Egypttoday - December 2023

December 2023 December 2023 LE 30

the magazine of egypt

egypt today the magazine of egypt volume 43 • number 12

Festive Cheer

Your guide to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in style with friends and family.

December 2023 vol 43 - number 12

Visit us online at www.egypttoday.com

COVER STORY FESTIVE CHEER

Exclusive five-star hotel destinations where you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in style with friends and family.

Cover design by : Heba Mekky

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FEATURES COP28: Building on Egypt’s Progress During its presidency of the COP27 last year, Egypt launched dozens of initiatives tackling climate change impacts and means of mitigation for the most affected countries, particularly in Africa. Parallel to the COP28 conference and activities, we look back and assess Egypt's pivotal decisions to help mitigate the impact of climate change, most prominently the decision to establish the Loss and Damage Fund.

of 2023, and accelerating the pace of transition to sustainable (low carbon) transport. A look back at what has been achieved so far.

By Mohamed Zain

Energy Storage Egypt joins scores of leading nations in a first-of-its-kind consortium to deploy 5GW of battery energy storage systems.

Partnerships for the Goals 34 Toward Food Security And Sustainability The Egyptian Food Bank partners with the UNDP to maximize food security, sustainability, and empowering small farmers while exchanging expertise

ALSO FEATURED

30 Egypt’s Road to COP28 Over the past year, Egypt has brought together various ministries to work in alignment on several important missions including targeting the production of 42 percent of the total energy from renewable sources by 2030 instead

36 Supporting Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Future in Egypt Schneider Electric partners with Redcon Properties to boost sustainability 38 Powering Sustainable

20 Sir Magdi Yacoub: The Life of an Extraordinary “Ordinary Man” AUC Press releases the authorized biography of Sir Magdi Yacoub, A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub.

Courtesy AUC Press and the American University in Cairo 40 In Tribute Remembering the celebrities and prominent Egyptian figures we’ve lost in 2023.

By Angy Essam

66 Destination Egypt

Lonely Planet has ranked Egypt on its Best in Travel 2024 List, inviting travellers to "experience a priceless connection with another side of Egypt's heritage" next year.

THE GUIDE Film 8 Smiles All Around Esaad Younis returns to the big screen with a new comedy and action filled film.

Culture

10 Fostering Heritage Preservation Across the Region AUC Libraries and Al-Turath Foundation partner to innovate digital heritage preservation.

Art

12 Layers of Love Like the enigmatic nature of love, Ibrahim Khatab’s work is a testament to the multifaceted and complex emotion, inviting viewers to reflect on the diverse array of sentiments it emotes and the profound impact it exerts on our lives.

Music

16 Top 5 Songs of 2023 From rap to pop, we list five of the most successful Egyptian songs released in 2023.

By Amna Faheem

Education

18 Eyes on the Goals Egypt Education Platform and Right to Dream Academy forge a strategic partnership to empower young athletic and academic talents.

ET LIVING 48 Festive Cheer Exclusive five-star hotel destinations where you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in style with friends and family.

58 It's A Wrap!

At a loss for what to get your loved ones this season? Check out our guide to last-minute DIY Christmas gifts.

By Mariam Elmohandes

56 Music of the Ancients: A Gift for the Holidays Amira Selim releases Ancient Egyptian song “Merut Ek,” just in time for Christmas.

By Angy Essam

ALSO...........

62 Around Town 66 Parting Shot

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Founder William Harrison (1940–1995)

Executive Editor in Chief Mohamed Abdel Baky

DECEMBER 23- VOL 43 - NUMBER 12

Christmas in the Air

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t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and as we look forward to the holidays and festive cheer of the season, we bring you our picks of exclusive five-star hotel destinations where you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in style with friends and family.

As we count down to the holidays, some of us are so busy thinking up unique shopping lists and the gifts we’re going to get for our friends and family that we get too carried away and lose track of time. Others are sucked up in the mad rush to meet deadlines before the break and end up with no time to purchase gifts or decide what to get loved ones.

If you’re at a loss for what to get your loved ones this season, check out our guide to last-minute DIY Christmas gifts that are easy to make and that your loved ones are sure to appreciate.

Soprano Amira Selim has her own special gift to Egypt and the world: Ancient Egyptian song “Merut Ek,” which she has released just in time for Christmas.

It’s also that time of year when we look back and pay tribute to remarkable figures who have passed away in recent months. From great artists and entertainers to activists and change-makers, we look back at the lives and achievements of figures we’ve lost in 2023 including Abla Fadila, Magda Saleh, George Ishak and Nahed Farid Shawky, among others.

Taking stock of 2023, our Features section looks back at the great accomplishments of another change-maker: Sir Magdi Yacoub. Celebrating his life and worthy achievements, AUC Press releases the authorized biography entitled “A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub.”

And speaking of impactful change, we reflect on the strides Egypt has taken towards mitigating c limate change in “COP28: Building on Egypt’s Progress.” Last year, Egypt launched dozens of initiatives tackling climate change and means of mitigation for the most affected countries, particularly in Africa.

Over the past year, Egypt has brought together various ministries to work in alignment on several important missions including targeting the production of 42 percent of the total energy from renewable sources by 2030 instead of 2023, and accelerating the pace of transition to sustainable (low carbon) transport. Parallel to the COP28 conference and activities this month, we assess Egypt's pivotal decisions to help mitigate the impact of climate change, most prominently the decision to establish the Loss and Damage Fund.

Egypt Today wishes you a happy and peaceful New Year.

Managing Editor Noha Mohammed

Deputy Editor Angy Essam

Senior Writers Nourhan Magdi Samar Samir Mohamed Zain Hanan Fayed Walaa Ali Rana Hamdy Mariam Elmohandes

Contributors Safarkhan Art Gallery

Art Director Heba Mekky

Creative Designer Nada Ezzat

Business Development Director Sherif Anis

Senior Sales Manager Sayed Abo El Magd For advertising inquiries please contact

01222239700 Egypt Today, founded in 1979, is published monthly by International Business Associates Group, Cayman Islands. US Office: Egypt Today, P.O. Box 2191, Austin, TX 78768. Tel: + 1 (512) 743-6279. Camera-ready advertising copy deadlines are the 10th of the month preceding publication; reservations, cancellations and changes must be made by the 20th of every month.

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THE GUIDE Art • Books • Film • Food • Health • Music • Stage • Style• Tech • Television • Travel • Culture

MUSIC 5 Top Songs of 2023 From rap to pop, we list five of the most successful Egyptian songs released in 2023.

FILM Smiles All Around

Esaad Younis returns to the big screen with a new comedy and action filled film.

ART Layers of Love Like the enigmatic nature of love, Ibrahim Khatab’s work is a testament to the multifaceted and complex emotion, inviting viewers to reflect on the diverse array of sentiments it emotes and the profound impact it exerts on our lives.

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Guide | Film

Smiles All Around

Esaad Younis returns to the big screen with a new comedy and action filled film.

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saad Younis, our beloved “Sahebat Al Saada,” returns to the big screen in early 2024 with a new comedy and action-filled film. Written by Hajar AlAbiary and directed by esteemed director Wael Ihsan, Esabet Azeema marks an exciting collaboration between Al Arabia Cinema, a leading MENA film producer and distributor, and Muvi Studios, the production arm of Saudi Cinema chain giant Muvi Cinemas.

“It is my pleasure to have joined forces with Muvi Studios, the leading film production firm in KSA. With this film, Ahmed Mekky’s upcoming film, and the film slate we are working on with our partner, Muvi Studios, we are excited to develop a strong offering for film production in the region,” Younis announced, expressing her anticipation and excitement at playing the lead in Esabet Azeema which she says is aligned with with what moviegoers love to watch and enjoy.

Starring alongside Younis are Mohamed Mahmoud, Karim

Guide | Film et

Afifi, Rana Raies, Mustafa Enba, Farrah El-Zahed and the upand-coming child actress, Lucienda Soliman. In addition to the great cast, guest stars include Mohammad Tharwat, Arfa Abdel Rasoul, Ibrahim Al-Samman, and Ahmed Azmy. The movie is filled with hilarious comedy, plot twists, impressive action, and more for the audience to enjoy!

The partnership is excited to announce the production of Ahmed Mekky’s new film, which is scheduled to be released in 2024. These two films come as part of the strategic partnership between Al Arabia Cinema and Muvi Studios to produce and distribute films in the Middle East, with the first film produced within this partnership, Etneen Lil Egaar, having been released in January of 2023. The latter achieved great results in the region and is now available on Netflix.

Founded in 2000, Al Arabia Cinema has produced a number of iconic Egyptian movies such as El Saher, Sahar El Layaly, Al Selem W El Thobaan, Ameer Al Zalam, La Taragoa Wala

Esteslam, Zahymer, Teer Enta and Rasayel El Bahr. The company operates Renaissance Cinemas, with multiple screens in various locations across Cairo and Alexandria.

Muvi Studios, launched in May 2022, aims to invest and produce Arabic language content, mainly Saudi and Egyptian, to enrich the box office with local language movies and contribute to the film industry within the region. The Studio is owned by Muvi Cinemas; Saudi Arabia’s homegrown premium entertainment brand delivering innovative experiences to capture the imagination of the nation. Established in 2019, Muvi is growing its footprint throughout the Kingdom to bring unique movie experiences to the Saudi public, providing best in-class entertainment, state-of-the-art technologies and diverse and immersive experiences to Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration between Al Arabia Cinema and Muvi Studios was inked in early in 2022 between Omar Alkhawaja, Board Member & Strategic Advisor for Al Arabia Cinema, Sultan Al Hokair, Chairman of Muvi Cinemas, and Adon Quinn, CEO of Muvi Cinemas. The partnership brings together the expertise of 23 years of Al Arabia Cinema in producing iconic movies and blockbusters, with Muvi Studios’ efforts to develop Saudi and Egyptian films catered to the KSA market and the MENA region.

“This partnership leverages the unparalleled expertise of Al Arabia Cinema in developing iconic films for the big screen, with Muvi Studios efforts to develop the Saudi film industry,” says Adon Quinn, CEO of Muvi Cinemas. “I look forward to the release of Esabet Azeema, starring our dear friend Esaad Younis, in January.”

Ahmad Sobeih, Managing Director of Al Arabia Cinema, also looks forward to success with Esabet Azeema. “We anticipate great success for this title with a new milestone, nevertheless, many more productions are in the lineup bringing diversified content to the big screen meeting audience demand and award winning movies in the MENA region,” he says. “We are working hard to fulfill this production pipeline as well as deliver the films on time.”

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Guide | Culture

Fostering Heritage Preservation Across the Region AUC Libraries and Al-Turath Foundation partner to innovate digital heritage preservation.

