Our picks of the best travel spots for your perfect holiday getaway this summer.2022August/Julyegypttodaythemagazineofegyptvolume41•number7-8 LE AugustJuly30/2022 the magazine of egypt DESTINATION: SUMMERPlus:Egypt’s Fairy Tale BeachDestinationsWedding
SPIRIT OF BIG BANG MECA-10 Black ceramic case. In-house manual movement, with a 10-day power reserve. 533-304-105
30FEATURESRomancebythe
Sea Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano introduces newly launched beach villas to bring an elevated level of glamour and grandeur to Egypt’s Mediterranean Coast—and is a perfect honeymoon destination. 32 Revelling on the Red Sea Dive in and explore Egypt's Red Sea with Marriott International.
48 Mauritius: An Island Adventure From exciting nature reserves to breathtaking vistas and fabulous beaches, Mauritius offers fun and memorable experiences for all the family.
36 Five DestinationsBreathtakingforYour Beach Wedding Egypt has a number of splendid beaches to turn your dream wedding into reality. By Rana Hamdy 42 Fairytale Weddings Check out these exclusive hotel venues for the wedding of your dreams.
62 Art in Dialogue with Nature Large-scale land art commissions in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert region offer an unparalleled opportunity for enrichment and education, supporting the local economy and arts ecosystem and potentially shaping the course of art history in real time.
With travel now open around the world, we bring you some up-and-coming hotspots for your holidays. Cover design by Heba Mekky 28
98 Sara Sabry: Egypt’s Citizen Astronaut Mechanical and bioomedical engineer Sara Sabry is set to become the first ever Egyptian Citizen Astronaut to fly to space. SUMMER
34 Summer Weddings Wedding season is on and we have you covered when it comes to offers and venues.
July-August 2022 vol 41 - number 7-8 Visit us online www.egypttoday.comat COVER STORY DESTINATION:
54 At One with Nature Japan’s National Parks and natural vistas are the hidden gems every traveller looking for peaceful landscapes needs to visit.
This revival of the late Ibrahim Abd Elmalak’s celebrated oeuvre is a testament to the artist’s unique ability to blend the conventional and unconventional.
FOOD TODAY 72 Five Refreshing & Delicious MocktailsSummer Beat the heat with these flavorful drinks.
26CultureHeritage
THE GUIDE
10FilmShahinaz
Through the Lens Egypt’s Ministry of Culture launches a heritage photography competition in Cairo.
By Rana Hamdy 74 A Little China in the Heart of Cairo China Red takes guests on a culinary adventure into China’s rich flavors and hospitality traditions.
By Rana Hamdy FASHION TODAY 80 Inspiration for a New Change Founder of Tales of Shopping Sandra Fares shares her journey on normalizing and promoting thrift shopping. By Rana Hamdy 84 Soak Up the Sun Five sunscreen myths you need to stop believing. By Rana Hamdy 86 Encapsulating the Spirit of Yoga To mark International Yoga Day, value fashion brand REDTAG promotes fitness and healthy lifestyle with eye-catching retro sportswear.
16ArtYears of Love
By Rana Hamdy
Reading Three of the best beach reads to unwind with.
By Angy Essam
TECH TODAY 88 At the Touch of a Button Amazon, Emirates and Property Finder launch new digital services.
Through AfricanAmerican Culinary History In this exclusive interview, food historian Adrian Miller talks about soul food and the diverse food cultures of the dynamic American South.
By Angy Essam
Elakkad: The Sky’s the Limit With Elakkad at the helm, Lagoonie Film Production has been making quite a buzz in Egypt’s film, television and entertainment industry.
12FilmThe
ALSO........... 92 Around Town 98 Parting Shot
1952 Revolution through Egyptian Cinema A look back at the movies that have immortalized the great revolution in the minds and hearts of Egyptians over generations. By Angy Essam
22BooksJourneying
24BooksSummer
If you're stuck in Cairo and want to experience some international flavors, head to Le Meridien Cairo Airport's China Red for culinary adventure into China’s rich flavors and hospitality traditions. This issue we also commemorate the July 1952 Revoultion, as Senior Writer Angy Essam takes us back in time through Egyptian cinema and revisits the movies that have immortalized the great revolution in the minds and hearts of Egyptians over generations.
Wedding season is also on and we have you covered when it comes to offers and venues. Egypt has a number of splendid beaches to turn your dream wedding into reality: check out our picks of five breathtaking destinations for your beach wedding. Don’t know where to start when it comes to picking a venue or planning a wedding? Don’t worry, our featured exclusive hotel venues and their expert teams will help you turn the wedding of your dreams into reality. Our beach theme continues with our Lifestyle sections where we show you how to make five refreshing and delicious summer mocktails to beat the heat, bust five sunscreen myths you need to stop believing, and bring you three of the best beach reads to unwind with.
Founder William Harrison Chief Mohamed Abdel Baky Editor
TripAdvisor also recently chose Cairo and Luxor among the 22 most popular tourist destinations in the world during 2022. The go-to website had previously chosen Hurghada among the top 10 tourist destinations to visit during 2022.
Egypt Awaits
With the resumption of tourism and travel worldwide, there has been a notable increase in tourist visits to Egyptian destinations, which Travel Awaits describes as being among the best tourist attractions in the world because it brings culture, history, distinguished geographical location, entertainment and marine activities together in one country.
For our special Destination: Summer edition, we bring you some highlights of popular places to visit all around Egypt’s beaches, from Gouna, Hurghada and Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Alexandria and the North Coast on the Mediterranean.Afterseveral years of intense travel closures and industry disruption, international destinations are all opening up as well, and intrepid travellers are looking to visit lesser-known destinations this summer. We bring you some upand-coming hotspots to check out this holiday season.
JULY-AUGUST 2022 - VOL 42 - NUMBER 7
— Noha nmohammed@egypttoday.comMohammed
(1940–1995) Executive Editor in
Managing
At press time Travel Awaits, a website specialized in tourism and travel affairs, ranked Egypt ninth out of the 17 most popular tourist destinations for travelers around the world during 2023, based on next year's travel bookings with international tour operators.
Noha BusinessSafarkhanSeniorDeputyMohammedEditorAngyEssamWritersSamarSamirHananFayedWalaaAliContributorsRanaHamdyArtGalleryArtDirectorWaelWahbaCreativeSupervisorHebaMekkyDevelopmentDirectorSherifAnisSeniorPublicRelations&AdvertisingEmanHassanSeniorSalesManagerSayedAboElMagdForadvertisinginquiriespleasecontact01222239700EgyptToday,foundedin1979,ispublishedmonthlybyInternationalBusinessAssociatesGroup,CaymanIslands.USOffice:EgyptToday,P.O.Box2191,Austin,TX78768.Tel:+1(512)743-6279.Camera-readyadvertisingcopydeadlinesarethe10thofthemonthprecedingpublication;reservations,cancellationsandchangesmustbemadebythe20thofeverymonth.SUBSCRIPTIONSE-mailus:subscriptions@egypttoday.com.www.egypttoday.com6MinistryofAgricultureStreet,Mohandiseen,Cairo,Egypt+2(02)277333102-27704596-25772545(Switchboard,alldepartments)editor@egypttoday.comsales@egypttoday.comCTP&PrintingAlAhramCommercialPressFollow us here egypttodaymagazineEgyptTodayMagEgyptTodayMagazine
EXPLOREASIANDELIGHTFULCUISINE Capture the essence of Asian food at YANA , setting the stage for an exotic feast for the senses. Relish a variety of delicious dishes that have been elevated with the finest ingredients. Experience the flavours and spices of Thailand, China, Indonesia and Japan. For reservation or more information, Please call or WhatsApp: 01097111151 or email: fbresv.royalmaxim@kempinski.com
THE GUIDE Art • Books • Film • Food • Health • Music • Stage • Style• Tech • Television • Travel • CultureBOOKS Journeying Through AfricanAmerican Culinary History In this exclusive interview, food historian Adrian Miller talks about soul food and the diverse food cultures of the dynamic American ThreeSummerSouth.Readingofthebestbeachreads to unwind with. The 1952 Revolution through Egyptian Cinema A look back at the movies that have immortalized the great revolution in the minds and hearts of Egyptians over generations. FILM BOOKS
Guide | Filmet 10 JULY 2022
By Angy Essam of the Red Sea International Film Festival and received wide acclaim from critics and audiences, garnering sev eralElakkad’sawards. hard efforts are all paying off. Her career continues to boom through a chain of remarkable ac complishments over the past five years. Currently, she is working on the remake of the classic film Anf w Thal ath Oyoun (A Nose and Three Eyes), based on renowned Egyptian novelist Ihsan Abdel Quddous’ masterpiece by
S hahinaz Elakkad is the woman behind Lagoonie Film Production, one of the youngest and most successful production companies that’s been making quite a buzz in the film, television and entertainment industry recently. With flying colors, Shahinaz Elakkad summed up this last year with movies that headlined the news, includ ing Amr Salama’s light-hearted drama Barra El Manhag, which landed its world premiere at the closing ceremony
With Elakkad at the helm, Lagoonie Film Production has been making quite a buzz in Egypt’s film, television and entertainment industry.
Shahinaz Elakkad: The Sky’s the Limit
Guide | Film et 11JULY 2022 the same name. The film will be taking on a new perspec tive and a different style than any other adaptation of the novel.Itlooks like she’s got a lot on her plate; especially with four mega projects cooking; Inshallah It’s A Boy, A Chap ter From the Fabled Life of Nawal, Alaam, El-Shetan Mosh Shater based on a novel by George Azmy, and Egaba which should be released soon. Her portfolio includes well-known films like by Mohamed Diab, which Lagoonie co-distributed and won three awards, the Palestinian film Huda’s Salon Hany Abu-Assad, the Jordanian film The Alleys by Bassel Ghandour, Daughters of Abdul-Rahman by Zaid Abu Hamdan, and Feathers by Omar El Zohairy as well as the short film Shoka we Sekina, starring Menna Sha laby, Eyad Nassar and Asser Yassin.
Founded in 2017, Elakkad’s Lagoonie Film Pro duction has produced several successful movies; to mention but a few, Fare’ Khebra, Ras El Sana, A’az El Weld, and Cairo Mecca, by Hani Khalifa, star ring Mona Zaki, Mohamed Mamdouh, and Shereen Reda. In addition to films, it produced a number of remarkable TV series including Ana Shahira ... Ana Elkha’en, and Nemra Etnein With the aim to develop the film and TV industry in Egypt and the Arab world, Elakkad is continu ing to make high-quality films and TV series that address fresh and original topics in order to put the Arab film and TV industry on the international map.
tiansmindsthethatAlookbackatthemovieshaveimmortalizedgreatrevolutionintheandheartsofEgyp-overgenerations.
The Revolution1952throughEgyptianCinema
By Angy Essam Cinema will always remain the truest and the most authen tic archive of history. As we commemorate the anniver sary of the July 23 Revolution this issue, we cannot forget the works of Egyptian filmmakers chronicling the revolution that changed the course of both Egyp tian and international history at that time.
Rudda Qalby (Give Me My Heart Back) , which was produced in 1957, is one movie that reflected the revolu tion, its goals and positive results. The great late Egyp tian director Ezzeldin Zulfikar succeeded in conveying to the audience the story of a poor peasant whose son (Ali), played by the veteran actor Shoukry Sarhan, managed de spite his difficult circumstances to join the aristocratsonly military faculty.
Guide | Film et 13JULY 2022 Egyptian cinema has played a great role in advocat ing for the revolution, closely documenting it through a series of distinguished films. But even as it portrayed how the rvolution was planned and its positive results, it also presented the negative aspects as well. Some films focused on the revolution’s advantages, while others fo cused on its disadvantages. We take a look at the master pieces that have kept the July 1952 evolution alive in the hearts of the nation.
Port Said is another movie championing the revolu tion and its leader, then-President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The closing scene of the movie cuts to an Egyptian bri
Ali later rises to power after the revolution, against an unfolding immortal love story that takes place between arguably one of the most famous couples in Egyptian cin ema: Princess Angy, performed by the late great actress Mariam Fakhereldin, and Aly. Together they overcome all social differences between them, to live happily ever after.
gade chanting Nasser’s name. The movie incorporated true scenes of the destruction of the statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a symbol of European colonialism, in Port FouadProducedcity. in 1964 and directed by Mahmoud Zulfikar, Al-Aydi Al-Naema (The Soft Hands) reflected how af ter the revolution Nasser managed to shore up the huge chasm between the upper class and the new emerging middle class. The film focused on the importance of work as the main criteria to judge people and not their social class. Starring Sabah, Salah Zulfikar, Ahmed Mazhar and Mariam Fakhr Eddine, the plot involves a formerly landed aristocrat who is forced to work for a living after being dispossessed by the revolution. He befriends an unem ployed Arabic language professional who is unwilling to accept a job that does not befit his status. Both must ad just to the new social and political realities in an emerg ing socialist Post-revolutionEgypt.cinema producers made several movies that conveyed the corruption and harsh conditions that existed before the revolution like El Qahira 30 (Cairo 30) and Fi Baytona Ragol (A Man in Our Home) , where they criticized the past and provided context for the revo lution.
Guide | Filmet 14 JULY 2022
Guide | Film et 15JULY 2022
The movie Allah Maena (God Be With Us) dealt with the officers’ participation in the war in Palestine and the tragic loss of life and serious injuries, which led to anger among the military. As a result of this outrage, the Free Officers Movement headed by Nasser was formed by army officers to save Egypt from King Farouk and his corrupt entourage. The movie ends with the ousting of the king and the rise of the revolution. Other iconic classics such as Al-Karnak (1975), the 1978 Wara Al-Shams (Beyond the Sun) , and the 1979 Ihna Bitua’ Al-Autobis (We Were Just Riding a Bus) all revolve around the same theme condemning the practices of both Nasser and the Egyptian intelligence against citi zens. They focused on citizens’ unfair arrests and torture in prisons. In addition, they showed the oppression and injustice citizens were subjected to by the Nasser regime.
