By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Jordanian singer-songwriter Aziz Maraka speaks to NileFM about his viral visit to Al-Matariya&rsquo;s Ramadan Iftar, performing in Egypt&rsquo;s streets, the stories behind his hit songs, and his upcoming collaborations and children&rsquo;s project.
In Korba, or almost anywhere in Egypt, it is easy to stumble upon a small crowd gathered around someone playing the ukulele. Look a little closer, and you might discover it is the Jordanian composer and singer Aziz Maraka, who has a remarkable ability to draw people in and turn an ordinary moment into something joyful and memorable.
Aziz never fails to surprise his fans, whether by releasing a new song or appearing spontaneously in public spaces. Most recently, he attended the famous Matariya Iftar, where he stood on a balcony to greet and delight Egyptians, showing his genuine affection for the country and its people. Through moments like these, he continues to create shared experiences with his audience, turning music into something communal and heartfelt.
NileFM spoke with Aziz Maraka about his recent collaborations with Houda and Ghaliaa, the stories behind some of his most popular songs, his deep connection with Egypt, and his plans for a children&rsquo;s channel set to launch after Ramadan.
This year, you participated in Iftar in Al-Matariya with the community. Can you tell us about this experience? What caught your attention the most?
I was experiencing Ramadan in Egypt for the first time, so I was excited to see what I could do during Ramadan as both a visitor and someone trying to live the experience like a local. I asked my audience what I should do, and they suggested visiting Al-Matariya and Al-Muizz. The first place we went to was Al-Matariya.
It was an amazing experience, and the most beautiful thing was the generosity of the people. The idea that people welcome you into their homes, even if they do not know you, and insist that you eat with them during Iftar is something you cannot truly believe until you witness it yourself.
One of the most touching things I saw there, as a human being, was that generosity. Some people who follow me on social media recognised me. I spent time greeting them and taking photos. It felt wonderful to be among friends and loved ones. When I shared the experience, it went viral, not only among Egyptians but around the world, including people who had attended the Al-Matariya Iftar before and others who were eager to experience it themselves.
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We saw you in the video standing on a balcony among the people in Al-Matariya. What were the behind-the-scenes moments like? How did you feel about people&rsquo;s reactions?
From the moment I arrived in Al-Matariya, we were coordinating with the organisers. Some people were not sure what exactly was going to happen. I even brought the instrument I usually play when performing on the streets, but the setup did not really allow for a place to stand and sing.
I could not immediately see what the organisers had planned. They took me to several balconies and rooftops. On one rooftop, I even met people from Indonesia and Turkey. People from all over the world had come to witness this experience. Honestly, I trusted the organisers completely in Al-Matariya, and they showed me everything happening around us.&nbsp;
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You are known for your love of Egypt, and you previously shot &ldquo;Ma Tegy Sekka&rdquo; in Al-Korba. What is your favourite place in Egypt that gives you a different kind of energy?
Al-Korba is very special to me because I filmed a song there. I have a deep love for it, and I cannot describe how challenging it was to bring out pianos, play them in the streets, and take photos with people.
Working with Asmaa Abulyazeid was also a great choice because she is a very loved person. It was the energy of Al-Korba combined with her energy. I also love Old Cairo, Downtown, and Zamalek. Personally, I spend time in Maadi. People who know Egypt from old films often look for that classic image of Egypt there.
I also have a special love for Alexandria because of its audience, and I personally love Dahab as well.
&ldquo;Ma Fi Minnk&rdquo; is one of your most famous songs. Can you share its behind-the-scenes story? Did you expect its huge success?
I can talk about two parts. First, while I was writing the song, I was already addicted to it even before finishing the lyrics. Once the melody came out, I knew I loved it and wanted to release it for the whole world to hear. I used to walk around backstage among musicians and play it for them repeatedly. One day, I will never forget when Yazan Rousan, one of the founders of Autostrad, told me, &ldquo;Please go and record it.&rdquo;
The second part is that we wanted to produce a professional studio version, and we did, but I felt it lost something because I was used to singing it among people. So I suggested recording it in the streets to see whether people would feel the same positive emotion I feel when singing it.
That theory worked, even with multilingual audiences, because the lyrics were not the main factor in the song&rsquo;s success. We shot the video in Istanbul from morning until night. It was exhausting, but we barely felt the fatigue because we were focused on conveying the feeling. That day, I sang the song about 120 times, and each time I enjoyed it. It proved that an artist can deliver emotion to the audience beyond studio recordings and playback.
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In your new songs &ldquo;Ma Tegy Sekka&rdquo; and &ldquo;Shaifa Eih&rdquo;, you again involve your fans. What drives you to include them in your work? Any behind-the-scenes moments they might not know about?
I always try, with every song or project, to involve young communities. I have always liked transforming artistic work into a project that can involve as many talented people or fans as possible.
For &ldquo;Ma Tegy Sekka&rdquo;, we launched the idea on Instagram for fans to join us. They stayed with us until 10 pm, and another group arrived at 9 am and stayed until 11 am. The shoot itself went from 10 pm until noon the following day. It was exhausting because once it ended, I had to go home, pack, and travel to Jordan on the same day.
For &ldquo;Shaifa Eih&rdquo; in Beirut, we did the same thing. One of the most memorable moments happened after a long day when we were all exhausted and trying to hold ourselves together. One fan looked at me and said, &ldquo;I understand how much we love you.&rdquo; I replied, &ldquo;Yes, you understood.&rdquo; That was the first time I truly felt that my audience was not just following songs as a trend. They genuinely make an effort, and I am very grateful for that.
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You recently released the duet &ldquo;Lolaki&rdquo; with Joseph Attieh. How did this collaboration come about?
Initially, there were discussions between Joseph Attieh&rsquo;s manager and me about working together. I have always admired Joseph&rsquo;s voice. It is powerful, and he is also a very fun and light-hearted person. I wanted to collaborate with him separately from other projects.
One day, I was listening to the original &ldquo;Lolaki&rdquo; and felt inspired to create something new from it. Of course, obtaining the rights was complicated. The real challenge was convincing the composer to allow a different version of the song.
At one point, we even filmed the video before the final agreement was in place, which made the process complicated. After releasing the song, the composer eventually agreed that the idea was good.
Soon you will hear a new version of &ldquo;Lolaki&rdquo;, where I can finally sing &ldquo;Lola, Lola, Lola&rdquo;. That was the biggest challenge because we were not sure we could include that phrase due to production constraints and rights issues. Thankfully, it was approved, and the song will soon be heard in a fresh voice and style.
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You have performed some songs with a new spirit. Will we see you reinterpreting older songs in the future?
I have done several experiments before, such as performing &ldquo;An Jadd&rdquo; by Ragheb Alama and &ldquo;Gany&rdquo; by Hakim. I enjoy taking a song and presenting it in a different way.
My university specialisation was music composition. Over the years, I have worked in composition, arrangement, and soundtracks. I enjoy transforming melodies, for example turning a popular song into a piano version or reinterpreting a Cairokee song on the guitar. I simply enjoy experimenting and interacting with other artists&rsquo; work.
Your songs often take listeners on different emotional journeys. How do you reflect those feelings in your music?
Feeling, in general, is about taste. Whether someone is building something, cooking, or simply living everyday life, there is always art and taste involved. I search for the first thing that moves me emotionally. I believe others who share similar feelings will connect with it in the same way.
I try to leave space for listeners to imagine their own images while listening, depending on their mood. The idea is always to maintain good taste in what I choose to share.
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Your music has a unique style mixing pop with Eastern vibes. How did you create this identity?
I never tried to create an identity deliberately; it comes naturally. Everyone is influenced by Western and Eastern music, jazz, and rock. I grew up in Tunisia, lived in America, the southern US, and Jordan. I was part of the underground music scene, and in the last five years in Egypt, I learned the Egyptian musical vibe. An artist searching for identity all the time can get lost. Identity comes from life experience, and music reflects it.
After visiting Al-Matariya and your love for Egypt, could we see a full song inspired by Egyptian streets or culture?
This is what I aim for. In my career, I try to reflect the place I&rsquo;m in. Some of my songs already reflect Egyptian music, like &ldquo;Ahla Wahda&rdquo; (lyrics by Menna Elkiey), &ldquo;Miganinani&rdquo; (lyrics by Mohamed El-Shafie), and &ldquo;Ma Tegy Sekka&rdquo; (lyrics by Mohamed Bahiri). I love authentically making collaborations like this. I don&rsquo;t like it when someone comes from outside Egypt, hasn&rsquo;t lived there, hasn&rsquo;t experienced places like Alexandria, Aswan, or Damietta, and hasn&rsquo;t felt the Nile, and then tries to sing Egyptian music. I&rsquo;ve immersed myself in the culture, even experiencing the Nile in Aswan firsthand. My philosophy is that anyone who wants to sing Egyptian music must live it; only then can they capture the authentic sound of Egypt. That&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m doing now.
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Many artists only do concerts, but you perform on the streets and with fans. Is this part of your philosophy that music must be close to the people?
Yes. Concerts are important for income, but I feel emptiness when I&rsquo;m far from fans. Going into the streets allows me to see how people interact with music, hear their stories, and write songs inspired by them. It&rsquo;s one of the richest experiences in life.
If you were to choose a song representing your personality, which one would it be?
All my songs collectively reflect my identity, and I&rsquo;m still discovering myself through them. For example, I have a song that wasn&rsquo;t very popular called &ldquo;The Beginning of the End.&rdquo; It tells the story of someone who hears a voice saying the Earth is about to end, literally. When I wrote the song, I was just entertaining myself, writing about the end of the world, and while writing it I felt distant but convinced I was writing about the idea of the world ending. Four years later, I realised that what I was really expressing was my desire to leave Jordan and move to America to start my future over. This was more than ten years ago. Thankfully, now I&rsquo;m happy in my Arab homeland, but at that time I wanted to leave Jordan and immigrate to the U.S., and I did. Three years later, I discovered the song wasn&rsquo;t about the end of the world; it was about the feeling of leaving my country, which at the time almost felt like the end of the world. Sometimes, an artist writes a song and only later realises why they wrote it.
What new works or collaborations are you preparing? Any upcoming collaborations with Egyptian artists?
Several songs and collaborations are in progress. Recently, I worked with Houda, merging our styles. There&rsquo;s also a collaboration with Anthony from Adonis in Lebanon, and with Ghaliaa. This year is about collaborations.
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I&rsquo;m also launching new children&rsquo;s content on the &ldquo;Batatis&rdquo; channel, including songs and a puppet show featuring celebrities like Sarah Abdelrahman, Youssef Hashish, Youssef Gabriel, and Ola Roshdy. We&rsquo;ve been preparing this for two years, and I&rsquo;m very excited.
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If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
I wouldn&rsquo;t change anything because the lessons from failure made me strong and capable. But I&rsquo;d advise any new artist to embrace failure quickly, release projects without waiting for perfection, and learn from mistakes. The sooner you fail, the faster you understand the elements of success.
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Photo Credit: Aziz Marak's official page&nbsp;

Exclusive | Aziz Maraka on Music, Egypt, and The Stories Behind His Biggest Hits

The program &ldquo;El Metr Sameer&rdquo; discussed how family conflicts, particularly those involving grandparents, can deeply affect children during and after divorce. The episode examined the case of Kareem Mahmoud Abdelaziz, who divorced his wife after she believed claims that he had been unfaithful.
The conflict did not end with the divorce. During court proceedings, Kareem&rsquo;s ex-wife&rsquo;s mother, the child&rsquo;s grandmother, began speaking negatively about him in front of the child, saying that he did not love her and should not be part of her life. Her actions appeared intended to influence the child to remain closer to the maternal side, reportedly without the mother&rsquo;s request.
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This behavior left the child confused and anxious. Even reasonable actions by Kareem were questioned by the child: &ldquo;Does my father really love me, or is what my grandmother says true?&rdquo;
The program stressed that situations like this occur daily. When children hear negative remarks about a parent or are made to feel responsible for a divorce, they can feel trapped in a &ldquo;war&rdquo; between adults and pressured to take sides, which may lead to lasting emotional and psychological harm.
The case highlights the importance of protecting children from adult conflicts. Both parents and extended family members should avoid involving children in disputes, ensuring they can maintain healthy and secure relationships with both parents, regardless of divorce.
Photo Credit:&nbsp;MBC Shahid's official page&nbsp;

"El Metr Sameer" Highlights The Impact of Divorce and Family Conflicts on Children

