One train journey, one night in Vienna, and two strangers who feel as if they have known each other forever. "Before Sunrise" captures the magic of an instant connection, but its sequels reveal a more complicated question: is the spark enough to build a lasting relationship?
There is something extraordinary about meeting someone and feeling as though the conversation has already begun before you even introduce yourselves. Every question opens another door, every answer makes you want to know more, and suddenly, hours have passed without either of you noticing.
That is the magic of Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" (1995). Jesse and Celine are two strangers who meet on a train and decide to spend a night together exploring Vienna. Through conversations about life, love, memories, and everything in between, an unexpected connection develops. By sunrise, their brief encounter feels like the beginning of something extraordinary.
But is it love at first sight, or the feeling of being understood by someone at exactly the right moment?
In this episode of "Reel vs. Real," Mel Masry takes a closer look at the difference between instant attraction and lasting love, using one of cinema's most beloved romantic stories to question what happens when the excitement of a first meeting gives way to the reality of knowing another person.
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Twelve Hours Outside the Real World
What makes "Before Sunrise" so romantic is not a grand gesture or an elaborate love story. It is the simplicity of two people talking.
Jesse and Celine connect through their curiosity about one another. They share thoughts they might not normally reveal to someone they have just met, creating an atmosphere in which vulnerability feels effortless.
For those twelve hours, they exist outside their usual routines and responsibilities. There are no shared bills, family disagreements, difficult decisions, or expectations about the future. They have only the present moment and the excitement of discovering someone new.
That is also what makes their connection so easy to idealise.
When we meet someone for the first time, we know only what they choose to share with us. We fill the remaining spaces with assumptions, hopes, and our own understanding of what a perfect connection should look like.
Sometimes, what feels like knowing someone deeply is actually the comfort of imagining who they might be.
The Three Films Tell a Different Story
The real beauty of Linklater's trilogy is that it does not leave Jesse and Celine frozen in their romantic first encounter.
In "Before Sunset" (2004), the two meet again in Paris, nine years after their night in Vienna. They are older, carrying different experiences and unanswered questions. Their conversation is still captivating, but time has given their connection a different meaning. The question is no longer simply whether they feel something for each other, but what might have happened if they had made different choices.
Then comes "Before Midnight" (2013), which takes their relationship into a far less romantic setting. Jesse and Celine are now a couple navigating the pressures of family life, resentment, sacrifice, and disagreements about their future.
The long conversations remain, but they are no longer simply a way to discover one another. They also become a way to confront everything that has accumulated between them.
This is where the trilogy becomes particularly interesting. The first film captures the excitement of possibility, while the later films explore the work required to maintain a relationship after that possibility becomes everyday life.
The spark may bring two people together, but it cannot resolve every disagreement or guarantee that they will always want the same things.
When Familiarity Feels Like Fate
An instant connection can feel powerful because it gives us the impression that someone understands us without needing much explanation. But that feeling does not necessarily mean we have found the right person.
Psychology offers several ways to understand why certain people feel familiar so quickly, including the influence of attachment patterns and previous relationship experiences. Our expectations about intimacy can shape whom we are drawn to and how we interpret early interactions.
That does not mean every intense attraction is unhealthy, or that love at first sight is simply an illusion. It means that attraction and compatibility are different things.
Someone can make us feel comfortable, excited, and understood during one unforgettable evening without necessarily being the person with whom we can build a healthy relationship.
The challenge is to recognise the difference between the feeling someone creates in us and the person they actually are.
The Part That Happens After the Credits
Perhaps the biggest question raised by "Before Sunrise" is one the film deliberately leaves unanswered: what happens when the night ends?
The first meeting is full of possibilities because nothing has been tested yet. We have not seen how the other person handles disappointment, responds to conflict, or behaves when life becomes inconvenient.
Real intimacy develops through those moments. It is built when two people continue to communicate after the exciting conversations become familiar, when they disagree without losing respect for one another, and when they choose to understand each other beyond the initial attraction.
That is what makes the trilogy's progression so meaningful. It allows us to see that romance does not end when the first spark fades. Instead, the relationship enters a different stage, one that requires patience, honesty, compromise, and a willingness to keep discovering the person beside us.
The First Look Is Only the Beginning
So, is love at first sight real? Perhaps the feeling is real, but the understanding is still incomplete. An instant connection can be the beginning of love, but it cannot tell us everything we need to know about the person we have just met.
"Before Sunrise" reminds us of the beauty of unexpected encounters. "Before Sunset" shows us how time can change the meaning of a connection, while "Before Midnight" reminds us that even deep love has to face the ordinary pressures of life.
The spark is an invitation to get to know someone. It is not a promise that the relationship will work.
As Mel Masry suggests in "Reel vs. Real," the real measure of love is not how intensely we feel during the first encounter, but whether we can continue choosing each other as we become more familiar, complicated, and human.
Because sometimes the person who takes your breath away at first sight is not necessarily the person you will want beside you years later. And sometimes, the most meaningful kind of love is not found in the first look, but in the hundredth.
Watch "Reel vs. Real" with Mel Masry every Sunday at 5:00 pm on NileFM&rsquo;s YouTube channel.
Photo Credit: Before Sunrise's official page &nbsp;

"Before Sunrise": The Magic Of Meeting Someone, And The Reality Of Knowing Them

What happens when someone trusts you with her life, only for you to betray that trust? That is the heartbreaking question at the centre of &ldquo;El Qessa El Kamla: Gareema Fi Al Zamalek,&rdquo; starring Saba Mubarak, Ahmed Bahaa, Mohamed Ali Rezk, and Randa Kaady.
Part of the anthology series &ldquo;El Qessa El Kamla,&rdquo; this story shocked audiences not only because it is based on a true story, but also because its events are difficult to believe actually happened. Exploring fake friendship, misplaced trust, and betrayal, &ldquo;Gareema Fi Al Zamalek&rdquo; offers more than a crime story. Here are three reasons why this particular story hits harder.
Hardship Is Never an Excuse to Take Away Someone Else's Rights
The story follows Nadia (Saba Mubarak), a supermarket cashier in Zamalek who dreams of escaping her difficult family life and finally marrying her fianc&eacute; (Ahmed Bahaa). After discovering that she is pregnant, she hopes to start a new chapter, but her long engagement continues to drag on, leaving her future uncertain.
Meanwhile, Nadia finds herself under constant pressure from her family, who expect her to pay their bills, give her brothers money, and even abandon her fianc&eacute; in favour of marrying a wealthy man.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Greta (Randa Kaady), an elderly woman whose kindness becomes a rare source of comfort. Greta listens to Nadia's problems, offers her help, and treats her with genuine affection. For Nadia, she becomes more than a friend; she is the person who makes her feel loved and understood.
However, instead of appreciating Greta's kindness, Nadia betrays her trust, steals her money, and leaves her to die, believing that this is the easiest way to escape her problems.
The story raises an important question: How far can financial struggles and family pressure push someone, and at what point do personal choices become impossible to justify?
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Losing Someone Who Truly Loves You Is Harder
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the story is Nadia's relationship with Greta. After treating her like the daughter she never had, Greta becomes the only person who genuinely stands by Nadia without expecting anything in return.
Nadia believes she can simply walk away after leaving Greta to die and taking her money. However, things do not go as planned. Greta survives, and Nadia is eventually confronted with the consequences of her betrayal.
Even after everything Greta has done for her, Nadia cannot accept that the woman she betrayed refuses to forgive her. When Greta is about to report her to the police, Nadia makes another devastating decision and kills her.
What makes this storyline particularly painful is that Nadia does not lose Greta because of circumstances beyond her control. She loses the only person who genuinely loved her because of her own choices.
The Twist: When Trust Becomes a Weapon
The series explores how easily trust can be manipulated, especially when someone takes advantage of another person's kindness.
Greta welcomed Nadia into her life, trusted her with her house keys, and allowed her to become part of her everyday life. She never imagined that the same person she trusted would eventually turn against her after seeing an opportunity to take her money.
Nadia's actions reveal how greed can completely change a relationship. What began as an act of kindness turned into a betrayal that cost Greta her life and Nadia her freedom.
Ultimately, &ldquo;Gareema Fi Al Zamalek&rdquo; reminds us that hardship does not justify hurting others, and that the consequences of betrayal can be far greater than the temporary benefits people believe they will gain.
Nadia may have thought that stealing Greta's money would solve all her problems, but she ended up losing the only person who truly cared for her and facing the consequences of her actions.
Photo Credit: MBC Shahid&rsquo;s official page

Why “El Qessa El Kamla: Gareema Fi Al Zamalek” Hits Harder Than Expected

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
&ldquo;Just keep watching&hellip; there are still things this trio will do that will leave you surprised.&rdquo; That is the teaser Egyptian screenwriter Samaa Abdelkhalek shared with NileFM about &nbsp;&lsquo;Tale&rsquo; Nazel: El Hob Elli Kan&rsquo;, the series she co-wrote with Angie Al-Qassim.
The series sees Mona Zaki take on a role unlike any audiences have seen her play before, alongside Mohamed Shahin, Mariam El Khosht, Hamza Diab and Mimi Gamal. Through the intertwined lives of Ali, Noura and May, the story explores a complicated love triangle shaped by betrayal, difficult choices and the sacrifices people make to preserve their relationships.
Directed by Hani Khalifa, &lsquo;&lsquo;Tale&rsquo; Nazel&rsquo; marks another collaboration between Samaa and Angie, who first worked together in 2018 on &lsquo;Layali Eugenie&rsquo;. Abdelkhalek has previously won audiences over with her distinctive storytelling and her willingness to tackle subjects that are rarely explored on screen. Her previous credits include &lsquo;Nemra Etnein&rsquo;, &lsquo;Dentelle&rsquo; and &lsquo;Halawet El Donya&rsquo;.
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Samaa Abdelkhalek takes us behind the scenes of &lsquo;Tale&rsquo; Nazel: El Hob Elli Kan&rsquo;, discussing the characters&rsquo; complicated relationships, her creative partnership with Angie Al-Qassim and the unexpected twists audiences can look forward to as the story unfolds.
Take us back to the beginning of your journey. When did you realize that storytelling was the path you wanted to pursue?
I always knew I liked writing, but I think I first realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue in 2010, when I joined a writing workshop with Tamer Habib.
In &lsquo;Tale&rsquo; Nazel, who do you think is the real victim?
I think all three made mistakes, and all of them were victims at some point throughout the journey.
The series presents Mona Zaki in a different light, including a strikingly different look. What was your main focus when writing her character?
We wanted this to be something different from the roles and characters Mona Zaki had played before and from what people expected from her.
Which character was the most challenging to write, and why?
All of them, even the secondary characters. We try to write characters that have a solid background and capture their flaws, strengths, backgrounds, etc. Characters that are relatable yet different in their own way.
Ali, Noura, and May come from different backgrounds and have different emotional experiences. Does Ali truly love Noura and May, or does he have a different motivation for each relationship?
Ali does truly love both, and that is his conviction, even if it is a different kind of love and even if these feelings are triggered by different things. He truly means it when he says he loves both of them.&nbsp;
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The series features several complex and emotionally charged scenes. Which scene challenged you the most as a writer?
Not a particular scene, but writing the pilot and the last episode is usually challenging and takes the most time, as you have to decide how you will start and end the story. I would also say that, in this series specifically, Episode Five was one of the episodes that was challenging for us to write.
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Without revealing any spoilers, is there a particular detail or upcoming development you can tease for the audience?
Just keep watching because I believe there are still things that this trio will do that will keep you surprised.
How did you and Angie Al-Qassim divide the writing process and ensure a consistent voice throughout the story?
It&rsquo;s not the first project we have worked on together, so having a consistent voice was not that challenging. We usually build the story, the plot, and the characters and do the research together. We have a lot of brainstorming sessions, not only at the beginning but throughout the whole journey, to ensure we are always aligned. When writing scenes and episodes, we keep going back and forth and discussing all the details to ensure we are also aligned.
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Love, relationships, and women&rsquo;s rights are recurring themes in your work. What do you hope audiences take away from &lsquo;Tale&rsquo; Nazel beyond the events portrayed on screen?
Usually, I like the idea that everyone can take away things according to their own interpretation and preferences. I think the one thing I would always highlight in my stories, though, is that there is no black and white when it comes to humans. We all make mistakes, and we all have flaws, and each situation can be interpreted differently. Don't rush into judging others because you never know what you would really do if you were in their shoes.
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Is there a story about women, love, or a social issue that you have yet to explore but would particularly like to write about?
Yes, I do have a lot of ideas and stories that I still want to write about. I am not usually drawn to "issues" or "causes" as much as I am drawn to people and their stories. I like to tell stories about humans in specific situations: a story about someone going through "something" and how this specific person handles the situation, and how you, as an audience member, can relate to that or not. It makes you wonder after watching: If I were facing that situation or those circumstances, how would I actually handle it?
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What can audiences expect from you next? Are there any upcoming projects or new storytelling directions you can share?
I am currently working on my first feature film.
Photo Credit: Samaa Abdelkhalik&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Samaa Abdelkhalek Teases Surprises In Mona Zaki’s ‘Tale’ Nazel’ And Discusses Her Upcoming Projects

During Nile FM&rsquo;s special coverage of the fifth edition of the CEO WOMEN&trade; conference, Nile FM&rsquo;s Zeinab spoke with H.E. Ulric Shannon, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt, about opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties between Egypt and Canada, the potential for collaboration across strategic sectors, and the importance of women's economic empowerment.
With Canada's efforts to diversify its international markets, Egypt's strategic geographical position and economic potential offer opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors including shipping, energy, agriculture, and food security.
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Canada and Egypt: Expanding Economic Cooperation
Reflecting on the conference discussions, Shannon highlighted the Egyptian government's efforts to support women's economic empowerment through both the public and private sectors.
He explained that Canada has long been interested in this area and has incorporated women's economic empowerment into its development programming in Egypt, particularly through initiatives supporting women in remote areas and helping them achieve financial independence.
&ldquo;Women's economic empowerment has long been a part of our development programming here in Egypt as Canada,&rdquo; he said, adding that the conference provided an opportunity to explore ways to expand bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment.
Shannon also highlighted Canada's feminist foreign policy and feminist international development policy, noting that these priorities have shaped its engagement with women's empowerment initiatives.
Building Bridges Between East and West
Discussing this year's theme of strengthening East-West collaboration, Shannon explained that Canada is placing greater emphasis on diversifying its international trade and investment markets.
He noted that Canada has traditionally relied heavily on the United States as its primary export market, with approximately 75% of its exports historically going to its neighbouring country.
However, amid challenges in that relationship, Canada is increasingly looking to develop new trade partnerships and explore emerging economies, including Egypt.
&ldquo;We're emphasising the need to develop new markets for our trade and our investment, including in emerging economies like Egypt,&rdquo; he explained.
He added that Egypt's geographical position, connecting Africa and the Middle East, makes it particularly attractive for Canadian businesses seeking access to new markets.
Shipping, Energy and Food Security Among Key Opportunities
When asked about the sectors offering potential for Egyptian-Canadian cooperation, Shannon pointed to both countries' maritime capabilities, alongside opportunities in shipping, energy, healthcare and agriculture.
He also highlighted food security as an important area of mutual interest, noting Canada's strength in agriculture and Egypt's growing interest in strengthening its supply relationships.
&ldquo;Egypt is a very developed economy. It has a tremendous human capital, it has natural resources, and it has this geographic location,&rdquo; he said.
He added that both countries are looking to diversify their supply relationships, creating opportunities for cooperation across several strategic sectors.
CEO WOMEN&trade; Creates Opportunities Beyond Traditional Networking
For Shannon, one of the conference's key strengths lies in bringing together participants from different professional and business backgrounds, extending beyond senior government officials and established CEOs.
He highlighted the importance of engaging smaller businesses, first-time investors and entrepreneurs exploring international markets, describing the event as an opportunity to introduce them to potential partners and new investment destinations.
The ambassador also attended CEO WOMEN&trade; for the first time this year. Among his main takeaways was the need to establish more direct connections with influential women from Egypt's public and private sectors.
He specifically mentioned Amal Amre, head of Egypt's National Council for Women, alongside other prominent participants, noting that the discussions had encouraged him to arrange further meetings and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Bringing Canadian Women Leaders to Future Editions
Looking ahead to the next edition, Shannon expressed his hope of bringing Canadian business representatives and women leaders to participate in the conference.
He explained that Canada has several women-led CEO networks and organisations that could help strengthen connections between Egyptian and Canadian businesses.
Drawing on his previous experience as Canada's Consul General in Istanbul, he recalled working with women CEO networks to build trade relationships between Turkey and Canada.
&ldquo;That's the kind of thing that I would love to be able to replicate in Egypt,&rdquo; he said, highlighting the potential for similar networks to encourage greater private-sector engagement and cross-border business opportunities.
Moving Beyond Representation to Women in Leadership
Addressing the broader role of CEO WOMEN&trade; in advancing women's economic empowerment, Shannon emphasised that the conversation should move beyond simply increasing women's visibility and representation.
He noted that discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of ensuring women have actual decision-making authority and leadership positions across different sectors.
&ldquo;The emphasis now is on more than just visibility and representation, but actually having women in leadership positions at the table,&rdquo; he explained.
He also expressed hope that women's economic leadership would eventually become such a mainstream part of business and public life that it would no longer need to be treated as a separate topic.
Through its fifth edition, CEO WOMEN&trade; continues to create opportunities for dialogue, networking and international cooperation. For Canada and Egypt, the discussions highlighted the potential to translate these connections into stronger trade relations, investment opportunities and greater participation of women in leadership across both countries.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from the exclusive interview
&nbsp;