“But even as Egyptian cinema portrayed how the 1952 Revolution was planned and its positive results, it also presented the negative aspects as well. ”
Safarkhan is treating guests to a timely exhibition, a revival of the late Ibrahim Abd Elmalak’s celebrated oeuvre. The exhibition constitutes a comprehensive curation of ink drawings, paintings, and metal and wooden sculpture sourced from across the breadth of Abd Elmalak’s diverse body of work, and in essence it is a posthumous continuation of his Years of Love series of exhibi tions which powered his rise to prominence. Abd Elmalak’s This revival of the late Ibrahim Abd Elmalak’s celebrated oeuvre is a testament to the art ist’s unique ability to blend the conventional and unconventional in thoughtful harmony.
16 JULY 2022
YearsLoveof Artwork courtesy Safarkhan Art Gallery
This collection features some of Abd Elmalak’s accom plished and adventurous sculpture work spanning bronze, wood, and marble mediums. The sculptures mostly depict his characteristic figures of feminine form and feeling—a central element to Abd Elmalak’s creative process—which he thoughtfully marries with symbolically complementary ele ments from nature or with the alluring concoctions of his own imagination. Their fronts exude his romantic artistic
Guide | Art et 17JULY 2022 diverse portfolio exemplifies not only his versatility, but per haps even more importantly his unique ability to blend the conventional and unconventional in thoughtful harmony, which esteemed modernist and author Hussein Bicar (19132002) deemed a “highly intelligent duality between the ki netics of the universe and its stillness.”
Guide | Artet 18 JULY 2022 language evident in his prose and poetry, as he was also a prolific writer, while their backs reveal a new composition of a different language and content, based on a concept of absolute abstraction.
Bicar explains Abd Elmalak’s artistic duality as one in which the language of silence integrates with the language of dialogue to “create an unconventional moral unity that confirms its solidity and tenderness simultaneously.”
Abd Elmalak’s drawings are reflective of a composition al method that is based on free-flowing and distinct lines
In parallel with his artistic career, Abd Elmalak worked as a press illustrator and art critic at the widely circulated Sabah El Kheir magazine. He also served on the board of the Association of Fine Arts in Egypt as a chief consultant for decor at the Ministry of In formation and the Egyptian Armed Forces from 1969 to 1976. In 2001 he authored a book on one of Egypt’s greatest pioneers, Salah Abdel Kerim (1925-1987), under whose mentorship he studied while at university.
—CourtesySafarkhanArtGallery
Guide | Art et 19JULY 2022 and contours that he uses to amalgamate caricature-esque female figures with monuments and landmarks from his travels, script, animals and natural elements into intercon nected and unified tapestries. His selected paintings explore themes of entrapment, companionship, oppression, emanci pation, and faith, which he explores and animates through his demure and virtuous female subjects, all of which exhibit a certain poise, elegance and depth of character.
About the Artist
Ibrahim Abd Elmalak (1944-2011) graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts Cairo in 1969 after which he completed his studies at the Italian Arts Academy of Rome in 1976-1977. He had numerous solo exhibitions in Egypt and then abroad in many countries across Europe, Africa and America.
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With offices in Morocco and South Africa and after recently celebrating their first anniversary in Nigeria with a star-studded event that included in attendance Lorne Theophilus, Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Board of Saint Lucia and other Nigerian A-listers, RIF Trust aims to further its presence in other leading African countries this year.
To find out more about the benefits of Residency and Citizenship by Invest ment or to get in touch with an authorised representative, click here: hellotofreedom.com
RIF Trust is the leading Residency and Citizenship by Investment firm in the Middle East and Africa. It’s part of the Latitude Group and has a local focus with a global reach with over 22 offices worldwide, including in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Mohamed Hegazy, Residency and Citizenship Director of RIF Trust stated, “The RIF Trust brand is all about inviting the world to S.M.I.L.E., which means, we aim to provide Safety, Mobility, Investment opportunities, Lifestyle, and Em ployment or Educational benefits across the world and RIF Trust prides itself on being one of the leading firms delivering such services through its outstanding Residency and Citizenship by Investment programme options. We care about providing generational preservation for your family.”
Going above and beyond, RIF Trust believes in taking responsibility for the communities in which it operates and has supported numerous community initiatives over the years. RIF Trust sponsored Cricket for Cause, a charity event that aims to raise funds for the education of unprivileged girls in India.
RIF Trust is one of the few consultancies that work directly with governments without any intermediaries, offering more than 20 fully accredited residency and citizenship programmes.. RIF Trust has cultivated long-lasting relation ships with the governments of countries offering RCBI programmes such as the Commonwealth of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and the European country of Malta.
RIF Trust Expands its Presence in the Middle East and Africa to Provide a Smooth and Transparent Process of Residency and Citizenship by Investment
Another formidable relationship worth mentioning is RIF Trust’s key part ners: the Investment Migration Council (IMC). The IMC is the regulatory body for the RCBI industry and sets the standards of investment migration on a global level to ensure that regulations and best practices are being followed by advisory firms. RIF Trust and Latitude Group were appointed the IMC’s Regional Rep resentative Office (RRO) in the Caribbean region and has recently been named the IMC’s RRO in the Middle East. Through this appointment, RIF Trust will be responsible for bringing a voice and raising awareness to the investment migration industry in the Middle East and Africa, helping guide clients and governments and to promote education and best practice for all its members. David Regueiro, RIF Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, stated “The Middle East and Africa regions are two of the most active markets in the investment mi gration industry. RIF Trust has had the privilege of assisting over four thousands investors and their families in obtaining alternative Citizenship or Residency by Investment and have worked closely with governments for over a decade. We look forward to continuing to uphold our high moral values through maintain ing the highest levels of service and best practices for our clients, partners and governments that we work with.”
RIF Trust: www.riftrust.com
RIF Trust and Latitude Group is also proud to announce that its Malta office is celebrating its first applicants receiving their Maltese citizenship approvals un der the newly established Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN). These first applicants and their families started their MEIN journey in December 2020 and took just under 18 months to receive their citizenship approvals. Malta citizenship allows its citizens with a passport the ability to travel to over 180 countries visa-free, including the USA and Canada, as well as the right of set tlement in all 26 countries of the EU. Primary applicants can choose to include their spouse and children, parents and grandparents within their application.
The world is constantly evolving and with the changing dynamics comes new growth prospects. However, global access is critical to take advantage of these emerging global opportunities. With better global access through Citizenship and Residency by Investment, Middle Eastern and African nationals can take advantage of their wealth-creation talents, and drive even greater economic prosperity.RIFTrust, whilst preserving connections to home countries, allows individu als and businesses visa-free travel to over 140 countries, first-class education, high-quality healthcare options, and greater security through its second Citizen ship and Residency by Investment programmes and has successfully assisted over 4,000 clients around the world in securing this. RIF Trust’s government advisory team works closely with governments to create or develop a wide range of investment migration programmes for clients.
In 2021, RIF Trust partnered with Smile Train, a UAE initiative which has supported the treatment of more than 1.5 million cleft lip cases in 90 countries all over the world. In 2022, embracing the spirit of generosity as part of their annual Ramadan charity, RIF Trust distributed much needed iftar meal boxes to labourers within the Emirate of Sharjah in collaboration with the Sharjah Charity International. Also in 2022, RIF Trust sponsored the education of ten children from The Special Foundation for 1,500,000 Naira.
Due to RIF Trust’s transparent, smooth, and reliable process, investors can complete the whole process without leaving their home country. Clients can submit their residency or citizenship applications online and after the necessary due diligence is complete, can receive approvals within as little as three months. Applying for an EU Golden Visa for Portugal or Spain granting residence in the European Union within a short period of time, in approximately 180 days, offering many advantages without the need to move permanently. Some of these advantages include, travelling to any Schengen country without the need for a visa and the wide diversity of investment opportunities. Or applying for a second citizenship from one of the five Caribbean countries that allow visa-free travel to over 140 countries, can be done from anywhere in the world when a client chooses RIF Trust to manage their application.
Founded in the heart of Dubai, RIF Trust emerged from the need to pro vide more freedom of travel and enhanced investment opportunities around the globe. Established in 2013, the concept of RIF Trust was founded by Mimoun A. Assraoui, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RIF Trust in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In 2015, David Regueiro joined forces with Assraoui as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of RIF Trust. Through an entrepreneurial mindset, strategic partnerships, and dedication to quality, RIF Trust has reached the pinnacle of the investment migration in dustry by repositioning itself not only as a trusted client consultant but also as an experienced government advisor and Business-to-Business (B2B) partner in only 9 years of operations. RIF Trust enables businessmen, entrepreneurs, and investors to expand their businesses and gain access to foreign markets, in addition to international education and freedom of travel for themselves and theirAsfamilies.partoftheir vision to expand the company’s reach, in 2018 RIF Trust merged with the globally renowned Latitude Consultancy, another leading citizenship and investment advisory firm that operates in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe and Asia. Now formally known as RIF Trust and Latitude Group, the company has successfully positioned itself as global advisory experts for Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) with more than 22 office locations worldwide and over 100 professional advisors utilising their over 100 years of combined experience in providing superior investment services to their clients.
In light of RIF Trust’s support for community initiatives, Mimoun A. Ass raoui, CEO of RIF Trust stated,“RIF Trust is proud to dedicate our efforts to provide all the possible support from our side to the MENA region. It is our Cor porate Social Responsibility and we encourage more companies in the private sector to support as many humanitarian causes as possible.”
Acclaimed American book author and historian Adrian Miller is by all means a one of a kind sto ryteller. As part of its Black History Month activi ties, the US Embassy in Cairo sponsored the visit of American culinary historian Adrian Miller. Miller stopped briefly in Egypt following several days in Dubai where he was representing the United States at the US Pavilion at the 2020 World Expo. The reception at the DCR, held a few days before President’s Day, was Miller’s first event in Cairo. During the reception, Miller gave a presentation on the “liquid history of the US presidency” that focuses on the fa vorite drinks of US presidents. During the remainder of his time in Egypt, Miller gave presentations to Egyptian audi ences on the contributions of African-Americans to Ameri can cuisine, the history of Black chefs in the White House, and the history of soul food.
By Angy Essam
22 JULY 2022
“African-American contributions to American cuisine have been substantial because for several centuries AfricanAmericans were the ones primarily delegated to do food ser In this exclusive interview, food his torian Adrian Miller talks about soul food and the diverse food cultures of the dynamic American South.
JourneyingThroughAfrican-AmericanCulinaryHistory
Soul food scholar Adrian Miller is an award-winning food writer, certified BBQ judge and expert on the diverse food cultures of the dynamic American South. In this exclusive interview, the globally acclaimed storyteller and award-win ning book author talks about the liquid history of the U.S. presidency, African-American contributions to American cuisine and the concept of soul food.
While Roosevelt also loved to have a Martini, and Presi dent Eisenhower liked to drink Scotch, in the White House the drink of choice is wine. “Presidents like George Wash ington and Thomas Jefferson drank a lot of wine but they drank beer too,” Miller said, but explained that the beer didn’t have the alcoholic content it has now, so it was called ‘small”Onebeer.’ofmy favorite stories is that Harry S. Truman and his wife loved to drink Old Fashioned which consists of whiskey or bourbon, a simple syrup, sugar, water and a citrus element, usually orange but sometimes you can use lemon. When Truman arrived at the White House he asked them to make him an Old Fashioned, but after taking the first sip he asked them to make it less sweet. After he tried the second attempt Truman said it was horrible and that it tasted like a fruit punch. The staff then gave the president and First Lady only bourbon and ice, and after he tasted he said yes, this is how you make Old Fashioned!” Miller revealed.
Guide | Books et 23JULY 2022 vices,” Miller said. “The strongest place where we see these contributions is the food of the American South, this kind of food is built on native Americans and later what enslaved Africans and European immigrants built on those founda tions,” he elaborated.
Before President Truman in the mid-1950s, the president was responsible for paying for all the kitchen help, so any president at that time had to be a wealthy person to do that, so rather than pay to someone, they would just bring a slave to cook in their homes and in the White House.
“So Washington did that, Jefferson did that and a lot of the early presidents did that, so early White House cook ing was originally made by African-Americans,” Miller said, noting that Washington DC is technically in the south, so Southern food was the baseline food in the White House.
According to the liquid history of the US presidency, White House presidents consumed alcoholic beverages but they don’t want the public to know this fact. “The reason that we now know what presidents used to drink is that a number of staff members in the White House wrote mem oirs after they left work, revealing presidents’ favorite drinks,” Miller shared.
“White House memoirs have disclosed that the Kennedys liked a number of drinks such as Bloody Marys and daiqui ris, made using banana, cream and rum and is a very popular drink in Florida. President Obama was known for drinking beer,” Miller told Egypt Today. “The interesting thing is that the last few US presidents such as George W. Bush and Don ald Trump don’t drink at all.”
“One story I love to tell is that Roosevelt used to drink mint julep. The ingredients of mint julep are Bourbon whis key, water, sugar and some mint leaves. When Roosevelt was thinking about running as a third party candidate, his ri val got a newspaper editor to say that Roosevelt drank too much. Roosevelt sued the editor for libel, and he had to announce every single drink he had consumed in his life,” Miller revealed. “One of the drinks he talked about was the mint julep, he added that it was made by an African-Ameri can and that he only took a sip. A popular newspaper at the time said it was impossible to take only one sip because the drink is so good!”
”West African ingredients which were brought to the United States are things like black-eyed peas, okra, hibis cus, sesame seeds, a type of rice and watermelon, but the primary influence was that regardless where the food come from, African-Americans were the ones who often made this food either in private homes, restaurants and hotels. A lot of people have the taste of African-American cooking” Miller pointed out, adding that if we go back to history, the typical White House chef is a black woman.
Three of the best beach reads to unwind with.
By Rana Hamdy If you’re spending some time alone at the beach, there is no better company than a light read and some music. Just picture it, enjoying the sun on a lounger, sipping on ice-cold drinks, and immersing yourself in reading a nice book. With a mood as chilled as this, you don’t need a heavy read but rather something as breezy as the air around you. So, while you enjoy the sun and the beach, here are some reads that are pleasurable as summer escapes.
By Emily Henry Two authors engage in a three-month challenge to finish a book before summer ends. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed literary fiction author and January Andrews is a bestselling romance author. Both au thors have nothing at all in common except living in neighboring beach houses, both are broke, and stuck with writer’s block. One evening, they strike a deal to get them out of their creative ruts.