&ldquo;Efrag&rdquo; explores a disturbing story of betrayal, deception, and shattered trust. After spending 12 years in prison, Abbas El Rayyes (Amr Saad) is released only to uncover a devastating truth about the people he once trusted most. What appeared to be a strong bond with his best friend and cousin, Shadad (Hatem Salah), turns into a shocking revelation: Shadad was the one who orchestrated Abbas&rsquo;s imprisonment, murdered his family, and plotted against his son.
Jealousy and Greed Behind the Crime
The series examines how jealousy, greed and obsession can push individuals toward unthinkable crimes. Shadad, previously known for heroic and comedic roles, delivers a chilling performance as a manipulative antagonist who uses betrayal to destroy the lives of those closest to him.
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Lessons on Trust and Betrayal
Through Abbas&rsquo;s experience, &ldquo;Efrag&rdquo; highlights a painful reality: danger does not always come from strangers. Sometimes it emerges from those who appear most loyal.
Psychological Manipulation
The story also sheds light on the psychological tactics used by criminals. Shadad hides his true intentions behind generosity and social charm, using manipulation and appearances to gain influence while concealing his motives.
A Study of Human Behaviour
By examining the mechanics of the crime and the emotional consequences of betrayal, &ldquo;Efrag&rdquo; offers a gripping and thought-provoking look at human behaviour, prompting viewers to question the fragile line between loyalty and treachery.
&nbsp;Photo Credit: MBC Shahid's official page

“Efrag”: A Prison Release Reveals a Shocking Family Conspiracy

By: Yomna Walid
The Ramadan drama "Sawa Sawa" has quickly emerged as one of the season&rsquo;s most emotional and impactful series, blending romance and drama while tackling sensitive social issues. Among the standout performances is that of Adham Zohney, who portrays Rezq, the brother of the main character played by Ahmed Malek.
In the series, Rezq faces a difficult reality as he lives with Down syndrome and becomes the target of a dangerous attempt to steal his organs, a storyline that sheds light on exploitation and vulnerability.
Although his role in "Sawa Sawa" drew significant attention this Ramadan, it was not Zohney&rsquo;s first appearance on screen. He previously worked alongside Ahmed Ezz in "Akhoya." He also appeared in "Case 404," considered one of the first Egyptian and Arab drama projects in which many leading roles were performed by actors with special needs.
NileFM spoke with Zohney about his role in "Sawa Sawa," how he prepared for the character of Rezq, and the most touching reactions he received from audiences.
How did you see the audience&rsquo;s reaction to Rezq? What was the most touching comment you received? I was very happy with the audience&rsquo;s reactions and honestly felt very proud. One comment that touched me deeply was when someone wrote to me saying, &ldquo;I wish my son could grow up to be like you.&rdquo; That made me extremely happy.
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How similar are you to Rezq? And how did you prepare for the role?
Rezq is like me in many ways. I prepared for the role with the help of my acting coach, Mohamed Ismail. He was the one who encouraged me to audition for the role. After that, he worked closely with me while I was preparing for the character and supported me a lot so I could present the role in the best way possible.
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What message did you want to deliver through the character?
I hope the audience recognizes the importance of people staying united and supporting one another, just like Ahlam and Heima in the series.
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The series discusses an important issue. What would you like viewers to take away after watching it?
I hope viewers leave with the message that people should stand together and support each other.
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What were the behind-the-scenes moments like with Ahmed Malek and Huda El-Mufti?
The atmosphere behind the scenes was very positive. I really enjoyed working with them and had a great time during filming.
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&nbsp;Photo Credit: Adham Zohney&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Adham Zohney on His Journey in “Sawa Sawa” and Working with Ahmed Malek

After the success of its first season, the Egyptian series &ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo; returns with a second season that combines historical themes with comedy. The show once again offers audiences an entertaining narrative while drawing inspiration from real events and cultural moments in Egypt&rsquo;s past.
Exploring Egypt&rsquo;s Spiritual Curiosity in the 1940s
Part of the new season focuses on the history of the Al-Ahram Society for Spiritual Research, which was founded in Cairo in 1943 by Dr Ali Abdel-Galil Radi, a professor at the Faculty of Science. During that period, interest in spirit summoning and paranormal exploration grew internationally, particularly as people sought distraction from the devastation of World War II. Among the society&rsquo;s notable members was the celebrated Egyptian actor Youssef Wahbi.
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Remembering the Golden Age of Egyptian Radio
The series also revisits a time when radio dominated Egyptian entertainment. Before modern recording technologies, radio dramas and serials were broadcast live, sometimes performed by full theatrical troupes inside the studio. Radio programmes became so popular that cinema screenings were occasionally cancelled due to low attendance, while streets across Cairo would empty during broadcasts of famous shows such as &ldquo;Enemy of Humanity&rdquo;, presented by radio pioneer Youssef Ezz El-Din.
Historical Settings and Real Stories
Another storyline highlights the history of Abbasiya Psychiatric Hospital. The building was originally known as the Red Palace because of its reddish-brown paint. After a major fire, it was repainted yellow and, in 1883, converted into Egypt&rsquo;s first specialised mental health hospital, later earning the nickname &ldquo;The Yellow Palace&rdquo;. The season draws inspiration from documented events and is adapted from a book by Ayman Osman, adding historical depth to the narrative.
Cast and Creative Team
&ldquo;El Nos El Tany&rdquo; is written by Sherif Abdel Fattah, Abdel Rahman Gawish and Wagih Sabry. The cast includes Ahmed Amin, Sedki Sakhr, Hamza Al-Aili, Asmaa Abu Al-Yazid, Basmah, Donia Sami and Abdel Rahman Mohamed. Through a mix of drama and humour, the series aims to present historical themes in a format that is both engaging and accessible to audiences.
Photo Credit: Donia Sami's official page&nbsp;

“El Nos El Tany” Returns With a New Season Blending History and Comedy in Cairo

All the latest entertainment news from Nile FM. TV Shows, Movies, Trailers, Clips, International & Arab Celebrity Gossip, Awards, Events & Best Dressed Lists.

Entertainment

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Thousands of people gather each year in Cairo&rsquo;s Matariya district on the 15th day of Ramadan for one of Egypt&rsquo;s largest communal iftar gatherings. Long tables stretch through the streets as residents, volunteers, and visitors from around the world come together to break their fast, creating a festive atmosphere filled with generosity and community spirit.
What began in 2013 as a small neighbourhood initiative has grown into one of the country&rsquo;s most anticipated Ramadan traditions, now attracting tens of thousands of attendees from across Egypt and abroad.
Marina, a Ukrainian resident who has been living in Egypt for about four years, attended this year&rsquo;s gathering, and spoke to NileFM about her experience. Having discovered Egyptian culture and life during her stay, she participated in the famous Matariya iftar preparations and shared her impressions of the strong sense of community she witnessed during Ramadan.
You came from Ukraine to Egypt. What inspired you to visit and stay to experience Ramadan?
I came to Egypt from Ukraine about four years ago. At first, I was curious about the culture and life here. Egypt is unlike any other place, and I found it fascinating. Over time, I began to love the people, the atmosphere, and the lifestyle. That is why I decided to stay longer and experience Ramadan in Egypt.
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How did you first hear about the famous Matariya iftar?
Honestly, I only learned about the Matariya iftar this year through social media. I saw videos and photos, and it looked very beautiful and special. I became curious and wanted to see it with my own eyes and be part of the moment.
When you saw tens of thousands of people gathering, what was your first reaction?
My first reaction was surprise and happiness. I was amazed to see so many people gathering in one place. The atmosphere felt very warm and friendly. It really felt like one big family.
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How did you experience the community spirit in Matariya?
What impressed me most was how people treat each other. Everyone is smiling, welcoming, and helping. Even if you are a stranger, people make you feel like part of the family. I think that is something very special in Egypt.
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Were you able to see or participate in the preparations?
I saw people preparing drinks and food for others in the street, and I even helped a little by handing out drinks. It was a very nice moment because everyone was working together to help others break their fast.&nbsp;
Did you learn to cook any Egyptian Ramadan dishes?
I haven&rsquo;t cooked any special Ramadan dishes yet. But a few months ago, I tried to cook molokhia for the first time. It was a very interesting experience.
What was the most unforgettable moment during the Matariya iftar?
For me, the most unforgettable moment was seeing thousands of people sitting together and sharing food. The feeling at that moment was very warm and emotional.
Which part of the decorations or street art impressed you the most?
I loved all the decorations in the streets. The lights, the colours and the murals on the walls were amazing. You can really see that people put a lot of love and effort into preparing for Ramadan.
You met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. What do you remember most about that moment?
It was a very special day for me. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi shook my hand and spoke about how Egypt is like one big family, without division between Muslims and Christians. I really liked that message about unity and people supporting each other.
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How would you describe Egypt to people in Ukraine?
Many tourists only visit places like Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. But I would really recommend visiting Cairo, especially during Ramadan. The atmosphere is incredible. You can truly feel the spirit of community and hospitality here.
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Photo Credit: Marina Ukrainian Girl's official page

Exclusive | From Ukraine to Cairo: Marina Shares Her Experience at Matariya’s Ramadan Iftar with NileFM

