt for a small dance floor and throw on some tunes that will get everyone off their feet.

If you have the place and want to keep your party going after the sun is down, and you will, then treat your guests to a taste of that cottage life and set a fire pit for a late night cozy hangout. If you want to go for the whole mood -and you should-, then opt out for some marshmallows and s’mores, and plan some round-the-fire games, like Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, or just some low key conversations by the fire pit. This way, your party will stay until the wee hours of

8. MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC

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WHICH SUMMER DESTINATION IN EGYPT SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY? by Amina Moustapha

Summer means leaping into freedom, escaping the clutches of our busy lives, and having some fun in the sun. Where we choose to spend this precious opportunity speaks a lot about who we are, because every summer destination in Egypt attracts certain types of travelers, and reveals something about its visitors. Let’s see what summer destination suits your personality and what it has to say about you. 1. What’s a perfect day by the sea according to you? A. On a yacht sipping on a fresh juice B. Tanning and reading a novel on the cool sand C. Snorkeling and diving!

6. In your group of friends, you are... A. The wild, spontaneous friend B. The unique, do your own thing friend C. The quiet, loving friend

2. Pick a movie: A. The Last Song B. Summertime C. The Beach

7. Who’s going to the beach with you? A. All of my friends B. My best friend C. The people I become friends with on the beach

3. Which of the following jobs would you prefer? A. Painter B. Writer C. Travel Blogger

8. What sounds good for breakfast? A. A freshly baked local pastry B. A platter filled with exotic fruits C. Just coffee

4. Which of the following places would you live in? A. A villa B. A studio apartment C. A one room cottage

9. What’s on your bucket list? A. Experiencing a totally new culture B. Leaving the map at home and completely losing yourself somewhere C. Scuba diving

5. What is your favorite quote from the following? A. Reality is wrong, dreams are for real B. We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us C. If you realize how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought again 46 August 2019

10. Your greatest strength: A. Optimism…You see the good things in everything B. Independence…You’re confident even when you’re on your own C. Fearlessness…You’re not afraid to take risks

August 2019 47 MOSTLY Bs: SAHEL

MOSTLY As: EL GOUNA You’re a dreamer, who loves to shape reality and turn in it into a beautiful fantasy. You’re always on the hunt for peace even though you dread the calmness, you seek to rest but you don’t have a lazy bone in you, for that the ‘Paradise Out of Desert’ as they tend to call it is the right place for you. El Gouna is the perfect combination of amusement and leisure. You want seclusion you have it, you want to jump into the party life you can have that also. Go nuts while wakeboarding, sit back and relax in Club 88, or enjoy live music in one of its many entertainment venues. It’s a beautiful destination and a ravishing reality.

You’re an escaper, you want to put enough miles of salt water between you and the buzz of the city. A perfect life according to you is days filled with bright skies, sun, and salty air. El Sahel is your perfect haven. You love to spend your days at the beach enjoying the feel of the sand on your feet, the warmth of the sun and the sea breeze on your skin. You love to spend your nights playing cards and board games with your friends, enjoy a cup of tea in the terrace and breathe in the clean air, and from time to time you love to go partying! MOSTLY Cs: DAHAB You’re a thinker, you seek calmness to clear you head, to connect it with a power supply and restore energy. You’re also always on the search for beauty, to ignite your imagination, for these reasons Dahab is the right place for you. From the Blue Hole, the Three Pools, to the Blue Lagoon, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to where to spend an amazing day. The allure of Dahab is capable of giving your brain the dose of quietness you need, recharge it and fill it with lots and lots of creative thoughts.

Flip the Page for the Answers

SPEND YOUR SUMMER VACATION AT ONE OF EGYPT’S HIDDEN GEMS! by Aya Aboshady

#1 EL-ZAAFARANA

Let’s be honest, the Land of the Pharaohs is a wonderland. And spending the summer season in it is actually a privilege. But like many others, we are bored of the typical vacation spots in the North Coast or even Dahab by the Red Sea. Which is why we made sure to help you explore and travel to the hidden gems you might not know exist in Egypt. 48 August 2019

The Red Sea area is not all about Hurghada and El-Sokhna! El-Zaafarana is a road linking the both of them, actually. And other than the fact that there are many resorts around the area, there is also a place where there’s nothing but the beautiful sea where people park their cars and go for a swim. So, whenever you find yourself in need of a relaxing day by the sea in an unusual place, El-Zaafarana is where you should head to with no questions asked!

#2 EL-OBAYED

#6 SUNKEN CITY

Marsa Matruh is a much underrated city, and even though people have started frequently visiting it in the last couple of years it still has some incredible areas that are yet to be explored. So, basically, people who don’t usually go to Marsa Matruh are missing out big time, specifically those who have never visited El-Obayed! It’s an incredible area with not so many hotels around, but frankly there isn’t a more beautiful beach in Matruh!

Well, Sahl Hasheesh itself isn’t an underrated area, since it has become very trendy in the last couple of years. However, not everyone knows about the wonders this place has to offer! And we’re here to tell you that going to the Sunken City beach there is something you can never miss out on! The beauty and even the color of the water there are indescribable!

#3 SIDI HENEISH You really need to ditch Marassi, Hacienda and all of that for Sidi Heneish this summer! The North Coast is beautiful; there’s not a single doubt! But if you visit Sidi Heneish there, it’s a whole other story. You really wouldn’t want to swim anywhere else after this one of a kind vacation. We honestly don’t think we’ve ever seen water that blue or clear before! And you’ll probably agree with us when you go!