Guide | Bookset 24 JULY 2022 ReadingSummer
Beach Read
By Josie Silver Cleo Wilder, a dating columnist, spends her thirties alone against what she wanted. She then plans a solo retreat at the insistence of her boss to get re-energized and add more depth into her column. She then books into a luxury cabin on an Irish Island aiming to look after herself and figure out her future steps in love life and career. At the same time, Mack Sullivan was planning for a solo retreat away from his life in a soul-searching journey which brought him to the same island. Accidently, a mistake happens that overbooks them in the same room due to some unknown error which means they had to stay together in the same room for one week.
PeoPle We Meet on Vacation one night on the island
Guide | Books et 25JULY 2022
By Emily Henry Poppy and Alex are two friends but have nothing in com mon. She’s wild with an insatiable wanderlust while he is the type who prefers to stay home and read. They both live far apart but have managed to travel together for one week every summer over the past decade until something went wrong between them and never spoke again. Un happy, Poppy tries to convince Alex with another trip to fix everything in just one week.
The deadline for receiving contestants’ inqui ries will be August 10, 2022. These inquiries will be answered no later than September 1, with the deadline for receiving works set at September 18. Winning participants will be announced on Octo ber 13, 2022 with prizes being awarded in Decem ber ahead of an exhibition of participating works. The official website of the National Organization for Urban Harmony will serve as a portal for the competition.AbuSaada explained that the competition prizes are presented by ICESCO and will be as follows:
The first section, “The Urban and Architectur al Heritage of Cairo” is $1,500 for the first prize, $1000 for the second prize, $750 for the third prize, in addition to two encouragement prizes of $500, respectively. The prizes for the second section’s competition “The Urban and Architectural Heri tage of the Islamic World Countries” will be $1500 for the first prize, $1000 for the second, $750 for the third, in addition to seven encouragement prizes of $500 each.
Egypt’s Ministry of Culture launches a heritage photography competition in Cairo.
Heritage Through the Lens Celebrating Cairo as the cultural capital of the Islamic world, the Ministry of Culture recently launched “My Heritage for Photography in Cairo & the Cities of the Islamic World” competition, in coopera tion with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Na tional Organization for Urban Harmony headed by Mohamed Abu Saada.
The Ministry of Culture called on photogra phers in Egypt and the Islamic world and mem bers of ICESCO to focus their lenses on the ar chitectural heritage sites promoted by member states, to highlight the aesthetics of the region’s architectural heritage, its details, and its formu lation in an artistic photograph that reveals the cultural dimension and the architectural heritage that is represented in each member nation’s build ings and heritage areas.
Guide | Cultureet 26 JULY 2022
CHIC CELEBRATION LE CAIROMERIDIENAIRPORT T +2 02 2265 cairoairportlemeridien.com/9600 At Le Méridien Cairo Airport, we infuse every experience with light-hearted sophistication and a lively spirit of discovery. From intimate gatherings to visionary ceremonies, we offer matchless service, inventive cuisine and evocative wedding venues to unlock stylish festivities. Let your wedding become a source of inspiration and a celebration for you and your guests with wedding packages crafted to entice and enchant. For more information call +02 22659767
With travel now open around the world, we bring you some up-and-coming hotspots for your holidays. Summer Destination:
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Romance by the Sea they need to reconnect with friends and family and create lasting memories on our beautiful stretch of the Mediter ranean coast.”
“With plenty of space indoors and out, stylish interiors in spired by sea and shore, and opportunities for entertaining or simply relaxing, we hope that guests will find everything
Modern Luxury and Privacy on the Mediterranean Coast
Once the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and to day a favorite seaside holiday destination, the city of Alexandria has been drawing travellers to Egypt’s northern coast for centuries with its intoxicating blend of history, culture, authentic Mediterra nean dishes, and relaxed seaside mood.
The new Beach Villas offer something entirely fresh for Al exandria—stylishly luxurious homes away from home with private pools, expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, calming gardens, and sun terraces for soaking up the Medi terranean rays. Each villa has one, two or three bedrooms, making them equally as suited to couples as they are to families.Separated from the rest of the hotel by a subterranean passageway, the Beach Villas’ seafront location instills a sense of privacy that feels like a world of its own. Out here, the Mediterranean breezes cool hot summer days, the sea calls with invitingly refreshing waters, and captivating sun sets lead to long, warm evenings that are perfect for strolling
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano introduces newly launched beach villas to bring an elevated level of glamour and grandeur to Egypt’s Mediterranean Coast—and is a perfect honeymoon destination.
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Egypt has long been a muchloved icon, a place that’s as much a part of the lives of locals as it is holidaymakers, and the opening of 22 new luxuri ous Beach Villas in time for the 2022 summer season gives visitors another reason to make the city their destination of choice.“Our new Beach Villas are bringing a completely new ex perience of luxury to Alexandria, and we’re thrilled to be launching them now,” says General Manager Nihat Yucel.
A Private Getaway Connected to the Best of the Cosmo politan City Even though the new Beach Villas may feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Alexandria, the city remains reassuringly close, the Alexandria skyline being visible from the Beach Villas, just a short distance down the Cor niche.The extraordinary Bibliotheca Alexandrina with its in triguing exhibition spaces, the beautiful Royal Jewelry Museum, and the Corniche with its colorful fishing boats bobbing in the waters, early 20th century architecture, and families strolling along the waterfront are all within easy reach, and are just some of the things that add to the allure of this intoxicating city. Be among the first to experience the new Beach Villas at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Egypt and enjoy a third night free. For bookings call (02) 03 5818000.
The new One-Bedroom Villas with Private Pool are an in vitation for couples to escape from it all, where the sea breezes meet Alexandria’s cosmopolitan flair. Spanning the waterfront along the golden sandy beach, these romantic accommodations create opportunities to wake up to sun rays shimmering on the blue waters of the Mediterranean, to spend long hours lounging poolside, and to toast the end of a beautiful day with sunset cocktails in the villa’s garden, all in perfect privacy.
A Captivating Couple’s Getaway
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Idyllic Family Beach Holidays With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, the new villas are perfect for entertaining, whether it’s a family barbecue in the garden or a party by the pool. The Two-Bedroom Beach Villas and Three-Bedroom Beach Villas, both with private pools, make for ideal family escapes, feeling like their own mini-resorts with lush gardens, hammocks, sun terrace, pri vate gated entrance, and the shimmering Mediterranean on the doorstep. Each villa also comes with a fully equipped kitchen, but with a private chef catering a family lunch expe rience or a dinner party around the private pool.
There’s no reason for kids or adults to get bored here, with a playground, tennis court, beach volleyball, beach gym and fishing activities all to hand. And for those who like to keep fit on vacation, fitness coaches are on hand to arrange exercise sessions in the pri vate seafront gardens, or head over to the beach for a game of tennis or a morning run, with the Mediterranean views guaranteed to create an inspiring start to the day.
Design Inspiration from Sea and Shore Located on the hotel’s 800-meter private stretch of Mediter ranean seashore, lapped by warm waters and cooled by sea breezes, the villas offer a relaxing escape that is uniquely Al exandrian in style and sense. The interior design is inspired by the seaside setting, with a color palette covering the spec trum of blues from cool pastels to vivid tones of the Medi terranean. In an artful setting, the paintings and sculptures reference summer beach holidays, and views of sea and sky enter the villas through large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead directly onto the sun terrace. The mood con tinues outdoors, where stripy blue chairs and sand-colored recliners inspire long lazy days in the sun. And it’s just a few short steps from bed to pool or sunbed, the perfect luxury for any well-deserved holiday.
Featureet Reveling on the Red Sea Dive in and explore Egypt’s Red Sea with Marriott International. Courtesy Marriott International
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Located an hour’s drive from Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab (the City of Gold) is known as one of the best destinations in the world for kite and windsurfing. A combination of endless sandy beaches surrounded by fascinating colored mountains and crystal-clear turquoise water, Le Meridien Dahab Resort offers bounty of activities such as boating, water-skiing, snor keling, diving, kite surfing, along its unique spacious accom modation options with private terraces, gardens, and breath taking sea El-Gouna,views.with its trendy cosmopolitan gateway, may be experienced from the beauty of the Sheraton Miramar Resort El-Gouna, a blend of Arabian and Nubian styles de signed Hotel by American architect Michael Graves. The resort is spread across nine interconnected islands sur rounded by the pristine waters of the Red Sea in the heart of El-Gouna City.
Farther south, stretching over 40km along the coast, you can simply enjoy Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort at the heart of the lively beach town offering an array of restaurants and bars that will get you covered all night long.
It is always the best time to visit the Red Sea, where a tale of a unique destination awaits you within Marriott’s Red Sea Resorts, and where all the essential ingredients of a perfect getaway can be found.
n underwater “Garden of Eden,” Egypt’s Red Sea has always fascinated travelers and residents alike, with its endless sandy beaches, superb cor al reefs, diving centers, biking trails, state of the art spas, beachfront restaurants, bars and coastal towns and a lot more, that will keep even the most discerning holidaymaker happy.
As for the perfect family escape destination, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort is a haven of luxury relaxation and leisure with an endless range of activities and an iconic hotel entrance design, resembling Luxor’s Karnak Temple, where adults can enjoy golfing at the Gary Player-designed course or relax at the Tha lasso Spa while kids are exploring Hurghada’s first Aqua park SPLASH at the convenience of the hotel entrance.
Spanning over 800 kilometers of golden sandy beaches, the coastal towns of Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Soma Bay, El-Gouna and Hurghada have grown into an immensely exclusive beach destination, boasting top-of-the range fivestar resorts with undeniable treasures, numerous activities, exciting watersports and golfing adventures and its vibrant nightlife.Withmore than 60 diving spots, the Red Sea is a true div er’s paradise home to over 200 species of coral and 1,000 rare and colorful myriad species. For deeper exploration, natural protected marine reserves, and famous underwater locations such as Yolanda Reef, Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve, and the SS Thistlegorm sunk ship from the 1940s are an experi ence like no other. Take in the beauty of the Red Sea, and float away into a dream vacation in an exquisite destination along the south part of the Sinai Peninsula, in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where the all-inclusive Renaissance Sharm Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort boasts a luxurious style, with its opu lent lobby, sumptuous accommodation and luxury design.
Nearby, you can enjoy the Sheraton Sharm El-Sheikh Hotel, Resort, Villas & Spa, with its sea view rooms, direct access to the pristine private beach, PADI Dive Resort, and a divine Spa Center.
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Wedding season is on and we have you covered when it comes to the best offers and summer venues. MagicalMoments
By Rana Hamdy If you’re tying the knot this summer, nothing can be more magical than exchanging your vows against the picturesque backdrop of the sea while surround ing yourself with your nearest and dearest. For a few years, beach weddings have been growing really popular and Egypt is blessed with so many breathtaking beaches mak ing them all an ideal destination for your big day. Here are some of Egypt’s most splendid beaches to turn your dream wedding into reality.
Beach 5 Wedding
Egypt has a number of splendid beaches to turn your dream wedding into reality.
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El Gouna has been a popular wedding destination for a while now due to the variety of options you get there. This Red Sea destination is luxurious and chic plus you have a lot of entertainment venues for pre- or post-wedding parties.
El Gouna
The close proximity of Ain Sokhna to Cairo makes it on top of the list of options when it comes to beach weddings. The shorter the distance, the more likely that all invited guests will make it. Ain Sokhna has a beautiful backdrop of majestic mountains hugging the beaches and there are several resorts where you can host your wedding ceremony.
Ain Sokhna
Soma Bay
A secluded and magical spot in the Red Sea. Soma bay boasts an 11-kilometer coastline so basically, you are surrounded by the sea from all sides. Picturesque sunsets guarantee a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding. Moreover, Somabay has a roundup of up scale five-star hotels, making this niche and laidback destination ideal for a wedding celebration. Also, don’t forget to relax and unwind at their globally re nowned spa, Cascades Spa & Thalasso.
If you want a simple and bohemian wedding, Dahab is your destination. Being a sought-after diving spot plus a destination to relax and chill all make Dahab a great destination for a unique wedding. A big plus is that you can plan a lot of excursions and activities to enjoy before and after the wedding. Dahab
Your Maldives dream wedding can become reality on the North Coast. With cerulean waters and white sandy beaches, nothing can look more beautiful. Be ing Egypt’s most popular summer destination with a lot of lavish venues and hotels, the North Coast is where you can have a full-on extravagant beach wed ding. Additionally, let’s not forget the nonstop sum mer parties that take place there so you can arrange a full week of partying before the big day. North Coast
For over a century The St. Regis brand has been re nowned for its tradition of innovation and commit ment to impeccable service at more than 40 hotels and resorts around the world. Since the opening of The St. Regis New York, St. Regis has become a sym bol of uncompromising refinement and bespoke service. Continuing the tradition, The St. Regis Cai ro brings its legacy of butler service and signature rituals for the first time in Egypt.
The most spectacular events and weddings will take place at Astor Grand Ballroom, located on the first floor. Guests enter through The Crystal Hall, which is located at the Porte Cochere, outside the lobby and this allows an exclusive and private en trance for the guest. Before entering the Astor Grand ballroom, guests will enjoy a series of crystal glass chandeliers; and an extravagant Swarovski chande lier with 250,000 individual crystals hanging from the center of the hall and the impressive crystal stair case overlooking the River Nile. The ballroom surroundings incorporate refined dark brown wood with bronze detailing that is inspired by the authenticity of the Arabesque Egyptian designs. Included in the wedding packages is the exclusive but ler service. A female butler will be present to support the bride during the day, and a male butler to assist the groom. The St. Regis’ bespoke services team intends to make the wedding day a dream come true.
Weddings
A New Era of Unmatched Weddings With The St. Regis Cairo’s Indoor Ballrooms Overlooking the Nile
Fairytale
Check out these exclusive hotel venues for the wedding of your dreams.
The St. Regis Cairo is known to have hosted many of Cairo’s most exclusive and memorable events and wedding receptions outdoors, and now the hotel is ready to host the most exquisite indoor weddings at its magnificent ballrooms. The huge Swarovski chandeliers and crystal staircase offer a rich back drop for intimate occasions and unprecedented cel ebrations.Request an appointment with a St. Regis Special ist and explore exceptional rates for your friends and family’s stay at Cairo’s best address for weddings.