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s part of their shared commitment to safeguarding and maintaining cultural heritage, The AUC Libraries at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and Al-Turath Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Saudi as well as Arab and Islamic heritage, are set to launch a new initiative aimed at developing innovative digital methods for historical preservation. An MoU was signed by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder and chairman of Al-Turath Foundation and AUC President Ahmad Dallal.

“The AUC Library and Al-Turath Foundation share a common vision and purpose through the commitment to preserving and safeguarding our rich cultural heritage,” says Lamia Eid, interim dean of AUC’s Libraries and Learning Technologies. “We are dedicated to the creation, production and dissemination of knowledge, not only at the national and regional levels but also on a global scale.”

Playing a central role in exploring heritage preservation, the partnership will foster collaboration in literature and translation alongside theoretical and field research initiatives, particularly in urban heritage and architectural restoration.

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The initiative also aims to spark community interest, pride and investment in preserving national identity and culture. This will be achieved by enhancing the accessibility of cultural heritage through digital platforms and focusing on their documentation through research, publication, documentary film production and collaborative cultural events.

The impact of this partnership will continue for generations to come. “In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, our collaborative efforts are indispensable for ensuring that our unique and rare collections are safeguarded for the benefit of future generations, particularly through innovative digital approaches,” Eid says.

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Guide | Art

s r e Lay

of

Love Like the enigmatic nature of love, Ibrahim Khatab’s work is a testament to the multifaceted and complex emotion, inviting viewers to reflect on the diverse array of sentiments it emotes and the profound impact it exerts on our lives.

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Guide | Art et

T

he art of one of Egypt’s brightest contemporary stars, Ibrahim Khatab, graces the walls of Safarkhan once again this holiday season, with scarcely a better way to commemorate the New

Year.

Love is often described as consisting of seven distinct stages or facets: attraction, infatuation, commitment, intimacy, passion, devotion, and compassion. Each stage represents a different facet of the complexity and depth of love. The journey through each of these is seen as the complete experience of love, with each stage contributing to the almost boundless tapestry of emotions that love entails.

Khatab’s meticulous layering of discarded newspaper and magazine fragments and cutouts mirrors this in his use of seven specific layers of acrylic paint, which he employs to create stirring canvases that reflect the multitude of love’s layers. The artist contends that love often remains hidden beneath the surface of our emotions, waiting to be properly explored and understood. Consequently, like the enigmatic nature of love, his art both conceals and reveals aspects of this underlying narrative, inviting us to venture beyond the surface and contemplate a deeper meaning, one that only love can entail.

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Guide | Art et Vibrant colors, applied in seven separate yet indiscernible layers within his artworks, breathe life into the emotional spectrum he depicts. Khatab’s work is a testament to the multifaceted nature of love, inviting viewers to reflect on the diverse array of sentiments it emotes and the profound impact it exerts on our lives. At the heart of Khatab’s art lies that ubiquitous message “All we need is love,” a mantra carries both an existential and philosophical weight, encouraging us to contemplate the fundamental role of love as an inseparable and unifying, yet often misconstrued, force in the human experience.

Khatab’s art is a symphonic fusion of disparate natural elements, regal and resplendent flora and fauna are intimately interconnected to human figures that are often seen in states of rejoice and jubilance, in celebration of the act and promise of love. He accentuates these organic aspects with his characteristic stylized and deconstructed poetic Arabic calligraphy, which he tastefully intersperses throughout his canvases, never encumbering yet always edifying the intrinsic message and composition of his art.

The grand congregation of these symbols underscore the profound interconnectedness of all living beings when interpreted through the indiscriminate lens of love.

Where human figures embody notions of wisdom and do-

minion, animals represent primal instincts, birds signify freedom, water connotes purity and clarity, and flowers exude beauty. Collectively, they constitute the complex interplay between the abundance of Mother Nature’s assortment of bounties, and their shared experiences, all bound by the timeless threads of love. In the final act of his artistic process, Khatab deliberately blurs parts of the artwork’s surface, revealing details of the core layers of his composition, remnants of the original paper’s surface used in its initial stages.

This act holds both philosophical and aesthetic significance. It symbolizes the need to peel away superficial layers in our own lives to uncover what is genuine and true, moreover, it is spiritually paradoxical in that it is an act that obscures in order to reveal. Aesthetically, this practice enhances the cohesion of his canvases, as his unique approach challenges us to reconsider our understanding of this most paramount and intricate of emotions, inspiring us to meditate on its profound significance.

Philosophically, Khatab’s art will always serve as a potent reminder of love’s all-encompassing and transcendental force.

—Courtesy Safarkhan Art Gallery

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5 Top

Guide | Music

S o n gs of

2023

From rap to pop, we list five of the most successful Egyptian songs released in 2023.

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gypt Today’s picks of the best singles released in 2023 include powerful music from up-and-coming artists like Afroto to veteran musicians like king of Arab pop Amr Diab.

By Amna Faheem

Telk Qadeya by Cairokee Cairokee have been making music since 2003 but skyrocketed to fame in 2011 following the revolution in Egypt. Their songs are packed with emotional lyrics and powerful messages, hitting a nerve with their listeners and touching on important subjects.

Their latest release, Telk Qadeya, came out in November, and has received praise across the internet. In response to the genocide in Gaza, it has a slow, melancholy beat. The simple music and gentle pace make the single easily appealing and its message of solidarity with Paelstine is clear.

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Batamen Aleik by Amr Diab

Guide | Music et

King of Arab pop Amr Diab has dominated Egypt’s charts for the past three decades. Well known for his music about love and romance, Diab has released 36 studio albums, as well as countless singles throughout his career. In February he released Batamen Aleik to both local and international success. His latest song follows his signature style, with instrumental pop music and a relaxed melody.

7elwa Menak by Wegz Rapper Wegz recently released 7elwa Menak for the soundtrack of the film VOY!VOY!VOY! which came out earlier this year. The song, which has amassed almost two million plays to date, follows the artist’s usual style, with energetic lyrics and slow but bold background music. The rapper went on tour this year, and has been raising awareness and showing solidarity for Palestine through his concerts and activism.

Resala by Sharmoofers Hala by Afroto Singer and rapper Afroto recently entered the music scene, but quickly became known with his unique rap and music style. Creating music since 2020, Afroto released his latest song Hala, in January 2023. The single has a steady electronic background track, with the words rolling effortlessly off Afroto’s tongue.

The song is different from his usual fast-paced tracks, and is more melodic than lyrical. Since its release, Hala has received six million plays, and has been a smash hit with audiences.

Sharmoofers, a band known for their unique and upbeat music style, released the song Resala on December 5. The track is meant to be a message to Israel following the tragic events in Palestine. The anthem, translated to Hebrew, incorporates Sharmoofers’ signature music style and poignant lyrics, and has garnered over 100,000 plays to date.

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Guide | Education

Eyes on the Goal Egypt Education Platform and Right to Dream Academy forge a strategic partnership to empower young athletic and academic talents.

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n a collaborative endeavor, Egypt Education Platform (EEP) and Right to Dream Academy have signed a cooperation protocol to empower young talents on their academic and athletic journeys.

Stemming from Right to Dream’s belief in the importance of fostering educational excellence alongside athletic proficiency, this protocol sheds light on the academy’s commitment to the national curriculum, and exemplifies the synergy of homegrown entities contributing to the national agenda outlined in Egypt’s 2030 vision.

By solidifying their commitment, Egypt Education Platform further cements its position as the leading educational services provider in Egypt, showcasing its dedication to supporting promising educational initiatives.

Through this collaboration, EEP reaffirms its mission to create a brighter future and shape the next generation of student-athletes through Prime National Schools, a subsidiary of Egypt Education Platform.

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This partnership will extend Egypt Education Platform’s reach by offering academic programs for talented students at Right to Dream Academy, as the comprehensive approach of the academy includes elite football training, character development, and a private school that will be managed by Prime National Schools, providing a rich learning ecosystem that ensures students flourish with an international mindset while embracing their national identity. The partnership aims to maximize the potential of young talents in both academic and athletic pursuits, as Egypt Education Platform will oversee the academic journey of talented students, offering a distinctive learning environment that aligns the national curriculum with international standards to foster students’ skills, values, and arts.

“The Right to Dream Academy in Egypt provides opportunities for young talents to excel both on the academic and athletic fronts. Collaborating with Egypt Education Platform will further strengthen our educa-

Guide | Education et tional arm to help us better prepare our young talents to fulfill their goals,” says Mohamed Wasfy, CEO of Right to Dream Academy.

“Joining hands with Right to Dream is a game-changer in shaping the next generation of student-athletes and unlocking their full potential, both on and off the field,” adds Ahmed Wahby, CEO of Egypt Education Platform.

“As an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities we serve, we are deeply honored to play such a pivotal role in this collaboration, which directly aligns with our commitment to corporate social responsibility and investing in the future of Egypt’s youth.”

Since 1999, Right to Dream has empowered over 300 students from Ghana and Denmark, providing pathways to the FIFA World Cup and Ivy League colleges. Now the same model will be presented in Egypt, giving an opportunity for the most talented boys and girls from across the nation to fulfil their potential. The Academy encompasses state-of-the-art facilities and services, namely a 16-acre campus with three football pitches, a 350-square-meter gym, student and staff accommodation, a football hotel to host training camps, and a full K-12 school. The campus also includes a padel tennis court, a multipurpose court, and a swimming pool. Furthermore, the academy actively scouts talented youth aged 10 to 18 from various governorates in Egypt, offering pathways not only to elite football clubs worldwide but also to esteemed academic institutions in the United States. The academy accommodates 120 talented students, and currently 53 students are enrolled, including 45 boys and 8 girls. By combining academic and athletic excellence, The Right to Dream Academy ensures that young talents can fully maximize their potential.

Reshaping Egypt’s Education In a dynamic move towards reshaping education in Egypt, Egypt Education Platform (EEP) emerged in 2019, swiftly establishing itself as a transformative force with a strategic presence in Cairo, Alexandria, and an upcoming venture in Soma Bay. This includes 11 schools at various stages of development with a combined capacity reaching 21k students, in addition to eight pre-school facilities with a combined capacity of 1000 students.

The platform operates in the Egyptian market under six different verticals and brand names including GEMS International Schools, Hayah Schools, Prime National Schools, Selah El-Telmeez, Trillium and Petals Preschools alongside investments in adjacent services like student transportation, which is rendered through the platform’s majority-owned by Option Travel.

EEP’s commitment to academic excellence is unwavering, staying abreast of the latest educational trends to deliver top-notch education. The platform’s strategic direction focuses on embracing diversity, offering a wide range of educational systems, and creating a safe and nurturing environment for students.

Beyond academics, EEP stands firm on the pillar of community engagement. Actively involving parents and students in EEP matters, the platform fosters a collaborative team spirit aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for the community.