H.E. Ulric Shannon Highlights Egypt-Canada Trade And Investment Opportunities At CEO WOMEN™ 2026

With Halloween just around the corner, costumes, spooky decorations, and sweet treats are set to take centre stage. Celebrated annually on 31 October, Halloween gives people the chance to transform into their favourite fictional characters, whether they prefer superheroes, iconic villains, or beloved fairy-tale princesses.
If you are still looking for inspiration, here are some famous characters to dress up as this Halloween.
Batman
Batman is another timeless choice for anyone who loves superheroes. His costume typically features a black or dark grey bodysuit, a bat emblem on the chest, a utility belt, and a long black cape. Add his signature pointed-eared cowl to complete the look of Gotham City's legendary protector.
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The Joker
The Joker is an iconic option includes a purple suit, a green shirt or vest, and a colourful tie. Green hair, white face makeup, dark eyes, and an exaggerated red smile complete the look.
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Pennywise from &lsquo;IT&rsquo;
Pennywise from IT is a memorable choice; the terrifying clown is known for his pale face, bright red hair, red lines extending from his mouth towards his eyes, and a white clown suit with red pom-poms and ruffled details, with adding red balloon it will make the look even more recognisable.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn is a popular choice for Halloween as her modern look, particularly the version portrayed in &lsquo;Suicide Squad,&rsquo; features colourful hair styled in pigtails, dramatic eye makeup, and a playful mix of red, blue, and white clothing. A graphic T-shirt, shorts, fishnet tights, and boots can help recreate the look, while her signature baseball bat can be replaced with a lightweight toy accessory.
Catwoman
Catwoman offers a sleek and stylish Halloween costume. Her signature look usually features a fitted black catsuit, black gloves, high boots, and a cat-eared mask or headpiece. A dark belt and subtle feline-inspired makeup can complete the outfit.
Cruella de Vil
For a glamorous villain-inspired costume, Cruella de Vil is an excellent choice. The &lsquo;101 Dalmatians&rsquo; character is instantly recognisable by her dramatic half-black, half-white hair, bold red lipstick, and extravagant fashion. A black-and-white outfit, a long coat with a Dalmatian-inspired pattern, black gloves, and statement jewellery can bring the look together.
Wednesday Addams
Wednesday Addams is perfect for anyone who prefers a dark, minimalist costume. Her signature outfit consists of a black dress with a white pointed collar, black tights, and chunky black shoes. Two long black braids and pale makeup complete the look. For a version inspired by the series &lsquo;Wednesday,&rsquo; choose a black school uniform with a striped or collared shirt.&nbsp;
Whether you choose a superhero, or a spooky villain, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to get creative and bring your favourite characters to life.
Photo Credit: Wednesday&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

What To Wear This Halloween 2026: Costume Ideas Inspired By Famous Characters

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;
A childhood passion for photography helped set Egyptian director Mohamed Taher on the path to filmmaking. Now, his directorial debut, &lsquo;32B: Mashakel Dakheliyya&rsquo;, has earned international recognition, winning Best Narrative Short at the 2026 Tribeca Festival and qualifying for consideration at the Academy Awards.
Taher&rsquo;s journey from taking photographs with his father&rsquo;s camera at the age of nine to directing an award-winning short film marks a significant milestone in his career. Following its success at Tribeca, &lsquo;32B&rsquo; continued its international festival run, with an official selection at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles in August 2026.
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Written by Haitham Dabbour, the film stars Mohamed Mamdouh, Hana Shiha, Ahmed Dash, Gehad Hossam El Din and Jessica Hosam El Din. Blending dark comedy with poignant family drama, it explores the emotional complexities of parenthood and the relationship between parents and their children.
The film is set to become available to stream online on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Taher discusses his journey into filmmaking, the creative decisions behind &lsquo;32B: Mashakel Dakheliyya&rsquo; and the film&rsquo;s growing international recognition.
What first inspired you to become a director, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I started taking photographs when I was nine years old, using my father&rsquo;s camera. I always loved documenting moments and was fascinated by people&rsquo;s reactions when they saw their pictures. As I grew older, this passion evolved into making short videos on my home computer using simple editing software, putting together scenes from my favorite films and adding music to them. I loved the process and received compliments for my work.
After graduating, I worked as an accountant at a petroleum company for four years. Eventually, I realized that I wasn&rsquo;t emotionally connected to my job, so I started searching for something that truly reflected my passion. I went back to school to study cinema, initially focusing on cinematography, then producing, before finally settling on directing during my MFA.
I have always been fascinated by human behavior and by how cinema can express emotions that people struggle to articulate, as well as the contradictions that exist within us.
My journey has taken me through different roles in the film industry, including working as an assistant director on feature films and directing second units for television. Those experiences taught me a great deal about storytelling, actors, and the filmmaking process. But they also made me increasingly aware of the stories I wanted to tell myself.
As I continue to develop my work, I find myself increasingly drawn to stories about human vulnerability, emotional distance, and the ways we struggle to connect with one another.
<a href="https://ibb.co/YThtt7kx"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wr4KKNWf/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What first drew you to the story of&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;?
What drew me to&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;was the contradiction at the heart of its story. A father wants to do the right thing for his daughter, but he has no idea how to approach a subject that should be completely natural. Something as simple as buying a piece of clothing becomes an emotional obstacle because neither of them knows how to communicate about it.
Haitham Dabbour captured this struggle beautifully in his script, and I completely fell in love with it. When I first read it, I was struck by how something so ordinary could reveal much deeper issues within a family and the society they live in. The father is simply unequipped to deal with a situation that challenges everything he understands about being a parent.
The film explores the relationship between parents and their children. How do you see this relationship changing today?
I think the relationship is changing, but not necessarily as quickly as we might imagine. Children today have access to information, ideas, and conversations that previous generations could barely imagine. They are growing up in a world that is more connected, yet that doesn&rsquo;t automatically mean they feel more understood by their parents.
In many families, there is still a gap between what parents want their children to know and what they feel comfortable talking to them about. Parents often believe they are protecting their children by avoiding difficult conversations, when that silence can sometimes leave children feeling alone with their questions.
I also think becoming a parent has made me look at this relationship differently. You begin to realize that parenting isn&rsquo;t simply about knowing what to teach your children; it&rsquo;s also about confronting your own fears, insecurities, and limitations.
&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;won Best Narrative Short at Tribeca. What has this recognition meant to you personally and professionally?
Winning Best Narrative Short at Tribeca was an incredibly meaningful moment for me. Seeing&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;connect with the jury at a festival like Tribeca was deeply rewarding, and it has definitely given my career a push forward. The award has also given the film a new level of visibility.
But what I value most is that a story rooted in a very specific Egyptian social and cultural context has resonated internationally.
On a personal level, the recognition means a great deal because this is my first short film as a director. There is something particularly special about seeing your first film find its way into the world and be embraced by audiences and industry professionals beyond the context in which it was made.
For me, the award isn&rsquo;t a destination as much as an encouragement to keep taking creative risks and telling stories that feel honest.
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The film is a dark comedy. What was the biggest challenge in telling this story through the genre?
The biggest challenge was finding the right balance between humor and discomfort without undermining the emotional reality of the characters.
The situation in&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;is inherently awkward, and that awkwardness can be funny. But I never wanted the daughter or the father to become the punchline. The humor needed to emerge naturally from the father&rsquo;s confusion, his attempts to navigate an unfamiliar situation, and the social expectations that have shaped his behavior.
For me, dark comedy works best when the audience can laugh at a situation and then realize there is something much more uncomfortable underneath it. You recognize the absurdity of what is happening, but you also understand why the characters are behaving that way.
The challenge was to avoid exaggerating the comedy or making the film feel like a sketch. We needed to preserve the emotional truth of the relationship and allow the awkward silences, gestures, and small misunderstandings to carry as much weight as the dialogue.
I wanted the audience to laugh, but also to recognize something familiar in that laughter. Perhaps a memory of a conversation they never had with their parents, or one they are still struggling to have with their own children.
That tension between laughter and discomfort is what makes the story meaningful to me.
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The film&rsquo;s festival journey continues with its selection for the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival and the Fun Cinema International Comedy Film Festival. What are you hoping for as the film continues its journey?
I&rsquo;m grateful that&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;continues to find new audiences and that its journey is taking it into different cultural contexts. Every festival brings a new conversation, and I&rsquo;m always curious to see how people respond to a story that begins in such a specific Egyptian setting.
What excites me most is the possibility of the film connecting with audiences who may have grown up in very different circumstances but recognize the same emotional dynamics within their own families. The details may change from one culture to another, but the difficulty of talking to our children about uncomfortable subjects is something many people can relate to.
I&rsquo;m also happy to see the film reaching festivals that approach cinema from different perspectives. Its recognition at Tribeca was a major milestone, and its continued selection at international festivals allows the film to keep evolving through its encounters with audiences.
Ultimately, I hope&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;continues to travel. If the film can make someone laugh, reflect on their own relationship with their family, and feel a little less alone in their difficulties, then I think it has accomplished something worthwhile.
At the same time, this journey has been an important experience for me as a director. It has strengthened my belief in telling culturally specific stories with emotional honesty and trusting that their humanity can reach far beyond their original setting.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while making&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;?
One of the biggest challenges was recreating Cairo in 2005 in a way that felt authentic without making the period feel overly constructed. Working with our production designer, Asem Ali, was essential in building that world through the details of the locations, the production design, and the atmosphere of the time.
Another important challenge was finding the right visual language for the story with our cinematographer, Mostafa Fahmy. I wanted the cinematography to do more than simply capture the action; it needed to communicate what the characters couldn&rsquo;t express verbally, and Mostafa did an amazing job of bringing that vision to life.
For example, in the lingerie shop scene, we used lighting and composition to add layers of discomfort and awkwardness to an already uncomfortable situation. I wanted the audience to feel the father&rsquo;s unease rather than simply observe it.
Can you take us behind the scenes of working with Mohamed Mamdouh, Hana Shiha, Ahmed Dash, and the rest of the cast and crew?
Working with this cast was a wonderful experience. Each actor brought something unique to their character, and what mattered most to me was creating an environment where they could explore the emotions and awkwardness of the story naturally.
Mohamed Mamdouh has a remarkable ability to communicate so much through small gestures and expressions, which was particularly important for a character who struggles to express himself verbally. Hana Shiha and Ahmed Dash also brought their own sensibilities to the film, helping us build believable characters.
I remember how Hana brought so many little details to her character, from the way she spoke to the occasional French words she slipped into her conversations. Those small choices added another layer to the character and made her feel more authentic.
I believe filmmaking is a collaborative process, and I&rsquo;m grateful to the entire cast and crew for their trust and commitment. Everyone contributed to creating the world of&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;and making its emotional contradictions feel real.
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You previously worked with Mohamed Mamdouh. How was this experience different from your previous collaboration?
Having worked with Mohamed Mamdouh before, I already had a great appreciation for his talent and his understanding of characters.
What I particularly appreciated about working with him on&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;was his ability to find humor in the character without turning him into a caricature. The father is awkward and often lost, but he is also vulnerable and sincere. Mohamed understood that balance beautifully.
For me, it was a valuable experience to move from working with an actor in a previous professional capacity to directing him and building a character together.
If you could make a film about one social issue, what would you choose to explore?
I would continue exploring the emotional distance between parents and their children, particularly the things we inherit from our families without even realizing it.
I&rsquo;m fascinated by how our upbringing shapes the way we communicate, express affection, and deal with vulnerability. I think there are so many stories to tell about the gap between the parents we want to be and the parents we actually become.
What do you hope audiences take away from&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;?
I hope audiences leave the film thinking about their own relationships with their parents or children. If&nbsp;&lsquo;32B&rsquo;&nbsp;makes people laugh, recognize a little of themselves in its characters, and perhaps feel encouraged to have a conversation they&rsquo;ve been putting off, then I&rsquo;ll be very happy.
For me, that&rsquo;s what makes telling these stories worthwhile.
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Photo Credit: Mohamed Taher's official page&nbsp;

Exclusive | Mohamed Taher On His Directorial Debut ‘32B: Mashakel Dakheliyya’