Fantasy Wedding at Fairmont Nile City
When planning your perfect day, this hotel starts with your dream, your vision, your picture-perfect image and then makes it happen. Fair mont Nile City’s wedding experts and valued partners provide couples with the highest level of personalized service, while paying attention to every small detail to turn their vision into reality. Their experience and dedication are limitless, allowing the team to meet the needs of every bride and groom and bring their personal fairytale to life. With more than a decade of experience, the Fairmont Nile City’s professional wed ding specialists provide creative solutions to ensure your special day is magical and unforgettable from your very first step in the hotel till you see your dream coming true with many surprises awaiting you.
Revel in the beginning of a new chapter in your life at Mountain View Skala North Coast. There is no other destination quite like this exquisite beach in Ras Al Hikma blend ed with an InterContinental impeccable service, where the hotel’s wedding packages will make this a day to remember. The InterContinental’s packages will create a tailored event and the wedding of your dreams in the North Coast. Every detail is attended to with care; every moment is a cherished memory in the mak ing. Each InterContinental address is one of authentic distinction and storied elegance. Envision the exchange of vows on the pristine beach of Ras Al Hikma and delight the first dance under the stars. From the Mediterranean as your backdrop, to an exquisitely adorned dance floor and impeccable service, the InterContinental’s experienced events team will provide all the elements necessary to surpass your expectations and create a dream-like beachfront wedding. The InterContinental Cairo Citystars team will ensure your wedding is a unique occa sion reflecting the distinct tastes of yourself and your loved one. Every detail of the cer emony will be customized to your unique preferences, creating a personalized celebration and a memorable experience for you.
InterContinental
Cairo Citystars: Bringing Your Wedding Dreams to the Shore
The hotel’s distinctly designed event spaces offer a range of possibili ties, from outdoor Venues to indoor ballrooms, to engage and inspire you and your guests as you celebrate your love in style.
The hotel’s wedding planners will celebrate your unique ideas and support your creative vision, working with you to curate the sights, sounds, flavors and delightful experiences that will make your event truly memorable for you and your guests. Taste the unexpected and discover the innovative flavorss and creative presentations behind Le Méridien Cairo Airport’s carefully curated fare with a wedding menu set to awaken the senses and ignite the taste buds. All menus can be fully customized with a wide selection of inspiring in gredients that will turn any wedding day into a spectacular dream wedding.
Weddings at Le Méridien Cairo Airport inspire, with stylish touches and romantic details sprinkled throughout every moment of your day.
Chic Celebrations at Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Mokattam and Mirage ballrooms are ideal for smaller-scale and more intimate weddings and engagement par ties. Compact, comfortable, and exclusive; each of these smaller ballrooms can accommodate up to 150 guests and can be styled to match your unique preferences. Each of the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel’s wedding pack ages offers appealing options including customisable venue spaces, atmospheric interior setups, mouth-watering catering choices, diverse entertainment options, as well as some complimentary extras. Booking one of these packages will ensure that every stage of organizing your dream wedding will be effortless and enjoyable.
Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel knows that it takes expert planning, access to the best quality resources, and a great deal of artistry to create the ultimate wedding experience. Knowing that many newly engaged cou ples may not have the time to source and coordinate all these important elements, the Hotel has thoughtfully designed a number of outstanding Weekend and Weekday wedding packages incorporating everything you will need to make your wedding a success. Choosing one of these packages will allow you to fully relax and enjoy all the fun and excitement leading up to your big day.
Celebrating Your New Chapter at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel
The ultra-sophisticated Baron Ballroom is a superior choice for spectacular gala weddings and dazzling engagement parties. Accommodate up to 500 guests in this exceptional space, and enjoy a wealth of gourmet catering options, exquisite decorations, atmospheric lighting, vibrant live music, a beautiful kosha setting and professional photographic documentation of your wedding.
Kempinski has one of the most experienced professional event and banquet teams. They start the day with the bride in her private bridal suite, where she and her bridesmaids spend the day taking photos, and spending precious moments together before dressing up for the wedding. Whilst the groom is waiting, he gets to spend the day relaxing. The couple will receive two complimentary nights at the hotel, complete with breakfast.
The Royal Wedding at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski
If you’re seeking a majestic outdoor dream wedding, opt for The Terrace, inspired by Austrian palatial courtyards. The Terrace can host up to 300 guests.
Live your royal dream wedding at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski with the largest ballroom in Egypt. The Excelsior Ballroom is 3,042 square meters and named after the largest diamond known in the world. It hosts up to 3,000 guests and is divisible into three sections for smaller weddings.
Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski offers the best catering in town. Choose from a selection of 50+ wedding cakes and tailor-make your special wedding menu accord ing to your preferences.
nature trails are also to be found throughout the island and will be memorable experiences for the whole family. The temperature in Mauritius is moderate and the island is a Muslim friendly nation as 17 percent of the population is Mus lim. Restaurants serve a wide range of halal food and there are prayer facilities all over the Island. Conservative families can opt for private accommodation with pools to enjoy their privacy. We round up some of the thrilling activities that families and visitors can enjoy on this beautiful island.
An Island Adventure
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Mauritius:
From exciting nature reserves to breathtaking vistas and fabulous beaches, Mauritius offers fun and memorable experiences for all the family.
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ith resumption of flights to Mauritius, this island nation is the perfect destination for families and children. The island offers world-class luxury resorts, fabulous beaches, and nature reserves that will keep young ones entertained forMosthours.resorts have kids’ clubs where dedicated staff look after younger guests, and where specially planned activities and events are on offer. Amusement parks, museums, sports activities, and
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Feeding Giraffes and Walking with Lions Whether you’re looking for an adren aline rush or a gentle escapade, Mau ritius has something to offer each family member. Travellers can enjoy going on a safari trip where they can come up-close with African animals on the tropical island. They will also have the opportunity to feed a giraffe or walk with the lions. Mauritius is home to a host of fascinating birds and animals. Chil dren will enjoy outings where they can see, touch and learn about the wide variety of creatures, both big and small. Younger visitors will also have the chance to get introduced to giant tortoises that have lived for 100 years. These massive centenarians are a sight to behold. Also, they will meet the Mauritian Kestrel or the rare Pink Pigeon, and the bright-hued Macaws. With 1,500 Nile crocodiles living on the island, visitors can take a picture of a baby crocodile in the palm of their hand as a unique souvenir.
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An early morning one-on-one with marine life makes for an extraordi nary and unforgettable experience. Dolphins love the warm Mauritian waters and are often seen playing in the bay as the sun rises, before heading back to the open sea. Visitors to Mauritius will have a unique opportunity to see these adorable marine mammals in their natural habitat.
At Home with Dolphins
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Zipping Away Ziplining is an exciting way to take in the breathtaking surroundings and a magnificent view of the forest canopy. There are ziplines of differ ent lengths, heights, and speeds to choose from, allowing adventur ers to discover diverse landscapes while experiencing the adrenaline rush at the same time. Mauritius boasts the most extended ziplines in the Indian Ocean. Zipline ac tivities are offered in many sites around the island and are becom ing an increasingly popular activity for families.
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At One Naturewith
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Japan’s National Parks and natural vistas are the hidden gems every trav eller looking for peaceful landscapes needs to visit.
Who would have known that Japan is home to 34 national parks, ranging from vol canic peaks and fumaroles in the north ern prefecture of Hokkaido to evergreen laurel forests in Okinawa in the south, with plenty in between. They’re quite the counterpart to the urban scenes that many travellers to Japan expect to see. But with 21,945 square kilometers of land dedicated to na tional parks and countless more covered with forests, lakes, mountains and rivers, nature lovers have plenty of reasons to get off the beaten track and explore some of Japan’s lesser-known rural areas.
Volcanic landscapes and an archipelago of 120 islands in the Unzen-Amakusa National Park One of Japan’s first three national parks to be established in 1934, Unzen-Amakusa is centered on the Mount Unzen active volcano and the 120 islands of the Amakusa archi pelago. Stretching across Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshi ma prefectures in the south of Japan, this is a land of smol dering volcanoes, landscapes shaped by pyroclastic flows and sulfuric steam. But it’s also a land of incredible beauty and diversity, with the volcanic slopes being covered in flow
Hakusan Easily accessible from Kanazawa and Hida Takaya ma, Hakusan National Park’s landscapes change dramati cally with each new season. Home to 1,800-year-old cedar trees, cascading waterfalls, primeval forests and mountain trails, you can also find dinosaur fossils in the layers of Ju rassic-period rocks.
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All of this volcanic activity means that the area is rich in onsen hot springs, and there’s a wide choice of options to soak in the healing waters. After a hike, soothe your tired feet in the public foot baths in Unzen Onsen, or head to one of the traditional inns, such as Seiunso, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters reputed to have beautifying powers. And another way to enjoy the water, this time the sea wa ter, is to join a dolphin-watching tour. A pod of around 200 wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin makes the waters be tween the Amakusa Islands and the Shimabara Peninsula, ers in the spring, and the surrounding sea being home to dolphins, turtles and coral. Unzen-Amakusa’s geological landscapes are perfect for hiking, whether it’s a short one-hour walk or a longer four-hour adventure. Going with a guide will give you great er insights into the wildlife and cultural sites along the trail. For a more leisurely experience, head up to 1,300 meters on the Unzen Ropeway for panoramic views of mountains, sea and volcanos, including Japan’s newest, Heisei Shinzan, formed as a result of a volcanic eruption in 1991. and taking a boat trip out to see them is an unforgettable experience – and you’re pretty much guaranteed a sighting.
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If you like mountain trekking this could be the place for you. Some of Western Japan’s highest peaks are found in this park, and it’s also been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Re serve for its rich flora and fauna. Fall is a particularly good time to visit, with guided hiking tours of the mountains tak ing in the rich autumn colours and breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps. But it’s also a great place for families, including budding paleontologists who will love exploring the dinosaur park in the Hakusan Tedorigawa Geopark. Displays include lifesized dinosaur models and dinosaur fossils found at the Ku wajima Fossil Bluff. You can even try your hand at digging for fossils, cracking open rocks to see what’s inside. There’s also an onsite research facility where you can learn more about the science of paleontology and the many discoveries made in the area – perhaps even yours.
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FUFU Nikko
Flower Power at Oze National Park If flowers are your thing, Oze National Park is the one for you. Home to one of Japan’s largest highland marshes, Oze numa, the park is home to a wide range of rare and plant species, many of which can be seen on an easy trek on wood en boardwalks that take you through flowering meadows in the spring and summer seasons. Keep an eye out for purple irises, tussock cottongrass, white skunk cabbage and broad dwarf day lilies, all of which grow in the marshland here, as well as more than 30 species of dragonfly. Families and beginner hikers can join an easy guided trek on the boardwalks, and those looking for something more challenging can join a full day hike through a forest of fir trees to an elevation of 1,784 metres for spectacular views of WithOzenuma.allof this natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Oze National Park is serious about conservation. In fact, it’s known as the birthplace of conservation in Japan, with groups of local conservationists and businesspeople band ing together to stop energy companies from building hydro electric power plants here, preserving the natural landscapes for generations of visitors to come.
Neighboring Oze National Park and easily accessible from
One of the best places to base yourself for a few days exploring the area is the FUFU Nikko hotel, a small luxurious retreat sur rounded by lush trees and a gently meandering river located next to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, once the emper or’s summer residence and now a museum set in lovely gardens.
The hotel’s restaurant Setchu is the place to indulge in a Kaiseki dinner, where the menu features seasonal items served in a style that blends Japanese and Western influenc es. Or head to FUFU Lounge for exquisite afternoon teas fea turing traditional Japanese sweets, sandwiches and pastries, complemented by Nikko original black tea.
And with every suite at FUFU Nikko having its own in dividual private hot spring bath, you can soak in peace for as long as you like after a day exploring Nikko’s many sights.
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Tokyo, Nikko National Park has plenty of natural and cul tural attractions to draw visitors, from the magnificently ornate Toshogu Shrine to the gold and red Rinnoji Temple, the dramatic Lake Chuzenji, as well as possible encounters with wild monkeys and curious deer.
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Dialogueinwith AlUlaforCommissionRoyaltheofCourtesy Nature Art
Large-scale land art commissions in Saudi Ara bia’s AlUla desert region offer an unparalleled opportunity for enrichment and education, supporting the local economy and arts ecosystem and potentially shaping the course of art history in real time.
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New, large-scale, site-specific commissions by Manal Al Dowayan (Saudi Arabia), Agnes Denes (Hungary), Michael Heizer (US), Ahmed Mater (Saudi Arabia) and James Tur rell (US) will be the first five works to be conceived for Wadi AlFann, a spectacular valley spanning approximately 65 square kilometers. These initial five works will be completed and unveiled by 2024, marking the start of a continued pro gramme of commissions, with more artists and activities to beCreatedannounced.bysome of the world’s most renowned pioneers of land art and artists at the forefront of contemporary prac tice, the concepts, vision and epic scale of Wadi AlFann’s cross-generational commissions mark a new chapter in art history. Juxtaposed with historic traces of ancient desert communities, this unprecedented, ambitious and visionary showcase of contemporary artworks will continue growing in years to come, adding to the legacy of this millennia-old location.“Wadi AlFann is unprecedented in its ambition, a worldleading platform enabling remarkable artists to create the most significant works of their lifetimes,” says Iwona Blaz
he Royal Commission for AlUla recently revealed plans for Wadi AlFann (Valley of the Arts), an awe-inspiring new global cultural destination for contemporary art where era-defining works by some of the most compelling artists from around the world will be permanently placed in the monumental landscape of AlUla, the extraordinary desert region of northwest Saudi Arabia steeped in thousands of years of natural, historical and cultural heritage.
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Sketches for The Oasis of Stories by Manal AlDoway an, for Wadi AlFann Render of Ashab Al-Lal by Ahmed Mater at Wadi AlFann.
wick, Chair of Royal Commission for AlUla’s Public Art Ex pert Panel. “It will set a new global example for experiencing art in dialogue with nature, celebrating the human creativity that unites communities across the world and inspiring cur rent and future generations of artists. A display of such epic scale, set in a terrain as monumental as the AlUla desert, has the potential to shape the course of art history in real time.”