#4 MAHMEYA ISLAND Mahmeya is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in Hurghada! Or actually, scratch that; Mahmeya IS the most beautiful beach in the charming city! Maldives who? The stunning view and the incredible baby blue water are breathtaking. It’s located on the other side of the Giftun Island and one of its perks is that it’s not overly crowded because not many people know about it! And the best part is, you can spend part of your honeymoon there because it’s basically the Maldives. However, you could easily go and enjoy the atmosphere with your friends too! #5 NABQ Just like we brought you the best beach in Hurghada, we also have one of Sharm El-Sheikh’s finest! Nabq beach or Mangrove Beach is incredible for so many reasons. But the most important one goes back to how stunning the sunset there is! You really don’t want to miss this one. There are so many beaches in Egypt, but none like Nabq! What are you waiting for? Grab your group of friends and drive there if you have to!

#7 RAS BANAS We’re really worried of not doing this one justice. Like Sahl Hasheesh, Marsa Alam has also become very trendy for some time now! But not everyone who went there has visited Ras Banas and enjoyed its wonders. Ras Banas isn’t for those who just want to enjoy a peaceful swim. On the contrary, this place is made for those who want to explore and dive their way into the beautiful coral reefs. So, snorkelers, gear up! #8 EL-GHARAM Because Marsa Matruh is the coolest place ever - we offer our apologies to all the other stunning cities - we decided to bring you one more gem from the beautiful area! El-Gharam is, in fact, not an underrated beach. But, that mostly goes back to the fact that it has a history behind it, being the location where a very popular black and white Egyptian movie was shot Laila Mourad’s Shate’ El-Gharam. There’s a very popular rock on the beautiful beach that people visit to take pictures on and it’s now called “Laila Mourad’s Rock”. Other than the historical background, El-Gharam’s water is so pretty, it’s insane! #9 ABU GHUSUN Like Dahab, Marsa Alam kind of became the new holiday trend. But even though people have been frequently going there for a couple of years now, there are still some places they’re yet to discover. And Abu Ghusun is one of them. It really feels like you’re in a whole other world, with the water as blue as the sky after a rainbow. Also, we’re pretty sure you’re going to have a really nice dive and pleasant relaxing atmosphere on the sandy beach!

After going through this list of beautiful - and more or less underrated - beaches and hidden gems in Egypt, please don’t tell us that you decided to go typical. We hope we have inspired you to try at least one of those cool places out!

IDENTITY HEALTH

THE BUSY WOMEN’S GUIDE TO A GREAT BODY

We all get carried away with work and other responsibilities that we often forget to make time for ourselves! We watch our stomach grow bigger, our thighs thicker, and our muscles flabbier, and just complain about it. Well, here are some ways to fix this seemingly inescapable issue. 1. DANCE It’s a great way to keep your body and mind healthy. Dancing is everybody’s way out! You don’t really have to master dancing; just dance! It has no rules. Whether it is Hip Hop, Belly Dancing or Ballet; just move around. 50 August 2019

Benefits? Studies show that dancing can help you lose weight, stay flexible, reduce stress, combat depression, boost your energy levels, and much more. Dancing releases endorphins – the hormones most closely involved with happiness –reducing stress and pain, and resulting in a feeling of ultimate well-being. What are you waiting for? Start reaping the many health benefits of dancing today. 2. GO FOR A WALK OR A RUN IN THE EARLY MORNING To improve and maintain your health is to simply focus on walking or running first thing in the morning. Walking or running in the morning on a regular basis will result in multiple health benefits and it is sure to enhance not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. Take your pupper out and get a little exercise together. Benefits? It boosts your energy for the rest of the day, creates a positive mindset, promotes weight loss, gives you time to plan out the day, and is good for your heart. Walking in the morning also saves the money that could be spent on a treadmill or the gym. Additionally, walking in the morning could be a way to spend some time alone and reflect, or spend time with a friend who does share the love of walking and being healthy. A 30-minute morning walk or run could never hurt nobody! Let’s get that day planned! 3. DO SOME SET EXERCISES AT HOME WITH THE FAMILY Think you don’t have time to exercise? Involve your family! You could do sets of push-ups, crunches, squats, or just go Sound of Music style and take your bikes out together. You could even download an app and get moving. Benefits? You finally made use of your time and not only that, you also brought your family together! Don’t we all look for that bond? Exercising with family will teach new habits to all members, as well as, improve communication within the unit, and of course create fun memories you could all reflect on later. Not to mention the immense health improvement that you will all experience. What better way to close out your family workout than with a celebratory highfive?

want to try it for at least 8 minutes a day! Benefits? It improves your spine’s strength and flexibility, is good for your heart, and it will make you feel the calorie burn. Hooping has proven to burn up to 600 calories per hour. After hooping we often feel like younger, stronger, more toned, more confident versions of ourselves! Get that body shaking! 5. USE DUMBBELLS Dumbbells are certainly the best way to beef up your home gym and yes, it’s possible to get a complete body workout with dumbbells alone! Dumbbells are easy to carry around. You can take them with you to the office and exercise! Or you could just workout with them at home! Benefits? Strength training is actually one of the best ways to improve your longevity! Using dumbbells is crucial to cardio health as it raises the heart rate and moves into the aerobic zone, resulting in improvement in blood cholesterol. Additionally, exercising with dumbbells helps increase bone density, decreasing the risk of fracture. It can also reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, back pain and depression. You can now kiss diseases goodbye! 6. USE A STABILITY BALL Working out with exercise balls can be great for your body – and especially your abs. A stability ball is a soft, lightweight ball that ranges in diameter. Your height determines which size ball is suitable for you. The stability ball is designed to stretch and tone the abs, which are part of the body’s core. It can also be useful throughout the rest of your workout, since you can use it to support your body while lifting dumbbells or performing squats. There are several exercises you can do with a stability ball: stretching, weight-lifting, squats, crunches and more! Benefits? Using a stability ball will improve your balance and indirectly strengthen your abs. Stability balls strengthen the core, boost endurance, and improve spinal stabilization. The ball is mainly designed, however, to improve posture, body awareness and balance. Get your ball and start bouncing!