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Aly Fathalla's musical journey began at the age of four, when his father gave him his first keyboard. Inspired by watching his father play, he soon developed a passion for music that would shape his career as a producer, DJ and live performer.
More than two decades later, Fathalla has established himself across international trance, Egyptian pop, and film and television scoring. Alongside his childhood friend Fady, he has also built Aly &amp; Fila into a long-running electronic music project.
But his musical journey has continued to evolve. His latest project, &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;, combines original electronic music with live instrumentation, allowing him to explore a more personal approach to performing. The idea emerged following the birth of his first daughter, an experience that also influenced his creative outlook.
In this exclusive interview with NileFM, this week's &lsquo;DJ of the Week&rsquo; discusses his early musical influences, his partnership with Fady, the evolution of Aly &amp; Fila and the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on music. He also talks about fatherhood, his ambitions for &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; and the 12-track live set he has prepared for the show, airing tonight at 10pm.
Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to become a music producer and DJ, and how did your journey start?
My father had a love for music, and I used to watch him mesmerised as he played the keyboard. He worked as a doctor, yet music was always a big part of his life. He gave me my first keyboard when I was four, and I fell in love with music right then and there. As I grew older, my passion for music production and my curiosity about it also grew, eventually evolving into the music I play today. DJing is how I share my creations with the world, but my true passion is producing music and performing it live.
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After more than two decades in the music industry, what has remained at the heart of your identity as a musician?
I appreciate good music of all genres. Good music is simply good music. My identity is somewhat of a chameleon; it expands and changes with every new piece of music I produce. At its heart are my love of music and my curiosity to keep learning and creating something beautiful, whatever that may be. I always strive to produce good music, regardless of the genre.
You have been producing music since 2003. How do you think artificial intelligence will change music production and the creative process?
AI is definitely a double-edged sword; it depends on how artists choose to use it. If used creatively as a tool, it can have a very positive effect and be extremely helpful in the creative process. However, if it takes the lead in creating music, artists risk losing their identities and their sense of inspiration.
That's why I don't think AI can replace the human element. Music has a personality that makes every piece unique to the artist who created it.
You work across international trance and Egyptian pop. How do these two musical worlds influence each other in the studio?
It started the other way around. Initially, I brought part of my personality from the trance world into my Arabic pop productions, resulting in a distinctive sound that became recognisable in my music. Later, my love for our beautiful oriental sounds found its way into my dance tracks and helped elevate those productions as well. The two genres definitely influence each other in a very positive way, in my opinion.
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How do you continue to evolve creatively while maintaining the distinctive sound your fans recognise?
I am very grateful for the distinctive identity of my music, which I believe comes straight from the heart and reflects my personality. However, maintaining that identity is not something I consciously focus on.
I believe creative evolution comes from having the passion to keep learning, developing and exploring the new creative tools that emerge every day. At the same time, it is important to remain true to what I genuinely enjoy rather than blindly following trends.
I am humbled and ecstatic to have a sound that fans recognise. I have been blessed with that, and I am truly grateful.
How have social media and streaming platforms changed the way electronic music is produced, promoted and consumed?
Social media is a double-edged sword. It has helped artists reach wider audiences and appeal to the masses. However, it can also discourage talented artists from producing music simply because they haven't received enough likes or aren't particularly skilled at using social media.
Seeking validation online can be dangerous. You shouldn't let it make or break you.
In my case, my production process remains the same. I still strive to create music that I enjoy and believe in. However, social media has made me pay more attention to how I present my music and has made it easier to share what I have always done, even when no one was watching, with people who appreciate it.
It also encouraged me to take a videography course so I could shoot reels properly and motivated me to keep up with the times.
It is beneficial to watch and learn from other artists who share their work online, but it is important to maintain your own personality rather than blindly follow trends.
You and Fady have been making music together for more than two decades. What has kept your creative partnership going?
I believe it comes down to a long-standing childhood friendship, good communication and a shared creative vision, most of the time.
How has the Aly &amp; Fila sound evolved over the years, and what has defined its musical identity?
The Aly &amp; Fila sound has continuously evolved alongside the development of the tools available to us, including software and hardware, as well as our shared experiences and musical growth.
It has always reflected a shared personality between Fady and me, with our music carrying a distinctive flavour of collaboration and a common identity.
Our sound develops with every life event we share or experience separately, and with everything each of us learns. I believe this is what has created the uplifting and emotional nature of Aly &amp; Fila's music. When we first started, it was an emotionally meaningful project that uplifted both of us.
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You have launched &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;, a live concept featuring your original solo material and hardware instruments. What inspired you to explore this new creative direction?
Performance has always been something I truly enjoyed. In fact, it was part of how I first got into music. The equipment I used back then was much less sophisticated than what I have now, but I had been performing live since high school. Then life and the lack of technology had other plans.
After many years in the music business, spending most of my time in the studio or in front of a computer, I was inspired to make electronic dance music more personal, both for myself and for audiences.
Through a lot of trial and error, I eventually settled on the instruments I use today. They allow me to create and perform electronic music live, much like playing a conventional musical instrument. This makes the performance feel more human than simply playing a track through a computer.
I get to perform live and interact with the music I have produced, remixed or composed. It is a truly wonderful and exhilarating experience.
What does &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; allow you to explore musically that you might not be able to under the Aly &amp; Fila name?
It's not that this is music that couldn't be released under the Aly &amp; Fila name; it is simply a different direction in electronic dance music.
&lsquo;Alive&rsquo; has a different tempo and is aimed at a broader audience with a wider range of musical preferences. It is music that can be enjoyed by different age groups and is not limited to a particular genre.
There are no restrictions on genre or tempo with &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;. It is about whatever music comes from my soul or touches my heart. There are absolutely no limitations on what I can create or perform. I have even performed with an orchestra.
The project caters to a variety of audiences. It is a brand-new interpretation of electronic dance music.
How has fatherhood influenced you as an artist, and how do you balance family life with the demands of an international music career?
The idea for &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; actually came about with the birth of my first daughter.
I am a very hands-on father and am present in my daughters' lives in every way. Becoming a father has been an enriching emotional experience that has had a positive influence on my creativity. It has added more depth and emotion to everything I create.
As for the demands of an international music career, that side of things is only just beginning to develop, but so far, so good.
I stopped touring with Fady for a while following my ear injury in 2009. This allowed me to spend more time with my family, as most of my work was focused on production.
Since starting &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; and travelling again, my family has continued to come first. Sometimes they travel with me, and my partner makes sure the children are involved and know about the events I take part in.
I am blessed to have this time with my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Alongside your work in electronic music, you also compose for film and television. How does writing music for a story differ from producing your own tracks?
For me, music always tells a story, and I truly enjoy creating it in all its forms, whether acoustic or electronic. Writing music for a story means working within the boundaries of the narrative and the vision of its creators. However, I still enjoy the challenge of creating something beautiful that enhances the storyline and adds to it.
That's the difference. When I create my own tracks, I am limited only by my own vision, which is often limitless.
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What can visual storytelling bring out in you as a composer that you might not otherwise explore in your own productions?
Perhaps it is the challenge of communicating a story through music without lyrics and finding the best possible way for the music and the visuals to work together in a synchronised expression.
Having performed around the world, which experiences have had the greatest impact on you, both personally and professionally?
Watching how universal the language of music is has been particularly memorable. Interacting with audiences from all over the world and understanding one another through music is magical.
I love visiting places I wouldn't normally visit. I have performed in South Korea, for example.
On a personal level, it is wonderful to feel loved and valued for what you create. Having people appreciate you because of your music is a fulfilling experience.
Professionally, performing for different audiences and experiencing different cultures have been enriching. For example, performing in Saudi Arabia for two very different audiences at separate events was a lot of fun. Understanding how each crowd interacts with the music was a valuable learning experience.
Looking back at your career so far, what is the one ambition you have yet to fulfil?
Professionally, my ambition is definitely to take &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; to a much wider audience.
I also want to create a platform where I can teach music production and share my knowledge.
What can your fans look forward to next? Are there any new projects or musical directions you can tell us about?
There is always something new in the works, but I don't have anything specific to share at the moment. Hopefully, there will be more live shows and performances around the world.
Finally, what special surprise have you prepared for &lsquo;DJ of the Week&rsquo; on NileFM?
A live set of 12 original tracks performed live, which I hope you will enjoy.
Photo Credit: Aly Fathalla&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Aly Fathalla On His Musical Journey, Aly & Fila And The Story Behind ‘Alive’

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
With a simple idea carrying a deeper meaning, Egyptian director Soliman Hamza&rsquo;s &ldquo;Beat the Saddle&rdquo; has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning both Best Director and Best Picture at the Iowa African Film Festival 2026.
The film explores how even the simplest dreams can become difficult to achieve. It follows a rural man who simply wants to buy a donkey to make his journey to work easier, only to find that achieving this seemingly modest dream is far more difficult than expected. Through a blend of black comedy and realism, &ldquo;Beat the Saddle&rdquo; examines the struggles people face while trying to improve their lives and pursue their dreams.
The Iowa African Film Festival 2026 featured 30 selected films representing 22 countries, chosen from more than 500 submissions from around the world. &ldquo;Beat the Saddle&rdquo; was the only Egyptian winning entry at the festival, taking home two awards: Best Picture and Best Director.&nbsp;
NileFM went behind the scenes with Egyptian director Soliman Hamza to discuss the making of &ldquo;Beat the Saddle,&rdquo; the inspiration behind its central character and his simple dream, the challenges of bringing the story to life through realism and black comedy, and what winning at the Iowa African Film Festival 2026 means to him.
Take us behind your journey. What made you decide you wanted to become a director?
My journey with cinema began with my love for storytelling and expressing the human experience through images. I first studied theatre, then moved into cinema and specialized in directing. For me, directing is a way of seeing people and life from a different perspective and sharing that vision with the audience.
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The film follows a rural man who simply wants to buy a donkey to make his journey to work easier. What made you choose such a simple desire as the starting point for the story?
I chose such a simple desire because I believe that simple things can carry deeply human stories. For Reda, buying a donkey is not just a small wish; it represents a real need and the hope of making his life easier. Through this simple dream, I wanted to explore how difficult life can make even the smallest wishes.
Your filmmaking style relies on realism. What made you choose this approach for the film?
I chose realism because I wanted the film to feel close to real life. I was interested in real locations, everyday details, and characters that feel natural and honest. I felt realism was the best way to bring the audience closer to Reda&rsquo;s world.
The film explores how a seemingly simple dream can become difficult to achieve because of life's circumstances. What does this idea mean to you personally?
This idea is very meaningful to me because people often do not ask for much from life, yet circumstances can make even simple dreams difficult to achieve. The film is about the distance between dreams and reality, and about continuing to try despite the obstacles.
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The donkey becomes a symbol of something that seems simple but can be difficult to reach. What did you want the donkey to represent in the story?
The donkey represents the dream itself. It is something simple, but for Reda, it represents change and a better life. I wanted it to become a symbol of the simple dreams that can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to reach.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while shooting the film?
The biggest challenge was maintaining the film&rsquo;s realism while still giving it a cinematic quality. Shooting in real locations and dealing with unpredictable circumstances was challenging, but it also helped shape the film&rsquo;s authenticity.
&ldquo;Beat the Saddle&rdquo; won Best Director and Best Picture at the Iowa African Film Festival 2026. What did these awards mean to you?
Winning Best Director and Best Picture at the Iowa African Film Festival was a very meaningful moment for me. It showed me that a simple story from an Egyptian reality could connect with an international audience. The awards are also a recognition of everyone who worked on the film.
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The film is titled &ldquo;Beat the Saddle.&rdquo; What does the title mean to you, and how does it connect to the story and its central themes?
&ldquo;Beat the Saddle&rdquo; is connected to the ideas of journey, struggle, and perseverance. The saddle is directly connected to the donkey and Reda&rsquo;s journey, but it also represents his attempt to move forward despite his circumstances.
The film combines social realism, satire, and dark comedy. How did you find the balance between these different tones?
I wanted the satire and dark comedy to come naturally from the reality of the story. I believe laughter and sadness can exist in the same moment, and I tried to capture that contrast through the characters and situations.
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What was the most rewarding part of bringing this story to life?
The most rewarding part was seeing a simple idea become a story that people could connect with. When Reda&rsquo;s dream reaches someone from a different culture, I feel that the film has found its human meaning.
What is next for you? Are there any stories or projects you would like to explore next?
In my upcoming projects, I want to continue exploring human stories and everyday life while experimenting with different cinematic styles and forms of storytelling. What matters most to me is telling honest stories with meaning.
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Photo Credit: Soliman Hamza&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Exclusive | Soliman Hamza Talks “Beat The Saddle” Winning At Iowa African Film Festival 2026

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Winning Olympic gold was just the beginning for Feryal Ashraf. After making history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Egypt's first female Olympic karate gold medallist faced a new challenge: returning to elite competition after becoming a mother. At the 2026 Mediterranean Games, she proved she was ready, overcoming an injury to claim gold and secure her second consecutive title at the Games.
The Egyptian karate champion and pharmacist has had to balance the demands of motherhood, her profession and the rigours of competitive sport, while continuing to pursue her ambitions.
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Ashraf reflects on her comeback, the challenges of motherhood and the determination that has shaped her career. She also reveals what she hopes to achieve next, including a long-awaited individual senior World Championship title.
You have achieved success in both pharmacy and karate. Take us behind your journey. How did you manage to balance your studies, your career as a pharmacist, and your training as a professional athlete?
It was all about time management and setting priorities. If I have a very important competition coming up, my priority is training. If I have an exam and there is no training, then studying becomes the priority. If the two conflict, I try to organize my time between both so I can give each one the attention it needs.
Your journey has included many challenges and difficult moments. What would you say has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and what did it teach you?
One of the biggest challenges was before the Olympics, when I had a disagreement with my coach, which led to him stopping our training together. He decided to leave me about a month and a half before the Olympics. That made me hold on to my dream even more rather than give up on it.
I had a goal in front of me that I wanted to achieve, despite the circumstances I was going through. That gave me even more motivation to achieve it. I eventually found another coach, my current coach, Captain Khaled, who took on a responsibility during a period that not everyone would have been able to accept, especially with such little time left before the Olympics.
On top of that, I was dealing with injuries. Before the Olympics, I had a hamstring tear, and I recovered from it just one week before the Olympics. I always believe that you can keep going as long as you are willing to fight for the place you want to reach.
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Your journey at the 2026 Mediterranean Games was not an easy one, but you managed to overcome the challenges and win the gold medal. Can you take us behind that experience?
It was my first major official competition after returning from motherhood, so it was a very important milestone for me, especially because I managed to win the gold medal.
I had already won gold in Oran in 2022, so winning gold again meant that I had won gold medals at two consecutive editions. That was something very significant for me.
The biggest challenge during the competition was my injury in the first match. The doctors advised me not to continue, but I wanted to keep going and reach my goal. I could see myself winning the gold medal, and I believed I could perform well throughout the competition.
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You suffered an injury during the competition but decided to continue fighting. What gave you the strength to keep going?
The amount of exhaustion and pain I had gone through before the competition, along with everything I had experienced, were things that could have made anyone give up. I had also gone through very difficult psychological circumstances, and I had pushed myself extremely hard.
That made me decide that I was not going to give up on everything I had worked for just because I got injured. On the contrary, it made me hold on even more.
An injury can also make an athlete more focused. When I got injured, I became even more focused. I was thinking, &ldquo;No one is going to touch my face or get close to the injured area.&rdquo; I became more focused on my goal. I was not going to look anywhere else except at the goal I had come for.
I was simply taking it one step at a time, getting closer to the gold medal.
You recently became one of the ambassadors of the UN&rsquo;s &ldquo;Shabab Balad&rdquo; initiative in Egypt alongside world squash champion Ali Farag. What message do you hope to highlight through this role, particularly for young people who have big ambitions but may not know how to turn their dreams into reality?
As an ambassador for "Shabab Balad" under the United Nations, I am trying to raise awareness among young people about how they can make use of their abilities, employment opportunities, and job opportunities, while strengthening and developing their skills and helping them enter the job market.
There was also the launch of an academy that focuses on developing these skills.
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You are now looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics. How do you want this Olympic journey to be different from your previous experience?
Unfortunately, I will be going to support and follow my teammates because karate is no longer part of the Olympic programme. It was included once in Tokyo and did not return afterward, so it is not part of the programme now.
My role will be to support my teammates across all the sports and cheer them on.
As a karate champion, pharmacist, and mother, you have many responsibilities. How do you manage to balance all these roles while continuing to pursue your ambitions?
Of course, being a mother, pharmacist, and athlete is difficult, but it is about managing your time and responsibilities, knowing when to do each thing, and organizing your time properly.
The unsung hero in my story is my mother. She helps me with everything. She helps me raise my son and takes many responsibilities off my shoulders, which allows me to focus more on my training and my life.
At the same time, she helps me be present in my son's life. During competitions, when I am not there, my mother takes on that responsibility.
It really is difficult, but it is worth it.
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What has motherhood taught you, both inside and outside the competition arena?
Being a mother taught me not to give up, especially after I returned to competition. Before that, there were many challenges, both psychologically and physically.
Getting through all of that, trying to return again, and competing for championships was definitely a challenge for me. I was able to make that comeback, and I am proud that I managed to do it.
You have become an inspiration to many women in Egypt and around the world. What advice would you give to every woman who has a dream but is facing challenges or doubts along the way?
There is nothing in this world without challenges. There have to be challenges in order for you to reach what you want, because once you achieve your goal, you can truly enjoy it. You can look back at everything you went through and realize that you reached your goal.
The advice I can give is not only for women, but for everyone: do your part regardless of the outcome. The result is ultimately in God's hands, but you should do everything you can and give your best to reach what you want.
At the end of the day, knowing that you did everything you could is something that allows you to be satisfied with the result, with your life, and with what you have done.
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If you could go back to the beginning of your career and speak to the younger Feryal, what would you tell her?
I would encourage myself even more and tell myself to continue on the path I chose, and that there is nothing that can make me turn away from it.
After everything you have achieved so far, what is the one thing Feryal Ashraf still dreams of achieving?
Right now, it is not a dream for me. It is for my son. I want to see him become the best version of himself and achieve everything he dreams of.
As for Feryal herself, I want to win an individual senior World Championship title.
Photo Credit: Feryal Ashraf&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Feryal Ashraf On Defying The Odds, Motherhood And Her Return To Gold