By: Yomna Walid
In just eight episodes, Kira Yaghnam delivers a performance that leaves a strong impression. In &ldquo;Sohab Al Ard&rdquo;, she plays Dr Raghad, a pregnant Palestinian doctor trying to continue her work and protect her family as war surrounds her.
Raghad is not shown as a larger-than-life hero. She is an ordinary woman with simple hopes; to live safely, to care for her patients, and to bring her child into a secure future. But when daily life becomes dangerous, even these basic wishes require courage.
The series does not focus on politics or statistics. Instead, it tells a human story. It shows doctors who stay in hospitals despite the risks, families who hold on to hope, and people who try to keep their dignity in the middle of conflict. Through Raghad, Yaghnam highlights the personal cost of war and reminds viewers that every life matters.
Yaghnam first gained wider attention for her role as Hiba in the second season of &ldquo;AlRawabi School for Girls&rdquo;, a drama that explored social pressures among teenage girls. That role showed her ability to portray complex emotions; something she brings again to &ldquo;Sohab Al Ard&rdquo;.
In an exclusive interview, NileFM speaks to Yaghnam about how she prepared for the role, the emotional challenges of playing a mother-to-be during wartime, and the message she hopes audiences will remember after watching the series.
 1. How did you mentally and emotionally prepare to portray Dr Raghad?
My preparation was less about acting and more about listening, listening to real testimonies, real grief, and real resilience, and trying to honour them with truth and dignity. I immersed myself in testimonies from Palestinian medical professionals in Gaza, especially women. Listening to already traumatised individuals describe the psychological burden of making impossible decisions under unimaginable pressure shaped Raghad more than anything else.
What moved me most was the quiet strength of doctors who refused to abandon their hospitals. Raghad carries that same commitment. On set, the immersion was powerful, thanks in large part to the amazing makeup, wardrobe, and set design. But no performance can replicate that horrific reality, so I approached every scene with a sense of responsibility and restraint.
Understanding that this is not an abstract conflict, but an ongoing genocide was essential to my approach. As a Palestinian Jordanian, this reality is not distant to me; it is deeply personal and part of my family history.
<a href="https://ibb.co/9mZJLTPs"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ZR23P89W/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
2. What message do you personally want the audience to take away from &ldquo;Sohab El Ard&rdquo;?
More than anything, I hope audiences remember that every life in Gaza mattered and still matters.
When we hear overwhelming numbers, suffering can start to feel normalised. But behind every statistic is a person. A full life. Plans for tomorrow, just like you and me. Dreams, fears, unfinished conversations. A newlywed couple building a future. A child wishing to be a football star. A grandparent with Alzheimer&rsquo;s holding on to memory.
One of the most dangerous things about prolonged tragedy is desensitisation. It becomes background noise. I hope this series interrupts that. If it makes someone pause, feel, or care more deeply, then it has done something meaningful. Empathy is not political; it is human.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Dfh4yk7S"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xqWh0GMR/Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post.png" alt="Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
3. If you could highlight one story or message from the series that touched you the most, which would it be and why?
For me, every story in Gaza is deeply moving, and every storyline in this series is important because it highlights a different aspect of reality. But if I had to choose, I would say Raghad&rsquo;s story represents a type of devotion that truly moved me.
Not because I played her, but because she represents something that affected me long before this project; the Palestinian doctors in Gaza who refused to abandon their patients.
She is a doctor. She is pregnant. She is finally allowing herself hope and happiness, a child, a future, a small pocket of light in the middle of devastation. And yet, when her husband Bassem is brought in bleeding after a school attack, and the hospital is about to be bombed, she makes a choice. She refuses to evacuate. She continues the surgery. She stays with him.
That decision is the heart of her story. It reflects what so many real Palestinian doctors did, choosing to remain in hospitals under attack, choosing responsibility over survival. There is something profoundly human, and profoundly tragic, about that kind of devotion.
What broke me was not only their deaths, but the fact that just days before, Raghad had allowed herself vulnerability. She admitted she was afraid of being killed before giving birth. For a woman who had endured so much trauma and built so much emotional armour, that glimpse of hope meant everything. To then see her body lying over Bassem&rsquo;s at the end was devastating. It represented the collapse of a future.
For those rooting for the couple to have a happy ending, the reality is that many Palestinians in Gaza do not get one. Raghad and Bassem represented real people and real truths, even though they were fictional characters.
That storyline showed us that resilience does not cancel fear. Strength does not erase dreams. These were people who loved deeply, who had plans, who were waiting for a child.
And the message that stays with me is this: even in unimaginable circumstances, the people of Palestine still choose love, still choose duty, still choose to stay.
Raghad&rsquo;s final act was a commitment to her patient, to her husband, and to the life she devoted herself to as a doctor.
<a href="https://ibb.co/bg9Z1SL7"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/vxnG17mD/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> 4. What has been the most powerful or emotional reaction you received from viewers regarding your role?
The most powerful reactions have come from Palestinians watching inside Gaza.
I received messages from journalists and ordinary viewers who told me that Raghad reminded them of real doctors they knew. One even mentioned that I reminded them of a doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital. Hearing that was overwhelming because it meant the portrayal felt truthful to those who lived it.
Others wrote to say that watching the series made them relive painful memories, but that they also felt seen that their experiences were acknowledged rather than erased. That word, &ldquo;seen&rdquo;, stayed with me. If the people our series represents feel honoured and recognised, then we have done something meaningful.
5. Can you share behind-the-scenes moments from working with the cast, especially with Menna Shalaby and Eyad Nassar?
Working with Menna Shalaby and Eyad Nassar was a real privilege.
Even though I did not have many scenes with Eyad, we spoke often on set about the responsibility we carried in telling this story. We shared the view that our characters should not feel perfect or symbolic. They had to feel human flawed, vulnerable, real. That is what makes an audience care.
Watching Menna&rsquo;s performances was astounding, but her generosity off camera was equally powerful. She creates a calm and safe working environment. There is no ego. In emotionally heavy scenes, she was fully present and supportive, lifting everyone around her. I learned a great deal simply by observing her discipline and control.
What impressed me most about both was their humility. They lead with grace.
6. Can you share an unforgettable piece of advice you received from director Peter Mimi during filming?
One thing Dr Mimi told us that stayed with me was this: do not play heroes, play humans.
He reminded us that many Palestinians do not want to be seen as heroes or symbols of resilience; they simply want the right to live normal lives like everyone else. That shaped my entire approach to Raghad.
In extreme circumstances, it is tempting to portray characters as larger than life. But he was very clear: do not perform heroism, perform truth.
The circumstances were already extreme. Our job was to remain grounded and behave as real people would under that pressure. That restraint is what made the story powerful.
7. What were the biggest challenges you faced while filming, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing filming with my final year at university in the UK. I travelled back and forth between Egypt and my studies during final exams. It required discipline, and at one point I considered delaying graduation because I felt this project deserved that level of commitment. Thankfully, Dr Mimi and the production team were very supportive in adjusting the schedule so I could manage both.
Artistically, I focused on getting the dialect right. Although I am Palestinian Jordanian, Raghad is from Jerusalem, and I felt a strong responsibility to be precise. Dialect carries identity. I worked closely with our dialect coach, Kamal Abu Nasser, who also played Dr Mostafa. He was incredibly patient, listening to scenes carefully to ensure everything felt natural and truthful.
In the end, both challenges came down to responsibility to my education and to the people whose story we were telling.
8. You became widely known through the hit series &ldquo;AlRawabi School for Girls,&rdquo; which tackled important social issues. What does that project mean to you today?
&ldquo;AlRawabi School for Girls&rdquo; will always be dear to me. It was my acting debut, and I am deeply grateful to Tima Shomali for trusting me with that opportunity. Hiba introduced me to audiences, and in many ways, she introduced me to myself as an actress.
That project showed me how powerful storytelling can be when it addresses real social issues, how fiction can open conversations that are otherwise difficult to have. It proved that young female characters can be complex, flawed, and deeply human.
Today, I see AlRawabi as the beginning of my journey. Every role since then, including Raghad, has deepened my sense of responsibility as an artist. I do not leave characters behind; I grow with them.
<a href="https://ibb.co/rRNhHTCv"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/q3V8pXtx/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
9. Working with director Tima Shomali, how would you describe the experience?
I was fortunate to begin my career under Tima&rsquo;s direction. She has a clear vision and high standards, and she knows exactly what she wants from every character and scene.
What I learned from her is that vulnerability on screen is strength. She allows her characters, especially young women, to be complex and imperfect rather than reduced to stereotypes. That honesty shaped how I approach every role.
She is hands-on and precise, but she also creates a safe space for actors to explore. That balance between structure and freedom was a significant lesson for me.
10. How do you adapt to different languages and dialects?
Dialect is not just about pronunciation; it carries identity, memory, and place. Even within the Levant, accents shift from city to city, sometimes from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, and those details matter.
Because I am Palestinian Jordanian and grew up hearing multiple Levantine dialects within my own family, I approach each role with respect for specificity. Each character deserves precision.
I listen carefully to native speakers, study the rhythm and tone, and work closely with a dialect coach from the region. I rehearse until the accent feels embodied, so I am not performing it; I am living inside it.
When the dialect becomes effortless, that is when it is believable.
11. What does it mean to portray a story that highlights the human side of conflict?
Portraying this story means refusing to let suffering become just a headline or a statistic. It means showing families, dreams, and ordinary lives interrupted.
Resilience here is about people holding on to their identity, their humanity, and their love for life, even when everything around them tries to strip it away.
12. What upcoming projects can we look forward to?
There are several projects currently in development that I am genuinely excited about. In this industry, I have learned not to speak too soon until projects are confirmed and on screen.
What I can say is that I am intentional about the roles I choose. I look for characters that challenge me emotionally, intellectually, and physically, and stories that feel meaningful. I am excited for what is ahead.
13. What advice would you give to young actors?
Understand that acting is not about performing emotion; it is about understanding it. Study people. Stay curious. Study silence. Study psychology. Study how pain hides and how joy appears unexpectedly.
The camera sees everything, especially what you try to fake. The most compelling performances come from actors who are constantly learning about the world, about themselves, and about others.
Train your voice. Train your body. Respect dialect. The work always shows.
Detach your ego from outcomes and build resilience. There will be auditions you were perfect for and did not get. That does not define you. What defines you is whether you continue sharpening your craft when no one is watching.
And most importantly, protect your inner life and stay true to yourself. This industry can make you chase validation and question your identity. Do not depend on applause for your sense of worth. The moment you rely on external approval to feel valuable, you give away your power.
Build depth before you build visibility. That depth will sustain you when visibility fluctuates.
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/vxMw26MN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/SXZsq4Zk/Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-1.png" alt="Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-1" border="0" /></a>
Photo Credit: Kira Yaghnam&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Inside Kira Yaghnam’s Role in “Sohab Al Ard”: War, Motherhood, and The Weight of Survival

By: Yomna Walid In his first Ramadan appearance, Mohamed Moushtaha captivated audiences with a breakthrough performance in Sohab Al Ard, the Egyptian-Palestinian drama starring Menna Shalaby and Eyad Nassar, directed by Peter Mimi.
Playing Nedal, a young Palestinian man torn between love and danger, Moushtaha delivered one of the series&rsquo; most memorable performances, earning praise from viewers and marking him as a rising talent to watch.
NileFM spoke with Mohamed Moushtaha to go behind the scenes of his preparation for the emotionally charged role.
The role touched many hearts because it reminded people of every young Palestinian trying to protect his land and family. How did you prepare for &ldquo;Nedal&rdquo; psychologically before approaching it as an acting role? I tried to connect with the feelings that live inside most Palestinian youth. Each one of us wants to defend our rights, our land, and our families. I put myself in his place and asked, &ldquo;If I were him, how would I act?&rdquo; For me, Nedal is not about heroism. It is instinct, responsibility, and dignity. Once I truly believed in that feeling from within, the performance came naturally.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JFsyWCqn"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/847dnXbM/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> The assault scene was one of the most emotionally difficult scenes in the series. Can you tell us more about that moment? How did you prepare for it? I approached it as a Palestinian who understands the feelings of helplessness, anger, and fear all at once. Before filming, I tried to calm myself and focus on the idea that the scene was not about showing strength but about protecting and defending someone I love. Director Peter Mimi supported me greatly, and I am deeply grateful for the trust he gave me. The scene was emotionally exhausting because it reflects a very real situation that repeatedly happens to Palestinian families and their property.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Rk4JFQdZ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/NdnGvWbQ/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> Tell us about working with director Peter Mimi. What is the most important advice he gave you that stayed with you? And what did you learn from Eyad Nassar and Menna Shalaby behind the scenes? It was a very important experience in my career, and I consider it a turning point. One of the most valuable pieces of advice he gave me was: &ldquo;Always be truthful. Live the moment and do what you genuinely feel.&rdquo; He always emphasized that if a scene comes from real emotion, it will reach people, no matter how simple it is. I want to thank him because he gave me great confidence and created a safe space where I could give my best. Any success achieved is largely thanks to his vision and belief in us as actors. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to film in the same location as Eyad Nassar and Menna Shalaby because I was shooting only the West Bank scenes, which were separate from the Gaza scenes. However, having such big names in the project was an honor, and I hope to work with them in the future. Nedal is a young man who dreams, fears, and suffers, yet refuses to break. What message would you like Arab youth to take from this character? Life is not always fair, and often you are faced with circumstances you did not choose. What matters is to hold onto your rights, reject injustice, and keep your faith strong that truth will prevail, no matter how long it takes.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Y4s762gj"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/NgB6XxRY/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> After the strong audience reactions to the role, what comment affected you the most personally? What touched me most was the number of messages filled with pride, respect, and love. Many people said they were very happy with how I portrayed the role. But the most meaningful comment came from my family and friends when they told me they forgot they were watching &ldquo;Mohamed Moushtaha&rdquo; on screen and fully lived the experience with &ldquo;Nedal.&rdquo; For me, that is the greatest proof that the character truly reached people and that the emotion was sincere.
<a href="https://ibb.co/W4HVZL3M"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/tTHLg9hv/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a> After this success, where do you see yourself heading artistically? What types of roles would you like to explore next? Right now, I am focusing on organizing my next steps and developing myself further. I believe any upcoming step must be built on deeper professional acting training, because continuity is more important than a strong beginning. I would love to take on diverse roles that offer real challenges. What matters most to me is that the role is honest and helps me grow artistically.
<a href="https://ibb.co/h1LMwD56"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2YW6Hg29/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Mohamed Moushtaha&rsquo;s official page &nbsp;

Exclusive | Palestinian Actor Mohamed Moushtaha Discusses His Success in “Sohab Al Ard”

Nile FM Exclusive  

More than 40 years after it first captured audiences, the song &ldquo;Wallah We Leab El Hawa&rdquo; has returned to the spotlight through the television series "Hiya Chemya." Performed by singer and actor Mohamed Diab, the track forms part of the celebrated repertoire of Ahmed Adaweyah, one of the defining voices of Egypt&rsquo;s popular music scene.
The decision to revive the song has resonated with viewers, many of whom associate it with Adaweyah&rsquo;s rise in the 1970s and 1980s and his role in shaping the shaabi genre. The track previously featured in the 1984 film "Yarab Walad," helping to cement its place in Egypt&rsquo;s cultural memory. Its reappearance in a contemporary drama introduces the song to younger audiences while rekindling nostalgia among older listeners.
"Hiya Chemya" blends comedy and drama, centring on family relationships tested by sudden and unexpected events. Diab&rsquo;s character finds his life unsettled when a long-lost relative appears at a funeral before mysteriously disappearing, setting off a chain of complications that challenge personal and familial stability. Within this narrative, the revival of a well-known classic underscores the series&rsquo; broader theme: the way the past can intrude upon, and reshape, the present.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F4332880800292373%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
The cast includes Mostafa Gharieb, Mariam El Gendy, Mimi Gamal, and Farah Youssef, with the production drawing attention for its integration of music into the storyline. By reintroducing one of Adaweya&rsquo;s most recognisable songs, the series demonstrates how contemporary drama can reinterpret cultural heritage without detaching it from its original context.
In revisiting a track that first gained prominence more than four decades ago, "Hiya Chemya" reflects a wider trend in Egyptian television: a renewed engagement with the country&rsquo;s artistic legacy, presented in forms designed to speak to new generations.
Photo Credit: MBC Shahid's official page

Four Decades On, Mohamed Diab Reintroduces Ahmed Adaweyah Classic in "Hiya Chemya"