When you’re too busy to go to the gym, you could dance around a little bit, hula in a hula hoop, take 4. GET A HULA HOOP a refreshing walk, exercise with your family, buy dumbbells, or bounce on your stability ball. When A hula hoop is a toy hoop that is twirled around the you’re feeling down and saggy, try those exercise waist, limbs or neck. It’s a full body workout and a tips, and mark the change in your life! pretty way to exercise; just ask gymnasts! You might

August 2019 51

IDENTITY REVIEW

Summer READS by Amina Moustapha

Summer is here! So whether you’ll be lounging at the beach or poolside during your next vacation, you’ll need a good book to keep you company, and entertain your imagination.

My Mamma Mia Summer by Annie Robertson Who didn’t daydream of dusting off their passport, packing their best dancing shoes, and escaping to Greece on their own Mamma Mia adventure? In this novel, Laurel made this dream come true. Although she never took a risk her whole life, this summer she’s going to do something that nobody expects of her. Just like she used to do with her grandma, Laurel turns to her ABBA albums and her favorite film, Mamma Mia! She grabs her passport, and jets off to Skopelos for her own adventure. She explores the island’s famous sites and finds herself feeling strangely at home. So would she return to her life in London, or could this be where she truly belongs?

Something to Live For by Richard Roper In this book you will find one of the most interesting protagonists ever. Andrew. Andrew works with death for a living. His job consists of finding the next of kin for those who die alone, searching their home for valuable possessions that will help pay for their funeral, and then even though it’s not compulsory Andrew attends the funerals of these people who have no one in their lives to say goodbye. Which is fine, because he has the perfect wife and children waiting at home for him after a long day. At least, that’s what he has told people. The novel sheds a light on where the need to create a perfect life can lead you. In an attempt to fit in, Andrew has forgotten one important thing: how to really live. And maybe, it’s about time for him to start. 52 August 2019

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo Claire Lombardo’s debut novel will take us into the world of four radically different sisters, Wendy, widowed young, finds comfort in alcohol and dating younger men; Violet, a lawyer who turned into a stay at home mom, battles anxiety and self-doubt; Liza, a professor, who finds herself pregnant with a baby she’s not sure she wants by a man she’s not sure she loves; and finally Grace, the youngest daughter, begins living a lie that no one in her family even suspects. Most importantly, the daughters share the lingering fear that they will never find a love quite like their parents’. The novel will take us on a rollercoaster trip where we will explore the triumphs and burdens of love, parenthood, but above all sisterhood.

Just Another Mountain: A Memoir by Sarah Jane Douglas Our favourite from the list, and also based on a true story! Our protagonist, Sarah lost her mother to breast cancer. The only thing that kept her from giving up was a promise she’d made to her mother that she would keep going no matter what. Sarah used this promise as a fuel to mountain walk the beautiful, dangerous, forbidding mountains of her native Scotland. Just Another Mountain is a story of hope and redemption, of a mother and a daughter, and of how we can learn both to live and to love. Sometimes all you can do is put one foot in front of the other ... and just keep walking.

Close to Where the Heart Gives Out by Malcolm Alexander When the author of this memoir, Malcolm Alexander, decided to give up his job in suburban Glasgow, followed his gut when he saw the job advert, ‘urgent: island doctor needed’ and applied immediately, his life has literally and completely changed. It is an unflinchingly honest and moving memoir of rural life in Orkney island, from the only doctor on the island. Throughout Alexander’s narration you will fall in love with the islanders, the island itself, Alexander’s family, and of course Malcolm Alexander himself. In the islanders’ stories that ranged from the humorous to the deeply moving, Malcolm describes what it’s like adjusting to life without modern conveniences.

August 2019 53

IDENTITY TRAVEL

Summer DESTINATIONS

MOUNT ELBRUS - SOUTH ROUTE 9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 2,565 USD For more information visit: www.wildguanaba.com

PRICE INCLUDES • All transport • All accommodation • Group climbing and first aid equipment • Professional and English speaking Russian Guides • Ski-lift and mountain climbing permits and fees • Snow Cat vehicle fees for the summit attempt up to 5,100m

MOROCCO 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 16,000 EGP For more information visit: www.dealandpack.com 54 August 2019

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round trip flight ticket on regular flight (Morocco Airline direct flight) • Transfer between 2 cities • Accommodation for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis at 4 star hotel in Casablanca (Best Western Toubkal hotel or similar) • Accommodation for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis at 4 star hotel in Marrakech (Chems hotel or similar)

BARCELONA 6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS Departure: 14 August Starting from: 19,900 EGP For more information visit: www.travistaegypt.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • The Hotel accommodation in 4* downtown hotel for 5 nights. • Daily breakfast. • The International Egyptair direct flight round trip economy ticket. • Airport– Hotel round transfer in Barcelona. Walking tour with tour leader on arrival day in Barcelona. • Airline taxes included.