Nile FM Exclusive  

Egyptian DJ and electronic music producer Mohasseb joined Nancy on Nile FM&rsquo;s &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s Dance&rdquo; to discuss his journey in electronic music, the evolution of Egypt&rsquo;s dance music scene, his international performances, and the experiences that have shaped his career.
From Bedroom DJ to International Stages
Mohasseb began his music career in the early 2000s as a bedroom DJ, gradually moving from house parties with friends to performing at official venues in 2009.
Reflecting on his beginnings, Mohasseb explained that he had always dreamed of becoming a DJ, although he never imagined his career would grow to its current scale.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always manifested that I wanna be a DJ in the DJ booth, but I&rsquo;ve never, never, never would have thought it would reach here,&rdquo; he said.
Before the widespread availability of online music platforms, he relied on CDs and friends returning from abroad to discover new music. He also became known among his friends for creating and sharing mixtapes, developing his skills through experimentation and hands-on experience.
The Evolution of Egypt&rsquo;s Electronic Music Scene
During the interview, Mohasseb discussed how Egypt&rsquo;s electronic music scene has grown over the years, highlighting changes in audiences, venues, and the role of DJs in the nightlife industry.
He noted that DJs have become more prominent, with venues increasingly designed around the DJ booth and audiences more engaged with the artists performing.
&ldquo;The main thing about the night is that DJ and the music is playing,&rdquo; he said, describing how the DJ has become central to the nightlife experience.
Mohasseb also highlighted the development of Egypt&rsquo;s nightlife and festival scene, pointing to the growing presence of international artists and the country&rsquo;s distinctive performance locations.
However, he acknowledged that some aspects of the earlier scene have changed, particularly the way audiences experience music.
&ldquo;Back then, you go out just for the music,&rdquo; he explained, reflecting on a time before smartphones and social media became central to nightlife.
Cairo Jazz Club: A Home Away From Home
Mohasseb also spoke about his long-standing relationship with Cairo Jazz Club, where his Mohasseb &amp; Friends night became one of the venue&rsquo;s established events.
The event celebrated its 14th anniversary in April 2026, reflecting his continued presence in Egypt&rsquo;s electronic music scene.
Describing the connection, Mohasseb explained that the venue had become like home to him, where he had grown as an artist, experimented with music, and built a loyal audience over the years.
&ldquo;For me, what kept this connection alive, it&rsquo;s, we&rsquo;re family,&rdquo; he said, describing the relationship between himself, the venue, and its audience.
He added that performing there had become part of his routine, emphasizing the importance of the community he had built throughout his residency.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s like my oxygen,&rdquo; Mohasseb said, describing how deeply the venue had become part of his life.
Finding His Sound as a Music Producer
The discussion also explored Mohasseb&rsquo;s approach to music production and the development of his melodic techno sound, with his productions reaching Beatport&rsquo;s Top 100 melodic techno charts.
He explained that his creative process is often influenced by the music he is listening to at a particular time, using tracks he admires as references when beginning a new production.
However, he emphasized the importance of creating memorable melodies and grooves that keep audiences engaged on the dance floor.
&ldquo;For me, melody is very important. I think this is the most important thing, the melody or the hook of the track,&rdquo; he explained.
He added that a strong groove is equally essential, as it keeps listeners dancing, while a memorable melody gives them something to take away from the experience.
Mohasseb also highlighted the importance of developing a personal musical identity rather than simply following current trends.
&ldquo;The track has to be even; it speaks about me, you know? It&rsquo;s like what I am, you know?&rdquo; he said, explaining how he wants his productions to reflect his personality and artistic identity.
From Egypt to the International Stage
Mohasseb reflected on his international journey, describing his debut performance in Greece in 2015 as a turning point in his career.
He recalled that performing abroad fulfilled a long-held ambition to tour internationally and share his music with audiences around the world.
&ldquo;This is what I dreamed of always since I started thinking about becoming a DJ, that I wanted to tour the world,&rdquo; he said.
The experience opened doors to further international bookings, with Greece remaining a regular destination for his performances.
Traveling, however, taught him the importance of adapting his sets to different audiences and musical cultures.
Mohasseb explained that a track that works well with an Egyptian crowd might not have the same impact elsewhere, making it essential for DJs to understand the atmosphere and respond to the audience in front of them.
&ldquo;You always have to have a plan B and plan C,&rdquo; he said, emphasizing the importance of flexibility when performing for different crowds.
He added that DJs must study their surroundings, understand the audience&rsquo;s energy, and remain prepared to adjust their selections throughout a performance.
Learning From Other Artists
Mohasseb also discussed sharing stages with internationally recognized artists, explaining that these experiences offered valuable lessons beyond music.
He highlighted the importance of observing other performers&rsquo; technical skills, punctuality, and professionalism, while emphasizing that inspiration can also come from Egypt&rsquo;s local DJ and producer community.
&ldquo;You always have to have the room that you want to learn more, or you want to improve more,&rdquo; he said, encouraging artists to remain open to learning regardless of whom they perform alongside.
According to Mohasseb, staying adaptable is essential for artists who want to sustain long-term careers in an evolving industry.
&ldquo;The market changes every couple of years, the music changes, the trial changes, the mindset changes, so you have to always be on top of that,&rdquo; he explained.
Mohasseb&rsquo;s appearance on Nile FM&rsquo;s &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s Dance&rdquo; offered listeners insight into the experiences behind his career, from his early days experimenting with music at home to performing internationally and building a lasting presence in Egypt&rsquo;s electronic music scene.
&nbsp;

Mohasseb Opens Up About His International Journey On Nile FM’s “Let’s Dance”

American actress Julia Stiles paid tribute to her late co-star Heath Ledger in an emotional performance on Dancing with the Stars, reuniting with members of the original &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; cast to celebrate the beloved actor&rsquo;s legacy.
During the show&rsquo;s Dedication Night, Stiles and her professional dance partner, Ezra Sosa, performed a heartfelt contemporary routine to Frankie Valli&rsquo;s &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t Take My Eyes Off You,&rdquo; the song famously featured in the 1999 romantic comedy.
As the performance came to an end, Stiles placed a rose beside a photograph of herself and Ledger, while the poem she recited in the film played in the background. Moments later, her former co-stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Susan May Pratt, and Andrew Keegan joined her on the dance floor, turning the tribute into an emotional reunion.
Why Julia Stiles Chose &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; for Her Tribute
Reflecting on her experience working with Ledger, Stiles expressed how much the film and her late co-star meant to her.
&ldquo;Making &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; with him was such a special moment in time,&rdquo; she said in a clip shared ahead of the performance. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s amazing that people still care about that movie, and it&rsquo;s just sad that we can&rsquo;t celebrate it with him.&rdquo;
The reunion also highlighted the lasting friendship between the former cast members. Ahead of the episode, the actors shared a video showing their support for Stiles as she prepared for the emotional performance.
Stiles also recalled the impact Ledger had on her during filming, describing the experience as one filled with cherished memories. The tribute offered a reminder of how their on-screen chemistry and the film&rsquo;s memorable moments continue to resonate with audiences decades later.
What Is &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; About?
Released in 1999, &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; is a teen romantic comedy loosely inspired by William Shakespeare&rsquo;s &lsquo;The Taming of the Shrew.&rsquo; Directed by Gil Junger, the film follows sisters Kat Stratford, played by Stiles, and Bianca Stratford, portrayed by Oleynik.
Bianca wants to start dating, but their strict father will not allow her to do so until her older sister, Kat, also has a boyfriend. The situation takes an unexpected turn when Patrick Verona, played by Ledger, is persuaded to pursue Kat, setting the stage for the film&rsquo;s romance and comedy.
The film also featured Gordon-Levitt as Cameron James, Union as Chastity Church, Keegan as Joey Donner, and Pratt as Mandella.
Remembering Heath Ledger&rsquo;s Legacy
Ledger died in January 2008 at the age of 28. Later that year, he posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the Joker in Christopher Nolan&rsquo;s &lsquo;The Dark Knight.&rsquo;
Although Ledger&rsquo;s career included acclaimed performances in several films, his role as Patrick Verona in &lsquo;10 Things I Hate About You&rsquo; remains a fan favorite.
Stiles&rsquo; tribute brought the cast back together to remember their late co-star, celebrating not only the film&rsquo;s enduring popularity but also the memories and connections they shared with Ledger.
More than a nostalgic reunion, the moment served as a heartfelt reminder that a film&rsquo;s impact can extend far beyond the screen, keeping the memory of the people behind it alive for generations.
Photo Credit: Julia Stiles&rsquo; official page

Julia Stiles Reunites With ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ Cast For Heath Ledger Tribute

Egypt&rsquo;s 34th Arab Music Festival and Conference has opened in Cairo, with this year&rsquo;s edition dedicated to the late Egyptian singer Hany Shaker in recognition of his enduring contribution to Arabic music.
According to a statement published on the Egyptian Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s official page, the festival was inaugurated by Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Culture. Organised by the Cairo Opera House, headed by Reda El Wakil, the opening ceremony took place at its Main Hall.
Running from 20 to 30 October 2026, the 11-day festival features 24 concerts involving 91 artists across venues in Cairo and Alexandria. The programme also includes cultural events and an accompanying scientific conference dedicated to Arabic music.
Abdelaziz Konsowa Announces Hany Shaker Statue At Cairo Opera House
During his opening address, Konsowa highlighted the importance of Arabic music to the cultural identity of Egyptians and Arabs, describing authentic art as a vital part of their heritage and a bridge connecting generations and peoples.
He stressed that preserving artistic traditions allows nations to renew their identities and maintain their cultural presence. He also highlighted the festival&rsquo;s role in safeguarding Arabic musical heritage, supporting artists and encouraging debate about the future of Arabic music amid global changes.
Konsowa paid tribute to the late Ratiba El-Hefny, founder of the festival, praising her contribution to Egyptian and Arab musical life and her commitment to preserving Arabic musical traditions.
This year&rsquo;s edition is dedicated to Hany Shaker, widely known as the &ldquo;Prince of Arabic Singing&rdquo;, in recognition of a career spanning more than five decades and his lasting contribution to Arabic music.
As part of the tribute, Konsowa announced plans to erect a statue of Shaker in the Cairo Opera House courtyard, honouring his artistic legacy and preserving his memory for future generations.
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Hany Shaker&rsquo;s Wife Thanks President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
During the ceremony, Nahla Tawfik, Shaker&rsquo;s wife, expressed her gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the presidential message of condolence issued following the singer&rsquo;s death.
She described the message as a source of support for Egyptian artists and thanked Konsowa and the Cairo Opera House administration for dedicating this year&rsquo;s festival to her late husband and honouring his artistic legacy.
Festival Honours Egyptian And Arab Musical Figures
The opening ceremony also recognised several prominent figures for their contributions to music and musical scholarship across Egypt and the Arab world.
The honourees included Dr Esam Aljawder from Bahrain; the late accordionist and composer Mokhtar El-Sayed; violinist Dr Samir Rashad; ney player Mohamed Fouda; the late composer and music arranger Mohamed Helal; music critic Dr Enas Galal El-Din; the late poet Reda Amin; singer Walid Haidar; and artist Tarek Fouad.
The opening programme included documentary films celebrating influential figures in Egyptian music and Shaker&rsquo;s career, alongside performances of some of his best-known songs.
Singer Nevin Ragab also performed a new song, &ldquo;Feih Nas Teghib&rdquo;, dedicated to Shaker. The concert featured performances by several Egyptian singers, including Mohamed Shahin, Anoushka and Nadia Mostafa.
The festival continues until 30 October, with concerts at the Cairo Opera House&rsquo;s Main Hall, Small Hall and Arab Music Institute, as well as the Sayed Darwish Theatre at the Alexandria Opera House.
The accompanying scientific conference runs from 21 to 24 October, bringing together 35 researchers from 15 countries to discuss Arabic music and the relationship between academic criticism and media coverage.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet&rsquo;s official page

Egypt’s 34th Arab Music Festival Opens With Tribute To Hany Shaker

English singer-songwriter and actor Harry Styles paid a heartfelt tribute to his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, performing an unreleased song dedicated to him during his Madison Square Garden residency in New York, marking the second anniversary of Payne&rsquo;s death. The Grammy-winning singer introduced the previously unheard track, titled &ldquo;What Is Enough,&rdquo; during the encore of his concert, revealing that he had written the song for his friend around two years earlier. Harry Styles Opens Up About Losing Liam Payne Before performing the song, Styles addressed the audience, reflecting on the people who had shaped his life and career. He told concertgoers that he felt fortunate to perform at Madison Square Garden and expressed gratitude to the friends and collaborators who had supported him along the way. &ldquo;Two years ago today, I lost one of those friends,&rdquo; Styles said, referring to Payne. He then asked the audience for permission to perform a song he had written for his late friend, prompting cheers from the crowd. Styles accompanied himself on guitar as he performed &ldquo;What Is Enough,&rdquo; an emotional ballad reflecting on loss, friendship, and the lasting impact people leave behind.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ozFHc8-w2v4" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Harry Styles and Liam Payne&rsquo;s Journey With One Direction Styles and Payne first met in 2010 when they auditioned for the British talent competition &ldquo;The X Factor.&rdquo; Although they initially auditioned as solo contestants, they were brought together with Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan to form One Direction. The group went on to become one of the most successful boy bands of its generation, releasing hits that built a global fan base. In 2015, Malik announced his departure from the group, while the remaining members began pursuing individual projects before One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Remembering Liam Payne Payne died on 16 October 2024, at the age of 31, after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His death prompted tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and his former bandmates. His funeral took place in Amersham, England, on 20 November 2024. Styles, Malik, Tomlinson, and Horan attended the service, marking a rare reunion of the former bandmates as they came together to mourn their friend. Two years later, Styles&rsquo; performance of &ldquo;What Is Enough&rdquo; offered another tribute to Payne, remembering not only their shared years in One Direction but also the friendship that continued to hold meaning beyond the band. Photo Credit: One Direction&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Harry Styles Honors Liam Payne With Unreleased Song On Second Anniversary Of His Death