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
NileFM spoke exclusively with five-year-old actor Lincoln Fox, who appeared as &ldquo;young Benito&rdquo; in Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny&rsquo;s Super Bowl LX halftime show, about his unforgettable experience and what it means to be half Egyptian, half Argentinian.
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&nbsp;
You appeared for less than a minute but stole the spotlight. What&rsquo;s your most memorable moment? My dad let me have a lot of ice cream right before the show. Then I walked out on the field, and all the people were singing. I will remember how loud and happy they were.
<a href="https://ibb.co/1YtkhS30"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/TDxspCZw/Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-3.png" alt="Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
How did you feel when you learned you would play &ldquo;young Benito&rdquo;? I didn&rsquo;t know who Bad Bunny was before this. My mom told me he was famous, like Ronaldo, Messi, and Salah, and I was like, &ldquo;Whoa! Cool!&rdquo;
<a href="https://ibb.co/v6w8GfRh"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Q3bGRhtk/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What was going through your mind when Bad Bunny handed you the Grammy on stage? I kept thinking about the three things my dad told me: 1) walk to Bad Bunny, 2) smile big, and 3) hold onto the Grammy tight.
Did you keep the Grammy somewhere special? I loved how shiny it was and wanted to take it to school to show my friends. A guy came and said I had to give it back since it was a real one. My mom said she would get me a Grammy I can keep in my room.
Any behind-the-scenes moments with Bad Bunny that stood out? He was very nice during rehearsals and kept telling me to &ldquo;cree en ti&rdquo;&mdash;to believe in yourself.
<a href="https://ibb.co/mCRdnT8H"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/qMDhHj5R/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Were you nervous performing in front of thousands and millions at home? I wasn&rsquo;t nervous at all, just happy. I was skipping on the field right before my part. My fake mom and dad were playing with me. It was awesome.
Many say your scene carried a dream-big message. What do you think it represented? For me, it was like the movie Back to the Future. Imagine going back in time and telling little you, &ldquo;You&rsquo;re going to be okay!&rdquo; Sometimes big people forget to dream, so I wanted to remind them.
<a href="https://ibb.co/C39R648k"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/pBKYQNwt/piccccccccc.jpg" alt="piccccccccc" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
How does your Egyptian heritage fit into your life? Not yet! My parents went in 2019, before I was born. They made a book about their trip that I like to read. I can&rsquo;t wait to see the pyramids. My family is in Alexandria and Cairo, and they are very proud right now.
<a href="https://ibb.co/C3H0PB1L"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/5gRcKTMZ/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What message do you have for Egyptians supporting you? It makes me so happy! I hope to make everyone in Egypt smile. Ma salaam!&nbsp;
How has your family supported you? My mom and dad say anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. They were with me for 17 days of rehearsals and told me every day I did great. That made me feel brave.
<a href="https://ibb.co/TDbKv9kW"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/nqn3gxbP/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s next for you at just five years old? Right now I want to play with my friends, but I&rsquo;d love to do more parts that make people feel good.
Lincoln Fox&rsquo;s journey shows that even at five years old, talent, confidence, and a little imagination can create unforgettable moments on a global stage.
Photo Credit: Lincoln Fox&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Lincoln Fox on Stealing The Spotlight as “Young Benito” in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

By: Yomna Walid
Alexandria-born DJ and producer Rafik Salama, known professionally as DJ Roofy&rsquo;s, has been named NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, , a recognition that highlights a steadily evolving career rooted in passion and persistence.
Roofy&rsquo;s began his musical journey at the age of eight, first picking up a guitar before later gravitating towards electronic music and DJing. What started as a personal passion soon evolved into a professional pursuit, driven by what he describes as music&rsquo;s power to connect people.
Based in Alexandria, Roofy&rsquo;s went on to study sound design, refining a style that blends high-energy rhythms with narrative-driven sets. His performances are known for their emotional intensity, aiming not just to move dance floors but to tell stories through sound.
In a conversation with NileFM, Roofy&rsquo;s reflected on the challenges of carving out a space in the music industry, the discipline required to turn passion into a profession, and the creative vision that continues to shape his work.
Let&rsquo;s start from the beginning. Who is Rafik Salama beyond the DJ booth? I&rsquo;m Rafik Salama, a musician at heart. I fell in love with music at the age of eight when I started playing guitar, that&rsquo;s where I first understood how powerful sound and emotion can be. In my 20&rsquo;s, I discovered house music, and it instantly connected with me. The energy, the groove, the feeling, it made me realize I didn&rsquo;t just want to listen to music, I wanted to create moments with it. That&rsquo;s when I decided to become a DJ and follow this path seriously.
<a href="https://ibb.co/zp1nvYv"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/DhNV2y2/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> What inspired you to become a DJ? Was there a specific moment, artist, or experience that pushed you toward this path? It wasn&rsquo;t one single moment. It was a feeling. The first time I saw how a DJ could control the entire mood of a room. How one transition could change hundreds of people&rsquo;s emotions at once, that power fascinated me. House music especially made me feel something spiritual. It wasn&rsquo;t just beats; it was connection. Why did you choose the stage name DJ Roofy&rsquo;s, and what does it represent for you? That was always my nickname in middle school, and I think it&rsquo;s very catchy, and no one in the scene got this name, so definitely that was my choice; people these days don&rsquo;t know my real name. How did you feel when you were named NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week? What does this recognition mean to you at this stage of your journey? It honestly felt exciting. NileFM is a big name radio station, so the opportunity meant a lot to me. It pushed me to say, Let&rsquo;s do it! Your music often feels emotional and deeply connected to the listener. How do you create sets that resonate with the soul? I don&rsquo;t just mix tracks. I build journeys If I don&rsquo;t feel goosebumps while preparing a transition, I won&rsquo;t play it. Energy first, technique second!
<a href="https://ibb.co/C5Ws8cWV"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xS38Lk3z/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> Every creative journey comes with obstacles. What have been the biggest challenges you&rsquo;ve faced as a DJ, and how did you overcome them? Definitely one of the biggest challenges was getting recognized in Egypt, specifically in Cairo. Promoters here often believe in DJs who already bring a big crowd, whether they play good music or not. Being born and raised in Alexandria made it even more challenging for me to build a following in Cairo. It&rsquo;s not just about talent here; it&rsquo;s about visibility, connections, and proving yourself over and over again. But that challenge pushed me to work harder, stay consistent, and let the music speak until people started listening. Many people see DJing as a passion project before it becomes a career. When did you realize this wasn&rsquo;t just a hobby but your true profession? The moment I realized I was thinking about music 24/7. When gigs weren&rsquo;t &ldquo;fun nights&rdquo; anymore, they were responsibilities. When I started investing in my craft seriously, equipment, branding, and networking. That&rsquo;s when it became a profession. Walk us through your creative process. How do you prepare your set before going live or performing for a crowd? Before going live, I don&rsquo;t really deal with fear; performing has never been intimidating for me. As a guitarist, I&rsquo;ve played in front of crowds of over 1,000 people, so being on stage feels natural. When I transitioned into DJing, mixing itself felt easy. What matters more to me isn&rsquo;t the technical side; it&rsquo;s the energy. I focus on reading the crowd, building a journey, and creating moments that people will remember. What can the NileFM audience expect from your sound? Any surprises you&rsquo;re planning for listeners? NileFM should expect a fresh set, which I really recorded with passion and heart dancing. The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay fresh and continue developing your style while keeping your signature identity? I listen outside my genre. I study sound design. I watch how global DJs evolve. But I always ask! Does this still sound like Roofy&rsquo;s? If the answer is no, I don&rsquo;t play it. Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs who want to turn their love for music into a successful career? Don&rsquo;t chase fame; chase skill. Don&rsquo;t copy trends; build identity. And most importantly, learn to read energy, not just BPM. The crowd doesn&rsquo;t remember transitions. They remember how you made them feel.
<a href="https://ibb.co/8gTrHdK3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/MkWcmG2T/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Roofy&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Exclusive | DJ Roofy’s on Music, Persistence and Being Named NileFM’s DJ of The Week

By: Yomna Walid
International Eurovision star Alexander Rybak has spoken exclusively to NileFM about his new album "Fairytales Too," reflecting on fame, mental health, and life more than a decade after his Eurovision breakthrough.
The Belarusian-Norwegian singer, songwriter, and violinist rose to global prominence after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with "Fairytale," a song that has since become one of the competition&rsquo;s most successful tracks, amassing more than 500 million streams on Spotify and over 124 million views on YouTube.
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Now, with the release of his seventh studio album in early 2026, Rybak says &lsquo;Fairytales Too&rsquo; marks his most personal work to date, exploring themes of love, heartbreak and personal growth. In his interview with NileFM, he opens up about the pressures of international fame, his creative evolution, and the stories behind his most intimate songs.
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Your new album "Fairytales Too" feels very personal. Can you tell us the story behind it and the mindset you were in while creating it? Also, how has your acting experience shaped the way you tell stories in your music?
Good observations! It is indeed very personal, maybe my most personal album ever, especially as I am singing about very difficult topics like heavy breakups and drug addiction. But I also make fun of trends, like calling your ex a &ldquo;psychopath&rdquo;.
Early on, I decided that this album would not only be about me, but about life in general. I&rsquo;m happy that many of the songs are about &ldquo;him and her,&rdquo; because these themes can really be relatable for many people.
<a href="https://ibb.co/qY2wY2Qr"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/d4Hy4HY5/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Being raised by two professional musicians must have been unique. Can you share a memory from your childhood that shaped who you are as an artist today?
Honestly, it&rsquo;s not up to me to decide how unique it was. A child kind of accepts his reality as &ldquo;normal,&rdquo; and if my family dressed up as elephants on Saturdays, I would probably think other families did that as well. So to me, it was quite normal to have musically talented parents. Music was as natural as air in our home.
What I am most happy about, though, is the fact that I had strict parents. They taught me the value of practising every day and honouring my talent. But they did all of that with lots of love, and that is the key to my success, if you ask me.
<a href="https://ibb.co/1t7DVLhr"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wFB9HR3S/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
&ldquo;Fairytale&rdquo; became such an iconic song. Can you take us back to when you wrote it and share how it felt to see it change your life? Also, what inspired your 2018 comeback, and how did it feel returning to Eurovision after nearly a decade?
Sometimes I still can&rsquo;t believe how popular Fairytale is around 300,000 streams every day, even now, many years later. It&rsquo;s funny how a song inspired by a Saturday trip to the Norwegian mountains ended up becoming my calling card forever. This is what most artists dream of, so I guess I&rsquo;m living the dream.
As for my 2018 Eurovision song, "That&rsquo;s How You Write a Song," I appreciate you calling it a hit, but to be honest, it turned out to be a song for the specially interested. On the other hand, those who needed that song at that time have expressed how grateful they are for it, and that&rsquo;s the only thing I need to hear.
And now, with Rise, I hope I&rsquo;ve created another Eurovision song that will reach the people it needs to reach.
<a href="https://ibb.co/zTDktHpf"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/q3VZ2FK1/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Winning Eurovision catapulted you into global fame almost overnight. What was life really like after the applause stopped, and how did that experience shape your perspective on success and personal growth?
Once I got used to the &ldquo;windy climate&rdquo; at the very top, with all the trolls and haters, I started to enjoy how vast the music business is and how interesting and fulfilling it can be to collaborate with other talents.
I&rsquo;ve created my own children&rsquo;s musical, and I also enjoy doing different stunts on TikTok and Instagram, where I can be a bit goofier.
Now, my biggest dream after finishing my master&rsquo;s studies in Film Music at Columbia College is to find a like-minded movie director in need of some awesome, adventurous film music.
You&rsquo;ve spoken openly about choosing mental health over constant exposure. Looking back now, how important was stepping away, and what did that decision teach you about yourself and your relationship with music?
It has helped my mental health a lot not to be visible all the time. I kind of understand that as an artist, I need to be &ldquo;out there&rdquo; to stay relevant, but I feel it&rsquo;s much more important to be one with nature.
One bonus of not being too caught up in fame is that new music ideas come more easily once I am &ldquo;at peace.&rdquo;
<a href="https://ibb.co/NdcYh2sS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/RkRHnT9y/Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-1.png" alt="Copy-of-Red-and-Orange-Photocentric-Modern-Newsroom-Instagram-Post-1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
In Fairytales Too, is there one song that was especially challenging or emotionally demanding to create a track you feel represents your journey from Fairytale to reality the most?
Definitely "The Breakup.' It was difficult to look at a relationship from both sides, but I feel I managed to capture the essence of heartbreak. However, "Rise" is the song I&rsquo;ve worked on the most, as it&rsquo;s my call to action for everyone who needs to stand up for themselves.
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You have a strong fanbase in Egypt who truly admire your music. What would you like to say to your Egyptian audience, and if you were to visit Egypt one day, what would you love to experience there?
I&rsquo;ve only been to Egypt once, on a brief vacation. I loved how real and down-to-earth the people were, I don&rsquo;t remember the village name, but it&rsquo;s an honour for me that such genuine people have also connected with my music.
Maybe I&rsquo;ll even be lucky enough to find a movie director in Egypt and create some magical film music there.
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Photo Credit: Alexander Rybak&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | International Eurovision Star Alexander Rybak Speaks to NileFM About ‘Fairytales Too’

Egypt’s #1 destination for ALL THINGS MUSIC. Nile FM brings you News, Music Reviews, Music Videos, Celebrity Gossip, Live Music sessions and Egyptian Musicians.