ICELAND 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHT Departure: 23 September Starting from: 1300 USD For more information visit: www.gazef.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • All accommodation on B&B basis• All tours mentioned in the itinerary • All transfers to hotels and tours• Meals mentioned in the itinerary • Professional English speaking guide • Accompanying Egyptian tour leader• Super-Jeep tour • Snowmobiling adventure • Diamond Beach boat tour

August 2019 55

MARSA ALAM 4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS Departure: 14 August Starting from: 4950 EGP For more information visit: www.gazef.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Accommodation based on double or triple occupancy • All transfers within Marsa Alam • All beverages at the hotel (except for water and alcoholic drinks) • Swimming with the dolphins • Qulaan visit • Honkorab • Nayzak • Transportation from and to Cairo

THE BALKANS TRAIL 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS Departure: 30 August Starting from: 2300 USD For more information visit: www.destination31.com

56 August 2019

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Accommodation for 9 nights in standard hotels in Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro • Accommodation for 3 nights in standard guesthouses in Montenegro & Croatia • Accommodation for 1 night in a mountain hut in Bohinj in Slovenia • All land transfers between the 4 countries in a private vehicle • Airport pickups

RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL 7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 290 USD For more information visit: www.travelchoice.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 6 nights accommodation in Rio De Janeiro on room only basis

NOTES • Flight tickets (Flights on Emirates Airlines on request basis starting from 16000 EGP per person including taxes)

NEW YORK - UNITED STATES 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHT Departure: Upon request Starting from: 820 USD

PACKAGE INCLUDES • 6 nights accommodation in New York in a standard room, bed only basis

For more information visit: www.travelchoice.com

NOTES • Flight tickets (Flights on Aeroflot on request basis starting from EGP 12700 per person including taxes.)

August 2019 57

Travel Guide: MAURITIUS by Omnia Essawy

WHY CHOOSE MAURITIUS? The paradise of East Africa that is Mauritius is able to and will restore your faith in Mother Nature and its powers. Infinite beaches that go on and on to no end, lagoons so pure they wash your soul along with your body, vast green lands that are gorgeous enough to urge you to quit the life of the big city, and magnificent towering mountains that minimize all the troubles and burdens of the world. All of that and more mixing and resulting into the captivating beauty that caused ‘Mark Twain’ to say about it “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius”, and while some could disagree on the order, the similarity is quite undeniable. BEST TIME TO VISIT VISA • The first good thing about choosing Mauritius as your summer

destination is that you don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. • On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 90 days. 58 August 2019

Mauritius generally has a typical tropical climate, mild and warm all year long. However, the months between May to December are commonly considered the best time to visit Mauritius.

THE COUNTLESS ATTRACTIONS AND BREATHTAKING DESTINATIONS OF MAURITIUS This island nation, which is known for being the gem of the Indian Ocean, promises its visitors an experience as unforgettable as its mind-blowing beauty. • Grand Bay (or Grand Baie) is a seaside village and

• The Tamarind Falls (also known as the 7

• Chamarel Village is located in the southwest

• Ganga Talao, which is commonly known as Grand

large tourist beach at the north of Mauritius. The resort town of Grand Bay is now considered to be the most popular holiday destination in Mauritius thanks to its breathtaking emerald water and its liveliness day and night. of Mauritius. It is widely known for its scenic and naturally gorgeous attractions. Among those attractions are the Seven Colored Earth, the Chamarel Falls, and the Black River Gorges National Park.

• The Black River Gorges National Park is

almost 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and unparalleled beauty of flora and fauna in the southwest region of Mauritius. This reserve was specifically constructed to save the natural vegetation of the island which makes one of the most naturally mesmerizing sights in Mauritius.

• Le Morne Brabant Mountain is located in the Le

Morne peninsula at the extreme southwestern tip of Mauritius. This majestically gorgeous mountain holds an important cultural significance to the island. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

cascades) is one of the most beautiful attractions of the southwest of Mauritius. The reason goes back to its astounding surroundings and unspoiled nature. Despite being hard to reach, it is still one of the most visited attractions of the island. Bassin in Mauritius, is a beautiful crater lake located in the mountainous southwest district of Savanne. It is the most important tourist attraction of the island with its gorgeous surroundings, views and historic and cultural significance since it is considered a sacred location for the temple and shrines lining its shore.

• Located in the Capital of Mauritius Port Louis, the

Blue Penny Museum is the most popular and most significant museum in Mauritius. This has a lot to do with the fact that the Blue Penny museum displays a huge heritage collection about Mauritius and manages to showcase the rich history of the island.

• Mauritius also offers a unique wildlife experience

through its famous Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park which is home to several species of animals, reptiles and plants set in a gorgeous rain forested valley with natural freshwater springs.

MAURITIAN CUISINE Mauritius offers a wide variety of food from different cuisines all over the world. And this makes the Mauritian colonial experience all the more interesting. • Dim Sums are part of the Sino-Mauritian cuisine

and are often served in the Chinese restaurants in Mauritius. They are small bite-sized portions of vegetables or meat wrapped in dough, or steamed and fried. They are usually served with chutneys.

• Mauritian Biryani is originally an Indian dish. It is

a sort of flavoured rice made with a lot of spices, long-grained Basmati rice and yoghurt.

• Dholl Puri is the trademark street food of Mauritius.

It is thin wheat bread stuffed with ground split peas and is served with curries, pickles and chutney. You can find it anywhere on the island.

August 2019 59

IDENTITY GOURMET

FIRE UP YOUR GRILL... FOR THE PERFECT BBQ FEAST! by Soha Darwish Food writer & Critic - Menu Consultant. Diploma in Food Journalism - London, Uk

I think most of our summer memories revolve around the head of the family drenched in sweat in front of a charcoal grill, orchestrating a magnificent barbecue feast with arrays of side dishes. Well, I can’t really say sides, as I vividly remember an endless spread of oven dishes and trays of all shapes and forms which in all honesty can make several meals on their own not part of a 10 kg barbecue feast!

ingredients and less hassle. However, we still need a BBQ male maestro just for the kids’ memorabilia, nothing to do with us not being able to handle the heat nor our hair and attire!