From AI-generated videos featuring Egyptian celebrities to freestyle performances recreating the original moment, the &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; trend has spread across social media. But how did it start, and why are so many people joining in? Here is what you need to know about the viral craze.
How Did The &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; Trend Start?
The trend began with an unexpected encounter outside a restaurant, where Dominican street artist Bulin 47 met content creator and freestyler Kevin Wai.
Kevin approached Bulin with a speaker playing a dembow beat and began freestyling. As Bulin was about to enter the restaurant, he stopped to respond with his own rhymes, adding a distinctive dance move that became one of the clip&rsquo;s most recognisable features.
The spontaneous exchange quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, attracting millions of views and inspiring users to recreate the moment.
Figures reported for the clip&rsquo;s reach have varied. Some early reports put its combined views across platforms at more than 50 million, while other media outlets reported that the original Instagram post had surpassed 94 million views.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd-UOeUC6rl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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&nbsp;
Egyptian Celebrities Join The &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; Trend
The craze soon reached Egyptian social media, with celebrities putting their own spin on the viral clip. Some used artificial intelligence (AI) to replace Bulin 47&rsquo;s face with their own or with characters they had previously played on screen.
Actor Ahmed Helmy joined the trend with an AI-generated version featuring Maged, his character in the 2009 comedy film &lsquo;X-Large&rsquo;.
<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%2F2250931622430497%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Mohamed Saad also took part, using his iconic character Tetaḥ in an AI-generated recreation of the clip.
<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%2F1423346146426006%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Other Egyptian celebrities, including Mostafa Khater and Ramez Galal, joined in, adding to the trend&rsquo;s popularity on local social media.
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Mostafa Gharieb Takes A Different Approach
While several celebrities opted for AI-generated videos, actor Mostafa Gharieb took a different approach, recreating the trend through freestyle rather than relying on artificial intelligence.
Gharib used the viral format to promote his upcoming theatrical production, &lsquo;Layla Asal&rsquo;, demonstrating how a social media trend can also provide an opportunity to promote a creative project.
<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%2F1474087024573720%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=380&amp;t=0" width="380" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Screenshot from a Reel shared by Kevin Wai

What Is The ‘Bulin 47’ Trend? Egyptian Celebrities Join Viral Craze

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

During NileFM&rsquo;s special coverage of the fifth edition of the CEO WOMEN&trade; conference, NileFM&rsquo;s Zeinab spoke with Dr. Sandrine El Khodary, Board Member &amp; EVP, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, about the evolving landscape of women in leadership, the importance of gender equality, and the growing opportunities for business and technology collaborations between Egypt and international markets.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wfrBBKQBDIE" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
30 Years of Perseverance and Women in Leadership
Reflecting on her professional journey, El Khodary emphasised that reaching a senior leadership position was not an overnight achievement, but the result of three decades of determination and perseverance.
&ldquo;It's a long journey of 30 years of battle, fight, perseverance, willingness to become somebody and to have an impact around me,&rdquo; she said.
Discussing the changing landscape of women in leadership, she acknowledged that considerable progress has been made, but stressed that achieving genuine gender equality remains a work in progress.
She explained that the workplace has shifted from historically favouring men to increasingly prioritising women in some recruitment decisions, sometimes at the expense of equally qualified male candidates.
&ldquo;I believe that this is transitionary because we are moving towards true diversity,&rdquo; she explained.
For El Khodary, the goal should not be to replace one imbalance with another, but to create equal opportunities where professional abilities take precedence over gender.
&ldquo;What we are looking for as women is not to exclude men or to take men's positions. We are looking for equality. Don't look at the gender in the CV. Look at the skills and let the best win,&rdquo; she said.
She also acknowledged the challenges facing some male professionals, including chairmen, CEOs and managing directors who are struggling to find new opportunities. Having experienced gender-based exclusion herself, she said she understands their concerns and believes that professional opportunities should be based on qualifications and the ability to deliver results.
&ldquo;I put myself in their shoes because we were in the shoes few years back, that due to your gender you are excluded,&rdquo; she explained.
El Khodary added that while the current situation reflects a shift from one extreme to another, she hopes the workplace will eventually reach a balance where candidates are assessed fairly, regardless of gender.
CEO WOMEN&trade;: A Platform for Opportunities and Networking
Celebrating its fifth edition, CEO WOMEN&trade; has evolved into a platform that brings together women and men to exchange experiences, highlight successful female leaders and create meaningful business connections.
According to El Khodary, the conference's impact has grown over the years, with increasing participation and a space for women whose achievements may otherwise go unnoticed.
She noted that the room is now equally filled with men and women, reflecting the growing recognition of the platform and its role in encouraging inclusive discussions.
&ldquo;The discussions are more like putting the spotlight on successful women that nobody hears about, and giving examples of success stories to show the capabilities of women when they are leaders,&rdquo; she explained.
Beyond celebrating women's achievements, she highlighted the platform's role in facilitating networking and business opportunities.
&ldquo;It's a platform of networking, of business connections, and so on. So it creates opportunities for business. It creates opportunities for networking,&rdquo; she added.
For El Khodary, bringing men and women together is essential to making women's empowerment a collective effort while creating opportunities for collaboration across different industries.
Building Bridges Between East and West
This year's theme also reflects CEO WOMEN&trade;'s expanding international ambitions, with a stronger focus on strategic alliances, cross-border investments and economic collaboration between the East and West.
El Khodary, who personally contributed to the platform's international expansion by hosting the launch of CEO WOMEN&trade; Europe in Paris in June 2026, also serves as president of the new chapter.
She described the European chapter as an important first step towards connecting business communities across different markets, stressing that the initiative aims to bring investment opportunities across borders, support women and strengthen international economic partnerships.
For her, the expansion represents more than geographical growth; it is an opportunity to connect markets, encourage strategic collaboration and create new possibilities for businesses and investors.
Egypt's Growing Opportunities in Technology
Discussing Egypt's investment potential, El Khodary pointed to technology as one of the country's most promising strategic sectors, particularly amid the rapid development of digital transformation.
She highlighted the scale of global investment in technology, referring to figures she shared during her conference speech, while stressing that technological advancement is increasingly shaping economies and transforming the way businesses and governments operate.
&ldquo;Technology is not competing with anybody else. It is supporting all the sectors,&rdquo; she explained, describing it as an essential tool for economic development and business growth.
She also noted the significant investments coming into Egypt to support its digital transformation, adding that technological developments have a direct impact on the economy and the way companies conduct business.
According to El Khodary, technology is no longer simply another industry, but an essential driver enabling other sectors to transform and grow.
From Cairo to Paris and Shanghai: CEO WOMEN&trade;'s International Expansion
Looking ahead, El Khodary described the fifth edition as a strategic turning point for the platform, particularly following the launch of its European chapter.
She revealed that CEO WOMEN&trade; is planning to expand further, with a Shanghai chapter expected in the first quarter of 2027, followed by additional international destinations to explore potential economic collaborations and partnerships.
Despite its international ambitions, she stressed that Egypt will remain at the heart of the initiative, as the platform was originally founded in Cairo.
&ldquo;As an Egyptian native and an Egyptian proud of being Egyptian, my dream with Dr. Mona Morad, who is the founder of this platform and my dear friend, is to bring a local Egyptian platform to the world and to have such an impact,&rdquo; she said.
Concluding the interview, El Khodary described CEO WOMEN&trade; as entering a new international chapter that could contribute to economic growth, investment and partnerships while amplifying the voices of women in Egypt around the world.
&ldquo;CEO WOMEN is turning a page for a huge chapter, an international one,&rdquo; she said.
For her, the platform's next chapter is not only about expanding its presence internationally, but also about showcasing what an initiative born in Egypt can achieve worldwide.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from the exclusive interview
&nbsp;

Dr. Sandrine El Khodary Discusses Women In Leadership, Technology And Global Business Partnerships At CEO WOMEN™ 2026

During Nile FM&rsquo;s special coverage of the fifth edition of the CEO WOMEN&trade; conference, Nile FM&rsquo;s Zeinab spoke with Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Senior Director at NTT DATA Switzerland, about Egypt&rsquo;s potential to become a regional hub for Arabic artificial intelligence (AI) development and verification, the importance of investing in people, and her 4P framework for the next wave of AI.
With its strategic geographical position and growing technology talent, Egypt could play an important role in shaping the future of AI while attracting international partnerships and investment.
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The 4P Framework: Putting People at the Centre of AI Investment
As one of the conference's keynote speakers, El Haddaoui addressed the changing landscape of artificial intelligence and how investment can help bridge economic and technological gaps between countries.
During her presentation, she introduced her 4P framework, which focuses on connecting the private sector, public sector, people and partnerships to create a more inclusive approach to economic development.
She explained that traditional public-private partnerships have often focused on financial investment, construction and infrastructure, without placing people at the centre of the equation.
&ldquo;The next wave of AI is not only about working faster, but about how the capacity of countries, states and nations is able to sell. And to sell means also the brain,&rdquo; she explained.
El Haddaoui stressed that investment in technology should go beyond infrastructure and financial resources, highlighting the importance of developing human capital and ensuring that different countries can participate in the growing AI economy.
She also pointed to the concentration of global technology investments in a limited number of countries, arguing that a more balanced approach is needed to ensure that emerging economies can benefit from technological advancement.
&ldquo;Connecting the dots in the full economy, from private, public, people and partnership, is the key for the next wave,&rdquo; she said.
Why Egypt Has the Potential to Become an AI Hub
Discussing the conference's theme of building bridges between East and West, El Haddaoui highlighted Egypt's strategic geographical position and its potential to become an important technology and investment hub.
She pointed to Egypt's location between Europe, Asia and Africa, particularly its role in connecting international digital infrastructure through submarine cables.
&ldquo;There is a part between Alexandria and the Red Sea where there are 20 submarine cables connecting Europe to Asia,&rdquo; she explained.
&ldquo;Egypt is not just a big country, it's a location. A strategic one.&rdquo;
Beyond its geographical advantages, she highlighted Egypt's growing technology talent and its potential role in developing Arabic-language artificial intelligence.
El Haddaoui also described Egypt as a potential centre for Arabic AI verification, explaining that the country's familiarity with the Arabic language and its linguistic capabilities could help ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content.
&ldquo;There is no better than Egypt to do so,&rdquo; she said, referring to the country's potential to become a verification hub for Arabic AI.
She added that the country already has several competitive advantages that could be leveraged through stronger coordination between government institutions, the private sector and people.
Diplo Bridge: Connecting Investment and International Partnerships
El Haddaoui also discussed the importance of creating stronger connections between different economic stakeholders, particularly when it comes to international investment and cooperation.
She introduced the concept of the &ldquo;Diplo Bridge,&rdquo; which focuses on technology diplomacy, investment, economic corridors and foreign direct investment (FDI) to strengthen connections between markets.
She explained that countries cannot compete in every sector, making it essential to identify and build on their individual competitive advantages.
As part of this vision, she highlighted the launch of Diplo Bridge as the investment arm of CEO WOMEN&trade;, designed to help navigate the different economic ecosystems, connect supply with demand and facilitate investment opportunities.
The initiative aims to move beyond simply attracting more financial resources and instead focus on directing investment towards areas where it can create meaningful economic impact.
&ldquo;You cannot compete on gigawatts because you don't have the infrastructure, but what you can compete on is brain watts. It's the talent that you have,&rdquo; she explained.
For El Haddaoui, investing in people and developing local capabilities should be at the heart of every country's economic strategy.
Why Investing in People Matters in the Age of AI
While AI investment and data centres continue to attract global attention, El Haddaoui stressed that human capital must remain a priority.
She raised concerns about the limited representation of African engineers in the technology sector and questioned who would be responsible for verifying, coordinating and building trust in AI systems if investment in people does not keep pace with technological development.
She also highlighted the potential impact of AI on women in the workforce, particularly those employed in back-office operations and customer service, where automation could significantly reshape existing roles.
According to El Haddaoui, addressing these changes requires collaboration between governments, international organisations and the private sector to ensure women are not left behind in the next technological transformation.
She emphasised that women should not only benefit from AI developments but also participate in creating, developing and making decisions about the technologies shaping the future.
From Women's Empowerment to Decision-Making
Reflecting on the highlights of CEO WOMEN&trade; 2026, El Haddaoui identified the conference's focus on taking action as one of its most important outcomes.
While acknowledging the importance of discussions and awareness, she stressed that the next step should be translating conversations into measurable results.
&ldquo;I'm not a fan of conversation. I need the conversation to end, and I need to see the results of that,&rdquo; she said.
She also argued that the conversation around women's empowerment needs to evolve, as women have already demonstrated their capabilities and should now have greater opportunities to participate in leadership and decision-making.
&ldquo;We need to stop talking about how we can empower women. I think we have seen the power already. We need now to give this space for them,&rdquo; she explained.
El Haddaoui also highlighted the importance of including women in the development of emerging technologies, from coding and engineering to designing AI solutions, particularly in fields such as healthcare.
For her, genuine progress means ensuring women have a seat at the table where technological and economic decisions are being made.
Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui's Three Vitamins for Women
Towards the end of the interview, El Haddaoui shared advice for young women looking to build their careers and achieve their ambitions, drawing inspiration from her upcoming book, &ldquo;Take Your Vitamin.&rdquo;
She introduced three symbolic vitamins that represent the qualities she believes women need to navigate professional and personal challenges.
The first is Vitamin D, which stands for daring to be yourself, building your own identity and having the courage to pursue your dreams.
&ldquo;Dare to be you. Dare to be your own brand, and dare to dream and to realise your dream,&rdquo; she advised.
The second is Vitamin S, representing the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system.
She explained that building a successful career cannot happen in isolation, particularly when women face different professional and personal challenges.
Finally, she introduced Vitamin N, which stands for learning to say no when something does not align with your values, priorities or goals.
&ldquo;Say no when it's not okay for you,&rdquo; she said, adding that setting boundaries helps women direct their energy towards the right people and the right purpose.
Through her vision for AI investment, international cooperation and women's leadership, El Haddaoui emphasised that the future is not simply about introducing new technologies or creating more opportunities, but ensuring that people have the skills, representation and decision-making power to shape what comes next.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from the exclusive interview
&nbsp;

CEO WOMEN™ 2026 | Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui Highlights Egypt's Potential To Become A Regional AI Hub