Learning from the desert AlUla is a majestic region of natural and creative heritage steeped in a legacy of cross-cultural exchange. Home to the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNES CO World Heritage Site, the region has been at the cross roads of cultural exchange for millennia, historically lying on the incense trade route and once capital to the ancient Kingdom of Dadan. Today, it is a living museum of heri tage, arts and nature, rekindling its legacy as a vital cultural destination.WadiAlFann will offer an opportunity to experience art in dialogue with nature. Learning from the desert, the artists are responding to the landscape of AlUla, taking inspiration from its dramatic topography, undulating vistas, remark able geological structures and complex natural ecosystem. The works will be created with respect for the landscape, set against the stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons of the vast terrain.
With each of their projects, says Allan Schwartzman, member of Royal Commission for AlUla’s advisory board, “these first five artists have envisioned a work which embod ies the artistic achievements of our time; sensitive to the magnitude and wonder of AlUla and existing in proximity to the significant archaeological remains and vast history in the process of being unearthed and discovered. These art works are visionary in conception, monumental in physical scale and scope of experience, keenly sensitive to site and context, and singular destination pieces created by artists of different generations, cultural backgrounds, and sources of inspiration. Together, they set the foundation for a major new destination for art and trans-cultural exchange.”
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“Wadi AlFann will rekindle the creativity of AlUla and de liver new transformative experiences for locals and visitors alike. As custodians of this land, a crossroad between East and West marked by 200,000 years of natural, human and cultural history, we must continue to harness the unique legacy of AlUla to build its future. It is an honour to be working with such esteemed and celebrated artists to aide our ambitions to further establish AlUla as a world-leading centre for art and culture,” says Nora Aldabal, Executive Di rector of Arts and Creative Industries, Royal Commission for AlUla. “This visionary destination will build a vibrant and prosperous local cultural economy, forging pathways for the people of AlUla to unlock creative potential and be architects of the region’s future.”
The living museum will provide unparalleled opportu nities for local communities to experience art as a source of education and enrichment. Through job creation, skills development and engagement with local creatives, Wadi Al Fann will strengthen AlUla’s cultural economy, inspiring a new generation of arts professionals and enhancing quality of life for its residents. This epic new destination will also welcome art lovers, adventurers, and globetrotters from across the world on a transformative cultural journey to a unique place of creative and geographical wonder, continu ing the region’s history as a place of cross-cultural exchange.
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The unveiling of the first five artworks will be accompa nied by a dynamic, engaging public programme that will include performances and tours through the valley. In part nership with Madrasat AdDeera, the commissions at Wadi AlFann will offer educational opportunities for local com Render of Ashab Al-Lal by Ahmed Mater at Wadi AlFann.
munities, including practical, skills-based engagement in the process of conceiving and installing the artworks, ses sions with art professionals to develop skills and master classes for local creatives with Wadi AlFann’s commissioned artists. Launching in late 2022 is a pre-opening programme of temporary exhibitions, artist residencies and public sym posia bringing together artists, architects, environmental ists, archaeologists, farmers and local communities.
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A commitment to biodiversity With the preservation of the valley as a central mission, Wadi AlFann is developed in line with the Royal Commis sion for AlUla’s commitment to the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage, which includes reintroducing wildlife and protecting indigenous flora and fauna. The site’s pavil ions, walkways and belvederes will use locally sourced ma terials and be positioned to enable free movement of camel herds and other native species. Wadi AlFann will also link AlUla’s two historic capitals—Qurh, one of the seven great marketplaces of Arabia, and Hegra, built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago—adding a rich new dimension to the journey through AlUla that connects its past with its future. Art and creativity are an important component of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and a foundational part of the AlUla experience. It extends the legacy of the site from ancient civilizations into the present, positioning AlUla as a contemporary cultural crossroads and a destina tion built by artists. Forming part of a new nexus of artistic exploration, expression and production, Wadi AlFann is one of various new creative landmarks planned for AlUla as part of its Journey Through Time masterplan, along with the Perspectives Galleries, the Arts District and the Water Pa vilions. The Journey Through Time masterplan, unveiled by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, will see 15 new des tinations for culture, heritage and creativity open by 2035.
Sketches for The Oasis of Stories by Manal AlDoway an, for Wadi AlFann Wadi AlFann, AlUla.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
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A keen, sensitive witness to cultural metamorphosis, Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan’s practice revolves around themes of invisibility, collective memory and the status and representation of women. Her labyrinthine instal lation The Oasis of Stories takes inspiration from the mud walls of AlUla’s Old Town, inviting viewers to walk through and get lost in an architectonic sculpture that replicates the ancient spaces of Arabic settlements. The walls of AlDowayan’s maze-like passages will be inscribed with personal histories and folklore gathered by the artist from communities of AlUla. Influential in the second half of the 20th century and continuing into the 21st, Michael Heizer is known for producing large outdoor earthwork sculptures and for his work with rock, concrete and steel that exists both outside and inside museums and galleries. The earthworks, being outside in the environment, are known to elicit responses not common to architecturally dependent artworks. At Wadi AlFann, he is introducing altogether new lineal/in cised engravings in the sandstone rock, relating directly to the extraordinary geology of the area and the varied detail of the Quweira sandstone. Viewable from a far distance, most of these large-size works will change in appearance as viewers move around the area. Heizer will soon open to the public on a limited basis his monumental sculpture the mile-and-a-half-long City, created in Garden Valley, Nevada, over the course of more than 50 years.
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Manal
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Wadi AlFann, AlUla Render of Ashab Al-Lal by Ahmed Mater at Wadi AlFann.
James Turrell
Agnes Denes Ahmed Mater
A leading figure among the concept-based artists of the 1960s and 1970s, and a pioneer of environmental art, Agnes Denes’ artistic oeuvre is distinctive in terms of its remarkable aesthetics and engagement with science, philosophy, psychology, linguistics, poetry, history, music and sociopolitical ideas. Her new work will continue her ongoing series of monumental pyramids: through care ful examination of the rocks’ characteristics, these new pyramids will awaken the silent canyons they sit within, representing the past, present and future of mankind, ex ploring civilization, advancement and achievement, to create a breathtaking environment.
Physician-turned-artist Ahmed Mater, a significant cultural voice documenting and scrutinizing the realities of contemporary Saudi Arabia, creates his new work Ashab Al-Lal that will explore the mythic space between subjec tive imagination and objective reality by generating a mirage within the sand dunes. The artist challenges the idea of the landmark as a symbol of status and author ity, viewing it instead as a place for the transmission of knowledge. Creating a spiritual, transcendental experience for the viewer, Mater has drawn inspiration from great scientific and philosophical thinkers of the Islamic Golden Age. An exhibition of maquettes and drawings detailing Mater’s vision for this work opens in June at AlUla’s arts and culture district AlJadidah Village. For over half a century, James Turrell, a leading figure of the Light and Space movement of the 1960s, has dedicated his practice to perceptual art, investigating the materiality of light and the limits of human perception. At Wadi AlFann, Turrell will build upon the sensorial experi ence of space, color and perception, creating a series of spaces within the canyon floor. Experiencing light as well as elements of sky and terrain, the viewer will explore these spaces via a series of tunnels and stairs. The work examines the very nature of seeing, creating an experience of wordless thought.
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Plus:BeatSummerCoolerstheheatwiththeseflavorfuldrinks FOOD TODAY An Asian adventure in the heart of Heliopolis
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By Rana Hamdy
&RefreshingDeliciousSummerMocktails (Makes
Beat the heat with these flavorful drinks.
T here’s a lot more to summer drinks than ice teas, lemonades, and sodas. If you’re craving some thing cooling and bursting with flavors to match the beach and pool vibes and want to give your taste buds a treat, try one of these refreshing summer mock tails that will not disappoint. 8 glasses) cups blueberries / 1 cup simple syrup (thickened sugar and water) / ½ cup lime juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 cup fresh mint leaves / 4 cups club soda Directions For the blueberry base, mix the berries, simple syrup, lime juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan and boil. Later, remove away from the heat, add the mint leaves and stir with a wooden spoon. Leave it to chill completely then strain to extract as much juice as pos sible. Take the juice and mix it with ice in a shaker then pour into glasses with club soda. Use fresh blueberries and mint leaves for gar nish.
Blueberry & Mint Spritzers
(Makes 4 glasses)
1 cup pineapple juice / 1 cup coconut milk / ¼ sugar / ¼ coconut cream / 1 teaspoon vanilla extract / 8 cups of ice Directions Mix all ingredients together in a processor and blend well until smooth. Use coconut flakes and pineapple wedg es for garnishing.
(Makes 1 – 2 glasses) ½ cup fresh orange juice / ¼ cup pineapple juice / 1 lemon, juiced / 3 teaspoons grenadine / Ice / Pineapple wedge and cherry. Directions In a shaker half filled with ice, mix the ingredients together and shake well. Pour into a glass with more ice and garnish with cherry and pineapple.
(Makes 4 glasses) ¾ cups fresh lime juice / ½ cup fresh mint leaves / Lime slices / 4 cup ice cubes Directions Mix the ingredients together in a pitcher and stir with a wooden spoon. Pour into 4 glasses, add ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.
Mojito Tropical Punch Raspberry Lemonade Pina Colada
(Makes 3 – 4 glasses) 2 cups fresh berries/ 1 cup lemon juice / ½ sugar / 4 cups of water Directions Mix the berries, lemon juice, and sugar in a processor and blend well for 45 seconds. Pour the mixture through a mesh into a pitcher, then add water and stir well. For gar nish, top the mocktail with raspberry and lemon slices.
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China Red takes guests on a culinary adventure into China’s rich flavors and hospitality traditions.
By Rana Hamdy wide array of appetizers and entrees, soups, and main cours es with the help of the staff. For appetizers we tried Fried Vegetables Tempura, Seafood Dumplings, and Shrimp Spring Rolls which were each served with a side of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. The dumplings were really soft and the seafood filling of shrimps and cala mari was fresh and bursting with exotic flavors. We totally fell in love with the Shrimp Spring Rolls which were crispy on the outside and filled with mixed vegetables and baby shrimps.
The Fried Vegetables Tempuras were a mix of carrot, zucchi ni, eggplant, and Shitake mushroom and a really good thing about this appetizer is that it was not at all greasy. Moving swiftly from one delectable dish to another, it was time for the main course. The menu has a diversified selection of chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian options
R ich, diversified and utterly flavorsome, there’s no doubt why Chinese cuisine is one of the top favorites for diners seeking a culinary experience of fine taste. When it comes to creating an au thentic experience of Chinese gastronomy and its rich cul ture, China Red at Le Meridien Cairo Airport ticks all the boxes. As we stepped in, we paused to notice the interior design with red as a prominent color, which in Chinese cul ture symbolizes long life, vitality, luck, and happiness. The restaurant brings together contemporary elegance with the warmth of tradition, and with Chinese music playing in the background, the whole ambiance creates a little China in the heart of Cairo. After being greeted and seated by the friendly and hospi table team, we took our time deciding and selecting from a
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75JULY 2022 prepared in different cooking styles, so you can rest assured that all your appetite’s cravings will be fulfilled.
First, let’s take a moment in awe of the Wok Stir-Fried Surf & Turf Beef, a sizzling dish of Guangzhou-style sliced beef fillet, shrimp, calamari and vegetables served with steamed rice. The beef was smooth, tender, and juicy enough to just melt in your mouth, and along with the shrimps and special cooking style, our taste buds were instantly stimulated.
Moving to the next main course, we took up the waiter’s recommendation to try the Beijing Duck, a roasted duck served with thin and light pancakes, onion, and cucumber with Beijing-style sauce. The dish is filling enough to be shared with another person. The duck was tender and with a crispy outer layer and you get to really enjoy this dish as you roll the duck slices along with the sauce, cucumbers, and onions and experience deliciousness till the last bite. We also tried the perfect Wok Fried Egg Noodles Vegetables and weren’t surprised to learn from the Chinese chef of the restaurant that the noodles and any other pastry-based in gredients are all homemade. We ended the exquisite culinary experience on a sweet note with delicious and crispy Deep Fried Bananas with tof fee, fresh whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream which all came together to create a taste of heaven. Overall, we had a delightful experience at China Red. The ambiance was perfect and can be an ideal choice for date nights. The food was delicious, flavorsome, and aromatic, and we also got to meet the Chinese chef behind all these great creations and dishes who succeeded in delivering an authentic culinary experience.
Le Meridien Cairo Airport hosted an exceptional celebration in June marking the re-opening of China Red restaurant.Foodies, local media and influencers were invited to sample the distinctive and unexpected flavors of the newly launched menu by unlocking color, aroma and taste of Shanghai Cuisine through an authentic culinary experi ence presented by Chef Zhu. Guests enjoyed savory appetizers to signature Chinese desserts and more.
The team behind Fairmont Nile City’s Gingko restau rant & bar would like to thank all the guests for coming and to wish all future guests a loving and memorable experience like no other.
Fairmont Nile City Hosts Major VIP Event at the Popular Gingko Restaurant & Bar China Red reopening ceremony at Le Meridien Cairo Airport
Fairmont Nile City had the pleasure to host a private VIP event “The Beginning of the Summer Nights” at its extravagant Gingko restaurant & bar, in June. An event like no other, highlighted by its prestigious attendees of celebrities, media representatives, and lifestyle influenc ers.Gingko restaurant & bar has been part of Fairmont Nile City for almost a year and counting, leaving several memories & good impressions along the way since its opening, in November 2021. A special blend between Asian and International cuisine where you rediscover the true flavors of well-known dishes in the heart of Cairo.The VIP guests had the chance to experience a robust outdoor elevated dine-around concept while enjoying the wild ambience with Gingko’s live exhilarating DJ tunes and a unique view of the Nile River. Gingko served a diverse selection of its signature dishes to satisfy the guest’s cravings. The crafted dishes designed for such a night, taking the guest on a tasteful journey, beginning with the notorious Thai Prawn Salad, Beef Tataki, and Tuna Tartare for starters, Volcanic Shrimps and Angus Beef Tacos as buffering appetizers, Wild Truffle risotto, Angus Ribeye Steak, and Sol Del Mare Platter for a rich and tasteful main course, and to end the day on a sweet note with the delectable Blueberry Crème Brûlée, Choc olate Fondue, and Ferrero Rocher cake for dessert.