For more information visit https://egypteducationplatform.com/

A Right to Dream Right to Dream is a group of purposeful academies, professional football clubs, and educational institutions now growing across the world. For 20 years, it has created opportunities for young boys and girls to develop themselves through football and education, as part of the organization’s work to inspire positive change within football. Their inaugural academy has been providing life-changing opportunities for talented youth across West Africa since it launched in Ghana in 1999 and has continued to grow its offering of scholarships to talented children who are drawn in from all over Africa.

In 2016, Right to Dream acquired FC Nordsjælland to offer players a path to one of the fastest growing clubs in European football and create another academy model in Denmark. In 2021, the Mansour Family truly believed in Right to Dream’s vision and decided to acquire ownership of the entity through Man Sports and expand it to Egypt to create more opportunities for talented Egyptian youth to achieve their dreams. In 2023, the Mansour Family further expanded the Right to Dream community by acquiring an MLS franchise in San Diego with the plans to build another Right to Dream Academy in the United States as well.

For more information visit https://www.righttodream.com/

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Feature

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Feature et

Sir Magdi Yacoub: The Life of an Extraordinary “Ordinary Man”

AUC Press releases the authorized biography of Sir Magdi Yacoub, A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub.

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Courtesy AUC Press and The American University in Cairo

n this first authorized biography of heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, veteran journalists Simon Pearson and Fiona Gorman follow his remarkable life, from his formative years in Egypt, through spectacular success at Cairo University, to his long and distinguished career in Britain, leading up to his knighthood in 1992, and his 2014 awarding of the highest honor in the gift of the Queen, the Order of Merit.

A visionary and trailblazer, Yacoub revolutionized the treatment of children’s congenital heart disease 40 years ago through innovation, dedication, and a fearless approach to challenges. In 1983, he performed the UK’s first combined heart and lung transplant at Harefield Hospital. Among his patients are men and women who are still thriving more than thirty-five years after he gave them new hope.

Published by AUC Press, A Surgeon and a Maverick: The Life and Pioneering Work of Magdi Yacoub is a thoughtprovoking book featuring vivid storytelling, rich anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes accounts that bring to life the challenges and triumphs faced by this living legend. “We ended up spending a lot of time with Prof,” as Yacoub is often called, say authors Pearson and Gorman, commenting on the writing process. “We also conducted forty-odd additional interviews with patients, colleagues, key members of his team, friends, and families he’d helped. It was such a privilege to hear these stories and to have the opportunity to learn firsthand the impact Yacoub has had on people’s lives and on their children’s lives,” they share.

“We are incredibly proud to publish A Surgeon and a Maverick, said Veerle De Laet, AUC Press executive director. “This book is a testament to the power of human determination and the profound impact one individual can have on society.

Yacoub’s story is one of perseverance and determination, and such successes were not straightforward. As an outsider

who succeeded against the odds, he at times clashed with the medical establishment in London, and his techniques pushed the boundaries of discourse in medical ethics.

“Magdi Yacoub’s extraordinary life story is one that richly deserves to be told,” says Nadia Naqib, director of acquisitions who supervised the book project. “It gives fascinating insight into the world of scientific research and is a source of inspiration and hope for readers of all backgrounds.”

The visionary heart surgeon had previously turned down invitations to write or co-operate on a biography. He has relented because, as he grows older, he hopes that a book about his life might inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Simon Pearson and Fiona Gorman are a husband-and-wife team of author-editors who worked for The Times newspaper in London for more than thirty years. A former executive editor at The Times, Pearson is the author of three books, including the bestselling biography The Great Escaper. Gorman has written on a range of subjects, including mental health, and Pearson contributes obituaries for The Times. In this interview with AUC Press, they speak about the process of writing the first authorized biography of the living legendary surgeon and researcher, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.

This is the first complete biography that Sir Magdi Yacoub agreed to. How did this come about?

Gorman: Many people had asked if they could write a biography of Magdi Yacoub, but he’s always been a workaholic and too busy to be involved. Even now at 87, he is exhausting. Anybody who knows “Prof” knows that you have to chase him. It took a long time for him to realize that documenting his life could help his charity, The Magdi Yacoub Foundation, and that’s his motivation. The pandemic helped to give us more uninterrupted time with him since he could not travel.

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Feature said, Covid allowed us to meet regularly on Zoom and, after the pandemic, we met more in person.

Pearson: We ended up spending a lot of time with Prof. We also conducted 40-odd additional interviews with patients, colleagues, key members of his team, friends and families he’d helped. It’s been very rewarding. People who received Prof’s care had a chance to tell their stories in a way they had never done before, even in cases where the outcome was not as one would have wished.

There was one mother whose son had died almost 50 years before, who told us about the relief she felt at being able to go back and revisit that time and said she would not have changed any of the decisions. It was incredibly moving. It was such a privilege to hear these stories and to have the opportunity to learn first-hand the impact Prof had had on people’s lives and on their children’s lives.

There was another woman, she was a refugee; she’d had cancer, which affected her heart and at the age of fourteen she had been given a heart transplant by Magdi. She survived, thrived, and became a barrister. She represented the international court in the Hague and she never told anyone about the heart transplant. She didn’t want anyone to judge her as a patient, she wanted to be judged as a barrister.

Dame Mary Archer writes in the foreword, after highlighting Sir Magdi Yacoub’s remarkable life and achievements: “Throw in orchid breeder and fast-car aficionado and you have the description of a complex and unique man.” What were some of the facets or aspects of the man that you discovered while working on the book?

Pearson: As mentioned in the foreword, he loves fast cars.

He used to have a blue Lamborghini that he once raced down Park Lane in London, though he wouldn’t want people to know that. There is a difference between the private man and his public face. Though he is serious about medicine and science and driving both forward, he is quite a raconteur. He has many jokes up his sleeve and laughs often.

His warmth and affection is something I saw in private that perhaps is not always on display in public.

Gorman: He also loves classical music and always operated with music in the background, though there were a few occasions where he changed his choice of music in deference to the patient.

What was that like, keeping up with such a busy and active person?

Gorman: Challenging, definitely challenging! But as I

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Her story was only revealed last year when the British Heart Foundation asked her for an interview and she was, so to speak, “outed”.

In our interview with Sir Magdi Yacoub, he described himself as “an ordinary man.” How do you see him?

Pearson: It’s typical of Magdi to say that he’s an ordinary man. I think he knows he’s not and none of us regard him as an ordinary man. He’s an extraordinary ordinary man, if he is. He likes listening to music, he likes gardening, he’s got a family whom he adores. He likes eating cheese and salamis even though he’s been told he shouldn’t. He has the same joys and weaknesses as all of us, but he’s clearly an extraordinary man. He paved the way for pioneering surgery at a time when the surgeon’s main instrument was still the scalpel. The thing is: it doesn’t end with being a surgeon.

He achieved great things as a surgeon, but now he is driving forward biomedicine and the ability to re- create heart valves and new lungs. His work continues to be groundbreaking.

Gorman: His intellectual powers make him anything but ordinary. The way in which he studied and learned as a young man leaves the rest of us standing. You could arguably say he has achieved more since his retirement from the NHS. At that point, the scientific side came to the fore. Hundreds of thousands of people have had their lives improved or saved by his work over the decades. In the past 22 years, he has achieved as much as he did before his retirement. Very few people could ever have that said of them.

Why do you think Sir Magdi Yacoub has had such an impact on the world? Is it just because he is “recognized as one of the great pioneers of heart transplant surgery” to use the words of BBC Radio?

Pearson: As the title says he’s a maverick. He did things his way, he didn’t follow the book at all. He didn’t stay in Egypt even though he was one of the leading students here. He

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went to Britain because he felt at that time medicine there was more advanced. But he didn’t settle for what the British were doing, he challenged the establishment there and he made mistakes, but he broke new ground as a result. All the way along, he’s challenged orthodox thinking – whether it’s here in his homeland, in Britain, his adopted homeland, in the United States, where he’s still breaking new ground with research, or anywhere else in the world. It seems to us that he’s revered because he challenges people and he challenges the way things are done.

Gorman: And he can’t stop, he won’t stop, there’s always more for him to do and even now he’s in a hurry to achieve, to learn more, to help other people to learn more, to teach more, and to make heart treatment and heart surgery available to people who would otherwise not have it. He is indefatigable. I don’t think that will ever change.

In what ways was Russell Claude Brock, the leading British chest and heart surgeon and pioneer in modern openheart surgery, one of the most influential people on Sir Magdi Yacoub’s career?

Pearson: Prof was inspired to be a surgeon because a young aunt died because of mitral valve failure as a result of heart disease. When his father also died of heart disease, he was deeply troubled because although he was studying cardiac surgery, he couldn’t do anything to help him. What

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Yacoub during surgery at the Luxor International Hospital in Egypt in 2001.

Elizabeth Orcutt/Chain of Hope.

Russell Brock was doing in London was pioneering surgery that would probably have saved them both. Most of the pioneering work at that time was being done in Britain and the United States, at the great teaching hospitals like Guy’s in London, where the real progress was being made. Brock was writing a lot of papers, giving a lot of speeches, and he’d done an enormous amount of work that was well documented. I think Magdi had read those and was inspired by them and decided this was the man who was going to enable him to be a more accomplished and formidable surgeon.

Gorman: I think he really appreciated the two sides of Brock’s approach, the surgery and the science. Many people, particularly in Britain, thought you could be a fantastic surgeon or a fantastic scientist, but the idea that you could be both was not really encouraged. Prof has always embraced surgery and science. In the United States, when he was there in the 60s, that dual approach was encouraged and that’s something that he’s always held dear.

Pearson: He didn’t universally admire Brock though.

Brock had a bit of a temper which came out in the operating theater—Magdi didn’t like this at all, and made sure he didn’t behave in this way. He also recalls with some mirth Brock rolling up to the Brompton Hospital in his Rolls Royce and the junior doctors lining up outside. It’s like a scene from the ‘Doctor in the House’ films—British films of the 1950s all about hierarchy in medicine. I think that Magdi laughs a lot when he recalls those days.

At what stage did charity work become such an important part of Sir Magdi Yacoub’s life?

Pearson: He linked up in the mid-90s with the French charity Chain of Hope and established the British arm of that charity. He’d been involved with surgeries overseas in Jamaica, in Egypt and in many countries for some time. He’d gone on these trips where you set up a surgery, you take a dozen patients, you operate, then you go home. Magdi came to the

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Magdi as a child in Egypt in 1941.

Yacoub family archive.

A portrait as a teenager in 1952. Yacoub family archive.

conclusion that he needed something more permanent: to follow up with patients requires doctors, nurses, teams who could train locally and help to establish sustainable medicine throughout the developing world. That’s eventually what he set out to do. His mission was to help as many people as he could in the world. He could do that in two ways. One is by training local teams for the long term and the other, much

more powerful in a way, is science. While surgeons can change the life of one person at a time, science can change the lives of millions. As a result of that, he’s built up the charities, the foundation and tried to draw in as many philanthropists as he possibly could to fund research.