Egyptian-American soprano and actress Shereen Ahmed joined Zeinab and Sami on Nile FM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; to discuss her journey in musical theatre, her Egyptian-American identity, her recent performance at the El Gouna Film Festival, and her upcoming concert at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on 11 December 2026.
Known for her work in musical theatre, Ahmed reflected on the experiences that shaped her career, from making her Broadway debut to performing at the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025.
An Unexpected Journey to Broadway
Ahmed is best known for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of &lsquo;My Fair Lady.&rsquo; She made her Broadway debut in the production in 2018 as an ensemble cast member and understudy for the leading role before taking on the lead in the show's North American tour in 2019. She became the first Egyptian-American and Middle Eastern actor to star as Eliza Doolittle in a major American production.
However, her journey into performing arts was not straightforward. During the interview, Ahmed revealed that she initially pursued a degree in criminal justice before deciding to follow her passion for acting and musical theatre.
&ldquo;I've always been a performer, like, ever since I was a kid, I just, I would dance on tables for my family, and, like, try to perform and just make people happy,&rdquo; she said.
After graduating, Ahmed began building her theatrical skills through voice lessons, dance, and acting classes before moving to New York. Just two weeks after arriving, she attended an open casting call for her first Broadway audition and landed the role.
&ldquo;I had no agent, no union, no credits to my name, just this degree that has nothing to do with theatre,&rdquo; she recalled, describing the experience as an unexpected turning point in her career.
Acting, Singing, and Finding Her Identity
Although Ahmed is widely recognised as a soprano, she explained that she identifies more closely with acting, which allows her to express herself through an entire character.
&ldquo;I actually think of myself more as an actor who uses my voice to tell a story if needed,&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also discussed the differences between performing as a character and appearing on stage as herself. While portraying another person allows her to focus on a character's story, performing as herself can feel more personal.
&ldquo;I get stage fright sometimes when I have to be myself, 'cause I'm like, what if they don't like me? If they don't like me, it's me,&rdquo; she explained.
She added that her approach to acting centres on finding genuine human experiences within each role.
&ldquo;I'm really interested in telling interesting stories about human beings that connect us,&rdquo; Ahmed said.
The actress also reflected on how her Egyptian-American background shapes her identity, explaining that she does not consciously choose between her two cultures.
&ldquo;It's not like I choose an identity when I wake up. You know, it's not like clothes,&rdquo; she said, adding that her heritage remains part of who she is, even when she is focused on bringing a character to life.
The Challenge of Performing on Broadway
Reflecting on some of the most demanding experiences of her career, Ahmed described performing in &lsquo;My Fair Lady&rsquo; as physically and artistically challenging.
She explained that the production required eight performances a week, with each show lasting approximately three hours and involving continuous singing, dancing, dialogue, and costume changes.
&ldquo;These performers are, like, athletes. You have to be an athlete to take care of your instrument, and to give the best performance possible,&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also spoke about performing at the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening ceremony in 2025, describing it as a different kind of challenge because she was presenting herself as an artist rather than hiding behind a character.
She admitted that she did not fully understand the scale of the event until after the performance, when she realised the significance of having participated in such a historic occasion.
Shereen Ahmed Performs in Arabic at El Gouna Film Festival
Ahmed also reflected on her performance at the El Gouna Film Festival, where she performed a medley blending &ldquo;What a Wonderful World&rdquo; with Dalida&rsquo;s iconic Egyptian song &ldquo;Helwa Ya Baladi,&rdquo; marking her first time singing in Arabic.
Ahmed explained that director Hani Abaza, who also directed the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening ceremony, approached her with the idea of singing in Arabic for the first time. Initially hesitant, she eventually embraced the opportunity after they decided to combine an Arabic classic with an English-language song.
&ldquo;When it came to the offer for GFF, Hani Abaza, who was an incredible director and also directed the GEM opening, reached out, and he's like, &lsquo;Okay, I have an idea. You sing in Arabic for the first time, ever.&rsquo; And I was like, &lsquo;No. No. No. I'm terrified,&rsquo;&rdquo; she recalled.
The idea developed into a musical collaboration built around two songs that could convey hope. Ahmed explained that the choice of &ldquo;What a Wonderful World&rdquo; and the Arabic song allowed her to explore a new musical experience while sharing a message she felt audiences needed.
&ldquo;When I first heard the idea for El Gouna Film Festival, I was like, you know, this is exactly what the world needs right now. The world is scary. And what songs exude hope?&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also described the experience as nerve-racking, given the significance of performing in Arabic for the first time. She revealed that she repeatedly practised the song with her father to ensure she did justice to the iconic piece.
&ldquo;I was calling my dad every day. I was like, &lsquo;Okay, Baba, let's go through it again. Let's go through it again,&rsquo;&rdquo; she said.
Reflecting on the Egyptian audience's response, Ahmed noted that Egyptian audiences tend to express their enthusiasm more openly than audiences in the United States.
&ldquo;Egyptians are so passionate. Like, they will let you know if they like something or if they don't like something,&rdquo; she said, recalling how audience members began clapping, standing up, and dancing during her performance at the festival.
Returning to the Grand Egyptian Museum
Ahmed is scheduled to return to the Grand Egyptian Museum on 11 December 2026, for Greatest Hits Symphonic, a concert featuring mezzo-soprano Gala El Hadidi and conductor Nader Abbassi.
Reflecting on her return, Ahmed described performing in Egypt as a long-held dream, explaining that she had always hoped to come back and share her music with Egyptian audiences.
&ldquo;I feel like I was a part of history, and I feel honoured that I was a part of this ceremony, and to represent Egypt in that way,&rdquo; she said of the museum's opening.
She added that returning for the upcoming concert carries a special personal meaning.
&ldquo;Coming back this year, 11 December, feels like a homecoming,&rdquo; Ahmed said.
Broadway Meets Cinema in a Symphonic Celebration
The upcoming concert will feature music from films and musicals, with familiar songs reimagined through symphonic arrangements. Ahmed explained that the programme will combine well-known favourites with selections from musicals that audiences may not have encountered before.
&ldquo;I've always wanted to bring Broadway to Egypt. I didn't know how,&rdquo; she said.
She also revealed that the concert will include music inspired by iconic film soundtracks, including James Bond themes, offering audiences a different way to experience familiar compositions.
For Ahmed, the event is an opportunity to introduce more people to musical theatre and symphonic performances in an accessible setting.
&ldquo;The word opera can be really scary for some people,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But this is not opera at all. This is more... this is accessible. This is pop.&rdquo;
She encouraged audiences to approach the concert as an entertaining musical experience, with recognisable songs and contemporary arrangements.
&ldquo;Symphony concerts don't have to be stuffy. And this is not stuffy,&rdquo; Ahmed added.
Looking Ahead to New Roles
Beyond the upcoming concert, Ahmed revealed that she is interested in originating new roles and expanding her work in television and film. While she values performing in revivals and finding new ways to interpret established works, she hopes to contribute to original productions.
&ldquo;I really want to do new work,&rdquo; she said, explaining that she would like to originate roles and explore the different forms of expression offered by film and television.
As she continues to develop her career across theatre, music, and screen, Ahmed remains focused on working with creative teams who are willing to take risks and tell meaningful stories.
With her return to the Grand Egyptian Museum approaching, the upcoming concert will bring together her passion for musical theatre, her love of cinema, and her connection to Egypt in a celebration of music across cultures.
Photo Credit: Shereen Ahmed's official page&nbsp;

Shereen Ahmed Joins Nile FM’s “The Big Drive” Ahead Of Grand Egyptian Museum Concert

Nile FM's Guests

The US dollar is trading at EGP 55.54 for buying and EGP 55.64 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Monday, 2 November 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 74.31 for buying and EGP 74.68 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 61.95 for buying and EGP 62.34 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 8.34 for buying and EGP 8.37 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 15.10 for buying and EGP 15.15 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/67RtgHvq"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/fzYN4k8T/Exchange-Rates-2026-11-02-T104732-925.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-11-02-T104732-925" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
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Exchange Rates: US Dollar Trades At EGP 55.54 Against The Egyptian Pound On 2 November 2026

Egypt is expected to experience a continued rise in temperatures across the country on Monday, 2 November 2026, with hot weather prevailing during the day across most areas and becoming very hot in Upper Egypt. Temperatures are expected to drop at night, bringing cooler to cold conditions, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a slight chance of light rain at intervals in parts of the northern coastal governorates and northern Lower Egypt.
Winds are expected to be active, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. They may stir up sand and dust at intervals across parts of the northwestern coast, the Western Desert, and some exposed areas of Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt.
Low clouds may also form over scattered areas of Greater Cairo, southern Lower Egypt, and the Suez Canal cities, potentially bringing light, insignificant drizzle in some locations.
<a href="https://ibb.co/WvjV6xZH"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/r2Ndm7YQ/Egypt-Weather-2026-11-02-T082531-871.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-2026-11-02-T082531-871" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Flickr

Egypt Weather Forecast: Temperatures Continue To Rise Across The Country On 2 November 2026

Celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the latest Google Trends data over the past 12 months revealed a fundamental shift in the interests of local and international tourists toward tourism and archaeological destinations in Egypt, led by <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?q=%2Fm%2F0dh93w&amp;hl=en&amp;legacy">the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).</a>
The data showed that Arab countries topped the list of nations searching for the museum globally. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries led the list (Kuwait ranking first, followed by Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia), followed by Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya, reflecting exceptional regional interest in this global cultural landmark.
Treasures of "Tutankhamun" and the "Khufu Ship" in the Lead
In terms of archaeological exhibits,<a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?q=%2Fm%2F07hcc"> King Tutankhamun's artifacts and statues</a>, led by the Golden Mask, were the most searched exhibits in the museum worldwide according to Google Trends. Meanwhile, the<a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&amp;q=%2Fg%2F11bwdfcmxc&amp;hl=en&amp;legacy"> "Khufu Ship"</a> topped the list of trending topics for 2026, as interest in it doubled between August and October of this year, complementing the historic peak recorded during the official opening.
The Strong Link Between Global Sports and Cultural Tourism
The data revealed a unique model of how sports events impact cultural tourism. During the week of the Egypt vs. Argentina World Cup match, which saw widespread football discussions, search interest in the tourism category in Egypt reached its highest level of the year.
This was accompanied by a +140% surge in searches for the Grand Egyptian Museum and a +100% increase for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. In the month following the tournament, searches for "Cairo flights" reached an unprecedented record high, confirming the role of major sporting events in stimulating exploratory curiosity among tourists worldwide.
Regarding the most searched questions about GEM on Google Search, it became evident that global audiences are primarily interested in the logistical and operational details of the trip, such as the duration of the guided tour, the museum's proximity to the Giza Pyramids, conditions for booking tickets in advance, whether the museum features exhibits dedicated to Queen Cleopatra, the possibility of touring the museum at night, and what souvenirs can be purchased from the museum.
On a local level (within Egypt), the questions reflected an economic and national dimension. Inquiries focused on the economic value of the project, its impact on tourism, its historical significance, the methods used to transport massive statues like the statue of Ramses II, as well as practical questions about how to get to the museum.
Local Tourism in Egypt for 2026
Regarding local destinations in Egypt, people's interest primarily increased in cultural destinations within Greater Cairo, topped by the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Giza Pyramids.
This data confirms that the Grand Egyptian Museum has transformed into a major driver for tourism, the economy, and media on both regional and global levels.
Top Trending Questions Over the Past 12 Months on Google Search
Globally:
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How long is the guided tour inside the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What souvenirs can be bought from the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How can I take an evening guided tour inside the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is there anything about Cleopatra in the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are Tutankhamun's artifacts in the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Who built the Grand Egyptian Museum? And how close is it to the Pyramids?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where is the famous historical mask located inside the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Locally (Egypt):
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What is the economic value of the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What does the Grand Egyptian Museum project represent?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What antiquities are inside the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What are the best times to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How does a tour guide affect the experience of visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum?
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How was the statue of Ramses II transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Photo Credit: Press Release&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Grand Egyptian Museum Drives A Global Tourism Boost According To Google Trends

The US dollar is trading at EGP 55.82 for buying and EGP 55.92 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 74.65 for buying and EGP 75.11 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 62.16 for buying and EGP 62.70 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 8.38 for buying and EGP 8.40 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 15.18 for buying and EGP 15.22 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/tpf5QFDF"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/B2DRcFBF/Exchange-Rates-2026-11-01-T105618-524.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-11-01-T105618-524" border="0" /></a>
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
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Exchange Rates: US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today On 1 November 2026

Egypt is set to experience a rise in temperatures across the country on Sunday, 1 November 2026, with hot weather expected during the day in most areas, turning cool to cold at night, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a chance of light rain in parts of the northern coastal governorates, the northern Nile Delta, and parts of the Matrouh Desert at intervals.
Winds are expected to be active, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h, and may stir up sand and dust in parts of the northwestern coast, the Matrouh Desert, and the Western Desert at intervals.
Meanwhile, low clouds may form over scattered areas of Greater Cairo, the southern Nile Delta, and the Suez Canal cities, potentially producing light and insignificant drizzle in some areas.
<a href="https://ibb.co/hxDYWy6W"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/zWG6RrMR/Egypt-Weather-2026-11-01-T092230-170.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-2026-11-01-T092230-170" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
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Egypt Weather Forecast: Temperatures Rise Across The Country On 1 November 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 55.99&nbsp; for buying and EGP 56.09 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 74.48 for buying and EGP 74.80 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 62.32 for buying and EGP 62.60 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 8.40 for buying and EGP 8.42 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 15.22 for buying and EGP 15.27 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/QvBqYgG2"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/4RyD4qx6/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-29-T112707-379.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-29-T112707-379" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
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Exchange Rates: US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today On 29 October 2026

Egypt is set to experience moderately hot to hot weather during the day across the northern parts of the country, extending to Greater Cairo, while temperatures will remain hot in the south. Conditions are expected to turn cool to cold at night on Thursday, 29 October 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a 30% chance of light to moderate rain in parts of the North Coast governorates and northern Lower Egypt, extending as far south as Halaib and Shalateen, intermittently. Meanwhile, there is a 10% chance of light rain in parts of southern Lower Egypt and the Suez Canal cities, potentially extending to parts of Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, intermittently.
Winds are expected to reach speeds of 30 to 40 km/h at times, potentially stirring up sand and dust across parts of the northwestern coast, the Western Desert, exposed areas of Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, the Suez Canal cities, northern Upper Egypt, and parts of Sinai.
Maritime navigation is expected to be disrupted along parts of the coasts of Salloum, Marsa Matrouh, El Alamein, Alexandria, Baltim, Damietta, Port Said, and El Arish. Wind speeds in these areas are expected to range from 40 to 60 km/h, with wave heights reaching 2 to 3 meters.
<a href="https://ibb.co/93vLPVhC"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Nn3PRmrH/Egypt-Weather-2026-10-29-T083318-200.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-2026-10-29-T083318-200" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather Forecast: Rain Chances And Dusty Winds Across Several Areas On 29 October 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 56.12 for buying and EGP 56.22 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 74.51 for buying and EGP 74.84 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 62.37 for buying and EGP 62.58 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 8.41 for buying and EGP 8.43 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 15.26 for buying and EGP 15.31 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/6RxP2gGG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/tMtsS8nn/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-28-T102006-852.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-28-T102006-852" border="0" /></a> &nbsp;Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates: Today’s Exchange Rates In Egypt On 28 October 2026

Egypt is set to experience warm to hot weather during the day across the northern parts of the country, extending to Greater Cairo, while temperatures are expected to be hot in southern Egypt. Conditions will turn cool to cold at night on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a 30% chance of light to moderate rain in parts of the North Coast governorates, northern Lower Egypt, the Gulf of Aqaba, central Sinai, and parts of the southern Red Sea Governorate. Rain may become heavy and thundery at times, particularly in Halayeb, Shalateen, and Ras Banas, where the chance of such conditions reaches 20%.
There is also a 20% chance of light rain in parts of southern Lower Egypt and the Suez Canal cities, potentially extending intermittently to parts of Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt.
Winds are expected to reach speeds of 30 to 40 km/h at times, potentially stirring up sand and dust across parts of the northwestern coast, the Western Desert, and exposed areas of Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt.
The EMA has also cautioned of possible thunderstorm-related hazards, with a 40% chance of lightning strikes in some areas. Strong winds may also occur due to downdrafts associated with thunderstorms.
<a href="https://ibb.co/3yP1X78V"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/1f4ZVLpB/Egypt-Weather-2026-10-28-T082554-941.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-2026-10-28-T082554-941" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather Forecast: Warm Days And Cold Nights On 28 October 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 56.22 for buying and EGP 56.32 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 74.96 for buying and EGP 75.18 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 62.75 for buying and EGP 62.96 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 8.42 for buying and EGP 8.44 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 15.29 for buying and EGP 15.33 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/MyBsK2Hy"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Y403JRS4/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-27-T083623-145.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-27-T083623-145" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates: US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today On 27 October 2026

Top News 
Current Affairs 
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News

