By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
From studying computer science in Alexandria to discovering a passion for filmmaking, director Ahmed Samir is behind &ldquo;The Lament of Spice Island,&rdquo; the only Egyptian short film selected for the International Competition at the 42nd Interfilm Berlin.
The film will have its world premiere at Interfilm Berlin, which will take place from November 10 to 15 in Berlin. The festival is an Academy Award-qualifying short film festival.
Directed by Ahmed Samir, &ldquo;The Lament of Spice Island&rdquo; is an Egyptian-Sudanese-Tanzanian co-production, with music composed by Egyptian composer Khaled Al Kammar.
NileFM spoke exclusively with Ahmed Samir about his journey into filmmaking, the story behind &ldquo;The Lament of Spice Island,&rdquo; his upcoming projects, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the filmmaking industry.
Behind His Journey
Samir was studying computer science and living in Alexandria when he first discovered his passion for cinema.
&ldquo;I was studying computer science and living in Alexandria. Directing was not something I had in mind, but I was studying editing. A friend told me that there was a newly opened film school.
&ldquo;Becoming a director was not on my mind at first, but when I started studying, I felt like I was becoming more connected to cinema and talking about it more. I developed a greater passion for it than for programming, so I decided that every year I would make a short film.&rdquo;
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About &ldquo;The Lament of Spice Island&rdquo;
Two lifelong friends travel to Spice Island for a carefree summer, only to find that something between them is beginning to change.
While much of the film&rsquo;s story remains under wraps, Samir revealed some details about its two main characters, Shams and Younes.
&ldquo;The film is full of details and has a story that we are not going to reveal all of yet. It follows two friends, Shams and Younes. Younes has entry and exit stamps in his passport from Tanzania, while Shams has Tanzanian roots but no exit stamp.
&ldquo;There are also photos of them from when they were babies and as they grew up together. Their friendship is different, and in the coming period, there will be clues that explain more about the film.&rdquo;
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Interfilm Berlin&rsquo;s International Competition
Interfilm Berlin is one of Germany&rsquo;s major short film festivals and an Academy Award-qualifying festival, showcasing international short films across different genres.
Speaking about being the only Egyptian film selected for the festival&rsquo;s International Competition, Samir said:
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m happy because it is considered the only Egyptian film at the festival. It will be seen on a global level by people from all over the world. I hope it wins because it is an Oscar-qualifying competition.&rdquo;
On &ldquo;Teta&rdquo;
Samir also reflected on his previous short film, &ldquo;Teta,&rdquo; describing it as a different experience because of its psychological horror elements.
"&lsquo;Teta&rsquo; was a different experience for me because it was a horror film. I like psychological horror rather than gory horror. The idea itself came to me from a nightmare I had."
&ldquo;I wrote it exactly as I dreamed it, and then I transformed it into a drama. I spent six months writing the film, and then I sent it to the actress Mona Hala, who really liked it.&rdquo;
On Khaled Al Kammar&rsquo;s Involvement in &ldquo;The Lament of Spice Island&rdquo;
Egyptian composer Khaled Al Kammar joined the film to bring his musical vision to its world and story.
"I met Khaled Al Kammar at one of the festivals. I had won a production grant to make &lsquo;The Lament of Spice Island,&rsquo; so I sent Khaled a copy of the film and told him that I would love for him to work with me on it."
&ldquo;He told me that he loved the film because it is full of different cultures, including the Maasai tribe. He liked the film&rsquo;s unique world, so he created the music for it. I felt that the music captured exactly the right spirit for the film.&rdquo;
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On His Upcoming Projects
Samir is currently developing his first feature film, which he plans to write himself.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m currently working on my first feature film, which is in the development stage, and it will be written by me.&rdquo;
On AI and the Future of Filmmaking
As artificial intelligence continues to develop across the filmmaking industry, Samir believes that audiences will continue to value the human element behind films.
"I feel that despite the development of artificial intelligence in cinema, the opposite will happen. The real thing in any work, and the fact that people put their soul into it, is what audiences will love more."
&ldquo;There are many films that have been redone after they were completed because of artificial intelligence, because they didn&rsquo;t have a soul.&rdquo;
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His Advice to Aspiring Filmmakers
For aspiring filmmakers, Samir stressed the importance of creating with the resources available rather than waiting for financial support or outside assistance.
&ldquo;My advice, which I also apply to myself, is: don&rsquo;t be lazy and don&rsquo;t wait for someone to help you or give you financial support. I would feel that I wasn&rsquo;t making anything with the resources I had, but after that, your creativity develops.&rdquo;
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Photo Credit: Ahmed Samir&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Director Ahmed Samir On “The Lament of Spice Island,” The Only Egyptian Film Selected For Interfilm Berlin