Well things have moved on now both economically and socially; in terms of time and financial constraints. So, I hereby present to you the modern and much easier version of this glorious irreplaceable summer meal with more diverse

Important tip! Take the meat, chicken or seafood out of the fridge at least 40 minutes before grilling; allowing it to cool down to almost room temperature - This makes a massive difference in cooking and texture.

To plan a simple yet presentable BBQ, in my opinion you need to have; 2 meats, 1 seafood, veggie skewers and 1 unusual surprise.

Brazilian Churrasco (Beef) with Chimichurri Sauce: Shopping Basket: 3kg beef sirloin– 1 ½ tbsp sea salt –2 minced garlic cloves– ½ cup orange juice –½ cup hot water – 1 tsp crushed peppercorn. 1. Cut the beef fillets into 2 inches chunks, skewer then place on grill – marinating is not needed. 2. Stir all ingredients together in a cup. 3. When meat starts to cook, baste it with the liquid mixture, keep repeating until meat is browned and cooked. Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients: 1 small onion – 1 red chilli pepper –3 garlic cloves – ½ cup vinegar – ½ cup finely chopped cilantro – ½ cup finely chopped parsley – ½ tsp salt – 2 tbsp dried oregano – ¾ cup extra virgin oil.

60 August 2019

1. Put all ingredients in the food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Voila, your sauce is ready. 2. Serve it as a side dip with the beef platter.

Persian Chicken Kabobs: Shopping Basket: 2 kg of boneless chicken breasts or thighs – 1 cup full fat yoghurt – 1 large onion, thinly sliced – 2 garlic cloves, crushed –1/3 cup olive oil – juice of 1 lemon – 2 tbsp saffron – 1 tsp salt. 1. Cut the chicken into 2 inches cubes then smother in all above ingredients. 2. Put in a tight container in the fridge and either leave overnight or at least 4 hours before grilling. 3. Skewer the chicken cubes and grill until cooked through.

Butterfly Tiger Prawns: Shopping Basket: 2 kg Tiger prawns, slit opened along the back, cleaned & flattened –3 garlic cloves – 1 cup of soft butter –½ cup finely chopped parsley – ½ tsp salt. 1. Season the butter and mix with herbs and garlic, then smear it over the opened back of the butterfly prawns. 2. Leave for about 30 min before grilling. No need to marinade for long hours as nothing beats the fresh flavour of the sea.

Grilled Veggies Skewers: Shopping Basket: 4 large courgettes –3 large onions –3 red bell peppers–3 large eggplants – 500g mushrooms. 1. Cut all vegetables into medium cubes, brush with olive oil and season well. 2. Grill until charred and cooked. You can either distribute them among your skewers or opt for having them as separate veggie skewers.

Cherry Kebab ‘Kebab bel Karaz’: It may sound a bit unusual! But this is the grilled version of a well-known Syrian and Armenian specialty. The sourness and sweetness of the cherries work wonderfully well with the barbecued meat. Shopping Basket: 2 kg minced beef or lamb –2 tsp Levant spices –1 tsp ground coriander –1 tsp ground cinnamon – 1 jar sour cherry, pitted – ¼ cup olive oil - salt & pepper. 1. Mix the meat with spices and oil, leave for few hours or overnight in a tight fridge container. 2. Shape into medium balls and skewer them; with one cherry in between every 2 balls. 3. Grill until charred and cooked. August 2019 61

IDENTITY OUT & ABOUT

Cairo Marirott Hotel Joins Road to Awareness As part of the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino continuous initiatives to serve the community, the hotel joined a number of Marriott International hotels in Egypt for a cycling event aiming to raise funds for Dar Al Sondos Orphanage for Children with Special Needs. The activity is one of the Business Council Serve 360 initiative during 2019. The annual cycling event, Road to Awareness took place on Saturday 20th of July at The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes. Over 15 Marriott Egypt Hosts met together to cycle for a cause, spreading awareness about the importance of serving the community and fulfilling one of Marriott International’s core

values; Serve Our World. During the event, an auction was announced for participants to bid for a stay at one of the Marriott Egypt Hotels. All participating hotels generously offered the auction prizes for free in addition to a cash donation for Dar Al Sondos Orphanage. All hotels together were able to collect a total amount of about One Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds for Dar Al Sondos. The day ended with a group photo to capture the memorable moment where representatives of Marriott International Hotels in Egypt have gathered for such a noble cause.

TIYI launches its stores in Mall of Egypt and City Stars

Mercedes-Benz Egypt launches the new CLA Coupé The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé: Cool, laid-back, exciting Mercedes-Benz Egypt launches the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé, a new design icon, offering an array of clever solutions positioning the new CLA Coupé as the most emotional vehicle in its class, yet the most intelligent. With a bold design underlining the coupé character, the new car is full with ingenious details. When it comes to the aerodynamics, saftey and driving assistance functions, the new CLA Coupé is unrivalled. 62 August 2019

TIYI organized launch events in celebration of its new stores in Mall of Egypt and City stars. The first event took place in Mall of Egypt store on Tuesday the 17th of July, from 7-10PM. Followed by a meet and greet with the designer, Anne Marie K., in City Stars store, the following day, Wednesday the 18th of July, from 6-9PM. The event on Tuesday commemorated the presence of TIYI brand ambassadors, or Queens, will come together in an exclusive celebrity screening in recognition of Egyptian fashion.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON THIS SUMMER This summer, The Nile Ritz-Carlton offers a complete extraordinary experience, where you will be pampered, enjoy exquisite service, and simply relax in a warm, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel offers a variety of immaculate services and provides the perfect place to spend your summer holidays, special occasions or merely escape to a little oasis in a busy city. Here are the top ten reasons to stay at The Nile Ritz-Carlton this summer: 1. Luxury accommodation that captures Cairo’s beauty: Set along the River Nile, the downtown hotel upholds its legacy and the city’s ancient history. Inspired by the royalty of ancient Egypt, hotel rooms and suites provide a sanctuary in the heart of Cairo. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Nile or Egyptian Museum, and layouts feature spaces for work and relaxation. 2. Ravishing dining options: From a beautiful array of Mezze served in a lush open-air garden at Bab ElSharq, a Cuban cigar paired with fine wine sipped overlooking the Nile at Bar’Oro, Farm-To-Table Friday Brunch with fresh seafood, an award winning Italian restaurant Vivo using locally farmed and organic ingredients and much more.