Gorman: Never get on a plane or train with Prof because you’ll end up funding one of his endeavors. He just tack-

The Yacoub family, from left, Madeleine, Magdi, Mohga, Sami, Jimmy, and Habib in 1954.

Yacoub family archive.

Yacoub receiving a prize from the Egyptian president, Gamal Abd alNasser, after graduating from Cairo University with distinction in 1957.

Magdi Yacoub.

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Feature et Yacoub with Marianne on their wedding day in Chicago in 1968.

Yacoub family archive.

Yacoub, second left, at the Kasr al-Aini Teaching Hospital in Cairo in 1959. Yacoub family archive.

les people and the next thing you know they’re at his gala dinner and they’ve committed hundreds of thousands of pounds to his work. The heart center in Aswan is a prime example of this. Within a couple of years, it was entirely staffed by local people trained locally and it’s now regarded as one of the leading centers in the world.

The authors are donating a percentage of their royalty

earnings from the sale of “A Surgeon and a Maverick” to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, Egypt, www.myfegypt.org. The book is now available for purchase in Egypt through AUC Bookstores and soon in other local bookstores. For more information about the book: visit aucpress.com —Courtesy The American University in Cairo

Yacoub with young patients in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1999, a year after they all underwent heart surgery.

Lynn Hilton.

The operating theater at the Aswan Heart Centre in 2012. Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation.

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Building on Egypt’s Progress

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By Mohamed Zain

Assessing the headway Egypt has made since hosting last year’s Climate Change Conference, and looking ahead to more continued progress at COP28 and beyond.

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uring its presidency of the COP27 last year, Egypt launched dozens of initiatives tackling climate change impacts and means of mitigation for the most affected countries, particularly in Africa. The host nation also made numerous pivotal decisions to help mitigate the impact of climate change, most prominently the decision to establish the Loss and Damage Fund.

“We cannot achieve our common goals without having everyone on board, most importantly the Global South. To establish climate justice, we have to provide the tools agreed upon in Sharm El-Sheikh to fund loss and damage,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in his speech during the handover of the COP presidency to COP28 President-designate Sultan Al-Jaber. “One of the most anticipated outcomes of COP28 is for the Loss and Damage Fund to be fully operationalized,” he told representatives of international organizations from more than 198 countries in Dubai earlier this month.

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Egypt’s Road to COP28 Over the past year, Egypt has brought together the ministries of environment and foreign affairs with other concerned ministries to work in alignment on several important missions including updating the national pledge to produce 42 percent of the total energy from renewable sources by 2030 instead of 2023, and accelerating the pace of transition to sustainable (low carbon) transport.

In her speech at the first Global Stock Take (GST), which tackles a comprehensive assessment of progress since adopting the Paris Agreement in 2015, Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad described global climate assessment as a good opportunity to support and mobilize international action and focus on the deficiencies in multilateral financing, especially for developing countries.

She added that the developing countries need to acquire $160 billion in funds annually to adapt to climate change impact, while the actual annual funds come to $22 billion.

Further, the developing countries’ set climate fund until 2030 is $6 trillion, while the actual fund is $100 billion.

In his speech at the Summit of the Heads of State and Government earlier this month, President Abdel Fattah ElSisi said that Egypt, drawing upon its chairmanship of last year’s conference and the direct impact of climate change

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it endures, acknowledges the pressing need to work toward enhancing collective and urgent action to address the challenges of climate change.

He underscored Egypt’s efforts to ensure sustainable development, aligning harmoniously with the environment, safeguarding the planet for future generations, and addressing the devastating impact of climate change, which surpasses the capacity of nations, particularly developing countries, to manage and curb it on the diverse development domains.

“We were keen, in Sharm El-Sheikh, on launching several courses of action that would contribute to achieving our aspirations in this regard. Those included primarily the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by climate change; the Just Transition Action Plan; and the “Emissions Reduction Action Plan. We have also paved the way for achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation to Climate Change,” the President said.

“We firmly believe that achieving these goals is possible if we embrace a spirit of cooperation. Therefore, we urge the international community to adopt more resolute actions in the Dubai Conference, and to expand the engagement of community stakeholders, while avoiding unilateral measures that only serve narrow interests,” he added.

Feature et Partnerships for Change At press time Egypt’s Pavilion at the COP28 led global talks aimed at promoting a flexible and environment friendly future. On the first day, the Egyptian Pavilion discussed various topics such as climate financing, engaging youth, civil society, and people with disabilities. It also highlighted topics related to voluntary carbon markets, which cover pollution-reducing projects in the Global South to explore the pivotal role of these markets in driving sustainable development and resilience in the Global South.

On the sidelines of the COP28 meetings, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nardos Bekele-Thomas signed an agreement to establish and host the African Center of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change.

The agreement aims to assert that the African continent is, starting in 2024, guaranteed to ensure the sustainability of funding sources, capacity building, technology exchange, and the lessons learned from the experiences of the communities most affected by climate change.

Fouad announced that establishing the center is based on the offer made by Egypt during its presidency of the African Union in 2019 to support AU Member States in fulfilling the commitments made by African governments to achieve the AU Agenda 2063, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which tackles three dimensions of disaster risk (exposure to hazards, vulnerability and capacity, and hazard’s characteristics), in addition to several other multilateral environmental agreements.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 1.3 billion Africans will need support to adapt to climate change by 2030, and this number is expected to rise to 3.2 billion by 2050.

In implementation of the recommendations of the COP27 climate conference, Fouad participated in the first high-level ministerial round table on a just transition held at the COP28, stating that working to achieve a just transition is a pivotal aspect of the global commitments regarding climate.

COP28 proceedings continued with the Sharm El-Sheikh Fair Finance Guidebook, which was launched during COP27, where Egypt outlined an actionable agenda to mobilize additional financing.

The sessions tackled the Egyptian National Initiative for Smart Green Projects that was hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and reviewed the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education’s contributions to international scientific research, as well as efforts to address climate change.

Egypt will continue its climate activities at the Egyptian Pavilion, and will participate in other strategic events and meetings on the sidelines of the conference.

“We cannot achieve our common goals without having everyone on board, most importantly the Global South.

To establish climate justice, we have to provide the tools agreed upon in Sharm El-Sheikh to fund loss and damage.”

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Partnerships for the Goals

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longside governmental organizations, a number of private Egyptian companies and NGOs are taking part in the COP28 Climate Change Conference and its meetings, with the goal of forging strategic collaborations with international partners to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.

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Toward Food Security And Sustainability The Egyptian Food Bank partners with the UNDP to maximize food security, sustainability, and empower small farmers while exchanging expertise.

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he Egyptian Food Bank took part in the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which recently took place in Dubai, with the involvement of nearly 150 countries worldwide. The participation of the Egyptian Food Bank included various activities within the COP28 events for the second consecutive year, with the goal of contributing to the development of strategic climate change policies, leveraging decisions from the summit, and maximizing the impact on achieving food security, sustainability, and empowering small farmers while exchanging expertise.

“Our participation in the COP28 for the second consecutive year in Dubai complements our leadership role in advancing developmental and humanitarian work, directly contributing to achieving food security. This year’s focus is on enhancing women’s empowerment, supporting small female farmers, by integrating them into our supply chain, aiming to elevate

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the development of agriculture and livelihoods,” said Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of the Egyptian Food Bank. “The collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) focuses on empowering small female farmers, shedding light on the major challenges facing the agricultural sector in Egypt as the first sector affected by climate change. Additionally, it involves presenting key policies, programs, financing plans, and local initiatives by the Egyptian government, international donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations to aid in adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of climate change.”

At COP28, the Egyptian Food Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the UNDP with Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative. This collaboration aims to provide Egyptian Food Bank with modern technological methods benefiting its areas and programs. The two-year cooperation focuses on designing and implementing developmental projects to enhance social and economic resilience for small female farm-

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“This year’s focus is on enhancing women’s empowerment, supporting small female farmers, by integrating them into our supply chain, aiming to elevate the development of agriculture and livelihoods.” ers in climate-affected regions. The collaboration builds on the results of the development lab in this sector and uses innovative approaches to serve the capabilities of Egyptian Food Bank, particularly in areas like the Future Food Program and the Innovation Labs program, especially in improving the income of small farmers and ensuring their food security sustainably.

As part of its activities, the Egyptian Food Bank participated in a panel discussion session titled “Reimagining the Future of Women in Green Sectors in North Africa.” The session addressed solutions at the university and school levels to impact the future of women in green sectors. It also discussed the role of national partners in empowering women to become strong leaders and prominent decision-makers, contributing to changing perceptions of dealing with climate change in a suitable context for all countries worldwide.

The Egyptian Food Bank was also involved in an interactive

workshop titled “Future Opportunities for Women in Green Sectors,” which discussed the efforts of the UNDP’s Accelerator Lab in Egypt and works on conducting a future literacy lab with stakeholders in the agriculture and energy sectors. Participants included non-governmental organizations, youth, and the private sector, aiming to explore and think about future opportunities for women’s roles in the agriculture and energy sectors. Additionally, the workshop focused on raising awareness about the importance of enhancing women’s participation in green sectors.

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Supporting Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Future in Egypt Schneider Electric partners with Redcon Properties to boost sustainability

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n the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, signed a memorandum of understanding with Redcon Properties, a leader in sustainable real estate development, to integrate AVEVA’s advanced software solutions, provided by Schneider Electric, into Redcon Properties’ flagship project; Golden Gate, the first sustainable mixed-use development in New Cairo, which standardizes a benchmark for smart sustainable communities in Egypt.

Within the framework of the MoU, Schneider Electric will integrate AVEVA software solution into the operating systems of Golden Gate project, with an investment worth EGP 20 billion injected from Redcon Properties. Schneider Electric will equip the project with AVEVA unified operations center to securely visualize enterprise-wide operations using an asset model to apply context to real-time processes, alarms, events, and archived data creating a single common information stream that makes system maintenance and operations more efficient and flexible. The system also effectively manages energy and water consumption and irrigation systems.

Additionally, a scalable system that enables the integration of the processes and facilities along with enhancing the availability and functionality of the resources around the clock such

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as elevators and escalators will be implemented.

The agreement was signed by Sebastian Riez, Cluster President of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant, Tarek El-Gamal, Chairman of Redcon Properties, Ahmed Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Redcon Properties, and Nayef Bou Chaaya, AVEVA Vice President, Middle East and Africa, at Schneider Electric’s booth at COP28.