Stefano Douaihy, founder and president of Miss Elite World, discussed the growth of the international pageant, its Egyptian roots and the elements that shaped the 2026 edition during his appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, September 22. Reflecting on this year&rsquo;s edition, Douaihy described it as a major step forward, crediting the judging panel and the support of several Egyptian celebrities for contributing to the event&rsquo;s development. &ldquo;This one was quite big,&rdquo; Douaihy said, highlighting the impact of the jury and the celebrities who attended and supported the event. He explained that Miss Elite has continued to grow into an increasingly connected international community, gaining greater recognition and trust with each edition. &ldquo;It became like a small family that is getting bigger and bigger year by year, and people start to trust us more and more,&rdquo; he said. More Than Beauty Douaihy also explained that selecting the Miss Elite winner involves far more than physical appearance. The judging process takes into account several factors throughout the contestants&rsquo; 12-day experience, including their communication skills, social media presence, audience response, interactions with coordinators, choreography, punctuality, attitude and ability to adapt to different situations. &ldquo;For me, it&rsquo;s not only about seeing a girl and just voting for her beauty,&rdquo; he said. He explained that the judges are briefed about the contestants&rsquo; progress throughout the competition, allowing them to consider how each contestant performs and interacts over the course of the event. Douaihy also noted that contestants can make a very different impression as the competition progresses, with personality and charisma becoming increasingly visible. &ldquo;Some girls, in the beginning, you may not notice them, and then you realize, &lsquo;Oh my God, they are so amazing,&rsquo;&rdquo; he said. Miss Elite&rsquo;s Egyptian Roots Although Miss Elite has Egyptian roots, Douaihy said he does not see a contradiction between its Egyptian identity and its international ambitions. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t balance because there&rsquo;s no contradiction between being global and Egyptian,&rdquo; he said. He explained that Egypt&rsquo;s cultural and historical significance naturally allows the pageant to maintain an international character while remaining connected to its Egyptian roots. Douaihy also discussed the decision to hold the competition in Soma Bay, describing the destination as a suitable setting for the event and praising the overall experience for the international contestants. He noted that several contestants were impressed by their experience in Egypt, particularly by aspects of the country that they had not previously encountered. A Multicultural Pageant Douaihy described Miss Elite as a multicultural organization, reflecting the international nature of the competition itself. While the company is Egyptian, its team includes people from different nationalities and backgrounds, which he said contributes to the pageant&rsquo;s multicultural character. &ldquo;We are a blend of several nationalities,&rdquo; Douaihy said. He explained that this diversity is reflected across different aspects of the competition, from its production and choreography to its overall organization. The Details Behind Miss Elite Asked what has helped Miss Elite establish its position in the international pageant industry, Douaihy pointed to persistence, perseverance and a commitment to quality. &ldquo;Our persistence, perseverance, and honestly, my dedication of making good quality,&rdquo; he said. He highlighted the use of technology, including the pageant&rsquo;s voting system and mobile application, alongside the production, visuals, hospitality, transportation and organization involved in bringing the competition together. According to Douaihy, the experience is built around attention to detail, with different teams working together to ensure the contestants&rsquo; experience runs smoothly. &ldquo;Miss Elite is a puzzle of a mix of people supporting each other,&rdquo; he said. Looking ahead, Douaihy revealed that plans are already underway for an even bigger edition next year, as Miss Elite continues to expand its international presence while maintaining its connection to Egypt.

Stefano Douaihy Discusses Miss Elite’s Growth And 2026 Edition

Miss Elite 2026 winner Sophia Bianca of the Philippines has reflected on her journey to the crown, the personal meaning behind her victory and the dream she shared with her late father during an appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami.
After preparing for the competition for two years, Bianca said she was still finding it difficult to believe she had been crowned Miss Elite 2026.
&ldquo;I still can&rsquo;t believe that I will be Miss Elite 2026,&rdquo; she said.
For Bianca, the preparation for the competition was an important part of her journey to the international stage. She said the experience taught her the value of hard work and perseverance, while reinforcing the importance of staying true to herself.
A Crown With A Purpose
Beyond the title, Bianca described becoming Miss Elite as a major responsibility and said she was ready to approach her new role with purpose and authenticity.
&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s a great responsibility, and yes, I am ready to serve with heart, purpose and authenticity,&rdquo; she said.
Representing the Philippines on the international stage also carried a deeply personal significance for Bianca. She revealed that her late father had dreamed of seeing her become a successful beauty queen and had sent her a message expressing that wish before his death.
&ldquo;When I raised my flag, it was like an international stage. This is my dream, also my dad&rsquo;s dream,&rdquo; she said.
Bianca recalled growing up helping her mother at a public market and said fulfilling her father&rsquo;s dream made representing the Philippines particularly emotional.
&ldquo;I am proud to fulfil his dream also,&rdquo; she said.
Her mother has continued to support her throughout her journey, although she was unable to travel to Egypt for the competition. Bianca said she was looking forward to returning home and seeing her.
Finding Confidence Through The Experience
Bianca also spoke about the personal growth she experienced during Miss Elite, particularly while competing alongside contestants from different countries.
Seeing the other contestants&rsquo; preparation and confidence encouraged her to embrace her own identity and show her true self.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll show myself with who I am,&rdquo; she said.
The competition also gave Bianca an opportunity to learn about different cultures and languages while building friendships with women from around the world.
Friendships Beyond The Crown
Among her favourite memories was spending time with the other contestants, including dancing together during a belly-dancing activity.
Bianca said the experience allowed her to form friendships that she hopes will continue long after the competition. The contestants were already discussing plans to visit one another&rsquo;s countries after the coronation.
She also enjoyed learning about the cultures and languages of the other contestants, exchanging words and expressions from their respective countries.
For Bianca, Miss Elite 2026 ultimately became about more than winning a crown. It gave her an international platform, new friendships and, most importantly, the opportunity to fulfil a dream she had once shared with her father.
&nbsp;