Beats

The final putt has dropped, the leaderboard is set, and the excitement that filled Madinaty Golf Club has reached its grand conclusion. After days of intense competition and standout performances, Juan Salama emerged victorious, securing the title at the last leg of the MENA Golf Tour.
Golf fans and players gathered to witness a tournament defined by precision, focus, and remarkable sportsmanship. From powerful drives to nerve-steadying putts, the course challenged competitors while delivering unforgettable moments for spectators.
Salama&rsquo;s performance stood out among a field of talented golfers, reflecting consistency and determination throughout the tournament. His win marks a fitting finale to a thrilling leg that showcased the rising level of competition on the MENA Golf Tour.
The event brought together great players from across the region and beyond, transforming Madinaty Golf Club into a vibrant stage for world-class golf. As the tournament wrapped up, it left behind not only a champion but also lasting memories of exceptional talent and inspiring play.
Salama&rsquo;s victory brought the final leg of the MENA Golf Tour to a close, rounding off a tournament marked by strong performances and high-level competition.

Juan Salama Claims Victory at The Final Leg of The MENA Golf Tour in Madinaty

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Music has the power to alter mood in an instant. Creating an experience that listeners can fully inhabit, however, is a more elusive skill; one that only a handful of artists&nbsp;master. This Thursday at 10:00 pm, NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week welcomes Joe Noise, the Egyptian DJ and curator known for his emotionally driven blend of melodic techno and progressive trance. His sound is designed to move people, not just physically, but emotionally. Joe Noise&rsquo;s passion for DJing was sparked by watching how people react to music and fully lose themselves in it. That moment made him realize that sharing emotion and creating impact through sound was his true purpose. NileFM goes behind the decks with Joe Noise for a one-hour set that promises to linger long after it ends, a cinematic experience where listeners feel part of the story and the heroes of it. 1. For listeners discovering you for the first time, who is Joe Noise? And how did your journey behind the decks begin? Joe Noise is an Egyptian DJ and curator focused on melodic techno, progressive trance, and emotionally driven electronic music. My journey started from pure passion. I was always deeply connected to music, not just listening to it but analyzing it, understanding its structure and emotion. That curiosity pushed me behind the decks. What began as a personal exploration evolved into performing at venues like Kanji and launching projects like DeepWave and TranceMission, where the goal has always been to create a musical journey rather than just play tracks.
<a href="https://ibb.co/C5hsXpyQ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/zhGHLWgZ/1-36.png" alt="1-36" border="0" /></a> 2. Did DJing start as a passion, or was it always a career ambition? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was the path for you? It started as a passion, completely. There was no business plan in the beginning, just an obsession with sound and atmosphere. The defining moment came when I saw how people reacted to a set I played, watching strangers connect, forget their worries, and fully surrender to the music. That was when I realized this isn&rsquo;t just something I enjoy; it&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;m meant to do. From that point forward, I treated it seriously, investing in my craft, building my identity, and shaping my own platforms. 3. Your sound is often described as emotionally rich. How do you channel feeling into a live set and build that connection with a crowd? For me, emotion often starts with vocals. I&rsquo;m very selective about the vocal tracks I play, whether it&rsquo;s trance or melodic techno with subtle, haunting phrases. The voice carries vulnerability, and that creates an instant human connection. I build my sets like emotional waves. I start with atmosphere, then introduce vocals at the right moment to create a memory. I think in chapters, tension and release, depth and light, carefully aligning melodies, harmonics, and breakdowns so the journey feels natural and progressive. It&rsquo;s not just about energy. It&rsquo;s about intention and storytelling. When the crowd closes their eyes, sings along, or feels goosebumps, that&rsquo;s when you know the connection is real. 4. You&rsquo;re closely associated with trance and melodic techno. What first drew you to these genres, and how do they reflect who you are as an artist? Trance was my foundation. Producers like Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, and Alexander Popov taught me what emotional build-up truly means. Their music isn&rsquo;t just energetic, it&rsquo;s spiritual, uplifting, and powerful. Trance gave me discipline in structure and melody. Melodic techno later gave me space. It expanded my sonic palette, deeper atmospheres, darker textures, longer transitions. It allows me to blend emotional vocals with hypnotic grooves and gives me a wider range to take the audience on different journeys within the same set. Now, my sound sits between those worlds, emotional trance energy with cinematic melodic techno depth. 5. Projects like DeepWave and TranceMission feel immersive, almost cinematic. How do you approach crafting a musical journey rather than simply selecting tracks? When I craft DeepWave or TranceMission, I approach them as storytelling experiences. I select tracks not based on popularity, but on key, mood, vocal presence, and emotional weight, making sure every transition feels natural, especially when blending trance with melodic techno. TranceMission leans more into trance and melodic techno, focusing on emotional build-ups, powerful vocals, and uplifting climaxes. DeepWave, on the other hand, is where I explore wider realms, blending deep trance, house, tech, afro influences, and deep melodic sounds, all connected through melodic tension and atmosphere. Both projects are structured like a film, intro, build-up, peak, reflection, and resolution, designed to give the audience not just energy, but a complete journey. 6. Every artist faces challenges along the way. What have been some of the toughest moments in your journey, and how have they shaped your sound or mindset? I started playing back in 2010 and stayed deeply committed to trance until around 2015. It was my foundation and the sound that shaped me as an artist. But at one point, I decided to step away. Still, I couldn&rsquo;t stay away from music for long; it&rsquo;s part of who I am. That time away actually gave me perspective. When I came back, it was with a different mindset. I began exploring wider musical realms, melodic techno, deeper progressive sounds, and different textures, blending them with the trance foundation I&rsquo;ve always loved. One of the toughest lessons was learning to evolve without losing authenticity. Instead of chasing trends, I chose growth. That journey shaped my identity and allowed me to return stronger, offering audiences a more refined and dynamic experience. <a href="https://ibb.co/fYdDsrpD"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/LzdN39tN/2-23.png" alt="2-23" border="0" /></a> 7. You&rsquo;ve recently been named NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, a significant milestone. What does that recognition mean to you at this point in your career? It&rsquo;s truly an honor. I&rsquo;ve been a huge fan of NileFM since the beginning. I&rsquo;ve always respected how the station gives artists a platform to shine. Seeing that growing up made me ambitious, so being chosen as DJ of the Week feels very meaningful. It validates years of consistency and dedication to my sound. At this stage in my career, it feels like momentum, a sign that what I&rsquo;m building through DeepWave, TranceMission, and my curated events is resonating beyond the club scene. It motivates me to keep evolving and raising the standard even further. 8. When you&rsquo;re preparing a set, how much is planned in advance, and how much is shaped by the energy in the room? How do you balance structure with spontaneity? When preparing DeepWave and TranceMission, track selection is both the hardest and the most exciting part. Choosing the right vocals, melodies, and energy levels to shape a journey requires precision and instinct. The right vocal at the right moment can define the entire experience, and that challenge keeps me constantly inspired to build new sets. I create a structured backbone, focusing on key transitions, emotional flow, and energy mapping, but I never lock myself into a rigid playlist. That preparation strengthens my live performances, giving me confidence and direction. 9. For aspiring DJs listening right now, what advice would you give on breaking into the scene and developing a distinctive sound? Focus on identity before popularity. Learn your craft deeply, mixing, phrasing, and harmonic transitions, but also ask yourself: what do you want people to feel when they hear your name? Don&rsquo;t rush visibility. Build taste, build discipline, build patience. Trends fade; identity lasts.
<a href="https://ibb.co/My15LK2y"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/20MYBRn0/3-78.png" alt="3-78" border="0" /></a> 10. And finally, what can listeners expect from your DJ of the Week set today? Any surprises we should be listening out for? Listeners can expect a journey that reflects both my trance roots and my melodic evolution. There will be emotionally powerful melodies combined with deeper melodic techno atmospheres that create tension and space. The set will feature tracks from artists such as Andrew Rayel, Ferry Corsten, Alexander Popov, MORTEN &amp; David Guetta, blending uplifting energy with modern melodic intensity. You&rsquo;ll hear carefully selected vocal moments, progressive builds, and unexpected transitions that connect different eras of electronic music into one cohesive story. It&rsquo;s a set designed to make you feel something, not just dance. Photo Credit: Joe Noise&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Meet Joe Noise: NileFM’s DJ of The Week Bringing Melodic Techno to Life

Under the clear skies of Madinaty Golf Club, the final leg of the MENA Golf Tour delivered a thrilling conclusion. Golfers competed fiercely for the top spot, with a Spanish player setting a new course record of 10 under par and holding a narrow lead with just two holes remaining. NileFM&rsquo;s Mickey and Nadine brought listeners live coverage of every swing and putt, capturing the tension and excitement of the moment.
Mark Bull, tournament director of the MENA Golf Tour, joined the broadcast to discuss the high-level competition and Egypt&rsquo;s growing reputation as a world-class golf destination.
&ldquo;This is our fourth event in the Egypt Golf series in partnership with the Egyptian Golf Federation,&rdquo; Bull explained. &ldquo;We started at New Giza Golf Club, held two back-to-back events at Marassi Resort, and now we are finishing strong here at Madinaty. The hospitality has been superb, and players are thrilled to experience these new courses.&rdquo;
Bull highlighted some standout performances, including the Spanish leader in the final round. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a fantastic week with some incredible rounds of golf. With just two holes to play, it&rsquo;s anyone&rsquo;s game, and that&rsquo;s what makes this tour so exciting.&rdquo;
Beyond the competition, Bull emphasised the MENA Golf Tour&rsquo;s role in boosting Egypt&rsquo;s global profile as a golf destination. &ldquo;We have 33 nationalities playing across these tournaments, and many are visiting Egypt for the first time. Players are already asking about next season, and Egypt is now firmly on the map for golf tourism.&rdquo;
Looking ahead, Bull outlined his vision for the tour. &ldquo;We hope to expand the schedule, collaborate with regional federations, and create pathways for local players. This week, eight Egyptian golfers are competing, and we aim to grow these opportunities further. Partnerships with professional tours like the DP World Tour and the Challenge Tour are part of our plan to strengthen golf across the region.&rdquo;
Reflecting on his time in Egypt, Bull praised the quality of the courses. &ldquo;Staying close to the venues has been a highlight. Players can wake up and immediately practice on the range or tee off, which has made the experience seamless and enjoyable.&rdquo;
As the tournament reached its climax, Madinaty Golf Club proved more than just a venue. It became a stage for skill, ambition, and competition, showcasing a country ready to cement its place on the international golf map under the guidance of leaders like Mark Bull.