7. Farm-To-Table Brunch: Friday Brunch at Culina that focuses on fresh local foods and an all-you-can-drink bar serving the freshest Margaritas, Martini’s, Mimosas and Bloody Mary. Kids can enjoy kid’s crafts and activities while you enjoy a live jazz band.

3. Ritz Kids experiences: Immersive and adventurous, with a diverse collection of vacation activities, the hotel’s experiences provide your child with enthralling activities to reward their interest in the beauty and workings of the world we live in.

8. Summer cocktail crafts: The hotels’ beverage team and talented bartenders have carefully crafted well-balanced hot weather classics with more adventurous seasonal mixed drinks. Raise a glass to the best summer cocktails to quench your thirst and keep you cool all season long.

4. Lavish spa with signature treatments: Our spa combines ancient Egyptian beauty rituals and the Tales of Ancient Queens’ beauty with the finest international products and the best-trained hands, helping you find escapism in the heart of Cairo.

9. Posh nightlife: The hotel offers a vibrant night life and unique experience of partying; with a sophisticated party vibe at Nox’s sleek rooftop restaurant, lounge and bar overlooking incredible views of the Nile River and Cairo tower from its 12th floor.

5. Deeply luxurious Olympic-sized pool: Let yourself get serenaded in the hotel’s luxurious Olympic-sized swimming pool surrounded by breezy palm trees and overlooking magical views of the Cairo Tower.

10. Picture-perfect sunsets: The perfect end to a perfect day is one of the hotel’s claims to fame; on a clear day, the colors explode like fireworks and stretch for miles across the sky reflecting on infinite views of the Nile River. There is a bit of magic that is evident in every sunset watched from the hotel’s Nile view rooms, suites, restaurants and bars where you can snap photos in one of the most picturesque places to capture a sunset down under.

6. Private pool cabanas: The hotel took care of your little ones for you and prepared a fun kids’ cabana and play area so you, as parents, get a chance to enjoy your peace of mind.

August 2019 63

The OPPO Reno 10x Zoom is stunningly designed, with notchfree full view OLED displays, a breakthrough side-swing, popup selfie camera, and powerful hardware capabilities.

Safir Hotel Cairo Hosted Belarus Independence Day Celebration Safir Hotel Cairo hosted Belarus Independence Day Celebration , which was held under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Sergei Rachkov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, the event was honored by the presence of their Excellencies Ambassadors of Arab and European countries, Diplomats and a delegation of Media People. Photo shows His Excellency Dr. Sergei Rachkov, with Mr. Ashraf Hakeem, Director of Sales, Corporate , Mr. Salah Lotfy, Director of Banquet and Events and Mrs. Eman Abdel Wahab, Marketing and Communication Manager.

Celebrate El Adha Feast in style at Sonesta Cairo Hotel Feast would never be completed without family & friends. Gather up and celebrate in style at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo with our exceptional accommodation package of LE 725 per person / per night in a double room with breakfast and late check-out till 05:00 PM (inclusive of all service charge and applicable taxes). Or enjoy the golden sun rays around the pool with our day use package of LE 800 per room (check-in 10:00 AM and checkout 06:00 PM) and room can accommodate up to 3 adults and one child.

OPPO unveils Reno 10x Zoom with Pivot Rising Camera OPPO—a leading global smartphone brand—has officially launched its newest smartphone, Reno 10x Zoom, in Egypt. The launch came to strengthen its product portfolio in Egypt, and to emphasize on the strategic importance of the Egyptian market to OPPO’s MEA brand strategy. 64 August 2019

South Sinai Governor Inaugurates Toyota Egypt’s new fully integrated branch in Sharm Al-Sheikh Toyota Egypt’s expansion plan aims at serving a broad client base of commercial and passenger vehicles in South Sinai governorate.

Sharm Al-Sheikh City witnessed the opening of Toyota Egypt’s first fully integrated branch providing sales and after sales services for Toyota vehicles to ensure its customers satisfaction all over Egypt. The brand new Sharm Al-Sheikh branch is to avail sales of Toyota models line-up, including its latently launched 6th., generation Hiace, the commercial segment’s market leader, the 12th., generation global highest selling sedan Corolla in addition to the best practical midsize 7 seats SUV Rush all world widely trusted for quality, durability, reliability and high resale value.

Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir welcomes H.E President of the Republic of Mozambique Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo is honored to have recently hosted H.E Mr. Filipe Nyusi, President of The Republic of Mozambique while attending the Business Eco-nomic Forum Egypt - Mozambique under the auspices of the Federation of Egyptian Chamber of Commerce. Upon arrival at the hotel Mr. Filipe was greeted by a welcom-ing party comprised of an assortment of the hotel’s management where His Excellen-cy expressed his satisfaction with the Hotel’s services and professionalism of the staff. The event was also attended by H.E. Mr. Amr Nassar, Egyptian Minister of Trade & Industry, and Mr. Ahmed Al Wakil, Chairman of FEDCOC along with a huge number of Egyptian and International prominent figures.