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EGPEGPTime:Date:experience.EveryWednesdayFrom6pm–12am400perperson700percouple
Delight your taste buds and embark on a delectable journey through traditional Japanese cuisine in the en chanting, authentic far-eastern atmosphere of Yana. Enjoy unlimited sushi and indulge in a wonderfully exotic din ing
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Capture the essence of Asian food at Yana, setting the stage for an exotic feast for the senses. Relish a variety of delicious dishes that have been elevated with the finest in gredients. Experience the flavors and spices of Thailand, China, Indonesia and Japan. Yana offers a fun and inven tive authentic Asian cuisine with a menu that features fa miliar and classic dishes, ranging from dumplings to noo dles, special sushis, makis and sashimis, to entrees with influences and inspirations of different flavors all designed to be shared and most importantly, enjoyed.
Sushi Nights at Yana
Curries of the World at Yana Spice up your life and delight your cravings with au thentic curry flavors from around the globe. Enjoy a vari ety of unlimited curries with a choice of fish, beef, chicken or vegetable platters served with unlimited steamed jas mine
EGP1,500 per person for the Asian class
For reservation or more information, please call or What sApp 01097111151 or email fbresv.royalmaxim@kempin ski.com Explore Delightful Asian Cuisine at Yana
Date: Every Tuesday Time: From 8.00 pm Master Flavors Cooking Class Master Asian cuisine with step-by-step cooking classes. Discover authentic flavors and savor exotic aromas. Guid ed by our executive chef, prepare dishes to your liking be fore relaxing at a leisurely dining experience on your cre ations. Delight your family and friends back home with your culinary skills, your certificate, chef hat and recipes to follow. The classes are to be enjoyed in small groups of family and friends or as a corporate team-building activity for up to eight guests.
Time:Date:rice.DailyFrom 6pm – 12pm Tuesday Ladies Night at Yana Tuesday evenings in Cairo just got a little sweeter! Join Yana every Tuesday and let’s raise our glasses ladies and enjoy three complimentary sparkling drinks and 20% off the food bill.
Soak Up the Sun Inspiring Change Five sunscreen myths you need to stop believing Thrift shopping with Tales of Shopping guru Sandra Fares Plus: FASHION TODAY Eye-catching retro sportswear to get you into the spirit of Yoga
By Rana Hamdy
InspirationforaNewChange
CESSANYONEWITHASUC-STO-RYHASEARNEDITTHEHARDWAY.
Acouple of years ago, any woman who dared say that her clothes were pre-owned or bought from a thrift shop would definitely be frowned upon. Recently, the idea has become more acceptable as some people have grown more aware of the negative im pacts of fast fashion, not to mention the spiraling costs of clothes today. And because such a notion or con cept was considered out of the norm or nontraditional, especially in cer tain social classes, someone had to come out and normalize the idea of pre-owned clothes, speaking from per sonal experience. Most importantly, this person needed be someone a lot of other women from all social classes and ages could relate to.
Founder of Tales of Shopping Sandra Fares shares her journey on normalizing and promoting thrift shopping.
Fares is a multidisciplinary individual; with a major in mass communication and a minor in graphic design, Fares has also studied digital marketing, jewelry design, and is a certi fied stylist. Constantly improving her skills and working on herself, Fares was able to bring together everything she has learned into the one thing that she loves the most: fashion. Her journey wasn’t an easy one, especially as a young woman emerging in a fierce industry of thrift shops and flea markets. She has faced several challenges and gone through tough battles with those who monopolize the industry but -
OUR VAL
UE WEARISWOMENASNEVERABOUTTHETHINGSWEORWHEREWESHOP.”
With an undying urge to be an inspiration for a new change, Sandra Fares founded her Facebook group, Tales of Shopping, two and a half years ago. Through this group, Fares has defied all misconceptions about pre-owned clothes and encourages women to shop smartly where they can buy trendy items in good condition and for far less money. To day this group has grown to become a shopping guide for 291K members with whom Fares shares smart shopping tips and where to shop for less. Moreover, and given how success ful she has grown, Fares also collaborates with renowned lo cal and international brands on giveaway competitions and special discounts for group members.
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despite everything she faced, the obstacles that blocked her way, and competitors’ attempts to have her social media platforms deactivated, she was able to grow and thrive.
“When you try to bring forth something different or non traditional, you either get copied or are ruthlessly fought. Anyone with a success story has earned it the hard way be cause the journey to reach success is never an easy one, in fact, it is tough and full of hardships, rivalry, and people who hate to see you grow and will try to bring you down. But it takes a strong will, resilience and determination to keep going and I never stopped fighting for something I be lieve in, and I didn’t allow those hardships to stand in my way,” says Fares Fares aspires to create a shift in the mindset of women and to normalize shopping-related misconceptions that are usually not welcomed in our society. “I hope that one day women will be able to stop defining themselves based on what they wear or how expensively they spend on shopping. Our value as women is never about the things we wear or where we shop,” Fares says.
If you were to star in a movie playing the role of a fashion designer, who would it be? Elie Saab. A piece of advice you’d give your younger self Work on yourself as early as possible.
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One thing you want to change about yourself I wish I could be less stubborn and learn how to slow the pace down when needed. And one thing you like the most about yourself Being over-ambitious.
Finally, a favorite quote or a motto you live by Fall seven times, stand up eight.
STANDTIMES,SEVENFALLUPEIGHT.THAT’STHEMOT-TOILIVEBY.
Texting or calling? Texting. Pizza and movie night or a party? Being in my 30s, I now enjoy staying in more. Your favorite holiday destination Wherever the sea is.
3 things you can’t live without My daughter, my mother, and my work.
To see my daughter growing up happy and becoming the best version of herself, and also to see my work growing and expanding. Your ultimate style icon Noha El Sherbini (Satisfashion).
UP CLOSE WITH SANDRA FARES
If you have a magic lamp that could grant you any wish, what would it be?
Wanting to know more about Fares on a personal level, we asked her:
Fashionet
By Rana Hamdy
I’ll be sitting indoors or under the shades, I don’t need to wear sunscreen
Staying indoors or under the shades doesn’t protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. You still need to apply sunscreen indoors if you are sitting by the window, under the shades, and even on cloudy days. Yes, some foundations and face powders contain SPF, but this doesn’t mean it can protect you all day long and that you won’t need to reapply. While you may wonder how to reapply sunscreen over the makeup, you can opt for spray sunscreen mists and carry it in your bag for easy application over your makeup. No matter how high the SPF of the sun screen you are wearing it will only last a couple of hours tops, this is why you need to reapply. Also, make sure you buy sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.
2: Myth 5: Myth 3: Myth 4:
So many of us love having that golden tanned skin and we invest a lot in buying the best tan ning oils and creams but don’t invest as much in sunscreens. The biggest myth of all time around sunscreen is that it stops you from getting the tan you want, but in fact, it is an essential part of the process, and skipping sunscreen will not only cause a lot of damage to your skin, but will not allow you to have a tan than stays long enough due to sunburn and skin peeling. Before we talk about the most common myths around sun screen we need to understand how important it is to use it.
SoaktheUp
Sunscreen protects us from UVA and UVB. UVA rays have long waves that penetrate into the thickest skin layer and cause premature skin aging, and wrinkles while UVB is the shorter waves that affect the outer layer of the skin and causes sunburn as well as skin cancer. Now, for all these reasons, you definitely need to wear sunscreen and trust us you will still get tanned. Here are some of the most common myths and mis conceptions about sunscreen. Sun
MythMyth1:
Dark skin might be less prone to sun burn and is not as sensitive as fair skin but that doesn’t mean it gets damaged by the sun. Everyone should apply sun screen regardless of their skin color. Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, that doesn’t mean that applying it once will last you safe enough till the end of the day. If you are spending the whole day in the sun you need to reapply your sunscreen every hour maximum.
My makeup includes SPF, I don’t need to wear sunscreen My sunscreen is SPF 50, I don’t need to apply it often Dark skin doesn’t need sun screen I don’t need to reapply sunscreen
Five sunscreen myths you need to stop believing.
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Drawing eclectic inspirations, Activewear adds an element of style to purpose-made exercise clothing, providing an ad ditional reason to get up and pursue fitness and a healthy lifestyle. REDTAG’s dedicated collection also pays homage to vintage sportswear while retaining contemporary design. In this way, Activewear perfectly encapsulates the spirit of yoga— an ancient practice with timeless significance and practicality.
Seamless short-sleeve cropped tops with push-up leggings in sober gray and dusky pink are just the yoga essentials that women need for a fulfilling yoga session. Activewear also fea tures vintage, sporty and graphic sweatshirts that redefine comfort fashion. For the yoga regulars, there are relaxed tshirts, two-piece sets, workout crop tops, and track shorts— all in warm “Activewearcolors.exemplifies REDTAG’s pre-eminence at the intersection of fast fashion and value pricing. Today, it also complements the growing awareness of fitness among all age groups and a rise in associated establishments such as gyms, yoga centres, and pilates studios. We intend to grow Activewear into a household sub-brand that will ca ter to fitness and yoga enthusiasts across the region,” adds Shehbaz.REDTAG has been actively expanding across the region, with hyper-convenience value propositions such as Any time-Anywhere Exchange, Find Your Size, Fashion Stylists, and Free Home Delivery. With several such first-to-market services in the Middle East and its tiered loyalty program RT Rewards, which boasts over 15 million members, REDTAG continues to cement its position as the leading value fashion and homeware brand in the region. Its contributions were recognized by Retail ME through the ‘Most Admired Brand Campaign of the Year’ award 2021. —courtesy REDTAG
“The practice of yoga, while rooted in Indic culture, has become ubiquitous, with proponents across the world, es pecially in the Middle East. Our Activewear pays homage to this ancient practice by empowering practitioners with fit-for-purpose apparel,” says REDTAG Chief Retail Officer Shehbaz Shaikh. “While also bearing in mind the aesthet ics, we have designed them with unwavering dedication and great attention to detail.” Through Activewear, men can relive the ’90s basketball experi ence with shorts in classic designs. Vintage options also extend to v-neck jerseys. Sleeveless hoodie sweatshirts and shorts with elas ticated fastening are available in muted colors. For those seeking fast-fashion gym outfits, REDTAG has brought enticing tie-dye shorts to go with t-shirts in fun colors like sage green.
Observing International Yoga Day, REDTAG, the Middle East’s leading value fashion and home ware brand, advocated for a healthy lifestyle and fitness through Activewear, its eye-catching line of sportswear for men and women.
Encapsulating the Spirit of Yoga
To mark International Yoga Day, value fashion brand REDTAG promotes fitness and healthy lifestyle with eye-catching retro sportswear.
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Top 5 registered technologies from Sony TV & Home Entertainment Audio Sony is known for leading the market with innovative tech nologies. Let’s look at some of them in the home entertain ment segment that are truly revolutionising the viewing expe rience and putting you right at the heart of the action.
Ambient Optimisation Pro On conventional TVs, brightness stays the same regard less of light in a room, resulting in pictures that are too dark or bright. This year’s Sony’s BRAVIA XR TVs have Ambient Optimization that include an embedded light sensor that optimises picture brightness to room conditions, boosting brightness in light rooms and reducing it in dark ones, so you get the perfect view. Furthermore, Sony’s Ambient Optimisa tion technology recognises that some objects like curtains can disturb the passage of sound, compromising the quality of what you hear. Sony TVs with Ambient Optimization detect objects and reproduces sound that is enhanced and optimised to the room.
Cognitive XR Sony’s Cognitive XR technology uses next generation AI to create incredibly realistic and immersive cinematic experi ences for viewers. By analysing content and recreating it in the same way humans see and hear in the real world, Cog nitive XR allows you to not just enjoy your favourite movies and shows, but feel like you are a part of it. For example, it understands where humans tend to focus in any given frame – like the main character in a particular scene of a movie – and enhances that frame to match how you would see it if it were happening right in front of you. It also uses AI to ensure that the sound in a particular frame comes from exactly where you would expect it to come from. In other words, war epics like Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk would not only look amazing on a Sony BRAVIA XR TVs, but sound fantastic as well.
TECH TODAY
Acoustic Surface Audio Sony believes that beautiful pictures need amazing sound.
Featured on BRAVIA XR OLED models, the Acoustic Surface Audio+ and TV centre speaker mode uses cutting-edge audio processing to ensure that sound is driven centrally, with ac tuators behind the TV delivering crisp acoustics completely in sync with the picture. An additional subwoofer can provide powerful bass to accurately render low frequencies and create a spatial effect that envelops the room. Sony’s Acoustic Sur face Audio+ is part of a long legacy of advanced audio tech nologies that have made Sony the leader it is today. One Slate Sony is rewriting TV design with One Slate, just like it did when it introduced the Trinitron more than 50 years ago. The One Slate concept pushes TV aesthetics beyond the tra ditional realms of furniture and interior design, by condens ing a given product into a single slate. Gone are the days of standard protocols of TV design – no more bulky midriffs, cumbersome wall mounts and hard-to-access buttons. Sony uses advanced display technologies to put various functions within the screen itself, thus eliminating the need for ele ments like speakers, a bezel, or a stand. The result is a seamless and innovative TV design for the ages.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping Dolby Atmos Sony’s new 360 Spatial Sound Mapping means you can feel sound from every direction and distance, even beyond the boundaries of your room. Using an algorithm to add over head, enveloping sound to conventional audio files, 360 Spa tial Sound Mapping converts everything you listen to into an immersive experience. If you enjoy watching wildlife docuse ries like Life in Color with David Attenborough, you’ll hear ev ery wing flap with incredible intensity. Sony’s innovative tech nology creates multiple phantom speakers – up to 12 – from just four real speakers, resulting in an optimised sound field that brings truly life-like sound to your living room. Sony HTA9 home theatre system features the 360 Spatial Sound Map ping for an immersive viewing experience.
The Philips eICU, enables clinicians to interact with staff at the bedside and consult on individual care – even from an offsite location. This means one centralized specialized critical care team can manage a large number of ICU locations, and exchange health information electronically, in real time.
Through the launch of this pioneering system, Property Finder aspires to raise the bar in the real estate industry, driving agents towards creating an improved experience for home seekers. Ensuring that home seekers enjoy a seamless, hassle-free home-finding journey, the ecosystem is designed to help them identify high-quality listings with the agents who respond to their queries in time.
Ari Kesisoglu, President of Property Finder Group, said, “We are committed to empowering the home seekers to find their new home easily, quickly, and effortlessly by constantly investing in the best-in-class technology.”
ADA adds a layer of AI algorithm to the analytics work flow, surfacing quality scores, and rewarding the best-in-class agents for modelling market leading consumer experiences, thereby improving customer experience, and establishing trustworthy relationships.