After a 24-day break, the Egyptian Premier League returns with one of Egyptian football&rsquo;s most anticipated fixtures: the Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek.
The two rivals are set to meet at Cairo International Stadium at 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 11, in the sixth round of the 2026/2027 Egyptian Premier League season. The league&rsquo;s schedule was interrupted by national team commitments during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Why Is This Match Important for Both Teams?
Pyramids FC currently lead the Egyptian Premier League standings with 15 points from five wins. Zamalek sit second with 13 points from four wins and one draw, while Al Ahly occupy third place with the same number of points and an identical record.
With both Cairo rivals chasing the league leaders, Sunday's derby presents an important opportunity to strengthen their positions in the standings.
The Cairo Derby in Numbers
According to Al Ahly's official page, the two teams had faced each other 132 times in the Cairo derby before this match. Al Ahly recorded 52 victories, while Zamalek won 29 times. The remaining 51 encounters ended in draws.
Sunday's fixture will therefore mark the 133rd Cairo derby. Check out the infographic below for a closer look at the numbers behind this historic rivalry.
<a href="https://ibb.co/3mf0wBNQ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/hFXKkDWw/Poster-Team-A-vs-Team-B-3.png" alt="Poster-Team-A-vs-Team-B-3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Head-to-Head Record Across All Competitions
According to Al Ahly&rsquo;s official website, the two clubs had met 243 times across all competitions as of May 1, 2026. Al Ahly recorded 107 wins, compared with 56 victories for Zamalek, while 80 matches ended in draws. Al Ahly had scored 366 goals, while Zamalek had netted 254.
Biggest Wins in Egyptian Premier League History
According to Al Ahly&rsquo;s official website, Al Ahly&rsquo;s biggest league victory over Zamalek came in the 2001&ndash;2002 season, when the Red Devils won 6&ndash;1. Other notable victories include a 5&ndash;3 win in the 2021&ndash;2022 season, 4&ndash;1 victories in the 1960&ndash;1961 and 2022&ndash;2023 seasons, and 4&ndash;2 wins in the 1953&ndash;1954 and 2004&ndash;2005 seasons.
Al Ahly also recorded several 3&ndash;0 victories over their rivals. Zamalek&rsquo;s biggest league win over Al Ahly came by a 3&ndash;1 scoreline, a result the White Knights achieved four times.
Photo credit: Al Ahly's official page

Infographic | Ahly vs. Zamalek: Head-to-Head Stats Ahead Of Derby 133

A few days after Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure from Portugal's national team camp raised questions about his international future, the 41-year-old captain has broken his silence and explained what led to his decision.
Ronaldo left Portugal's Nations League camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the team's match against Denmark, after being left on the bench during the 2-1 win over Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark.
In a lengthy statement shared on his official account, Ronaldo said his decision was driven by what he described as two broken promises from Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, while also taking responsibility for leaving the camp.
Ronaldo Had Already Prepared to Leave After the 2026 World Cup
Ronaldo revealed that he had already prepared a letter to the Portuguese people following the 2026 World Cup, containing the words he intended to share when he eventually left the national team.
However, he said Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a asked him to reconsider his decision and continue representing Portugal.
Ronaldo also revealed that he supported the eventual appointment of the current head coach, saying he believed Jesus was the right choice for the national team.
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Ronaldo Says Coach Broke His Word
According to Ronaldo, he and Jesus had initially agreed on a plan to manage his fitness, under which he would play Portugal's first match of the camp before staying in Portugal for the games against Norway and Denmark.
However, Ronaldo said Jesus later told him he could be used for 30 minutes against Norway. Ronaldo agreed despite the change to his recovery plan, but said he warmed up from halftime and was never brought onto the pitch.
Ronaldo described the situation as the first time Jesus had failed to keep his word to him.
The two later met with Sim&atilde;o Coutinho, Al-Nassr's sporting director, present. Ronaldo said they agreed that Jesus would publicly clarify that Ronaldo had never asked to play and that the decision to have him warm up without bringing him on was the coach's mistake.
Ronaldo said the coach's subsequent press conference did not reflect what had been agreed privately, which he described as the second time Jesus had failed to keep his word.
Why Ronaldo Decided to Leave Portugal's Camp
Ronaldo said he ultimately decided to leave the camp because he felt that remaining would only harm the group after the breakdown in trust.
&ldquo;For me, the truth is still the most important thing in the relationship between people,&rdquo; Ronaldo said, explaining that he would have accepted the situation if the coach and federation had simply been honest with him about whether they wanted him in the squad.
He also stressed that he has never interfered with the technical or tactical decisions of Portugal's coaches during his international career.
Ronaldo Apologizes to Fans and Teammates
Despite defending the reasons behind his decision, Ronaldo accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologized to Portugal's supporters and his teammates.
He also apologized for not greeting the fans following the Norway match, acknowledging that it was a mistake that should not have happened.
&ldquo;At the end of the match, I just wanted everything to be over with a victory and to be left alone,&rdquo; Ronaldo said. &ldquo;I did not go to greet the fans. That is a failing that is solely my responsibility and should not have happened.&rdquo;
He added that he apologized to the Portuguese people, the fans, and those who had traveled to see him.
Ronaldo acknowledged that, as Portugal's captain, his actions carry greater responsibility and said he accepts that the Portuguese Football Federation should assess and punish his conduct if necessary.
Ronaldo Is Not Retiring From Portugal
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo made clear that he is not announcing his retirement from international football.
Addressing reports that he could receive a farewell match, Ronaldo said there would be time for that, but stressed that his focus remains on competing for Portugal.
&ldquo;I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all the Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that,&rdquo; he said.
However, he added that when he thinks about the national team, he thinks about competing.
Ronaldo said that if he remains physically fit, continues performing for Al-Nassr, and serves any suspension imposed on him, he will remain available to compete for Portugal.
His statement leaves the door open for a return to the national team, while the circumstances surrounding his departure remain a major talking point.
Ronaldo's Pursuit of 1,000 Career Goals Continues
Away from the national team controversy, Ronaldo has returned to training with Al-Nassr as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo has scored 979 goals for Portugal and his clubs, leaving him 21 goals away from reaching the historic milestone.
Photo Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s official page

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence: Why He Walked Away From Portugal Camp

The moment Cristiano Ronaldo fans have always feared may be getting closer. The Portugal captain has left the national team&rsquo;s training camp in Copenhagen following the press conference held by head coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a, according to a statement Ronaldo shared on his official Instagram account.
Ronaldo also said that he would reveal the reasons behind his decision &ldquo;in due course,&rdquo; leaving questions over whether his latest departure could mark the end of his international career.
&ldquo;In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, which I always dedicated myself to,&rdquo; Ronaldo said in his statement.
What Happened?
Ronaldo started Portugal&rsquo;s Nations League opener against Wales before being left out of the starting lineup for the team&rsquo;s next match against Norway. He remained an unused substitute as Portugal secured a 2-1 victory. According to Reuters, Jesus had told Ronaldo that he would come on as a substitute but ultimately decided not to bring him onto the pitch.
Following the match, Ronaldo worked in the gym rather than training with the rest of the squad on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters reported that he was not injured during that period.
Speaking to the media ahead of Portugal&rsquo;s Nations League match against Denmark, head coach Jorge Jesus denied that Ronaldo had refused to train and said there had been no incident between them. According to Reuters, Jesus said Ronaldo was upset after being left on the bench against Norway but considered the matter resolved.
&ldquo;There was nothing to talk about,&rdquo; Jesus said, according to Reuters, while explaining that Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever decision the coach made, whether that meant playing or being left out of the squad.
Jesus also rejected the suggestion that Ronaldo had refused to train, saying: &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t refuse. He&rsquo;s going to train today.&rdquo; He explained that it was the fourth day after the match and said Ronaldo would return to training with the team.
However, Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal&rsquo;s final training session before the Denmark match. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his absence, while Reuters reported that Ronaldo subsequently left the training camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo later confirmed that he had decided to leave the national team&rsquo;s training camp following Jesus&rsquo; press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a. The FPF confirmed his departure and said the remaining 24 players would continue preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
Ronaldo&rsquo;s Own Explanation
Ronaldo has not yet provided the full explanation behind his decision.
In his statement, he said that he decided to leave following the national team manager&rsquo;s press conference and his conversation with the FPF president. He also promised to explain his reasons to the Portuguese people &ldquo;in due course.&rdquo;
For now, his statement leaves more questions than answers about what happened behind the scenes.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo Retired From Portugal?
Not officially. Ronaldo confirmed that he had decided to leave Portugal&rsquo;s training camp, but he did not announce his retirement from international football. The Portuguese Football Federation likewise confirmed his departure from the camp rather than announcing an end to his international career.
That distinction is important. While his sudden departure has raised questions about his future with Portugal, there has been no official announcement from Ronaldo confirming that he has permanently retired from international football.
Ronaldo&rsquo;s Portugal Legacy
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and has since become the country&rsquo;s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
According to Reuters, he has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 international goals. His international career has also included Portugal&rsquo;s historic Euro 2016 triumph and two Nations League titles.
From his first appearance as a teenager to becoming Portugal&rsquo;s captain and record-holder, Ronaldo has spent more than two decades at the heart of the national team.
Will This Be His Last Dance?
Ronaldo started Portugal&rsquo;s 1-0 victory over Wales before being left on the bench for the entire match against Norway. If he does not return to the national team, the Wales game could ultimately become his final international appearance.
However, it is too early to describe it as his final game because Ronaldo has not confirmed his retirement from international football.
For now, the question remains open.
Reaching the Saddest Moment
For more than two decades, Ronaldo&rsquo;s Portugal story has been defined by records, trophies, heartbreak and an enduring commitment to the national team.
Now, after leaving the training camp and promising to reveal the reasons behind his decision later, a new chapter may be approaching.
The biggest question is no longer what Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved for Portugal. It is whether he will wear the national shirt again.
Photo Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp: Is This The End Of His International Career?

Following Egypt&rsquo;s 5&ndash;0 victory over South Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim made history by scoring his first international goal for Egypt in the 92nd minute.
The goal marked a major milestone in the 18-year-old forward&rsquo;s international career, as Abdelkarim became the third-youngest player to score his first goal for the Egyptian national team. His late strike also helped seal Egypt&rsquo;s convincing victory in the AFCON qualifiers.
The result also strengthened Egypt&rsquo;s position in Group B of the AFCON qualifiers, while Abdelkarim&rsquo;s goal added another milestone to his rapid rise at both club and international level.
Third-Youngest Egyptian Scorer
According to Transfermarkt, Hamza Abdelkarim scored his first goal for Egypt at the age of 18 years, 8 months, and 28 days, placing him third among the youngest players to score their first goal for the national team.
Abdelkarim Sakr remains the youngest, having scored at the 1936 Olympic Games at the age of 17 years, 8 months, and 28 days. Ahmed Hossam Mido ranks second, having scored his first international goal at the age of 17 years, 10 months, and 14 days during a friendly against the United Arab Emirates in 2001.
With his goal against South Sudan, Abdelkarim entered the list at 18 years, 8 months, and 28 days old.
Hamza Abdelkarim and Barcelona
Abdelkarim began his Barcelona journey after joining the club from Al Ahly on loan in February 2026. He made an immediate impact with Barcelona&rsquo;s U-19 side, scoring six goals in nine league appearances, including a hat-trick.
In June, Barcelona exercised its purchase option to sign the Egyptian forward permanently, initially agreeing to a contract until June 2029.
However, in September 2026, Barcelona reached a new agreement with Abdelkarim to extend his contract until 30 June 2030. He also made his competitive first-team debut on 31 August against Rayo Vallecano after scoring four goals during pre-season.
Photo Credit: Egypt National Team&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Hamza Abdelkarim Becomes Third-Youngest Egypt Scorer With First International Goal

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Around 7,000 foreign tourists visited the temples of Abu Simbel in southern Aswan to witness the twice-yearly solar alignment at the Great Temple of Ramses II, as Egypt concluded the Aswan Festival for Culture and Arts with traditional folk performances.
According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the event took place on Thursday, 22 October, drawing visitors to witness sunlight entering the temple&rsquo;s sanctuary and illuminating three of its four statues.
Aswan Governor Amr Lashin said the event was organised through coordination between the Aswan Security Directorate and the relevant authorities in the culture, tourism, antiquities, civil aviation, food supply and healthcare sectors.
Lashin said measures had been put in place to facilitate visitors&rsquo; entry and exit, ensuring the smooth movement of Egyptian and foreign tourists attending the event and its accompanying artistic performances.
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Folk Performances Celebrate Ancient Egyptian Heritage
According to Egypt&rsquo;s General Authority for Cultural Palaces, the festival concluded on the morning of 22 October with performances by folk art troupes in the courtyard of Abu Simbel Temple.
The solar alignment lasted approximately 20 minutes, coinciding with performances by groups from Port Said, Matrouh, New Valley, Sohag, Toshka and Sharqia. Tourists joined the celebrations, interacting with performers through dancing and singing.
The solar alignment is one of Egypt&rsquo;s most distinctive archaeological phenomena, demonstrating the precision of the ancient Egyptians&rsquo; astronomical knowledge and architectural design.
It occurs twice a year, on 22 October and 22 February, when sunlight travels through the Great Temple&rsquo;s entrance and corridors to reach the inner sanctuary. The rays illuminate the statues of Ramses II and the deities Amun-Ra and Ra-Horakhty, while the statue of Ptah remains in shadow.
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Aswan Festival Brings Cultural Performances Across the Governorate
The Aswan Festival for Culture and Arts began on 17 October with the operetta &lsquo;Army of the Sun&rsquo;, directed by Hisham Atwa. The production portrayed the October War and the achievements of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
From 18 to 20 October, seven folk art troupes representing Aswan, Port Said, Sohag, Sharqia, New Valley, Matrouh and Toshka performed at cultural venues throughout Aswan Governorate. These included cultural palaces, theatres, libraries and Aswan University.
A further performance took place at Aswan&rsquo;s tourist market on Wednesday evening, attended by the governor, the head of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, local residents and visitors.
The festival was held under the patronage of Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and Aswan Governor Amr Lashin. It was organised by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, headed by Hisham Atwa, in cooperation with cultural institutions across southern Upper Egypt.
Photo Credit: MENA&rsquo;s official page

Abu Simbel Sun Festival: 7,000 Tourists Witness Ramses II Solar Alignment

According to a statement shared by the Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency on its official Facebook page, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the opening of the Egypt Forum 2026 on Monday morning in the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, House of Representatives Speaker Hisham Badawy, Senate Speaker Essam El-Din Farid, ministers, and senior state officials.
Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the opening session began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a film titled &ldquo;What Do We Expect from the Forum?&rdquo; and a presentation titled &ldquo;Where Did We Begin?&rdquo; This was followed by a film titled &ldquo;If You Met the President, What Would You Say to Him?&rdquo; and an address by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The session continued with a film titled &ldquo;Egypt Through the Eyes of the World,&rdquo; followed by a segment titled &ldquo;What Does It Mean to Be Egyptian?&rdquo; The first part concluded with a musical performance of the song &ldquo;Masry&rdquo; by a children&rsquo;s choir from the Cairo Opera House. President El-Sisi greeted the children following their performance.
The second part of the session featured a presentation on national identity, a film titled &ldquo;How Awareness Shapes Us,&rdquo; and a segment titled &ldquo;Generation Z: How Do We Choose Our Sources?&rdquo; These were followed by a film addressing the negative impact of social media and a discussion on awareness, misinformation, and the responsible use of technology. The programme also included a film on rumours and their impact on Egyptian society, a segment on the &ldquo;Rumour Platform,&rdquo; and a film titled &ldquo;Dream and Reality.&rdquo;
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According to the presidential spokesperson, President El-Sisi stressed during his remarks that the forum&rsquo;s preparations prioritised providing accurate and comprehensive information from the government, listening to different viewpoints, discussing them, and accepting criticism.
The president also emphasised the importance of public awareness and countering attempts to undermine Egypt&rsquo;s national memory, particularly through social media. He noted that similar attempts had taken place before 2014, adding that efforts to influence a country as populous and strategically significant as Egypt, or to marginalise its role, would continue. He described this as a struggle involving both the state and its people.
El-Sisi said his repeated references to the events of 2011 were intended to reinforce public awareness and highlight the importance of preserving the Egyptian state, particularly among children and young people who did not experience that period. While differences in opinion are acceptable, he stressed that preserving the state remains a fundamental principle that must not be compromised.
The president further noted that the stability achieved in recent years had come at a significant cost, with Egypt making considerable sacrifices, including the loss of members of the armed forces, police, and judiciary, as well as worshippers in mosques and churches. He also highlighted the financial resources spent on achieving stability and combating terrorism.
El-Sisi underscored the importance of reminding the public of the insecurity Egypt experienced between 2011 and 2013, stressing that stability must remain firmly rooted in the national consciousness.
Addressing concerns raised during the session about the risks associated with social media, the president called for moderation and responsible use of technology. He warned against attempts to isolate individuals and mobilise groups of citizens in ways that could lead to the destruction of their own country. He also highlighted the responsibility of Egyptian families to balance technological progress with supervision of their children's use of digital platforms.
The president explained that the forum aims to review the government's work across various sectors, compare conditions before and after development projects, and give citizens a closer look at achievements made within available resources and circumstances to address longstanding challenges. He added that the forum seeks to reassure citizens about their country's progress, stressing that individuals eventually leave office, while Egypt remains.
El-Sisi also said Egyptians had embarked on a genuine phase of nation-building in recent years, despite the considerable risks associated with major decisions. He noted that these decisions were necessary, particularly given Egypt's population growth of nearly 30 million people since 2011.
The president urged citizens to pay close attention to the details and data presented throughout the forum, highlighting their direct impact on people's lives. He added that the government would outline its actions over the previous period, explain what the situation might have been had those measures not been taken, and present its plans for the future.
Photo Credit: Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency&rsquo;s official page