Eid Al Adha at Sheraton Cairo’s Hotel So confused to where to spend your Eid Al Adha vacation. Not to worry, Sheraton Cairo’s venues is there to spend your Aid Al Adha vacation. Here at Sheraton Cairo’s hotel will make it special and memorable for you to spend. Sheraton Cairo’s Eid Al Adha offers a package of minimum 500 LE from Rawi Restaurant with a free pool access. Enjoy your sunny morning at our swimming pool for leisure and relaxing.

Christina Lèon launches new summer collection: All My Knowledge Christina Léon | Fashion designer, Stylist and art director. “Uncover the child within you, delve into the memories and the hunger for learning and enriching the senses, the colors, the textures we were so eager to see and feel hidden in the folds and creases of fabrics so alive and so fresh like mirrors of our young selves. Our new collection. Dare to experience!” That’s how Christina Léon, the uprising fashion designer replied when she was asked to describe her new collection “All My Knowledge”. Christina said she was inspired by school subjects like, art, music, sports, geography, and others.

Al Dabké Restaurant Named Best Lebanese Restaurant In Africa The Recognition Was Announced At The 2019 World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Hilton Cairo Heliopolis is thrilled to announce that “Al Dabké Lebanese Restaurant” won this year TWO awards at the World Luxury Restaurant and Spa Awards held in St. Petersburg, Russia on 6 July 2019. Al Dabké was named Best Lebanese Cuisine for 2019 across the Continent of Africa, while the famous Lebanese Chef, Michel Ghawi was named Best Head Chef in Egypt. This firmly establishes “Al Dabké Restaurant” sustained commitment to service excellence and highlights its position as the best Lebanese restaurant not only in Cairo, but within the continent of Africa.

realme Unveiled the World’s First 64MP Sample Photo, Raising the Quality of Images to a New High realme, an emerging smartphone brand, unveiled the world’s first 64MP sample photo taken with a cell phone, and officially announced its plan to launch a flagship 64MP smartphone, in Egypt, featuring an unprecedented quad-camera in the second half of this year, empowering its users to explore more possibilities in smartphone imaging.

Exceptional summer promotion at Sofitel El Gezirah Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah invites you to “live in the French way” this summer with our new promotion “Sofitel Splash”, every first Saturday of the month by the infinity swimming pool overlooking the Nile. Experience summer with us by the pool, filled with Latino & Chill out music by famous DJs in town from 1pm till 9pm. Dance the night away by our pool and enjoy your favorite cocktail and live cooking stations at the “sunny bar”.

Experience A Festive Eid-El-Adha Holiday At The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo In celebration of the “Festival of Sacrifice,” The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo has prepared an array of memorable activities and offers to ensure a joyful Eid filled with relaxation and an enticing culinary experience. Eid al-Adha Lunch: Culina, the allday dining restaurant invites you to an extravagant Eid Lunch buffet on the 1st and 3rd day of Eid. A lively family atmosphere joined with an elaborate Eid brunch buffet will be available on the 2nd day of Eid from 01:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A live jazz band will set the tone for a liberated festive atmosphere during brunch; children are invited to the kids’ corner for some Eid celebrations. August 2019 65

The British Council Develops an Inclusive and Creative Economies programme

Enjoy a Brimful Fun Holiday at Steigenberger AlcazarSharm El Sheikh The lush landscape and aweinspiring coastlines with sweeping views of the inviting pools, Red Sea water and mountains create remarkable settings for the perfect Eid getaway, and this is what exactly Steigenberger Alcazar Sharm El Sheikh promises you. The hotel welcomes you with all what you dream of for an unforgettable family vacation starting from the private swim-up elegantly furnished rooms and villas, 35,000 sqm of its own private beach, variety of restaurants and bars, day and night activities and much more!

Dazzle yourself in the hottest summer with Huawei’s newest collection Huawei Watch GT, Freebuds and Minispeaker will light up your summer. Summer is officially here, which means it’s the perfect time to get yourself supercharged with every possible entertainment option you deserve. Helping you to go through a fabulous summer season, HUAWEI introduces its newest collection in the Egyptian market; HUAWEI WATCH GT, HUAWEI FreeBuds Lite and HUAWEI MiniSpeaker. 66 August 2019

With the support of the British Council’s Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies programme, Ashoka Arab World is leveraging the momentum built in March and partnering with Red Ochre - based in the UK - to launch a Young Changemakers transformative journey targeting young women between the ages of 16 and 21 in Egypt. The programme is taking an innovative, cross-sectoral approach, drawing on UK expertise in the creative and social economies by supporting collaborative projects between UK social enterprises and Egyptian partners that seek to empower women and girls, foster youth employment, and/or support the inclusion of marginalized groups. Ashoka represents the world’s largest network for social entrepreneurs, with more than 3,600 Fellows effecting change around the globe and 110 spread across the Arab region.

The program boasts of a unique proposition of instant redemption through “pay with Rewards” feature. This distinguished program rewards customer with purchases on their Mashreq debit cards or credit cards.

Grand Nile Tower Appoints Andreas Boettger as New General Manager The iconic five-star Grand Nile Tower has appointed Andreas Boettger as its new General Manager. Boettger brings nearly 35 years of global expertise and experience in hospitality leadership to the luxury hotel where he will be responsible for directing and coordinating all activities as well as demonstrating leadership, and effective and efficient management in all aspects of the hotel’s operations.