Custom-developed by Property Finder, the new system uses millions of data points and aims to help home-seekers find the most responsive agents with up-to-date and im proved knowledge of the properties. ADA algorithm combines agent responsiveness, quality of property listings and agent reports, to identify top-perform ing ones as SuperAgents.
Property Finder launches SuperAgent, MENA’s FIRST AI-driven ranking system for agents
“Through the launch of SuperAgent, we deliver our prom ise to enrich the home seeker journey with transparency and Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, is showcasing its portfolio of Artificial In telligence (AI)-enabled, scalable and smart connected solutions that are helping to build a more robust, agile and sustainable healthcare system to address the current and future needs of healthcare in Africa, at Africa Health ExCon 2022 in Cairo. With the highest population growth, compounded by the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases such as can cer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes causing up to 88%* of deaths on the African continent; and 86% in Egypt, the need for further reaching, more precise, and cost-effective care across Africa is undeniable. The immediate need is intensified by the effect of COVID-19, which resulted in disruptions to essential health“Whileservices.connected care is not new, how care connects keeps changing and Philips is at the forefront of the transformation in which data, devices and applications connect patients and caregivers – empowering people to maintain better health and manage chronic illness,” says Vincenzo Ventricelli, CEO, Phil ips Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META). “Emerging tech nology such as AI and connected care, will continue to increase the quadruple aim of care (better health outcomes, lower cost of care and improved patient & staff experience) by seamlessly integrating health data and enabling better collaboration to make the most of the resources we have available to meet grow ing needs.”
unbiased information to build trust in the market. ADA will help us make the real estate journeys seamless and more en joyable as best agents will stand out from the crowd” Kes isogluAccordingadded.to a recent survey conducted by Property Find er, the majority of the leads for real estate come through WhatsApp. Of those leads, about 36% are responded to by agents within 30 minutes, however 30% of requests are not being responded to for different reasons. This problem af fects home seekers’ experience negatively and impacts the overall trust for the real estate sector. That’s why ADA was created.Christophe de Rassenfosse, Chief Product Officer at Prop erty Finder, said: “With ADA, we are aiming to provide in sights to make it easier for the home seeker to select the best agent that provides an easy and hassle-free home-seeking journey. ADA is an independent algorithm built to identify agents that are property seeker obsessed, always looking to provide the best quality property listing and respond faster than any other agents to the home seeker’s needs.”
Property Finder, the region’s leading proptech company, has created and launched ‘SuperAgent,’ Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) first artificial intelligence (AI)-driv en ranking system, powered by an in-house data platform - Agent Data Assistant (ADA).
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Philips highlights the need for the digital transformation of the healthcare sector at Africa Health ExCon 2022
Landmark solutions unveiled at Africa Health ExCon 2022 highlight that the only way to address the continent’s most prominent health challenges is by improving the efficacy of care; first by expanding access to patient health information to empower care provides to make quick, informed decisions, and secondly by ensuring the skills that exist reach much further. This means that technology needs to create efficiencies through secure data sharing, first-time right diagnosis, in creased precision treatment through improved imaging solu tions, and improved clinical collaboration.
Impactyn launches its services in the local market to promote crowd marketing techniques
Jamil Ghani, Vice President, Amazon Prime said: “Today, Amazon customers in Egypt can join more than 200 million paid members in 24 other countries worldwide in enjoying the benefits included with Amazon Prime membership. The combination of fast and free delivery on wide selection, award-winning entertainment, and exclu sive savings is designed to make members’ lives more convenient, easier, and a little more fun every day.”
Amazon Prime benefits for members in Egypt include Fast, Free Delivery; FREE Next-Day Delivery with no minimum order on most governorates across Egypt; FREE Same-Day Delivery on orders over EGP350 placed before 11:30 AM in Cairo and Giza; Prime Day; Prime Video; Prime Gaming; and Prime Exclusive Deals.
“Since the launch of Amazon.eg, we have been expanding on our best-in-class selection to provide customers with hundreds of thou sands of local and global brands across categories, coupled with a fast and reliable delivery experience,” said Omar Elsahy, Amazon Egypt General Manager. “Today, we are thrilled to provide customers in Egypt with a new Amazon product – Amazon Prime – bringing value, convenience, and fun to our customers. We will continuously innovate to bring global know-how with local expertise to fulfill the needs of our customers in Egypt, and there will always be more to come for our customers.”
Aiming to revolutionize the B2C marketing landscape in Egypt and across the globe, Impactyn has officially launched its operations in the local market. The home-grown platform introduces a unique AI-powered crowd marketing technique that connects brands to consumers. The official launch came during a gala ceremony where guests enjoyed the tunes of Lebanese composer Michel Fadel.Founded by Mohamed Wahid and a team of young Egyptian calibers, the unique concept of the platform capitalizes on the boom in social media usage and heavy consumer interaction to share their experience with products and servic es. Through Impactyn, real users will be able to post about the brands they like and trust ensur ing genuine experiences, organic engagement and credible feedback to entice a positive digital word of mouth. In return, users will get benefits or cash through a curated win-win economic model that mainly depends on the power of engagement rath er than follower count. Brands, on the other side of the equation, will be able to measure the ROI through engagement rates, reach the target audi ence and measure the efficiency of the campaign and product in Commentingreal-time.onthelaunch, Mohamed Wahed, Founder and CEO of Impactyn said “the Egyptian startup scene is robust with huge potential for growth. We pride ourselves on being an Egyptian startup that is introducing a new digital concept to the market with very ambitious plans to roll out the concept across the region and the world. Through Impactyn, we aim to empower more peo ple to start their own businesses using their private accounts and help SMEs and startups grow their business and access a platform where they can showcase their brands and garner feedback organi cally.”
Amazon Prime Arrives In Egypt: Shopping, Savings, And Entertainment Bundled Together In One Mem bershp Program
Amazon.eg has announced the launch of Amazon Prime in Egypt, which follows last year’s launch of Amazon.eg. Prime is a member ship program that provides an unparalleled combination of shop ping, savings, and entertainment benefits already enjoyed by more than 200 million paid members in 24 other countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emir ates, among others. Prime benefits in Egypt include FREE NextDay Delivery with no minimum order and access to deals on Prime Day, Amazon’s annual global shopping event. Prime members also get to enjoy watching popular award-winning international movies and series on Prime Video such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power coming this Fall, and a compelling selection of exclusive Amazon Originals; and in-game content and free games to down load with Prime Gaming. Customers can sign up for Prime at www. amazon.eg/prime for a 30-day free trial, and then join for a month ly fee of EGP29 or annual fee of EGP249. For ease of payment and convenience, Amazon.eg customers can pay online using their debit or credit cards. Amazon.eg has also collaborated with Orange tele communications to provide customers with more payment options.
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Tareq Masri, Director of Sales and Channel at Trimble Solutions, Middle East, was a prominent speaker in the lead ership panel discussion titled ‘Formulating a Sound Digital Roadmap for an Agile and Profitable Construction Business’ in the Commentingconference.on the participation Masri said: “We are excited to be part of the event and look forward to sharing knowledge with the industry stakeholders. Egypt is witness ing a massive growth in construction sector and our intent will be to demonstrate, with real examples, how construction technology can empower them to do their jobs effectively and productively. Construction has become an important and competitive business across the region and Trimble is well equipped to aid stakeholders navigate their way to build ing quality projects, profitably, sustainably and with utmost safety.”Onthe second day, Trimble’s expert Hany Ahmed, Busi ness Development Manager at Trimble Solutions, Middle East, enlightened participants through his presentation titled ‘Trimble Digitization and Connected Construction = Confidence’. Trimble to foster tech-enabled construction at Digital Construction conference in Egypt
Tatweer Misr Signs an Agreement with Schneider Electric to Build and Manage Smart Cities
In line with its effort to support digital transformation and the development of smart cities, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automa tion, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tatweer Misr, a leading real estate developer in Egypt, to integrate technological innovation, starting from the design till the smart management phase of the project. The partner ship will allow the pioneering developer to utilize the iTWO platform, established by Schneider Electric’s RIB Software, as one of the market’s most efficient solutions to manage their real estate projects. This agreement positions Tatweer Misr as the first real estate developer across the MENA region to introduce Schneider Electric’s latest cutting-edge technologies in all their projects; Il Monte Galala in Ain Sokhna, Fouka Bay and D-Bay in the North Coast, and Bloomfields in Mostakbal City, New Cairo.
GROHE, the world-renowned leader in sanitary fit tings, celebrated the opening of their new Office & Live center in New Cairo with a special inauguration by Nizar Abdel Kader, Leader Egypt Libya & Sudan, LIXIL EMENA. The opening was also an opportu nity for GROHE to kick-start the first phase of the “Pro-Bath” campaign and the brand’s new innovative products that continue to push the boundaries of bathroom and kitchen designs. GROHE introduced the reinvention of the new Allure products, which combine state-of-the-art water technology and true design statements. The Allure line provides a choice of different colors and finishes: Chrome, Brushed Cool Sunrise, Brushed Warm Sunset, and Hard Graphite. This futuristic mindset extends to the brand’s services that prioritize the customer’s overall journey. By collaborating with different residential com pounds, GROHE will ensure a dedicated team of technicians and promoters is available to provide free inspection services for installations through the GROHE renovation van. In addition to this service, GROHE will also provide a chance for the public to win a cashback of up to EGP50,000 on all bath prod uct purchases.
The signing was held during Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Dubai and attended by industry leaders, technology experts, and government deci sion-makers discussing how to leverage breakthroughs in digital transformation and intelligent software to benefit their business as well as contribute to a Net Zero sustainable future.
GROHE celebrates the opening of a new Office & Live Center in Cairo, offering new and enhanced customer experiences
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB), a leader in construction technol ogy, participated in the ‘Digital Construction Conference 2022’ at Cairo in Egypt, to raise awareness and encourage the better adoption of technology in the Egyptian construc tion industry, thus aiding an increase in productivity of these infrastructure projects. The two-day event was held on May 24-25, 2022, at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski with Trimble’s experts presenting and lecturing on important topics among eminent construc tion stakeholders, including officials from the government and municipalities, major project owners, contractors, engi neers, property developers and other industry professionals.
The innovative iTWO platform will enable users to blur the lines between the construction in the virtual and real worlds, providing a simulation for the project’s entire lifetime by of fering 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM). It will allow developers and project managers the full virtual experience of assessing the entirety of the project based on the proposed resources, cost, and timeline throughout the planning and building phases. This will make the whole rendering process more sustainable, cost-efficient, and will help real estate develop ers meet and commit to delivery deadlines.
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For the first time in Egypt and the MENA region, Delivering Happiness hosted their legendary masterclass through their Delivering Happiness Egypt Company (DHE). The masterclass aims to offer large businesses & corporates the “best of” their proven model and frameworks using the “Science of Happiness” and culture experience to empower large & small businesses with the key elements to design a culture that is profit able, sustainable and grows alongside the business.
L’Oréal Paris supports and empowers women in many fields through implementing several programs including Stand Up, in an effort to enhance women self-confidence through eliminating barriers that prevent them from achiev ing their dreams.
One of these barriers is harassment which is deemed to be the biggest problem faced by women and girls all over the world , StandUp was launched in 2020 in collaboration with Hollaback NGO. It was launched in Egypt in 2021 shedding the light on L’Oréal Paris’s most important pillars since the launch of “Because you deserve it” campaign 50 years ago in collaboration with NGO Metamen. Don’t miss the opportunity to take the training online through the following website: tional.com/mena/ar/training/landinghttps://www.standup-interna
L’Oreal Paris drops the latest editions of its Hyaluron Expert Family: The Hyaluron Expert Eye Serum and the Hyaluron Hair Range L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading Parisian cosmetics brand, announced the debut of the newest editions of its Hyaluron Expert Family; “the Hyaluron Expert Eye Serum and the Hyaluron Hair Range”. The Launch came in a luxurious one of a kind Parisian night bringing Paris to Cairo with the par ticipation of L’Oreal Paris team, Dermatologist such as Dr. Reem Noaeman and prominent public figures at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski.
Under the slogan “Warmer Winter”, the Commercial International Bank Foundation allocates EGP 21 million to support the Egyptian Clothing Bank
It all started when L’Oréal Paris introduced their wellknown skin care line, Hylauron Expert, which contains the miracle molecule that plumps, moisturizes, reduces wrinkles, and absorbs quickly. It includes micellar water, day cream, gel wash, eye cream, tissue mask, face serum, and night cream.
Delivering Happiness Egypt Hosts Their First Leg endary Masterclass In Egypt And The Mena Region
Hosted at Mountain View, DHE educated companies using science-backed & data driven knowledge and positive psychology to demonstrate the value a happier workplace can have within the organization. They came up with solu tions to experience the 5 elements of delivering happiness, align their personal values, build a culture of happiness, how they should measure their culture and create a culture action plan. Delivering Happiness Egypt has proven to offer customizable and relatable messages to the attendees regardless of where they are on their culture journey or the number of employees within their organization.
Delivering Happiness is the world’s first culture coach|sulting®️ company that helped hundreds of organizations use the science of hap piness to co-create adaptable organizations that grow people, profits, and purpose to not just survive, but thrive.
Commercial International Bank Foundation (CIB Foundation) has signed a cooperation protocol with the Egyptian Clothing Bank to support children of the most needy families in various Egyptian gover norates of Egypt. The Egyptian Clothing Bank was established in 2012 with the vision of providing clothing to every unable Egyptian in order to develop those who have the right to obtain appropriate clothing for positive interaction in society. Its corporate outreach program is endorsed by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, this year also under the name of the “Warmer Winter” project as part of its social responsibility and to encourage voluntary public work. CIB granted the Egyptian Clothing Bank Foundation an amount of EGP 21 million, to provide winter clothes and shoes for 100,000 orphans and children of the most-needy families across the nation.
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Commenting on the agreement, KarmSolar co-founder and CEO Ahmed Zahran said, “MARAKEZ is one of the most innovative and accomplished developers to partner with. D5M is a mega development and an important mile stone for the KarmSolar urban power distribution program, as it will be the pinnacle of our expansion in East Cairo.”