Mark Bull Discusses MENA Golf Tour and Egypt’s Emerging Status as a Golf Destination

Excitement was in the air at Madinaty Golf Club as NileFM&rsquo;s Mickey and Nadine broadcast live from the final leg of the MENA Golf Tour. Fans and golf enthusiasts gathered to watch some of the region&rsquo;s most promising talent in action, while the mobile studio captured the energy, the cheers, and the striking views of the meticulously maintained greens.
Joining the broadcast was Bruce Glasco, COO of Troon Golf, who has played a key role in elevating Madinaty Golf Club into one of Africa&rsquo;s top courses. &ldquo;We are very fortunate. Troon operates worldwide,&nbsp;and we are deeply committed to hospitality. Here in Egypt, we have been helping developers enhance properties and support the growth of golf across the region,&rdquo; he explained.
Glasco highlighted the importance of the MENA Golf Tour in showcasing Egypt as a rising golf destination. &ldquo;This tour is for aspiring young talent. Many of them follow the same path as the stars of the PGA and European Tours. Golfers like Scotty Scheffler started on smaller tours before becoming world-class. Egypt is now offering that same opportunity for talent to rise.&rdquo;
Madinaty Golf Club has consistently earned recognition as the best golf course in the country for three consecutive years and the top course in Africa. Glasco credits this success to a combination of excellent ownership, a talented team, and ideal Egyptian weather. &ldquo;Warm temperatures help the grass thrive, but it also takes careful planning and expertise. Our superintendent Will,&nbsp;has unlocked the potential of this course with remarkable skill.&rdquo;
He also encouraged newcomers to explore the sport. &ldquo;Golf gets you outside, enjoying nature, and teaches life lessons. It is a sport of integrity. The handicap system makes it accessible for beginners and seasoned players alike, and everyone is welcome here.&rdquo;
As the tournament unfolded, it was clear that Madinaty Golf Club is not just hosting an event but helping put Egypt on the international golfing map. With Troon Golf&rsquo;s guidance, the course promises unforgettable experiences for players and visitors alike.
&nbsp;

Live from Madinaty: Bruce Glasco Discusses Golf and The MENA Tour

Nile FM's Guests

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDA) has signed a financing agreement worth EGP 300 million with Aman Holding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Egypt.
The funding will be channeled through Aman Holding as an intermediary to finance SMEs in all governorates. The initiative aims to provide locally needed products and services while creating job opportunities for youth and citizens.
The agreement was signed by Bassel Rahmy and Hazem Maghazi, alongside Ayman Bassiouny, with senior officials from both institutions attending the ceremony.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Promoting Financial Inclusion
Rahmy highlighted SMEDA&rsquo;s commitment to expanding cooperation with banks and financial institutions to reach targeted groups, particularly youth and women, across the country.
He said the new agreement would help entrepreneurs start new businesses or expand existing projects, while also supporting business modernization and the replacement of outdated equipment. This, he added, would enable entrepreneurs to increase production, improve product quality, and boost competitiveness in the market.
The partnership also aims to promote financial inclusion, encouraging informal businesses to join the formal sector and benefit from incentives under Egypt&rsquo;s SME development laws.
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Strengthening Entrepreneurship Nationwide
Maghazi expressed pride in renewing the partnership with SMEDA, noting that the agreement reflects Aman Holding&rsquo;s commitment to supporting Egypt&rsquo;s business environment.
He said the collaboration aligns with the company&rsquo;s expansion plan to provide innovative financing services for businesses of all sizes, especially SMEs. Through Aman&rsquo;s nationwide network of 233 branches, the company aims to empower entrepreneurs and create new job opportunities.
The strategic partnership also supports the government&rsquo;s broader goals of promoting financial inclusion, formalising businesses, and driving economic growth and competitiveness across Egypt.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt's official page&nbsp;

SMEDA Signs EGP 300M Financing Deal with Aman Holding to Boost SMEs Across Egypt

Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk and Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom held a meeting with senior officials from both ministries to review the progress and performance of joint development projects currently being implemented across Egypt.
The meeting examined performance reports for ongoing projects funded through local resources and in cooperation with international development partners. Officials stressed the importance of adhering to implementation timelines and maximizing the benefits of available funding.
Discussions also focused on developing effective mechanisms to empower Egyptian farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and connect agricultural production with agro-industrial processing. This approach aims to ensure sustainable income for farmers while reducing crop losses.
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Agricultural Manufacturing as a Key Driver of Growth
During the meeting, both ministers emphasized that agricultural manufacturing represents a key engine for economic growth. Moving from raw agricultural production to processing industries can help reduce final product costs and limit losses in strategic crops through integrated systems for storage and processing.
They also highlighted the importance of increasing the added value of Egyptian agricultural products in both local and international markets, strengthening the competitiveness of Egypt&rsquo;s agricultural sector.
Linking Development Projects to the &ldquo;Decent Life&rdquo; Initiative
The ministers agreed on the importance of linking agricultural development projects with villages targeted by the presidential initiative, Decent Life Initiative. This integration aims to ensure better services for citizens while transforming rural communities into productive hubs that can boost incomes and improve living standards.
Farouk stressed that supporting small farmers remains a top priority for the Ministry of Agriculture. Current efforts focus on providing technical and financial support, improving irrigation systems, modernizing agricultural cooperatives, and transferring modern farming practices to farmers to enhance productivity and income levels.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening Rural Economies
Farouk added that expanding agro-industrial activities within rural areas is also a social necessity, as it can create real job opportunities for youth and rural women. The ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Planning to remove obstacles facing small farmers and facilitate the establishment of small processing units that complement agricultural production and reduce crop losses.
For his part, Rostom emphasized that coordination between the two ministries comes within the framework of continuous monitoring of the national rural development project under the Decent Life Initiative. He noted that the first phase of the project is nearing completion, paving the way for the launch of the second phase in line with presidential directives.
He added that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy, with ongoing efforts focused on strengthening value chains, supporting small farmers, and enhancing their role in achieving food security.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt's official page&nbsp;

Egypt Prepares to Launch Second Phase of ‘Decent Life’ Rural Development Initiative

Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has praised the humanitarian and medical achievements of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, highlighting its role in supporting the country&rsquo;s healthcare system and saving thousands of lives.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and civil society organizations in strengthening healthcare services across Egypt.
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The minister described the foundation as a leading model of charitable medical work in the country and the region, pointing to the achievements of the Aswan Heart Centre. The centre combines advanced medical treatment with scientific research and has provided life-saving care to thousands of children and patients free of charge.
Abdel Ghaffar also noted the upcoming opening of the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Centre, which is expected to expand access to advanced cardiac research and treatment in Egypt.
He described renowned heart surgeon Magdi Yacoub as a global example of dedication and humanitarian commitment, embodying the spirit of a &ldquo;humanitarian doctor.&rdquo;
For his part, Yacoub expressed appreciation for the government&rsquo;s support, saying the foundation&rsquo;s achievements are driven by a shared belief that everyone deserves access to life-saving treatment, regardless of financial ability. He added that the new Cairo research centre will represent a major step toward building a healthier future for upcoming generations.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt&rsquo;s official page

Egypt’s Health Minister Hails Magdi Yacoub Foundation for Life-Saving Cardiac Work

Egypt will see a noticeable rise in temperatures on Thursday, 12 March 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). Warm weather is expected during the day across most parts of the country, becoming hot in Upper Egypt, while conditions will be cool at night.
There is a slight chance of light rain in parts of the Western Desert and northern Upper Egypt, with a low probability, around 20%, that intermittent showers could extend to Greater Cairo.
Winds are expected to be active, ranging between 30 and 35 km/h, across parts of the northern coast, the Nile Delta, and Greater Cairo. These winds may occasionally stir up sand and dust in parts of the Western Desert.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Z1WkZtf0"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wrMxv3df/Egypt-Weather-28.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-28" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik&nbsp;

Egypt Weather | Warmer Temperatures with Chance of Light Rain—12 March

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, has issued a decision declaring the period from Thursday, 19 March 2026, to Monday, 23 March 2026, an official paid holiday for employees.
The holiday will apply to workers in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies, in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The decision comes as part of the government&rsquo;s official observance of the holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt's official page&nbsp;

Egypt Announces Five-Day Eid Al-Fitr Holiday for Government Employees

Egypt&rsquo;s General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR) has granted full and preliminary accreditation to 32 health facilities across the country, according to decisions issued by the Supreme Committee for the Accreditation of Health Facilities.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen quality and patient safety standards in line with internationally recognised benchmarks set by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).
Officials say the accreditations aim to improve the efficiency of healthcare institutions and prepare them for integration into Egypt&rsquo;s Universal Health Insurance system, which seeks to expand access to safe and high-quality medical services nationwide.
As part of preparations for the system&rsquo;s second phase, Minya Governorate is expected to be among the first areas to implement the programme. The Supreme Committee renewed preliminary accreditation for Minya Oncology Center and granted preliminary accreditation to several hospitals in the governorate, including Samalut Oncology Hospital, El Adwa Central Hospital and Mallawi Liver and Gastroenterology Hospital.
The General Military Hospital in Alexandria, affiliated with the Armed Forces Medical Services, also received preliminary accreditation in accordance with GAHAR standards, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen quality and patient safety in healthcare delivery.
Officials say the latest accreditations represent another step in Egypt&rsquo;s broader strategy to standardise healthcare services, improve patient outcomes and prepare facilities for nationwide implementation of the Universal Health Insurance system.
Photo Credit: Freepik&nbsp;

Egypt Accredits 32 Health Facilities as Part of Insurance Expansion

Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Health and Population, chaired the regular meeting of the coordination committee for the Universal Health Insurance System to follow up on executive progress and integrated preparations for the inclusion of Minya Governorate in the system&rsquo;s second phase.
The meeting was attended via video conference by Minya Governor Emad Kadwany, reflecting the state&rsquo;s commitment to expanding comprehensive health coverage and delivering high-quality medical services to more than six million citizens in the governorate.
Universal Health Insurance: A Key Pillar of Health Reform
During the meeting, the minister emphasized that the Universal Health Insurance System is one of Egypt&rsquo;s most significant strategic health reform projects. The initiative is progressing steadily and has already demonstrated success during its first phase.
He stressed the importance of accelerating readiness in Minya to ensure its smooth integration into the system, in line with Egypt&rsquo;s broader vision of achieving health equity and improving healthcare services for all citizens.
Reviewing Health Planning and Infrastructure Readiness
According to the ministry&rsquo;s official spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the meeting reviewed the governorate&rsquo;s comprehensive health planning, including assessments of the readiness of healthcare infrastructure and medical facilities.
Discussions also focused on the progress of digital transformation in hospitals and primary healthcare units, aiming to develop a comprehensive implementation plan that ensures a smooth and effective launch of the system.
Major National Projects to Strengthen Healthcare Capacity
Officials also reviewed the status of healthcare infrastructure development in the governorate. Six major national projects are currently underway to upgrade and improve medical facilities at an estimated cost of EGP 6.75 billion.
These projects are expected to add approximately 1,506 hospital beds, significantly enhancing healthcare capacity and improving the quality of medical services available to residents.
Advancing Digital Transformation in Healthcare
The meeting also highlighted progress in digital transformation across hospitals, primary healthcare units, and university hospitals in Minya.
Efforts are underway to establish the necessary technological infrastructure to enable electronic connectivity and the exchange of medical information, as well as to equip facilities with advanced systems to digitize services. This integration is expected to improve coordination across different levels of healthcare and provide faster, more efficient services.
Implementation Timeline and Investment Opportunities
Participants also reviewed the executive plan for meeting the requirements needed to implement the system in Minya, along with the expected timeline for launching operations.
The plan focuses on completing the preparation and handover of primary healthcare units, strengthening partnerships between the General Authority for Healthcare and the private sector, and exploring the formation of a joint committee with the governorate to support healthcare investments and attract additional medical investment.
Key Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Essam El-Din Farahat, President of Minya University; Mohamed El-Tayeb, Deputy Minister of Health; Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare; and Ahmed Taha, Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation, along with leaders from the ministry and relevant health authorities.
Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt's offivial page&nbsp;

Egypt’s Health Minister Discusses Infrastructure and Digital Readiness for Minya Insurance Launch

Egypt is expected to experience warm weather during the day and very cold temperatures at night on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a chance of light rain over parts of the northwestern coast and the northern Nile Delta, while the Western Desert may see moderate rainfall at times with a probability of around 30%.
Intermittent light rain is also forecast in areas of the southern Nile Delta, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt.
Additionally, a slight chance of light rain (around 20%) is expected in parts of the northern coast, the Nile Delta, Greater Cairo, and the Matrouh Desert, accompanied by winds ranging between 30 and 35 km/h.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JWRgb60P"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/TDBdnjp5/Egypt-Weather-27.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-27" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik

Egypt Weather | Cold Nights and Rain Chances Across Several Regions – 11 March

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced that 20,967,147 citizens have been screened nationwide under the presidential initiative for the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases and kidney disorders since its launch in September 2021. The milestone highlights the government&rsquo;s efforts to expand preventive healthcare and provide free medical services to citizens across the country.
Nationwide Coverage and Target Groups
Dr Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the ministry&rsquo;s official spokesperson, said the initiative operates through 3,601 primary healthcare units across all governorates. It mainly targets citizens aged over 40, as well as younger adults 18 and above who have a family history of chronic diseases, aiming to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
Comprehensive Health Screening
The programme includes tests for blood pressure, random and glycated blood sugar, cholesterol levels, kidney function, and body mass index. It also provides awareness sessions on risk factors and follow-up programmes based on screening results to help prevent disease progression.
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Free Treatment and Specialist Referrals
Patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes receive free monthly medication at participating healthcare units. Cases requiring specialised care are referred to hospitals for state-funded treatment, a step the ministry says helps reduce the risk of complications such as chronic kidney failure.
Evidence-Based Practices and Training
The initiative follows global medical guidelines developed in cooperation with the World Health Organization. Medical teams also receive continuous training in the early detection of kidney disease, while confirmed cases are referred to hospitals for comprehensive treatment.
Dr Abdel-Ghaffar urged citizens with hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of chronic disease to visit the nearest healthcare unit to benefit from the free services. He stressed that early detection remains key to preventing serious complications, adding that expanding preventive healthcare continues to be a priority for the government.
Photo Credit: Freepik