GROHE reveals new technologies and sustainable advancements during 2019 Innovation Day Mashreq Bank launches its “Mashreq Rewards” in partnership with Fawry Mashreq Bank in collaboration with Fawry launches “Mashreq Rewards”, a loyalty platform with “Pay with Rewards” feature that facilitates instant in-store redemption. Mashreq Bank introduces its “Mashreq Rewards” program in cooperation with Fawry.

GROHE, the world’s leading singlebrand manufacturer and supplier of sanitary fittings, showcased a wide range of sustainable product innovations at the 2019 Innovation Day held at Dubai’s Rixos Hotel. Leading architects, interior designers, and media attended the event, and interacted with GROHE’s bathroom solutions, kitchen systems, and intelligent water management solutions.

Cairo Marriott Hotel showing Appreciation to Associates Among Marriott International’s five values that include Put People First, Pursue Excellence, Embrace Change, Act With Integrity and Serve Our World, the first implies that taking care of associates is the gate to providing excellent care and maximum guest satisfaction. It is this time of the year where Marriott International expresses appreciation to associates through celebrating Associate Appreciation Week (AAW). Starting from June 9th all Marriott International properties around the world were taking part at AAW. At the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, celebrations had their very own charm.

Summer nights by the Pyramids at Marriott Mena House A unique experience awaits our guests when it comes to gastronomic treats and unique ambiance as they can savor refreshing al fresco dining at 139 Pavilion while soaking in breathtaking views of the Pyramids, indulge in an authentic Italian meal at Alfredo restaurant or experience the true flair of Indian cuisine at Moghul Room .

Mr Jeff introduces low investment, high return laundry franchise model in Egypt, selling 10 franchises in record time Following the official start of its sales operations in Egypt just a few weeks ago, Mr Jeff has continued to raise awareness of its innovative home laundry and dry cleaning services among users and franchisees alike. The basic idea - that has led to an important international growth revolutionizing the laundry and dry cleaning sector of more than 24 countries up until now - is as simple as convincing: By using the app, customers can choose the exact location, time and day of their laundry’s pickup; a driver visits the user’s house and collects the garments and later on delivers them clean and ironed.

Sarah Sobhy named Commercial Manager of Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences appointed “Sarah Sobhy” as the new Commercial Manager of the hotel. Sarah most recently served as Director of Sales at Conrad Cairo. Tarek Zaki, Hotel Manager, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences, said, “I am confident that with Sarah’s sales expertise in the Cairo market, our commercial performance would sail through successfully to farther horizons”.

Jw Marriott Hotel Cairo Hosts Immersive Barre Class In Collaboration With Egyptian Ballerina Engy El Shazly The passionate ballerina inspired guests with the grace of barre workouts in her hometown JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts welcomed the passionate Egyptian ballerina, Engy El Shazly, to her home city to host an immersive barre class in collaboration with the artists who established the Ballerinas of Cairo project at the JW Marriott Hotel, Cairo. The brand has worked with the ballerina to launch a series of barre workout videos.

AUC Celebrates The Graduation Of Class Of 2019 At Centennial Commencement The American University in Cairo (AUC) held last Thursday its centennial commencement ceremony of the Class of 2019 that witnessed the graduation of 644 bachelor’s degree candidates, of whom 115 graduated with honors, 134 with high honors and 125 with highest honors. Master’s degrees were awarded to 125 candidates at the centennial commencement ceremony and two students received a doctorate degree. August 2019 67

IDENTITY SIGNS

LEO

23 July - 22 August

STRENGTHS: Kind, supportive, energetic, optimistic, straightforward and loyal. WEAKNESSES: Headstrong, egoistic, possessive, dominating, impatient, and arrogant. CAREER: Leos are workaholics. You can count on a Leo to take charge of any kind of project, no matter how difficult the circumstances or how intractable the client. They are also natural leaders, and crave to be the center of attention. MOST COMPATIBLE WITH AT WORK: Aries, Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius.

VIRGO Virgo’s fine eye can secure Leo against making big mistakes. While Leo’s easygoing way of dealing with things helps Virgo. Great match.

WORK COMPATIBILITY ARIES Aires nourishes the flame of a Leo’s enthusiasm. While the Lion attracts people thanks to his charm. A great match; both could be very successful athletes, mathematicians, and architects. TAURUS A Bull and a Leo may seem different, but in fact they are both crackerjacks. Neither is afraid of work. Both appreciate high-quality things in life. That pair could successfully run an artistic project. GEMINI Both signs could brainstorm together, making room for epic communication. Maybe Geminis do not enjoy Leos’ stamina, but they can deal with last-minute challenges.

LIBRA Leo and Libra have many things in common including the love of people and being clever at persuading loyal clientele. Together they would do very well running a restaurant, hair salon, or hotel. SCORPIO There is not much in common between both signs. Nevertheless, both are notably passionate about work. Nice match if they utilize their differences. SAGITTARIUS Despite having very different work styles, together they can work amicably. Both signs admire working with the public and create a cheerful atmosphere. CAPRICORN Capricorn might get annoyed by Leo’s playful manner. While Capricorn focuses on progressing, Leo wants to attract attention. Still, Leo compensates Capricorn’s lack of talent in public relations.

CANCER Lions are daring, and straightforward. Crabs are pensive, and take a circuitous approach to everything. However, they can successfully work together.

AQUARIUS Two opposite signs. While Leo needs to be continuously applauded and praised, Aquarius does not care what others think of their work. Yet, both signs can blend powers to create a successful business.

LEO Two Leos would do a great job when partnering as fashion buyers, or entertainment agents. Leos don’t like sharing the spotlight, so this may be problematic. 68 August 2019

PISCES As Pisces prefers to work behind the scene, they will not mind Leo being the scene’s hero. They are a perfect match, but they will get on each other’s nerves from time to time.