Palm Hills Announces the Development of Badya’s First Phase and The Implementation of More than 2,700 Units
MARAKEZ and KarmSolar Sign a 22MW Power Distribution Agree ment for D5M, MARAKEZ’s Newest Mall in East Cairo
Hazem Badran, Co-CEO & Managing Director of Palm Hills Development, said that the great demand for Badya’s units and the accelerated growth rates in sales pushed Palm Hills to speed up the pace of construction in the city. Thus, completing the largest number of units in order to deliver the units ahead of schedule. Badran aims to maintain this rate until all phases are complete. According to Badran, the huge demand for Badya at tributes the significant demand for Badya are the progres sive completion rate significantly affected the customers’ purchasing decisions, as well as the location of the project that links between east and west Cairo.
One of Egypt’s leading mixed-use real estate developers, and KarmSolar, Egypt’s leading solar energy company and multi-utility provider, signed a 22 MW power distribution agreement for D5M, the developer’s latest retail destination and part of District Five, MARAKEZ’s flagship development in East UnderCairo.thepower distribution agreement, KarmSolar will invest in D5M’s electricity infrastructure and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the development’s internal electricity grid, as well as billing and payment collection for District Five tenants.
Palm Hills also succeeded in achieving the highest sales in Egypt during the first quarter in 2022 at a value of 5.5 billion Egyptian pounds, compared to 3.4 billion Egyptian pounds, an increase of 62% on an annual basis. The compa ny sold 959 units during the first quarter of 2022 compared to 488 units sold during the same time last year.
Palm Hills Developments pledged to spend more than one billion Egyptian pounds on construction and build ings in Badya, the largest real estate project in West Cairo. Despite the challenges that face the global economy and the repercussions of the coronavirus, the company is set to start working on the second phase next year while complet ing the first phase in order to deliver the units to the clients according to the delivery dates and meet the huge demand for the project. As a result of the efforts from Palm Hills management in this project to speed up the expansion of Badya projects, the company has started to deliver the first phase villas before the expected delivery dates. This is an attempt to accelerate the pace of construction of the project and it also reflects the company’s dedication to delivering the units to the clients be fore the agreed dates as the demand for the project increases.
D5M’s 22 MW Power Distribution Agreement brings KarmSolar’s total power distribution portfolio to over 40 MWs covering real estate developments and geographical regions across Egypt. and design abiding by the latest technology standards.
“MARAKEZ is setting the benchmark for mixed-use de velopments in Egypt. We are looking forward to establish ing a progressive partnership with KarmSolar as we target clean energy for our projects. We always aim to provide the highest standards for the communities we serve” said Eng. Basil Ramzy, CEO of MARAKEZ. The agreement also includes the establishment of a 1.7 MWp on-site solar station to power D5M using green renewable energy with the objective of expanding its solar capacity to power 100% of the entire project with renewable energy by 2027.
Badya has garnered huge sales ever since it launched, approaching almost 13 billion Egyptian pounds; 1.9 billion during the first quarter in 2022 with a 308% annual growth rate, selling 428 units. The project has received great praise from the Egyptian real estate market given its strategic location, overlooking the middle ring road and the oasis road, leading to the New Administrative Capital, all with the assistance of major international companies in construction
Palm Hills Developments, Egypt’s pioneering real estate developer, announced the implementation of 2759 new units in Badya – the first sustainable city in Egypt, to capitalize on the company’s success in developing grand projects according to the highest quality standards. The project consists of 148 buildings, 1959 housing units and 800 villas. The implemen tation rates are aligned with the plans set to develop the first phase of Badya, which should be completed in 2023.
“We chose to tackle this topic as we have personally faced some difficulties reaching community service organizations and we were hoping to facilitate the volunteering process for other people who want to pay back to their society by creating a platform that brings together organizations of different fields in one place”. Said Salma Zakareya, one of the members of the graduation project.
Supeco is the first of its kind in Egypt, with a vision to expand across the country and reach multiple zones such as the Delta and Upper Egypt. Majid Al Futtaim’s newest concept store offers an extensive range of products such as fresh and frozen food and light household products – all at discounted prices alongside promotional deals.
The Supeco store opening was inaugurated by Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Retail and other members of the senior leadership team at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.
Mohamed Mansour receives honorary doctorate from North Carolina State University
Mr Mohamed Mansour, the internationally renowned Egyp tian business leader and philanthropist, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by North Carolina State University (“NC State”), his alma mater. In recognition of his decades of life-changing philanthropy in Egypt and internationally, Mr Mansour was made an ‘Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters’, the highest honour the university can bestow, at a ceremony in Raleigh, North Carolina, making him the first Egyptian and Arab to receive such recognition. He was also invited to deliver the keynote address at the University’s commencement ceremony and addressed an audience of over 15,000 people including the graduating Class of 2022 and the students’ family and friends, as well as faculty members, academics and other university staff, at Raleigh’s landmark PNC Arena. Mr Mansour used his speech to share an important message about seizing opportunities and making the most of ‘second chances’ in life, drawing on his personal experiences at NC State and how he recovered from early mistakes and setbacks. Mr Mansour is among the first Egyptians to be given an honorary doctorate by a US university. He studied at NC State from 1964-68, graduating in textile technology aged 20. He later studied for an MBA at Auburn University in Alabama before returning to Egypt in 1973. He went on to be CoFounder and Chair of the Mansour Group, the global con glomerate. Among the businesses in the group are Mansour Automotive Company, a leading Egyptian and regional automotive distributor; Mantrac Group, one of the world’s largest distributors of Caterpillar machines; and ManCapital LLP, the Mansour family’s private investment firm. Mr Mansour is a committed philanthropist in Egypt and internationally. Among the many programmes that he has created over many years, he is the founder and Chairman of the Lead Foundation, a ground-breaking non-profit organisa tion established almost 20 years ago that empowers and pro vides funding to small enterprises owned by women in Egypt. Reflecting on the ceremony and award, Mr Mansour said: “My time at Egypt & NC State undoubtedly shaped me as a human being and provided me with the building blocks which allowed me to build successful global businesses and give back throughout my life. When I arrived from Egypt in late 1963 full of hope, Raleigh was a much smaller town to what it is today but NC State was such a welcoming place for a young man to grow and thrive. It was a tremendous privilege to be invited back to receive an Honorary Doctor ate and address this year’s latest generation of bright, young graduates ready to take their next step in life.”
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Supeco, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Egypt, opened its doors for the first time in Egypt on May 10, 2022 at AM mall in 6th of October City. The new low-cost hybrid con cept store combines a traditional supermarket and a wholesale warehouse, serving the Egyptian community by offering its “super” value in terms of product quality and competitive prices.
To further support Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to delivering seamless shopping experiences to everyone, every where, Supeco is expected to open four new stores within 2022. The new Supeco store stands as a testament to Majid Al Futtaim’s long-lasting commitment to bringing the most valuable experiences to its customers and local community, whilst creating a vast network of opportunities.
Majid Al Futtaim
munityStoresaleFirstSupeco,OpensitsWhole-ConceptinEgypt“SaedTes-aad”:acom-servicecampaignbroughtbyMIUseniorstudents
A group of graduating students at Misr International Univer sity (MIU) have launched their campaign “Saed tesaad” on sev eral social media platforms on the first of May. “Saed Tesaad” is a youth led initiative that aims to encourage young adults to participate in community service programs and volunteering activities, and to connect individuals who are willing to create a change in their communities with the right community service organization based on their interest and availability.
The first initiative was organized on March 24, right before Ramadan. Efforts were focused on collecting clothes to sup port charitable organizations in Egypt.
With 73 volunteers from Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, Marriott Mena House, Cairo, Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, Le Meridien Cairo Airport, The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort, and The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes, associates showed great interest and participated in organizing, packing, and delivering the clothes collected to local charities for distribution to the kids up to 15 years old in need. The “Clothing Donations 2022” campaign’s main goal was to support children in need, which resulted in a collection of 347 KG of clothes; 786 items & 59 bags that have been donated to seven different charity organizations. The neighboring charities include Dar Amal El Mostaqbal, Dar Al Yosr Orphanage, Al Amal Charitable Society, and El Sondos Orphanage for kids with special needs, Safaga Red Sea, El Hana & Hanady Orphan age, and Dar El Wafa wel Amal Orphanage.
Sonesta Cairo Hotel won “ Travelers’ Choice 2022” award
Sheraton soma bay’s General Manager, HR Director, executive team and the whole management of this stunning Resort in Soma Bay, has been taking an extra mile, and is the leading the way to break the bias, when it comes to people. The management believes that unconscious bias acts as a barrier to Equality. It prevents you from cultivating di verse talent, developing an engaged workforce, leveraging unique experi ences and perspectives, and sparking innovation through collaboration.
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Sheraton Soma Bay is leading the way to a “Bias Free” working environment
Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino -Cairo has been proudly awarded the Traveler choice 2022 from TripAdvisor for the third year on the raw and ranked within the top 10% of all listed properties in TripAdvisor World wide. The hotel has also been awarded with the Certificate of Excellence due to guests’ continuous good reviews. Sonesta Cairo Hotel is committed to offering a premium service with highest safety precautions.
Marriott Donation Cam paign 2022 – Junior Business Council Egypt Marriott International Hotels in Egypt collectively embraced the deeply rooted “Spirit to Serve” values by hosting their annual donation campaigns pre and during Ramadan that support the Junior Business Council, a sub-council of the Marriott Egypt Business Council headed by Eben Nel, Gen eral Manager of The Westin Cairo Golf Re sort and Spa. Although the JBC is involved in a wide range of disciplines, its annual corporate social responsibility campaign focuses on delivering meaningful social im pacts through volunteerism and charitable giving to community partners. Recognizing the need to support the community, the JBC organized two main initiatives.
The Hotel HR department is currently hiring gifted talents, support ing gender equality & empowering women in the workplace, and work ing for the community, by adding values and enhancing the society through tens of planned CSR projects, charitable events, social visits, effective trainings and a lot of Team work which leads to breaking the bias through equality. The Hotel is focusing on investing in people and their talents to create a strong creative team. The management believes that hiring a gifted employee is a valuable asset in the workplace says Boris Bornman, the General Manager of Sheraton Bay Resort. Sheraton Soma Bay, like any other hotel, needs every skilled worker to contribute towards the success of the hotel. Hir ing a gifted employee or a talented or skilled women in a challenging job, have an important role to play to make a positive contribution in the workplace,” added Bornman.
InterContinental Cairo Citystars Wins “Best Business Hotel in Cairo 2022 Award” by Business Traveller Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences Participating in the World Environment Day and the initiative “Go Green for Green”Guest loyalty, safety and recognition are the real determinants of how successful a hotel really is. This is why InterContinental Cairo Citystars was honored to realize how far its guests are satis fied with the services provided, when Business Traveller Magazine recognised the hotel as the Best Business Hotel in Cairo for the tenthThetime.Business Traveller Middle East Awards celebrate excellence in travel across the Middle East and Worldwide. It gives readers the opportunity to recognise those companies and hotels that are the leaders in delivering products and services for the frequent travelling executive. Business Traveller Middle East readers in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt have been surveyed to determine the winners. As a result, the awards recognise and celebrate the extraordinary achieve ments of the most deserving hotels, airlines, loyalty programs, in the business travel industry. Unlike other awards which are decided from within the indus try, Business Traveller awards are decided by the people who really matter – the businessmen and women who rely on airlines, hotels and car hire companies in their everyday working lives.
Players enjoyed a refined golf experience across the 18 holes, and got the chance to enjoy The St. Regis Cairo’s renowned rituals, highlighted with culinary creations of snacks & refreshing beverages pre sented by The St. Regis Cairo’s catering experts.
As part of its ongoing social responsibility, The St. Regis Cairo proudly hosted its first fundraising golf tournament, collaborating with Allegria golf club as a way of giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate. The dona tion helped with funding equipment needed to practice heart surgeries in Qasr Al Aini Hospital and saved many lives.“In line with directives from local health authorities and ongoing efforts of supporting public health, The St. Regis Cairo partnered up with renowned entities to help maxi mize proceeds generated, and we are very grateful for all the generous contributions witnessed from Sodic Real state, Ju hayna Dairy , ALC International Law Firm, PepsiCo Egypt, Not Toys, and Orcas” said Magdy Anis, General Manager at The St. Regis Cairo.
According to the Hilton’s global vision for sustainability 2030, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences is honoured to participate in the initiative of “Go Green for Green” in coopera tion with Ain Shams University as an official sponsor for the graduation ceremony of the training program for African and Egyptian cli mate ambassadors, and this training program is aiming to change the behaviours, to raise awareness towards the climate change and to urge the residences –specially the youth- to participate in preserving the environment and the natural resources to guarantee its sustain ability for the next generations. Its worth to mention that one of the graduates is Maged Habib our Quality and improvement manager in Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences.
Ain Shams University honored the hotel as a supporter and as an official sponsor for the event, the picture shows Sarah Sobhy Com mercial Manager in Hilton Cairo Zamalek while receiving the award from Prof. Dr. / Mahmoud El Mateny President of Ain Shams University and Prof Dr. / Noha Samir Dean of Graduate College and Environmental Research in the presence of the ministers concerned, African Ambassadors, some repre sentatives of international organizations, and climate specific union.
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The St. Regis Cairo’s First Fundraising Event
The Allegria Golf Club’s golfers and invitees experienced a true honorable and exciting day with amusing competi tions, bespoke Afternoon Tea ritual and many surprises by The St. Regis Cairo and the esteemed partners. Special prizes were distributed among the winners varies from Hotel stays to dining experiences at one of The St. Regis Cairo’s culinary venues, but most importantly a great time was spent on the course, with a great cause behind all. For more information about The St. Regis Cairo, visit www.thestregiscairo.com or follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/stregiscairo. Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/stregiscairo/
— Sara Sabry on Instagram after being chosen by Space for Humanity as their Citizen Astronaut-2 flying to space aboard Blue Origin’s NS Flight No. 22. The mechanical and biomedical engineer, and founder of Deep Space Initiative, a nonprofit aim ing to increase accessibility for space research, is set to be the first ever Egyptian Citizen Astronaut to fly to space.
Sara Sabry: Egypt’s Citizen Astronaut
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“I’m honored to be representing my country by making history for Egyptians, for African women, and for Arabs. My ancestors have always dreamt big and achieved the impossible, and I plan on bringing that back. This is my ori gin Followstory.”me as I take you on my first journey to space!”