Egypt Screens Over 20 Million Citizens in Presidential Health Initiative

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The Egyptian national fencing team has returned home as continental champions after securing 42 medals at the African Junior and Youth Championships, held in Senegal from 16 to 21 February.
The delegation was officially received by Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil, alongside Egyptian Fencing Federation President Tariq Al-Hussaini and mission head Ahmed Samir Al-Maidani, marking the team&rsquo;s first-place finish in the overall standings.
Medal tally
Egypt collected 22 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze medals, placing it firmly at the top of the rankings across all youth categories.
Official reaction
Minister Gohar Nabil praised the fencers&rsquo; technical level and competitive spirit, saying the result reflected sustained state investment in sport and long-term preparation programmes implemented by the federation.
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Prospects
He added that fencing remains one of the country&rsquo;s strongest disciplines internationally and expressed confidence that the athletes would continue to perform strongly in forthcoming global competitions.
&nbsp;Photo Credit: Cabinet of Egypt&rsquo;s official page

Egypt Tops African Fencing Championships 2026 with 22 Gold Medals

By: Yomna Walid
Camel racing is far from easy. Being a woman and a mother competing in such a demanding sport makes it even more challenging. Nahla Al Kordy has become the first Egyptian woman to participate in camel racing, encouraging Egyptian women not to stop dreaming. She believes that motherhood does not prevent women from achieving their dreams; in fact, it becomes their greatest source of strength and motivation. After training in camel racing for less than two months, Nahla participated in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 on 14 February 2026. NileFM dives deeper with Nahla to learn how her journey began, how she balanced motherhood with her bold decision to become a camel racer, and the details behind stepping into this unique world. Tell us more about Nahla Al Kordy beyond camel racing. Nahla Al Kordy is someone who believes that a person does not have to walk the expected path. I am a mother, an abstract artist, and an athlete, but before any titles, I am a human being with a constant curiosity to discover my true limits. I choose unconventional paths not simply to be different, but because I believe the greatest version of a person is created outside their comfort zone. My personality has been shaped by discipline, passion, perseverance, and a deep faith that a person&rsquo;s true value appears in the moments when they challenge themselves, with God&rsquo;s guidance.
<a href="https://ibb.co/v4JVNjWP"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/0yfm0GLM/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> What drew you to the world of camel racing and pushed you to make such a bold decision? What attracted me was the feeling of awe and respect at the same time. Camel racing is not just a sport; it is a world with its own prestige, history, and rules. The first time I approached camels, I felt I was standing before a force that I needed to learn to communicate with, not control. The decision was not impulsive; it was a response to an inner calling telling me there was an experience I had to live. I do not seek comfort; I seek growth.
<a href="https://ibb.co/zTyNkbmk"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ksRMd0Gd/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> When did you start training? What was your first time riding a camel like? I began training on January 8, 2026, and my first experience was unforgettable. Sitting on top of a creature of that size, strength, and willpower changes your entire perspective. At first, there was fear, but it quickly transformed into focus. I realized that the relationship between rider and camel is built on trust, not control. What were the toughest challenges you faced during training or preparation? The hardest challenge was not physical; it was mental. Training yourself to accept that you are not in complete control and learning how to be fully present in the moment is not easy. Physically, the training was demanding, especially with the balance and movement required. But the real challenge was building a mindset capable of suffering pressure, fear, and responsibility.
<a href="https://ibb.co/H1ZR75n"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2mJRqGg/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> As the first Egyptian woman to take on this experience, did you feel extra responsibility or pressure? Absolutely. When you represent your country, it shifts from being a personal experience to something much bigger. But I chose to see it as an honor, not pressure. I am not only representing myself; I also represent the idea that Egyptian women are capable of entering any field, no matter how unconventional. How did your family and friends react when they learned you would participate in camel racing? At first, there was surprise. Some even joked that I was going through a midlife crisis because the decision was unexpected. But the people who truly know me understand that my decisions are always thoughtful, even if they appear bold. Over time, surprise turned into support and pride, and that became a great source of strength for me. How did you balance being a mother of two with preparing for such a demanding race? Motherhood is not an obstacle; it is a source of strength. My children were my greatest motivation. Balance came through discipline, time management, and understanding that pursuing my dream is also a message to them: that a person must be brave enough to live truthfully. I would drop them off at school, begin my training, and return before they did.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JJXVcSG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/mWQkRP2/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a> Before the race, what occupies your mind the most? What excites you? I am excited about the starting moment, the moment when all the training, the silence, and the challenges turn into reality. I am also deeply aware that this is a defining moment, one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. What message would you give to every woman who believes motherhood might stop her from achieving her dreams? Motherhood does not end a woman; it reshapes her. The strength a woman gains when she becomes a mother is incomparable. Your dream does not conflict with your motherhood; it can be an extension of it. Do not let fear convince you that time has passed. Sometimes, the true beginning comes after you become a mother. After this step, do you see yourself continuing in camel racing, or are there other challenges you want to pursue? Camel racing is not the end; it is the beginning. Of course, I aspire to develop as a camel racer and, God willing, achieve winning positions. But I do not see myself tied to one challenge. I am committed to a lifestyle built on continuous growth. I will continue, and I will take on new challenges, because my goal is not to reach a certain point; it is to keep moving forward and discovering what I am capable of becoming.
<a href="https://ibb.co/7JjL3T2H"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/zhQD3LG1/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Nahla Al Kordy&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Exclusive | Nahla Al Kordy, The First Egyptian Woman to Participate in Camel Racing, on Motherhood and Breaking Barriers

Tonight at 6:30pm, football fans in Egypt will be glued to screens for a high-profile Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City. All eyes will be on the Egyptian internationals, Mohamed Salah for Liverpool and Omar Marmoush for Manchester City, both pivotal figures for the national team. Salah, widely regarded as a mentor for younger players, has been a supportive presence for Marmoush throughout his career, adding extra significance to this matchup for Egyptian supporters.
Premier League Spotlights Egyptian Talent
Earlier this week, the Premier League drew attention to Egypt&rsquo;s footballing talent by sharing a photo featuring Salah, Marmoush and Youssef El Sherif. El Sherif is known for his 2009 role in the Egyptian film &lsquo;Al-Alamy&rsquo;, in which he played &lsquo;Malek&rsquo;, a young footballer chasing his dreams. The story struck a chord with many fans, reflecting the journey from local clubs to international stardom. Viewers often draw parallels between the film and the real-life achievements of Salah and Marmoush, highlighting Egypt&rsquo;s growing influence in top European leagues.
The Stakes
Manchester City currently sits second in the Premier League table, seeking to overtake Arsenal at the summit. Liverpool, in sixth, will be eager to climb back into contention. For Egyptian fans, the fixture is more than a battle between elite clubs; it is also a celebration of national talent performing on one of football&rsquo;s biggest stages.
With Salah and Marmoush going head-to-head tonight, supporters can expect a display of skill, determination and pride, with Premier League drama unfolding in real time.
Photo Credit: TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations&rsquo; official page

Salah vs Marmoush: Egyptian Stars Shine in Liverpool vs Manchester City Clash

Liverpool says Mohamed Salah has become the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures for both goals and assists against a single opponent.
The Egyptian forward achieved the landmark during Liverpool&rsquo;s 4&ndash;1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield. While Salah did not score, his assist for the opening goal, the first of Hugo Ekitike&rsquo;s two, secured his place in the record books.
Salah now has 10 goals and 10 assists against Newcastle, making him the first player to register double-digit goal contributions in both categories against one club in the Premier League era.
The assist also helped him set another record, as he became the player with the most goal contributions at a single venue. Salah has now recorded 107 goals and 45 assists at Anfield, taking his total there to 152.
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In doing so, he moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal greats Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry, who each registered 151 goal contributions at Old Trafford and Highbury respectively.
Liverpool&rsquo;s meetings with Newcastle are among the Premier League&rsquo;s most prolific fixtures, producing 198 goals in total, behind only Liverpool versus Tottenham (209) and Arsenal versus Liverpool (199).
Newcastle currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, while Liverpool is sixth as they look to climb higher.
Liverpool&rsquo;s next match comes on Sunday, 8 February, when they face Manchester City, setting up a possible Egyptian duel between Salah and Omar Marmoush. City are second in the table, with Liverpool continuing their push towards the top.
Photo Credit: Liverpool&rsquo;s official page

Mohamed Salah Sets New Premier League Record at Anfield

Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim has officially arrived in Spain after FC Barcelona reached an agreement with Al Ahly to sign the forward on loan until 30 June 2026, with an option to buy at the end of the season. Abdelkarim joins Bar&ccedil;a Atl&egrave;tic after successfully passing his medical tests and touring the club&rsquo;s facilities. He is expected to begin training with his new teammates in the coming days. First Egyptian to Play for a Blaugrana Side Born on 1 January 2008, Hamza Abdelkarim is set to make history as the first Egyptian player to represent a Blaugrana side. The forward came through Al Ahly&rsquo;s youth academy and has represented Egypt at the U-17 level, where he impressed on the international stage. A mobile attacker with strong link-up play and a sharp eye for goal, Abdelkarim has already made appearances for Al Ahly&rsquo;s first team, including matches in the CAF Champions League and the Egyptian Cup. Speaking about his move, Abdelkarim said: &ldquo;The feeling is great. I am ready and excited. I love football; it&rsquo;s my passion. This is a new step for me, and I hope to make everyone proud.&rdquo; Breakout Star at the U-17 World Cup Abdelkarim drew widespread attention during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he emerged as one of Egypt&rsquo;s standout performers. He recorded two goals and one assist in four matches, performances that attracted interest from several European clubs. Barcelona moved swiftly to secure the young forward&rsquo;s signature, underlining the club&rsquo;s confidence in his potential and long-term development. Photo Credit: Barcelona&rsquo;s official page

Al Ahly Talent Hamza Abdelkarim Joins Barcelona, Making History as The First Egyptian

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Under the &ldquo;Rabies-Free Egypt 2030&rdquo; strategy, 293 stray dogs were vaccinated in a single day, as authorities shift from crisis management to long-term solutions. Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has launched the first field phase of its national campaign to vaccinate and sterilize stray dogs, starting in the Ain Shams district of Cairo, in a move aimed at protecting public health and addressing the stray dog issue through sustainable and humane measures. The campaign is part of the national strategy &ldquo;Rabies-Free Egypt 2030&rdquo; and reflects a clear policy shift from short-term crisis management to science-based, long-term solutions. Ain Shams was chosen as the starting point due to repeated public complaints and the need for early intervention to reduce health risks associated with rabies.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JWsns0Bt"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/35C1CGrd/Rabies-Free-Egypt-2030-Instagram-Post-Golden-Dog-1.png" alt="Rabies-Free-Egypt-2030-Instagram-Post-Golden-Dog-1" border="0" /></a> From Crisis Management to Sustainable Solutions Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk said the initiative marks a transition toward root solutions, emphasizing that the campaign follows internationally recognized standards and prioritizes cooperation between government institutions and civil society. The field operations are being implemented under the supervision of the General Organization of Veterinary Services, in coordination with the General Administration of Animal Welfare and Licensing, and in cooperation with the Federation of Animal Welfare Associations.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEgyptianCabinet%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05FdszQCgiwtgSm1nbRSzVjCPe32zHrAFVWgohq86NmSVrQVunqh5U7mTCJfbqvqFl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> On the first day of the campaign, veterinary teams vaccinated 293 stray dogs against rabies, while 25 dogs were transferred to designated shelters to undergo surgical sterilization before being safely returned to their original environment. Officials said this approach helps maintain ecological balance and prevents the spread of disease by limiting the entry of unvaccinated animals into treated areas. Alongside vaccination efforts, veterinary awareness teams launched an on-ground community outreach campaign to educate residents on safe interaction with stray dogs and methods of preventing zoonotic diseases. The ministry confirmed that the Ain Shams phase represents the foundation of a nationwide rollout, which will be gradually expanded across all governorates according to a set timeline, in line with Egypt&rsquo;s goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet's official page&nbsp;

Infographic | Egypt Begins Nationwide Stray Dog Vaccination Drive Under ‘Rabies-Free Egypt 2030’ Strategy

CEO Women has announced the launch of She FinTech, a major competitive initiative aimed at empowering women in FinTech and Digital Innovation. The competition comes as part of CEO Women&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs across the region and builds on the success of the Entrepreneur Zone featured within CEO Women&rsquo;s flagship events.
The initiative offers total awards of USD 120,000, including USD 50,000 in financial support and USD 70,000 in technical support, designed to fuel innovative ideas and accelerate the growth of women-led ventures. The initiative reflects CEO Women&rsquo;s strong belief that investing in women&rsquo;s creativity is essential to driving economic and social development.
Mona Morad, Founder and CEO of CEO Women, highlighted the significance of the competition, stating: &ldquo;She FinTech represents a vital platform to advance women&rsquo;s presence in both digital and financial sectors. We are committed to creating opportunities for visibility, growth, and regional expansion for women-led businesses.&rdquo;
The competition expands regionally to include participants from across the Middle East and North Africa, establishing She FinTech as a leading platform that brings together women innovators and fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange across the region.
The winning companies will be announced during a special ceremony held at the closing of the CEO Women 2026 events in Cairo, in the presence of distinguished leaders, experts, and key figures from the financial and technology sectors.
CEO Women invites female entrepreneurs in FinTech and Digital Innovation to participate in the competition and benefit from the financial and technical support offered. Further details about the application process will be shared in the upcoming announcements.