Egypt Forum 2026 Opens As El-Sisi Highlights National Awareness

1984 Ventures Founder and General Partner Ramy Adeeb discusses why bringing together voices from different industries is essential to shaping Egypt&rsquo;s narrative and future in an interview with Zeinab on NileFM.
Egypt&rsquo;s story extends beyond any single industry, encompassing art, culture, technology, investment and social development. At Narrative Summit 2026 in Somabay, on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast, participants from different backgrounds came together to discuss the country&rsquo;s identity, potential and future.
Speaking with Zeinab on NileFM following his panel discussion at the summit, Ramy Adeeb, Founder and General Partner of 1984 Ventures, reflected on this year&rsquo;s edition and explained why bringing together people with different perspectives is essential to meaningful conversations about Egypt.
Adeeb praised the gathering, highlighting the diverse mix of Egyptian and international participants and the opportunity to exchange ideas across sectors.
Why Diverse Conversations Matter
For Adeeb, the value of Narrative Summit lies in bringing together people who might not typically find themselves in the same room.
Drawing on his experience of attending conferences throughout his career, he explained that many events focus on a particular field, whether economics, politics or the arts.
Narrative Summit, by contrast, creates a space for people from different industries to exchange ideas and discuss Egypt&rsquo;s story from a range of perspectives.
&ldquo;To me, a conference is about the conversations and the people,&rdquo; Adeeb said.
He identified the diversity of participants as one of the summit&rsquo;s defining characteristics, with voices representing sectors ranging from the arts and culture to technology, venture capital, government and non-profit organisations.
&ldquo;What is unique about this conversation is the diversity of the individuals who come from art, from culture, from development, from venture capital and technology, from nonprofits, from the government, all talking about our story,&rdquo; he added.
By bringing these perspectives together, the summit encourages a broader understanding of Egypt and its future, moving beyond the priorities of any single industry.
Telling Egypt&rsquo;s Story Beyond The Headlines
Adeeb also highlighted the importance of recognising the different narratives that shape Egypt&rsquo;s identity and the value of giving them greater visibility.
Gatherings such as Narrative Summit provide an opportunity to explore the country&rsquo;s story through the experiences, ideas and ambitions of people working across different sectors.
The exchange of perspectives can also help participants identify shared priorities and consider how their respective fields might contribute to Egypt&rsquo;s future.
For Adeeb, the diversity of the gathering was among the most inspiring aspects of the experience.
&ldquo;And to me, that diversity and completeness of the crowd just is inspiring, and it gives me hope for what Egypt is today and where it can become,&rdquo; he said.
As Narrative Summit 2026 brings together voices from across industries and backgrounds, Adeeb&rsquo;s reflections underline the importance of creating spaces for different experiences and ideas to meet. By encouraging dialogue beyond traditional professional boundaries, such gatherings offer an opportunity to explore Egypt&rsquo;s potential and the possibilities for its future.
&nbsp;

Ramy Adeeb On Egypt’s Story And The Power Of Diverse Conversations At Narrative Summit 2026

UpRound by Brinc Founding Managing Member Bashar Aboudaoud discusses how artificial intelligence is changing the way people learn and work, and why continuous learning is essential, in an interview with Zeinab on NileFM.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and workplaces, the ability to adapt, acquire new skills and keep learning has become increasingly important. At Narrative Summit 2026 in Somabay, on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast, technology and its impact on communities formed part of the wider discussion about the country&rsquo;s future.
Speaking with Zeinab on NileFM as part of the station&rsquo;s special coverage of Narrative Summit 2026, Bashar Aboudaoud, Founding Managing Member at UpRound by Brinc, reflected on his first experience at the summit and explained how its theme, &ldquo;Beyond Reset&rdquo;, relates to his personal and professional life.
Why Narrative Summit 2026?
Aboudaoud explained that he first heard about the summit through his sister, who knows Lamia Kamel. An invitation and an introduction to the summit&rsquo;s vision encouraged him to attend.
&ldquo;What appealed to me was talking about Egypt and seeing the change. The narrative itself is something that really appealed to me. I wanted to come here to be a small part of it, and it&rsquo;s been fantastic,&rdquo; he said.
For Aboudaoud, the event provided an opportunity to take part in conversations about Egypt&rsquo;s evolving identity and the ideas shaping its future.
Beyond Reset: Why Continuous Learning Matters
Reflecting on the summit&rsquo;s theme, &ldquo;Beyond Reset&rdquo;, Aboudaoud linked the idea to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the need for individuals to adapt to technological change.
During his panel discussion, he explored AI&rsquo;s impact on communities, highlighting the importance of updating skills and expanding knowledge as new technologies change professional environments.
&ldquo;For me, the reset is continuous learning,&rdquo; he explained.
Aboudaoud argued that learning should not be treated as a one-off response to disruption. Instead, it should be an ongoing process, driven by curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to explore new tools and ways of working.
As AI becomes more widely used across industries, he suggested, continuous learning will be increasingly important for people seeking to remain informed and develop their professional skills.
How AI Can Make Knowledge More Accessible
Asked how people can use AI without losing sight of their original vision, Aboudaoud encouraged them to approach the technology as a practical tool rather than something to fear.
&ldquo;Listen, for me, AI is not a scary tool. It&rsquo;s like any other tool,&rdquo; he said.
He recommended starting with simple interactions: asking questions, exploring unfamiliar subjects and using AI to learn more about areas relevant to one&rsquo;s interests or professional field.
&ldquo;The simplest way is just to talk to it, and it will tell you, in whatever domain you&rsquo;re in, something that you can learn,&rdquo; he explained.
Aboudaoud sees this accessibility as an opportunity to democratise knowledge by helping people explore subjects they might otherwise find difficult to understand or access.
However, using AI effectively also requires people to remain curious and actively engage with the information it provides. The technology can support learning, but individuals still need to develop their understanding and assess what they learn.
Looking Ahead: AI And The Future Of Learning
Aboudaoud&rsquo;s message at Narrative Summit 2026 was that adapting to technological change begins with a commitment to continuous learning.
As artificial intelligence influences how people work, develop skills and access information, the challenge is not simply to keep pace with new tools. It is to understand how to use them effectively and turn their capabilities into opportunities for learning and growth.
&nbsp;

Bashar Aboudaoud On AI And Continuous Learning At Narrative Summit 2026

Credence Hospitality Developments chairman and chief executive Islam Mahdy discusses Egypt&rsquo;s tourism growth, rising international appeal and the importance of turning industry discussions into actionable ideas in an interview with Zeinab on NileFM, as part of NileFM&rsquo;s special coverage of Narrative Summit 2026.
Egypt&rsquo;s tourism industry has expanded in recent years, supported by infrastructure development, major cultural attractions and growing international interest. As the country seeks to strengthen its position as a global travel destination, the challenge is to sustain this momentum and unlock further opportunities for the hospitality sector.
Speaking to Zeinab on NileFM during Narrative Summit 2026 in Soma Bay on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast, Mahdy shared his perspective on the hospitality industry, reflecting on the summit&rsquo;s discussions and the factors contributing to Egypt&rsquo;s growing appeal among international visitors.
Narrative Summit 2026: Turning Conversations into Action
Reflecting on his first participation in Narrative Summit, Mahdy described the experience as impressive, highlighting the shared ambition among participants to showcase Egypt&rsquo;s potential and contribute to its development.
&ldquo;What was impressive is the fact that everyone kind of resonated, and everyone kind of had one consistent message, which is presenting and bringing the best out of Egypt,&rdquo; he said.
Mahdy particularly welcomed the constructive nature of the discussions, explaining that participants focused on identifying opportunities and proposing solutions rather than simply criticising existing challenges.
&ldquo;It was very hopeful. It wasn&rsquo;t kind of critical, it was prescriptive, which is great because anyone can criticize, but if you can really contribute to ideas and ways to move the country forward, this is, I believe, what everyone needs,&rdquo; he added.
For Mahdy, the value of such gatherings lies in their ability to encourage meaningful contributions and translate shared ambitions into practical steps towards Egypt&rsquo;s development.
Egypt&rsquo;s Tourism Growth: A Promising Outlook
Discussing developments in Egypt&rsquo;s tourism industry over recent years, Mahdy pointed to what he described as strong growth, while acknowledging the potential for further progress.
He cited tourism growth of approximately 20% in the previous year, compared with a global average of around 5%, highlighting the difference as an indication of Egypt&rsquo;s growing appeal.
&ldquo;The trajectory in the past three years has been phenomenal. We&rsquo;ve grown 20% last year. The global average is 5%, so that&rsquo;s phenomenal growth,&rdquo; he said.
Mahdy attributed this momentum partly to developments that are strengthening Egypt&rsquo;s appeal to international visitors, including major cultural attractions and improvements to infrastructure.
He highlighted the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum as one of the developments helping to draw attention to the country, alongside ongoing infrastructure projects.
&ldquo;With the opening of the Grand Museum, with all the work that&rsquo;s happening in the infrastructure, people want to come,&rdquo; he said.
What&rsquo;s Next for Egypt&rsquo;s Hospitality Industry?
Despite the progress, Mahdy believes Egypt&rsquo;s hospitality sector has considerable room for further development.
Continued tourism growth presents opportunities for businesses to enhance their offerings, respond to changing visitor expectations and build on the country&rsquo;s expanding international profile.
For Mahdy, the changes taking place across Egypt reflect positive momentum, supported by infrastructure investment and the appeal of its cultural attractions.
&ldquo;Yes, I do feel that there was a lot of change happening in the past few years,&rdquo; he said.
As Egypt continues to attract international attention, Mahdy&rsquo;s perspective highlights the importance of building on this momentum through constructive collaboration, practical ideas and sustained development across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
&nbsp;

Islam Mahdy On Egypt’s Tourism Boom And Hospitality Growth At Narrative Summit 2026

Consultant surgeon and educator Dr Sherif Hakky discusses how artificial intelligence is challenging doctors, improving medical practice and transforming patient care in an interview with Zeinab on NileFM.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how people approach healthcare, from researching symptoms to diagnosing and managing medical conditions. But as the technology advances, an important question remains: can AI replace the human side of medicine?
Speaking to Zeinab on NileFM following his panel at Narrative Summit 2026 in Soma Bay on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast, Dr Hakky discussed AI&rsquo;s growing influence on medicine and how healthcare professionals can adapt to the changes it brings.
Describing the panel as an interesting mix of perspectives, Hakky explained that the discussion explored the disruption AI could bring to communities and how its impact could be harnessed for the benefit of society in the years ahead.
How AI Is Challenging Doctors
For Hakky, AI is more than another technological development. It is also a challenge that encourages doctors to continually improve their knowledge and clinical practice.
&ldquo;Actually, it becomes a challenge. It has to make me a better doctor because I&rsquo;m being challenged on a daily basis by AI,&rdquo; he said.
He pointed out that patients increasingly turn to AI tools before consulting a doctor, arriving at appointments with questions, suggested diagnoses and information about their symptoms.
This shift means doctors must be prepared to discuss possible diagnoses, explain their clinical reasoning and determine which investigations and tests are appropriate for each patient.
Hakky acknowledged that consultations can become more demanding as patients become increasingly informed and expect clear, well-supported answers from their healthcare providers.
However, he also highlighted the potential benefits of AI in medical practice, particularly in improving aspects of diagnosis and patient care.
Can AI Improve Patient Care?
Beyond its influence on consultations, AI is being explored in medical fields including radiology, endoscopy and colonoscopy.
According to Hakky, these applications have the potential to improve diagnostic performance, including sensitivity and specificity, helping doctors make more informed clinical decisions.
Sensitivity measures how effectively a test identifies people who have a particular condition, while specificity measures how effectively it identifies those who do not.
Hakky noted that AI has been tested across numerous models and is likely to continue evolving as the technology advances.
Rather than viewing AI solely as a source of disruption, he sees an opportunity for healthcare professionals to integrate technological advances into their practice and improve the services they provide.
Will AI Replace Doctors?
As AI becomes more capable, concerns about whether it could eventually replace doctors are growing.
Asked whether he feared AI might take over the medical profession, Hakky acknowledged the difficulty of predicting how the technology would develop.
&ldquo;Never say never,&rdquo; he said, adding that he did not expect doctors to be replaced by AI within his lifetime.
For Hakky, the issue extends beyond the technical aspects of medicine. Patients consult doctors not only to have medical problems diagnosed, treated or managed, but also to feel heard and understood.
&ldquo;You go to a doctor to get a decent service, to get something fixed, managed or repaired, but you&rsquo;re also there to be understood, talked with, to feel compassion and empathy,&rdquo; he explained.
He emphasised that these human qualities remain central to healthcare, expressing doubt that machines would be able to provide the same level of compassion and empathy in the foreseeable future.
As AI continues to reshape healthcare, Hakky&rsquo;s perspective highlights the importance of balancing technological progress with human connection, ensuring that innovation serves patients without losing sight of the people behind every diagnosis.
&nbsp;

Dr Sherif Hakky On How AI Is Transforming Healthcare At Narrative Summit 2026

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Transmissions with Boris is a weekly 60-minute journey into the world of techno and tech-house, featuring expertly crafted DJ sets and immersive soundscapes. Hosted by Boris, an acclaimed resident at top U.S. clubs like Pacha NY and Space Miami. The show showcases his signature sound alongside sets from outstanding guest DJs. With award-nominated talent and a global club feel, Transmissions delivers cutting-edge dance music every week.
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The Sound of the Stork is a radio show and event concept by Stoned Stork Records, presented by Valerio Raponi.
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It&rsquo;s time to put the spotlight on Egypt&rsquo;s finest local talent with DJ of the Week&nbsp;on Nile FM! 60 minutes of handpicked sets, mixed by rising stars, spinning the sounds you should&nbsp;be hearing.
Think you&rsquo;ve got what it takes? Send us your best mix!&nbsp;
Submission Rules &amp; Guidelines for Guest DJ Sets:
&middot;&nbsp; Contains no explicit words
&middot; Mixed&nbsp;to professional standards
&middot;&nbsp;English language&nbsp;or instrumental music only
&middot; Duration between 55 minutes and 60 minutes
&middot;&nbsp;Exclusive unreleased sets only
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;MP3 or WAV format
We also need
&middot;Your&nbsp;DJ name, along with its pronunciation
&middot;&nbsp;Any social media links (Instagram, Facebook)
&middot; Any streaming platform links (SoundCloud, Mixcloud)
Email: djoftheweek@nrp.net.eg, and you could be next playing to Egypt&rsquo;s millions!

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