“The challenges the world is facing because of climate change urged the need for solutions and mechanisms that would help us reduce carbon emissions and rationalize energy consumption,” said Sebastien Riez, Cluster President of Schneider Electric Northeast Africa and Levant. “This is Schneider Electric’s role as it continues to be the preferred partner for Egyptian real estate developers by providing state-of-the-art sustainable technologies for smart buildings. Through our portfolio of solutions, we help developers manage and run smart buildings to ensure energy efficiency, enhance residents’ quality of life, and fulfill our commitment to sustainability in Egypt as part of our six long-term sustainability commitments.

By expanding our partnership with Redcon Properties, we reinforce the joint efforts to create smart, sustainable, and efficient administrative buildings in Egypt as we aspire to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the infrastructure of both existing and future smart buildings,” he added.

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“Integrating sustainability across all phases of our projects at Redcon Properties adds immense value to the future communities we seek to shape.”

“Integrating sustainability across all phases of our projects at Redcon Properties adds immense value to the future communities we seek to shape,” said Eng. Tarek El-Gamal, Chairman of Redcon Properties. “Reflecting on this, we’re thrilled to extend our strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, which coincides with our plans to develop of sustainable buildings, in terms of design and construction to increase the efficiency of resource consumption and reduce negative environmental impact through the activation of modern technology deploying AI solutions. We are confident that the capabilities and expertise of Schneider Electric will bolster our efforts in attaining the sustainable development goals in the Golden Gate project and other projects as well.”

Ahmed Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Redcon Properties, reiterated that, “Green buildings are essential to the Egyptian real estate sector development in terms of environmental, economic and social aspects, contributing to elevating the quality and overall value of the sector. At Redcon Properties, we are keen on adopting an internationally advanced construction mechanism that accelerates sustainability fulfillment in our projects. We look forward to the vital role Schneider Electric will play in implementing sustainable solutions in Golden Gate to enhance operational efficiency, build a fertile investment environment to meet our customers’ aspirations and achieve overall development.”

Commenting on the agreement, Nayef Bou Chaaya, AVEVA Vice President, Middle East and Africa, said, “Deploying AVEVA advanced software bolstered by IoT and data analysis, contributes substantially towards enhancing central control to achieve operation flexibility, reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions to net zero emissions, which is synonymous with Redcon Properties’ vision to align Golden Gate with smart sustainable standards, being the first sustainable community in New Cairo.”

Golden Gate project is located at the heart of New Cairo occupying an area of 160,000 SQM, with five separate districts encompassing independent offices, commercial units, and a luxury shopping area. The project integrates sustainability standards in its design and construction, starting from the materials used in the buildings and open areas, renewable energy solutions deployed, to water and energy efficiency among other features to cut carbon emissions, aiming to achieve Egypt’s sustainability goals in specific and fulfill climate change commitments in general.

The software solutions provided by AVEVA, currently distributed by Schneider Electric in Egypt, are compatible with a wide range of devices and equipment brands, as the solutions themselves rely on applications of AI, big data, and cloud computing in managing all facilities and services within urban communities to become more efficient and sustainable, with the aim of improving citizens’ quality of life.

Schneider Electric’s advanced solutions in energy management and automation coupled with AVEVA software solutions can support companies in all sectors to enhance their performance across different divisions, some of which are; engineering, operations, and maintenance, contributing to increased productivity, achieving cost-efficiency, boosting profitability rates and reduce risks, which in return aids in promoting sustainability and empowering individuals. Schneider Electric applies the latest technological solutions to regulate energy and natural resources consumption in accordance with international standards.

At COP27 Schneider Electric participated in a set of activities that reflected its commitment to combat the climate crisis, signing eight MoUs with major real estate development companies in Egypt to provide solutions for buildings smart cities for developers’ flagship projects. The company also signed an MoU with Redcon Properties, to equip the developer’s projects with smart solutions to aid in the attainment of the shift towards a green economy and implement sustainable standards.

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Powering Sustainable Energy Storage Egypt joins scores of leading nations in a first-of-its-kind consortium to deploy 5GW of battery energy storage systems.

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nfinity Power is committed to lighting up Africa and supporting the sustainable development of renewable energy across the continent, while creating opportunities for economic, educational and environmental benefits in local communities. Africa’s largest pure play renewable energy provider, the joint venture between Egypt’s Infinity and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) targets power generation projects in Africa through renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind, as well as other technologies such as green hydrogen and water desalination. The company also develops complementary technologies such as battery storage and transmission grids. In this way, Infinity Power can provide answers to the challenges of energy supply and power insecurity across the African continent. The company aims to have 10GW of operational renewable energy projects by 2030.

At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Infinity Power and the Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) announced that Barbados, Belize, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Togo committed to the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium with Indonesia showing strong interest. Through the BESS Consortium, these first-mover countries are part of a collaborative effort to secure 5 gigawatts (GW) of BESS commitments by the end of 2024. In order to achieve the estimated 400 GW of renewable energy needed to alleviate energy poverty by 2030 and save a gigaton of CO2, 90 GW of storage capacity must be developed. The BESS Consortium’s initial 5 GW goal will help create a roadmap for achieving the rest by 2030, demonstrating a key mechanism for accelerating a just energy transition. Vietnam also participated in the BESS Consortium launch showing its commitment to the clean energy transition.

Battery Energy Storage Systems are a critical element to increasing the reliability of grids and accommodating the variable renewable energy sources that are needed to power economic development. In many cases, a combination of BESS and renewables are already cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives.

The BESS Consortium is a multi-stakeholder partnership set up to ensure these BESS benefits transform energy systems across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Consortium is on track to meet its target of securing 5 GW of BESS commitments by the end of 2024 and deploying these by the end of 2027.

BESS Consortium first-mover countries will be supported by resource partners including GEAPP, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, Asian Development Bank

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(ADB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), RMI, Africa50, Masdar, Infinity Power, COP28 Presidency, AMEA Power, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Net Zero World, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), with additional partners and countries expected to join.

Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway and Co-chair the Global Leadership Council said during the launch, “The Global Leadership Council was formed to expedite change, and bring forward transformative initiatives that will cut emissions, create jobs and expand access to clean and affordable energy in low- and middle-income countries.

Three months ago, we committed to establishing the BESS Consortium, and already we have countries, resource partners and champions on board. This is only the beginning, we must continue to move at collective speed and scale.”

New research from The Rockefeller Foundation shows that keeping global warming from breaking the 2° Celsius threshold will require unprecedented global collaboration. BESS is a critical technology to achieve that goal, but progress is being

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“ “Green energy transition is no longer a need, it’s a must. Climate is becoming increasingly important for all the living beings on the planet. Battery storage solutions can have a catalytic impact to achieve a mass integration of renewable energy sources into the existing power systems and to achieve the green transition targets. ” severely hindered by unfavorable policies and regulations, high financing costs, long project lead times, and other challenges.

To accelerate the shift to cleaner and more affordable energy systems, the World Bank and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) recently published a comprehensive framework, “Unlocking the Energy Transition: Guidelines for Planning Solar-Plus-Storage Projects.” Written for policymakers and project developers, the report provides a stepby-step approach to planning and executing utility-scale solar photovoltaic projects, including practical advice on feasibility assessments, business model selection, risk allocation, and navigating the procurement process.

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation and Co-chair of the Global Leadership Council said, “Without sufficient storage capacity, countries will be unable to add renewable energy to their grids at the scale needed to reduce emissions and create economic opportunity. The BESS Consortium is an example of the sort of big, bold action required to break down the barriers keeping so many people and communities from joining the climate transformations underway.”

In addition to securing 5 GW of BESS commitments in

LMICs and deploying $1 billion in concessional finance, the Consortium will accelerate project deployment, work to improve the regulatory environment, build a favorable market for BESS, and unlock commercial and public financing. Countries, utilities, and resource partners in the Consortium will partner to identify and co-develop tailored packages of support for BESS investment. These will be refined and negotiated between country stakeholders and partners with complementary advocacy and accelerating actions championed by the Consortium.

“The Global Energy Alliance’s GLC initiatives including the groundbreaking BESS Consortium are driving real actionable progress,” said Joseph Nganga, VP of Africa at GEAPP. “We are determined to deliver scalable solutions and measurable outcomes at speed by the time world leaders reconvene at COP29 next year. In Malawi for example, we are supporting the Government to deploy and operate a 20MW BESS project which, by 2030, will improve access and power stability for 3M people, improve the lives of 450,000 and avoid 20,000 tons of CO2. Our unwavering dedication to sustainability is leading us to set new benchmarks and inspiring others to join this crucial journey towards a greener future.”

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Remembering the celebrities and prominent Egyptian figures we’ve lost in 2023.

By Angy Essam

Lobna Mahmoud

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Well-known actress Lobna Mahmoud passed away in March after a battle with illness.

The Premier Ballet Academy graduate launched her acting career with Nadia Salem’s Saheb El Edara Bawab El Omara in 1985. She became among the familiar faces of comedy in the past two decades with dozens of appearances in films like ElNazer, Bank El-Haz, El-Ens Wel-Nems, Wahed Tany, and El-Baad La Yazhab Lel Maazon Maarten.

She also made remarkable appearances in several recent TV series, including Nelly & Sherihan and Mawdo Aely. She portrayed the character of Former Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir in Harb El Gawasis and Al Ameel 1001.

Sherifa Fadel On March 5, Egyptian artist Sherifa Fadel passed away at the age of 85, ending the career of one of the most important female singers in the history of Egyptian music. Granddaughter to Quranic reciter Ahmed Nada, Fadel, who was born Tawfiqa Mahmoud Nada, joined the Institute of Dramatic Arts and appeared in several movies including Haret Al-Saqayen, Sultanat Al-Tarab, and Tal Al-Aqrab. She is best known for her popular patriotic song “Mother of the Hero,” written by Nabila Qandil and composed by Ali Ismail, after her son Saeed Saeed Badir was martyred during the 1973 October War.

Abla Fadila radio Egyptian Beloved Tawfiq, Fadila broadcaster known as Abla Fadila (Miss Fadila), passed away in March. Leaving a remarkable positive influence on generations through to the 1990s, Tawfiq was the first woman to read children’s stories on the radio in the early 1960s. Generations of children grew up listening to her daily “A Song and a Story” program.

In 1966, she became the head of radio’s general program.

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Sherine El Tahan Egyptian actress Sherine El Tahan died in April after a battle with cancer. Born in 1976, Tahan graduated from the Faculty of Commerce and went on to work as a television host. She then started acting when director Ahmed Youssry cast her to co-star in his film 45 Youm (45 Days).

She appeared in several TV series, including An Unknown Number, A Temporary Name, and The Seven Commandments. In 2017, she starred in the first part of the series Ramadan Kareem with director Sameh Abdel Aziz, starring Sayed Ragab and Ruby.

Mustafa Darwish Actor Mustafa Darwish died in May of a sudden heart attack at the age of 43, shocking his colleagues and fans in Egypt and the Arab world. Only hours before his death he had announced on his social media account that he was unable to sleep, in light of scheduling conflicts, and everyone coming off a long vacation.