CEO Women Launches “She FinTech” Competition to Empower Women in FinTech and Digital Innovation with Total Awards of USD 120,000

At just 23, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega has become the youngest jury member in the history of the Marrakech Film Festival, joining an international panel that includes Bong Joon Ho, Palme d&rsquo;Or winner Julia Ducournau, and Oscar nominee Celine Song.
Speaking about the responsibility, Ortega said she refuses to let pressure overshadow the moment. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not intimidated because I&rsquo;m so overwhelmed with gratitude,&rdquo; she noted. &ldquo;It would be a shame to come into this experience weighed down by external pressure. At the end of the day, we&rsquo;re all on the same team.&rdquo; Known for her forthrightness, she added: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s very hard for me to put up a front. More than anything, I just want to be as present as possible.&rdquo;
Her presence adds a candid and youthful perspective to a jury reviewing 14 debut and second features, including Akinola Davies Jr.&rsquo;s My Father&rsquo;s Shadow, Zamo Mkhwanazi&rsquo;s Laundry and Morad Mostafa&rsquo;s Aisha Can&rsquo;t Fly Away. Alongside fellow jurors Anya Taylor-Joy, Karim A&iuml;nouz, and Hakim Belabbes, Ortega&rsquo;s role signals how emerging voices are increasingly shaping global cinema conversations.
Fresh Eyes on AI and Storytelling
During a press briefing, Ortega reflected on artificial intelligence in film, referencing her work in Taika Waititi&rsquo;s Klara and the Sun, where she acted opposite a solar-powered AI robot capable of expressing human emotion. Describing AI as &ldquo;a Pandora&rsquo;s box,&rdquo; she said the experience pushed her to consider how technology is redefining narrative, performance, and the boundaries between human and machine.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Ortega also spoke openly about navigating challenges. &ldquo;The only way to deal with these hardships is to face them forward,&rdquo; she said, underlining an approach rooted in honesty and presence. These qualities, she suggested, shape both her craft and her contribution to the jury.
With her blend of modern perspective, transparency, and fearlessness, Jenna Ortega is showing that a younger generation can offer not just fresh insight, but meaningful influence at one of the world&rsquo;s leading film festivals.
Photo Credit: Jenna Ortega's official page&nbsp;

Jenna Ortega at The Marrakech Film Festival: AI, Cinema and Fearlessness

For years, fibromyalgia was that invisible ghost of pain that people whispered about but never really understood. That changed when Montahy Al Salahya&mdash;Farrag&rsquo;s Ramadan series&mdash;threw it into the mainstream, finally showing the exhaustion, confusion and daily battle of living with a condition that has no obvious scars. It was raw, relatable and sparked the question millions have quietly asked: what is&nbsp;fibromyalgia?
 And now, for the first time in nearly 15 years, there&rsquo;s an answer that feels hopeful. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tonmya&nbsp;(cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), the first new treatment for fibromyalgia since the late 2000s. Unlike older medications that only offered partial relief, this one&rsquo;s non-opioid, placed under the tongue and taken at bedtime&mdash;targeting both chronic pain and sleep disruption, two of the condition&rsquo;s most frustrating hallmarks.
 Clinical trials showed promising results: participants reported a 30 percent or greater drop in pain levels, and their sleep noticeably improved. Sure, side-effects like drowsiness and numbness appeared, but they were mild compared to what patients have endured on previous treatments.
 But let&rsquo;s be honest&mdash;it&rsquo;s not a miracle cure. Fibromyalgia is complex. It messes with sleep, focus, mood and the nervous system all at once. Tonmya&nbsp;may not end the fight, but it finally feels like medicine is taking this battle seriously. The drug is expected to hit pharmacies by late 2025, and when it does, it could redefine what hope looks like for millions living in quiet pain.
 For once, the conversation about fibromyalgia isn&rsquo;t being spoken over&nbsp;patients&mdash;it&rsquo;s being spoken with&nbsp;them.
Photo Credit:&nbsp;geralt, Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
&nbsp;

Fibromyalgia Finally Has a New Treatment After 15 Years

In line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi&rsquo;s directives, Egypt is intensifying efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into education through expanded international cooperation with Japan, new training programs, and curriculum reforms.
Training Teachers and &ldquo;Ambassadors of Development&rdquo; The initiative will prioritize training computer science teachers, supervisors, subject advisors, and members of the technology development team&mdash;known as the &ldquo;Ambassadors of Development.&rdquo; This training is part of Egypt&ndash;Japan cooperation aimed at strengthening digital education.
Opportunities for Outstanding Students Exceptional students from governorates across Egypt will be selected to participate in specialized training sessions with leading Japanese companies via video conferencing. These opportunities will expose students to global expertise, help them develop practical skills, and enhance their competitiveness in the labor market.
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AI Education Beyond the Classroom Officials highlighted that teaching AI and programming not only enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also contributes to Egypt&rsquo;s national economy and supports sustainable development goals.
Integrating AI into School Curricula Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif announced that AI curricula will be introduced in selected school grades beginning in the 2025&ndash;2026 academic year. A matrix of standards and indicators for AI has been developed for both preparatory and secondary levels, with elements of AI education also incorporated into basic education.
Preparing Teachers and Infrastructure The Minister emphasized that well-trained teachers and specialists are essential to the success of this transformation. Efforts are also underway to strengthen technological infrastructure, including the development of specialized labs, to fully support AI integration into schools.
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Photo Credit: Ministry of Education and Technical Education's official page
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Egypt and Japan Partner to Advance AI and Programming Education

Google has rolled out an exclusive deal for students in Egypt; a free 12-month Gemini Pro Plan. Starting now, anyone aged 18 and above can register before 3rd of November 2025, to unlock the full package. The program is launched in partnership with Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
What&rsquo;s Included &bull; Gemini 2.5 Pro with unlimited image uploads for homework and writing support &bull; Deep Research tools with custom reports from hundreds of sources &bull; NotebookLM featuring expanded audio and video study overviews &bull; Veo3 for transforming text or photos into short videos &bull; 2 TB of cloud storage across Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail
Why It Matters
With its Guided Learning mode, Gemini Pro becomes more than just a tool; it&rsquo;s a study companion. It can break down math problems, refine essays, assist in test prep, and provide step-by-step guidance. Students can also explore interactive quizzes, images, and videos, while teachers gain access to the same resources for classroom use.
Valued at nearly 7,000 EGP per subscription, the offer debuts in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with more countries expected soon.
Photo Credit: Flickr&nbsp;

For The First Time: Google Offers Free Gemini Pro for Students in Egypt

Skywatchers in Cairo and across Egypt are set for a rare celestial show tonight as the moon turns a fiery red during a total lunar eclipse. On Sunday, 7th of September 2025, the &ldquo;blood moon&rdquo; will light up the sky for more than five hours; one of the year&rsquo;s most breathtaking astronomical events.
Eclipse Schedule in Egypt
<ul>
<li>7:27 PM &ndash; Partial eclipse begins as Earth&rsquo;s shadow touches the moon.</li>
<li>8:31 PM &ndash; Total eclipse starts; the moon is fully covered.</li>
<li>9:12 PM &ndash; Peak eclipse, with the moon glowing its darkest red.</li>
<li>9:53 PM &ndash; Total eclipse ends as the moon begins to emerge.</li>
<li>10:56 PM &ndash; Partial eclipse ends.</li>
<li>11:55 PM &ndash; Eclipse fully ends as the moon leaves Earth&rsquo;s shadow.</li>
</ul>
Why the Moon Turns Red
A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth, and moon align, and Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon. Instead, the moon reflects sunlight filtered through Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere. Because the atmosphere scatters blue light and lets red light pass through, the moon takes on a dramatic reddish glow; the same effect that makes sunrises and sunsets look red. Dust or clouds can make the color appear even deeper.
Where to Watch
The eclipse will be visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and parts of South America. Viewers in North America, however, will only catch partial phases of the event.
Photo Credit: Freepik&nbsp;

Don’t Miss Tonight’s Total Lunar Eclipse Over Egypt

In a rare astronomical phenomenon, Earth is completing its rotation today, Tuesday, 22nd July, in less than 24 hours&mdash;making it the shortest day ever recorded in human history. The planet will spin 1.34 milliseconds faster than the standard 86,400 seconds, surpassing the previous record set just two weeks ago on 9th July.
Although the difference is imperceptible to most, scientists say it reflects a puzzling trend in Earth&rsquo;s rotational behaviour. If this acceleration continues, global timekeepers may need to subtract a second from atomic clocks by 2029&mdash;a historic adjustment known as a &ldquo;negative leap second&rdquo; that has never been implemented before.&nbsp;
Experts remain uncertain about the root cause of the acceleration. Theories range from shifts in the Earth's molten core and melting glaciers to atmospheric changes and a weakening magnetic field. For centuries, the Earth has been gradually slowing due to the moon&rsquo;s tidal pull. But new data from NASA suggest we may have reached a phase of orbital equilibrium, unexpectedly speeding up the planet&rsquo;s rotation.
Geologists and astrophysicists are closely monitoring the development, as it could affect everything from satellite navigation to global timekeeping systems in the near future.

Today Marks the Shortest Day in Recorded Human History

Check out the most important Business, Tech, Startups, Gaming &amp; Entrepreneurship on Nile FM website

Geekdom

Gazlan will be taking listeners on a 1-hour journey around different parts of the world during Ramadan! Exploring different places, cultures, and traditions during the Holy Month!

Ramadan Guides

Spinning out your favorite classic hits from the 60s to the 90s. Tune in to listen to those good oldies. One great hit after the other. The perfect way to finish off your morning.

Flashback

Join Zeinab &amp; Sami every weekday in the afternoon on &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo;! Your best companion on your journey home from work or school. Enjoy the best music, the funniest games, and lots more to help you shake off your Cairo traffic blues!

The Big Drive

Your morning commute has never been this fun! An ultimate entertaining blend of games, news tidbits, and the latest hits, &ldquo;The Big Fast&rdquo; is the best place to kick-start your morning during Ramadan. What you listen to in the morning can really set the tone for your whole day, and Rob &amp; Sally are here to make sure you are fresh and ready to conquer the day!

The Big Fast

Ramadan is a wonderful time to take things slower during the day, but at night, that&rsquo;s when all the madness takes place! That&rsquo;s why NileFM is bringing you &lsquo;Ramadan Madness&rsquo; every night on weekdays. A whole host of mad presenters will be discussing Ramadan traditions, popular trends, and chitchatting with listeners, who are on their way to mad get-togethers with family and friends. Not to mention playing those Ramadan requests to really inspire the festive Ramadan feeling in all.

Ramadan Madness

Hip-hop &amp; RNB from the one and only DJ Feedo! With a master&rsquo;s degree in swag, Feedo will give your Friday the kick it needs to. Your weekly dose of all the newest hip-hop releases, the best old-school jams, East Coast/West Coast, Shack Town, the Dirty South &amp; the Middle East just got a whole lot more flavorful with DJ FEEDO!

Friday Night Flavas

Brain Busters is a 1-hour radio show that will entertain you through the weekdays. Basmah will keep your company with plenty of chats, fun, music and games, along with all the latest entertainment news and much more!

Brain Busters

Starting Sunday through Wednesday, 12&ndash;2 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 4&ndash;5 PM, Feedo delivers the hottest chart-topping hit music, mixed back to back, nonstop! All the latest tracks for one hour straight, no interruptions! You know you&rsquo;re in good hands with Feedo and his stellar music taste!

Mixalicious

AT40 gives you the inside scoop on everything &ldquo;Hollywood&rdquo; as well as counts down through the &ldquo;top 40&rdquo; songs on US charts! Hosted by the one and only Ryan Seacrest, this one is a can&rsquo;t-miss for our pop-culture-obsessed listeners who can&rsquo;t get enough of celebrity shenanigans!

American Top 40

Curated playlists of the best chilled tunes from the 90s &amp; the 2000s! Join veteran music man Simon Ramsden. Every day, Simon&rsquo;s sunset collection aims to keep you calm to carry on to Iftar!

Nile @ Sunset

Sit back and enjoy the chilled-out sounds of oriental-inspired music; it's the perfect setting for an introspective drive in your car or just an escape from the stress of your day. It's the show that brings a little dose of local flavor and a whole lot of Zen. Don't miss it!

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