The talented actor participated in around 30 productions and recorded major artistic achievements in his career, the last of which was his participation in director Khaled Youssef ’s His Secret Al-Batta series in Ramadan this year. His most notable work was the B100 Wesh series.

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Magda Saleh Magda Saleh, Egypt’s first prima ballerina, died in June aged 78. Born to an Egyptian father, Ahmed Abdel-Ghaffar Saleh, a renowned academician, and a Scottish mother, Saleh began studying ballet at a young age and went on to study at the Alexandria Conservatory, followed by a scholarship at the Arts Educational School, Tring, Hertfordshire, UK in 1956.

After graduating in 1965, Saleh starred as Maria in a cast made up of students of Cairo’s first ballet school, in the inaugural performance of the Cairo Ballet Company. She went on to perform at the Khedivial Opera (1966-71), taking up the position of professor and dean of the Higher Institute of Ballet (1984-86), and even completing her PhD with a thesis titled A Documentation of the Ethnic Dance Traditions of the Arab Republic of Egypt at New York University in 1979. Saleh was appointed founding director of the new Cairo Opera House in 1987, and helped set up the institution until its launch in 1988.

In 1966 she was awarded the Order of Merit from President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

George Ishak Egyptian politician, activist and member of National Council for Human Rights George Ishak passed away in June at the age of 85. Ishak passed after facing a sudden health problem, as a result of which he was transferred to intensive care in a hospital. Abdel Moneim Imam, head of Justice Party, wrote on his facebook account: The saint of national work, George Ishak, has passed away Born and raised in Port Said, Ishak graduated from Cairo University with a BA in history and began his career as a history teacher, headmaster and later as a consultant. Politically, Ishak was active at a young age and co-founded the grassroots Kefaya (Enough) opposition movement in 2004.

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Mohamed Al Fayed Fulham and former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed passed away in September, a day before the 26th anniversar y of his son Dodi and Princess Diana’s death. The self-made Egyptian billionaire was born in Alexandria and built his family’s fortune in real estate, shipping and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe. Al Fayed owned establishment symbols such as Harrods, Fulham and the Ritz hotel in Paris.

Alaa Abdel Khalek Singer Alaa Abdel Khaleq died in July at the age of 59 after years of illness. The late artist began career in the 1980s with the band Friends, before launching his solo career. Abdel Khaliq has released several albums, including Mersal, You Will Know Me, and Tayarat Warak.

His final album was Eye for an Eye in 2002.

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Ashraf Moselhi Egyptian actor Ashraf Moselhi died on September 17 at the age of 49 after a long illness. He had been battling brain cancer since 2021, with his last appearance being in the series The Peacock, which ran in Ramadan 2021. The late actor was married to director Manal Al-Saifi and is the father of young actor Youssef Ashraf Moselhi.

Mohammad Farid On September 30, actor Mohamed Farid died at the age of 83, as a result of serious health problems. Farid is considered one of the most important stars of the 1980s generation in Egyptian theater, having participated in 246 artistic works between cinema, theater and television dramas. His most recent appearance was in the 2020 series Baraka in which he portrayed the role of Hajj Saleh.

Tarek Naga Architect Tarek Naga, elder brother of Egyptian actor and filmmaker Khaled Abol Naga, passed away in November. Born in 1953 in Cairo, he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Ain Shams University in 1975 and a master’s from the University of Minnesota in 1982. He has published works on architecture and has taught in America and been a guest academic at the American University in Cairo.

He has created installations for several exhibitions and has been involved in a variety of ongoing design projects in Egypt and Dubai.

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Tarek Abdelaziz Beloved Egyptian actor Tarek Abdelaziz passed away in November at the age of 55 after suffering a sudden heart attack while shooting one of his scenes in the series W Ba’eena Etneen.

Abdel Aziz had multiple roles under his belt including the movies Ashab Wala Business? (Friends or Business), Kimo W Antemo, February El Eswed (Black Februar y) and Eshtebak (Clash) as well as the series Rag’een Ya Hawa (We Are Back Love), among others.

Osman Mohamed Aly Veteran Egyptian Actor Osman Mohamed Aly passed away in November at the age of 88 after a long struggle with illness. Aly was born in Alexandria in 1935 and appeared in many films, TV series and radio shows.

The veteran actor began his artistic career in a number of radio series. He has multiple roles under his belt including his roles in the series Raafat El Haggan, Imam Al-Shafi‘i, Aelat Al-Hajj Metwali, among others.

Aly is the father of famed Egyptian actress Salwa Osman.

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Ashraf Abdel Ghafour Egypt mourned with great sadness the death of beloved actor Ashraf Abdel Ghafour, who died in a car accident in December. Abdel Ghafour was born on June 22, 1942 and graduated from the High Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1963.

Abdel Ghafour starred in a number of plays including Lady Gulfidan, Soliman El Halaby, Three Nights, The Dead Without Graves, Guevara’s Death, My Homeland Acre and The Fire and the Olives, among others. The late great Egyptian artist appeared in more than 250 series over six decades.

His debut TV series was Al Kahera W El Nas (Cairo and the People) in 1967. Abdel Ghafour recently performed in a number of successful series including El Ser (The Secret), Rasheed, Hai El-Sayeda Zeinab and Bent El-Qabayel.

Nahed Farid Shawky Acclaimed Egyptian producer Nahed Farid Shawky passed away in December at the age of 72. Hailing from an esteemed artistic family, Shawky was the daughter of the late Farid Shawky and Hoda Sultan, widow of director Medhat El-Sabahi, mother of actress Nahed El-Sebaie, and sister to actress Rania Farid Shawky.

She left an indelible mark and made significant contributions through her role as the producer behind multiple productions including the series Hadith El Sabah W El Mesaa, Lan A’esh Fe Gelbab Aby and Sarkhet Onsa, among others.

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Christmas Cheer

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Exclusive five-star hotel destinations where you can celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in style with friends and family.

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Living Fairmont Nile City Presents Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebrations with Unforgettable Dining Experiences As the festive season approaches, Fairmont Nile City is thrilled to announce its remarkable New Year’s Eve food and beverage offerings set to ignite the city’s spirit of celebration. With a captivating ambiance and an array of culinary delights, guests can expect an unforgettable experience at the renowned hotel’s various dining establishments.

L’Uliveto, the exquisite Italian restaurant, and Gingko, the open-air Peruvian restaurant, invite guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting Venetian Masquerade Ball.

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year amidst an atmosphere filled with mystery and allure, complemented by a lively DJ performance and an electrifying countdown show. Indulge in a sumptuous set menu specially curated for this memorable night, showcasing the finest flavors of Italy.

For those seeking an Asian culinary journey, Saigon, the Asian fusion restaurant, presents an extravagant evening of revelry. Prepare to be transported to a world of cultural fusion as Saigon hosts the Regal Serenity Night, where every moment resonates with the opulence of Asia. Delight in the captivating DJ beats and an exhilarating countdown show while savoring a luxurious Asian set menu that will tantalize your taste buds.

For an unparalleled experience in elegance and glamour, ONYX, the hotel’s international lounge situated on the lobby floor, invites guests to the Gatsby Night. Immerse yourself in the timeless al-

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lure of the roaring twenties as you sway to the rhythms of a live band and witness the mesmerizing performance of a belly dancer. Indulge in the culinary delights of an exquisite à la carte menu, as you bid farewell to the year in style.

Transport yourself to the enchanting Golden Era of Cairo this New Year’s Eve at Bab El Nil Restaurant. Immerse yourself in the irresistible allure of the 1930s, accompanied by live music that will awaken nostalgic emotions and create an exquisite ambiance. Indulge in a lavish oriental menu, curated to perfection, that epitomizes luxury and culinary excellence.

Experience a transcendent New Year’s celebration like never before at Fairmont Nile City’s newest gem, the Sky Venue. Elevate your senses as you bask in the ethereal ambiance, enveloped by the mesmerizing constellations, high above the clouds on the 25th floor, offering a breathtaking Nile view. Prepare to be captivated by unparalleled entertainment.

Fairmont Nile City is proud to present these extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering a diverse range of experiences to suit every preference. The hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments ensures that guests will be immersed in an atmosphere of elegance and joy throughout the evening.

For reservations or more information about the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Fairmont Nile City, contact 0120 8888687.

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An Unmatched Festive Spirit Spread to Every Corner at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

Step into a winter wonderland in the heart of the Nile as the team at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo spread jolly vibes to every corner of their iconic property. They have crafted for you and your loved ones special festive merrymakings that will warm your heart and leave you with everlasting #RCMemories. Enjoy delectable festive dining experiences, seasonal spa treatments and countless New Year celebrations that will ensure you are immersed in the festive spirit just enough for the joyful season.

Once you step foot in the luxurious hotel, you will feel the Christmas cheer with their twinkling Christmas tree and gingerbread house inspired decorations in different parts of the lobby. Let alone their lavish halls and elegant interiors that are adorned with festive decorations, creating a picturesque atmosphere of timeless luxury and the spirit of

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togetherness for a picture-perfect celebration.

As for festive culinary delights and seasonal flavors, they are offering a full bundle of memorable dining experiences across their inviting restaurants. Savour the flavors of the jolly season crafted by their authentic Chefs while immersing yourself in the cozy and joyful ambiance of the season for ever-lasting #RCMemories.

For the perfect festive culinary feast, their inviting international restaurant Culina invites you to their scrumptiously enchanting Festive Brunch on 5 and 12 of January featuring an array of festive specials and flavors that includes exquisite carving stations, meticulously rolled sushi, indulgent desserts and vibrant salads. Their lively ambience also includes live jazzy tunes along with exciting kids’ entertainment for a jolly and memorable gathering of all beloved family and

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friends. You do not want to miss our live sangria, martini, bloody marry and mimosa stations.

You may also wish to elevate your holiday season celebrations with an exquisite touch of luxury at their Lobby Lounge from 20 December and until 8 January as you immerse yourself in the enchanting ritual of their Festive Afternoon Tea. Savor the finest selection of teas, artisanal pastries, and tasteful delights, all expertly crafted to capture the essence of the season and leave you with a jolly vibe!

Since it is the jolly season of gifting, if you are looking for the perfect festive gifts and delights, their renowned Sweet Boutique presents an enchanting collection of festive goodies that will elevate your celebrations to a completely new level of self-indulgence and delight. For the ideal holiday spirit, they are also organizing kids’ gingerbread house decoration activity; on selected during December and January days.

Finally, if holidays are more about rejuvenation to you, don’t miss the ‘Sweet Taste of Relaxation’ crafted by The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa. Get that holiday glow as you treat yourself, or your beloved one, to the unmatched relaxation of our chocolate treatment and as you experience a chocolate scrub followed by a chocolate body wrap and a relaxing body massage with cocoa oil to set your festive mood.

Ring in the New Year with an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration at Nox where you could party the night away with unmatched panoramic views of the Nile and live entertainment by our DJ alongside several surprise performances.

Pair that magnificent view and live tunes with scrumptious international bites and the finest drinks at hand and it is a picture-perfect celebration. While if you are looking for a party with an oriental twist, Bab El Sharq is ready and set to welcome you to a Mediterranean Extravaganza featuring Chef Ahmad’s Lebanese menu with Egyptian fusion alongside a captivating lineup of entertainment, including mesmerizing belly dancers, electrifying oriental performances and live music to start your new year on a high note.

You may also wish to bid farewell to 2023 and start 2024 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner at Vivo. Their authentic Italian Chef, Leonardo, has put together a menu bursting with festive flavors and enchanting Italian vibes to transform your evening into a memorable one. The excitement does not end there; join us for the grand New Year countdown in Bar’Oro where the night gets even more exciting with music, laughter, and unforgettable #RCMemories to start the year with.

No matter which experience you choose, The Nile RitzCarlton will make sure you are immersed in unmatched festive vibes and incredible delights. Follow their Instagram Page @TheNileRitzCarlton for their latest happenings or call 25778899 for more details.

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Living Festive Vibes in Every Corner of Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino It’s time to discover the wonders and merriment of the festive season with an endless list of things to do at Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. This Christmas, jingle those bells and come together with your family and friends to enjoy a wide variety of Christmas delicacies at Rawi’s Christmas buffet overlooking the Nile on the 24th of December from 10pm to 3am.

As for the New Year’s Eve celebration the options are endless at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino. Start the New Year in style at our VIP club lounge with a magnificent gala dinner. Enjoy a great live entertainment with a stunning 360 views on the amazing city of Cairo. Indulge in an Egyp-

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tian night full of delicacies and authentic entertainment, Arabic singer and belly dance Show at El Mawardia. Sip into your favorite cocktail and kick off the New Year with us 70s style at Studio 70. Gather around the table and experience some Japanese magic at Sapporo restaurant. Treat yourself to a New York Italian style New Year at Giannini’s restaurant.

At Sheraton Cairo hotel and casino we will make sure you will have a great celebration for the best time of the year.

For further information and reservations, call 01022216883.

Living et Indulge in a Festive Feast that Sparkles with Holiday Cheer at Le Meridien Cairo Airport!

Gather your loved ones and join us for an enchanting Christmas Eve dinner at EVOO restaurant where twinkling lights and the aroma of holiday spices create a warm and festive ambience.

Savor a sumptuous spread of festive delights expertly crafted by our culinary exerts from mouthwatering roasts to decadent desserts, our Christmas Eve buffet promises to be a feast for the senses. Sunday, 24th of December 2023 from 7:00PM to 10:30 PM Ring in the New Year with a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration at EVOO where culinary excellence meets celebratory ambiance.

Dance the night away with live Entertainment, DJ, and belly dance show that sets the perfect celebratory mood while indulging in a sumptuous festive buffet that feature delectable appetizers live cooking stations and signature desserts

Book your spot now and Join us for an unforgettable night of glamour, signature delights, and glittering festivities (Sunday, 31th of December 2023 from 8:00PM to 03:00 AM).

Get ready to bid farewell to 2023 in style at Live Sports Bar. Join us for an electrifying New Year’s Eve celebration filled with vibrant energy, crafted cocktails, and unforgettable moments. Let our mixologists tantalize your taste buds as you savor the signature flavors of the night (Sunday, 31th of December 2023 from 9:00 PM to 02:00 AM).

Embrace the New Year’s Eve with family and friends with a memorable stay at Le Meridien Cairo Airport! Start your day with breakfast for two and add to the festive spirit with a complimentary, destination inspired seasonal cocktail. La Fete room package includes* Daily breakfast for two; Destination inspired seasonal cocktail 1 per person, per stay. For reservations call 22659600.

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A Gift for the Holidays

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Amira Selim releases Ancient Egyptian song “Merut Ek,” just in time for Christmas.

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By Angy Essam

elebrating the New Year and Egyptian Orthodox Christmas, famed soprano Amira Selim has released her latest music video entitled “Merut Ek” (“Your Love”), an Ancient Egyptian love song.

Singing accompanied by harpist Mona Wassef, Selim improvised “Merut Ek” on Prelude by JS Bach. The song was mixed and edited by Mafdy Thabet and its lyrics are taken from the Chester Beatty Papyrus, after being reviewed

by Egyptologist Yasmin El Shazly.

English and Arabic subtitles were added to the music video of “Merut Ek” to help people to understand the song lyrics. “My heart bares itself instantly at the memory of your love. It does not let me walk like a person. It has strayed from its shelter and does not let me put on a dress. My heart bares itself instantly at the memory of your love. My heart, do not stray,” the lyrics say.

The video clip for “Merut Ek” was shot in France by director of photography Medhat Soody, edited by Kamal Abou Hashem and directed by Hisham Abdel Khalek.

Selim initially presented the song in December 2021 during her participation in the opening of Nefertiti Palace’s Egyptian virtual city of Metatut. The diva shared her song with her fans through social media platforms announcing, “This is my gift to you for the holidays.”

“Merut Ek” was released on different music platforms, including YouTube, Anghami, iTunes and Spotify.

The Voice of Ancient Egypt Amira Selim was born on January 1, 1976 in Cairo, and comes from an artistic family. Her father is the late plastic artist Ahmed Fouad Selim, and her mother is the Egyptian international pianist Marcel.

Selim graduated from the Cairo Conservatory and completed her postgraduate studies in France. She performed many solo performances across most of France’s theaters and has played the lead roles in various international operas including “The Barber of Seville” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” among others.

She also participated in Disney films, featuring in the Arabic version of the movie Cinderella as Doria and in Bambi with a song entitled “Mahma El-Omr Yetool.”

Selim rose to fame after her exceptional orchestral performance during the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade in Egypt, where she performed her hymn, “A Reverence for Isis,” in the ancient Egyptian language.

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It’s a Wrap! et

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By Mariam Elmohandes

At a loss for what to get your loved ones this season? Check out our guide to last-minute DIY Christmas gifts.

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t’s beginning to look like Christmas! As we count down to the holidays, some of us are so busy thinking up unique shopping lists and the gifts we’re going to get for our friends and family that we get too carried away and lose track of time. Others are sucked up in the mad rush to meet deadlines before the break and end up with no time to purchase gifts or decide what to get loved ones.

Here we bring you some last-minute DIY Christmas gifts that are easy to make and that your loved ones are sure to appreciate. Always remember that it isn’t the expensive gifts that make Christmas so special: It’s all about showing gratitude and appreciation.

Put together a photo album Nothing says that you care about someone more than putting in the effort to make a gift.

A photo album is an easy gift to make and will be appreciated by all. Collect your favorite photos of your friends and family in an album, then write something along the lines of “Remembering the good times and for more great times to come.”

Create a poster board For something personal yet that everyone can participate in, you can make a poster with a picture of your friend’s group in the center and they can write personalized messages or quotes that sum up your friendship.

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Fill a jar with affirmation notes How do you show your love and appreciation? Just write some notes, put them in a jar, and give them to your loved ones as a gift. Tell them to open the jar and read the notes whenever they’re feeling down.

Make a mug You don’t have to be a professional potter to make a mug, but you can easily find mug design painting sets that you can purchase online, and the personalized result will be a pleasant surprise for the friend or family member you’re gifting.

Bake a batch of cookies Baking isn’t the easiest of tasks, but no one’s asking you to make a cake or a gingerbread house: a stack of delicious cookies are a great and quick gift to whip up.

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Around Town AUC, University Of Tübingen Offer Joint Political Science Master’s Degree

The American University in Cairo (AUC) and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen in Germany is now offering a joint Master of Arts in comparative and Middle East politics and society (CMEPS). The program marks the first official joint degree between AUC and another university and the first master’s degree in political science accredited in Germany, Egypt and the United States –– a distinct offering of its kind.

Founded more than 500 years ago, in 1477, Tübingen is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Germany. It is ranked among the world’s top 100 and is known for its excellence and innovation in research and teaching, as well as its longstanding research expertise in the Middle East and North Africa. Likewise, AUC’s political science academic programs leverage Cairo’s position as a key political, intellectual and cultural hub at the heart of the region and center of the Arab world.

Exchanging International Expertise “Our collaboration with Tubingen spans 10 years, and this is a vote of confidence in AUC,” said Nadine Sika, associate professor of comparative politics and director of the CMEPS program at AUC. “The international structure exposes students not only to a wider variety of course topics but also to different classroom dynamics and cultural exchange.”

The CMEPS program stands out for its immersive approach to teaching comparative political science. Students in the two-year program study at both universities, completing one semester away from their home university at the partner institution, which includes Arabic and German language study.

“My time as a CMEPS scholar was an unforgettable experience that I am very thankful for,” said Yasmina Elazazy ’16, ’21, coordinator of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program at AUC and a CMEPS alum. “I really appreciate the interactive learning experiences offered through course workshops and field trips. I attended all of them and didn’t want my exchange semester to end.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Leonie Mühlbauer, a CMEPS alum from the University of Tubingen, said, “The exchange semester at AUC and staying in Cairo allowed me to make friends worldwide and practice my Arabic daily.

Classes were challenging but incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.”

Program cohorts are small, with a maximum of 20 students per year. “This facilitates opportunities for closer exchange between students and the many out-of-classroom learning experiences organized throughout the program,” said Sika.

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Transnational Connections Joint classes allow for dynamic interactions between Egyptian, German and other international students, and the University of Tübingen’s Institute of Political Science ­­–– one of Germany’s top-ranked political science institutions –– teaches some of the modules. The program highlights the relationship between societies and states in the MENA region as well as the dynamics of social and political transformation, focusing on comparative politics and development with an emphasis on the politics, society, cultures and languages of the Middle East.

“Over the past couple of decades, a truly transnational community of knowledge has emerged in social sciences that had long remained nationally based or at most transatlantic scholarly dialogues,” said Nathan Brown (CASA@ AUC ‘84), professor of political science and international affairs at The George Washington University and an AUC trustee. “CMEPS not only profits from that emergent community; it develops and fosters it in ways that future generations will benefit from deeply.”

To promote the link between theory and practice, the program includes study trips to international organizations, development agencies as well as political and cultural institutions in both countries. “This allows our students to network with leading scholars in the field as well as professional experts and career diplomats,” said Sika.

Real-World Experience Besides the semester abroad, the program also constitutes a practicum module whereby students complete an internship with a public or private organization working in the field, usually in the host country –– gaining firsthand and cross-cultural experiences as well as boosting their employability and career readiness. In addition, the program includes a joint international research colloquium.

“CMEPS caters to both academia and practice, providing students with hands-on learning and a unique international profile, which paves the way for their success in a variety of professional pursuits,” Sika added.

Indeed, program alumni have gone on to pursue careers in academia at respected universities in Egypt and around the world. Many have joined the ranks of global entities, such as the International Labour Organization and various UN agencies, while others have pursued careers in government, media, banking, research and civic service.

“The focus on Middle East politics and societies paves the way for students to work in a wide range of careers, from development and diplomacy to NGOs and think tanks,” said Sika.

Around Town et BMW fleet to transport VIP visitors and celebrities

Global Auto, the official BMW importer in Egypt, is proud to announce that BMW is the Official Automotive Partner for the 6th edition of the highly anticipated El Gouna Film Festival (GFF). Taking place from October 14th to December 21st, the festival promises a week filled with cinematic perfection and artistic grandeur. BMW will bring an unparalleled touch of luxury and innovation to this festival.

BMW is providing a fleet of luxurious vehicles to facilitate the transportation of celebrities and VIP guests to the red carpet and all-around El Gouna during the festival. This premium service reflects BMW dedication to improving the overall festival experience for all the attendees.

In addition to the VIP transportation, the 6th edition of the annual festival provides the perfect setting for BMW to showcase its unwavering commitment to art, culture, and technological innovation. As part of the GFF experience, BMW is providing the festival attendees with an exclusive opportunity to experience two of its finest vehicles—the allelectric BMW i7 xDrive60 and the new BMW X6 M60i.

Complementing the vibrant atmosphere of El Gouna Film Festival, the new BMW i7 is on display at a dedicated BMW booth, thereby allowing the attendees to explore the luxurious appeal and innovative excellence of the world’s first fully-electric luxury sedan. Embodying BMW commitment to a more sustainable future, the new i7 xDrive60 features two electric motors that produce 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque.

The fully-electric model display a 101.7 kWh battery with an estimated range of 625 km. The all-wheel-drive electric sedan is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The second showcase located at Abu Tig Marina, where the spotlight will shine on the awe-inspiring the new X6 M60i. which is proudly assembled in BMW plant in 6th of October City in Egypt. Combining exquisite craftsmanship with dynamic driving experience, the high-performance sport features a 4.4-liter V8 engine, producing 530 hp and 750 Nm

of torque. The new X6 M60i is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

Mohamed Kandeel, CEO of Global Auto Group, said: “We are thrilled to have BMW as part of the 6th edition of the GFF. Our partnership with this prestigious festival truly reflects our long-standing commitment in supporting arts and culture, and it deeply resonates with the values of innovation, performance, and luxury that define BMW brand.

This is a great opportunity to showcase our luxury fleet and ensure that celebrities and VIP attendees are chauffeured in the utmost comfort.”

This sponsorship follows BMW long-standing tradition of supporting cultural events and festivals worldwide. BMW has also been a proud partner of the 76th edition of Cannes Film Festival, where its dedication to luxury and culture was similarly evident on the world’s most exclusive red carpets.

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Around Town Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino Welcomes Culinary Maestro Giovanni Seu as New Executive Sous Chef Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino is excited to introduce the incredibly talented Giovanni Seu as the new Executive Sous Chef. Bringing a vibrant blend of expertise and passion, Chef Giovanni is ready to orchestrate kitchen operations and tantalize taste buds with his innovative approach to food.

With a long and rewarding career in the culinary industry, Giovanni has over 30 years of experience. During that time, he had the privilege of working in 7 different countries, each with its own unique culinary traditions and flavors. This diverse experience has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of food and cooking.

We can’t wait to share his culinary magic with you. Prepare to be amazed with flavors and innovative techniques.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in his culinary journey, unfolding right here at the Sheraton Cairo.

Paragon Developments Launches “The Beginning of Change” Campaign to Announce the Arabization of Its Brand Paragon Developments has propelled its innovative campaign to articulate its new strategy, with a key emphasis on anchoring the Arab identity and embracing cultural resonance. This involves a rebranding fortitude, including an alteration in the visual representation and language of the company’s brand. This move serves as the company’s initial step in a broader localization initiative, aligning with the massive localization drift pursued by many brands.

As part of this initiative, Paragon Developments launched an extensive campaign featuring the slogan “The Beginning of Change”, which resembles a strategic interchange that targets to blend modern technology and contemporary advertising methods with Arab heritage and Egyptian national identity. The initiative stresses that Paragon is a 100% Egyptian company adhering to global standards, consistently supporting various sectors within the Egyptian community, it also accentuates the company’s commitment to preserving the Egyptian identity and promoting local industry and products across all scales.

Eng. Bedir Rizk, CEO of Paragon Developments, affirmed that Paragon is not merely a company but rather a movement that is devoted to transforming and advancing

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the concept of work environments to improve our society.

“The company ambitions to connect with the Egyptian community and its Arab nature by rebranding in the Arabic language. This initiative is part of Paragon’s strategies for the forthcoming period, focusing on expanding its business scope in a new phase for the company, pointing to growth in the development of administrative buildings and workspaces. Building on its significant past success, Paragon’s philosophy is primarily strong-minded to undertake more innovative and sustainable projects that align with the Paragon brand”, stated Rizk.

“We spare no effort to utilize this change to highlight the essence of the Egyptian identity and authentically convey the cultural fabric of our society. Paragon aims to build strong relationships with the community by combining modern design, technology, and sustainability while preserving the Egyptian character. We also aim to incorporate the company’s vision, which doesn’t only purpose to build modern communities but also strives to convey a tangible transformation in the perception of the environment surrounding those communities and contribute to refining their quality of life. Our core focus is on sustainability as a methodology to provide productive and efficient workspaces, in parallel to our unwavering efforts to change conventional culture and express the company’s pivotal role in society,” stated Ziad Alaadin, Marketing Director at Paragon Developments.

Paragon Developments owns 120,000 square meters of environmentally friendly workspaces in the New Administrative Capital. Furthermore, the company provides flagship products and initiatives, such as the expanding Paragon Hub on the North Coast and Paragon Pods. It actively engages in real estate technology by partnering with startups in the construction, real estate, and marketing sectors through ‘Proptex.’ Additionally, the company introduced Paragon Talks, a non-profit educational platform.

Around Town et Egytrans and Links Investment Agree to Establish a Joint Logistics and Transport Company in Lucrative Saudi Arabian Market Egytrans, a leading Egyptian logistics and transport provider renowned for its comprehensive integrated solutions, and Links Investment, a prominent Saudi-based investment firm committed to fostering economic growth and sustainable development, have finalized an agreement to establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Both entities will hold an equal 50% equity stake in the newly formed company, which is projected to have a total capital of 10,000,000 SR. The establishment of this joint venture is set for completion by the end of Quarter 1, 2024 with initial capital of 500,000 SR. Strategically headquartered in Riyadh, KSA, the new company will be poised to enter the transport and logistics industry, offering comprehensive services. Leveraging Egytrans’ expertise in project logistics, particularly in the oil, gas, and renewables sectors, the company intends to align with KSA’s upcoming large-scale renewable energy projects scheduled for implementation in 2025 under Vision 2030.

This move aims to meet the growing logistics demands and renewable energy initiatives in the region. The collaboration will draw upon Links Investment’s significant business diversification, extensive asset base, international partnerships, and substantial land bank across KSA, enabling the expansion of operations and enhancement of logistical capabilities.

“Egytrans has long pursued a strategic approach to expansion, aiming to seize growth prospects not only in Egypt but on a broader international scale,” remarked Abir Leheta, CEO of Egytrans. “Our recent acquisition of NOSCO, a significant heavy transport player in Egypt, highlights our commitment. The collaboration with Links Investment, a dynamic Saudi Arabian enterprise, to establish a pioneering company focusing on wind farm and other specialized transport solutions is a strategic move. This collaboration, based on shared objectives, aims to capitalize on the burgeoning Saudi market. “Saudi Arabia stands as the largest potential market for logistics providers in the region, with

analysts estimating up to $240 billion as the total value of projects under execution in the country, and $1.8 billion available for third-party logistics providers. The country’s logistics sector shows significant growth potential driven by economic diversification, increased trade activities, substantial infrastructure projects, and government initiatives positioning KSA as a regional logistics hub.

“We are excited about the vast potential of the Saudi market and look forward to a collaborative partnership with Egytrans,” expressed Mr. Mansour Al-Mobty, CEO of Links Investment. “Our vision aligns with an era of transformative growth, aiming to leverage Links Investment’s assets to establish cutting-edge logistics facilities, further enhancing our market capabilities. This partnership is built upon shared values, common goals, and a collective pursuit of success, positioning us for sustained expansion and progress.” The new company signifies a significant advancement, combining Egytrans’ logistical proficiency with Links Investment’s strategic investments to capitalize on the projected growth opportunities in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

A Global Marriott International appreciation for Hany Zaki front office manager at Sheraton Cairo Hotel The bustling lobby of the Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino hummed with activity. Guests checked in, chattering excitedly about their upcoming adventures. Amidst the controlled chaos stood Hany Zaki, Front Office Manager at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino, a confident figure radiating calmness and efficiency. His journey to this position was a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality. Over 27 years Mr. Hany showing his hard work and loyalty to Marriott International.

In 2023, Zaki received a letter of recognition from Marriott International’s top management in the EMEA regional office as well as the global office. He was honored to receive this appreciation letter from Mr. Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Satya Anand, the President, Europe, Middle East & Africa of Marriott International, Mr. Sandeep Walia, Chief

Operating Officer - Middle East at Marriott International, and Mr. Ahmed Hozaien Area Vice-President Marriott International. We asked Mr. Hani Zaki about how he feels receiving the recognition letter. He stated, “I felt immense gratitude and there was also a surge of pride that swept through me. Knowing that my commitment to excellence resonated all the way up to the regional office was incredibly validating. It reinforced my belief that I am on the right track and instilled a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.”

Hany Zaki’s story is an inspiring example of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine passion for service. He embodies the qualities of a true hospitality leader, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues, guests, and the industry as a whole. He continues to inspire his team with his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction

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Parting Shot

Destination: Egypt Lonely Planet has ranked Egypt on its Best in Travel 2024 List. “With Luxor’s enigmatic tombs, the timeless essence of the Nile and the mighty Pyramids of Giza, Egypt has a bounty of historical riches that don’t cost a fortune to visit,” says Lonely Plant, and this year Egypt maintains its sixth-place position on the affordable destinations list. “Experience a priceless connection with another side of Egypt’s heritage on the Sinai Trail and the Red Sea Mountain trail, two long-distance hiking routes founded by a collective of Bedouin tribes. And hopefully the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum will finally open in 2024.”

Photography by Mohamed Fawzy

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