Sophia Bianca On Winning Miss Elite 2026 And Fulfilling Her Father’s Dream

Miss Elite 2026 first runner-up Anabelly Ojeda of Venezuela has reflected on her return to the spotlight after six years at home, her journey to the competition and the role her children played in inspiring her throughout the experience during an appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami.
Although Ojeda came close to taking the Miss Elite 2026 crown, she said her biggest achievement was making the decision to step outside her comfort zone and enter the competition.
Ojeda had spent six years at home before deciding to take part in Miss Elite. Rather than focusing solely on winning, she viewed the experience as an opportunity to challenge herself, embrace a new chapter and create lasting memories for her family.
A Journey Inspired By Her Children
For Ojeda, one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was knowing that her children were following her journey.
They watched the Miss Elite grand finale and supported her throughout the competition, including cheering her on during video calls.
Ojeda said having her children watch her take part in the competition was a source of pride and happiness.
Her journey became about more than competing for a title. She wanted her children to see her embracing a new experience, stepping outside her comfort zone and setting an example for them.
That connection gave her participation a deeper personal meaning, as she drew motivation from the opportunity to be a role model for her children.
For Ojeda, stepping onto the Miss Elite stage marked a new chapter after six years at home, making her first runner-up finish a significant milestone regardless of the final result.
&nbsp;

Anabelly Ojeda On Returning To The Spotlight And Finding Inspiration In Her Children

Miss Elite 2026 second runner-up Sharon Julius of Tanzania has reflected on her experience in Egypt, the warmth of its people and the memories she made during the competition in an appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami.
Although Julius came to Egypt to compete in Miss Elite, she said the experience also gave her the chance to discover a country that exceeded her expectations.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect them to be so kind. The people here are so lovely, they&rsquo;re so kind,&rdquo; Julius said.
She described her time in Egypt as a welcoming experience and said she would like to return in the future.
What She Will Remember About Egypt
Julius said the respect she witnessed among people was one of the aspects of Egyptian culture that would stay with her.
&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s how the people here are respecting each other. It doesn&rsquo;t matter the age, race or anything,&rdquo; she said.
She recalled seeing people greet and show respect to one another regardless of age, describing that sense of respect as one of her lasting memories of Egypt.
A Different Kind Of Pageant Experience
Julius also described her time at Miss Elite as different from other pageants she had attended, particularly because of the way founder and president Stefano Douaihy interacted with the contestants.
&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s one of the best pageants I have ever been, because Mr. Stefano here, he treats us not like pageant girls. He treats us like friends,&rdquo; she said.
For Julius, the personal connections she formed during the competition became an important part of her experience, making Miss Elite memorable beyond the competition itself.

Sharon Julius On Egypt, Respect And Her Miss Elite 2026 Experience

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;
Born into a creative family, with an author mother and a poet and musician father, creative director and visual artist Zainab Yasseen grew up surrounded by different forms of artistic expression, which helped shape her passion for creativity and visual storytelling.
In 2024, Yasseen received her first Loeries recognition, winning a Silver Award in Film: TV &amp; Cinema Commercials, as well as a Craft Certificate in Film Writing.
In 2026, she returned to the Loeries Awards, this time as a jury member, judging categories including Integrated Campaign and Audio &amp; Radio Craft. Yasseen has a long track record of awards and nominations, including Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx, the Effies and the Loeries, and has previously worked on campaigns recognised with regional and international awards.
NileFM dives deeper with creative director and visual artist Zainab Yasseen into her creative journey, her experience as a Loeries 2026 jury member, and what she looks for when evaluating work from across Africa and the Middle East.
You started your creative journey at a very young age while studying at Helwan University. What first drew you to art direction and visual storytelling?
Art was always part of my life. My mother creates incredible cross-stitch work and is an author, while my father is a poet and musician, so I grew up around different forms of creativity.
I was already studying advertising and graphic design at Applied Arts when I randomly applied for an internship at one of the largest companies through their website. I didn&rsquo;t know anyone there; I just sent an email. That internship eventually turned into a full-time job while I was still an undergraduate, so advertising became a very natural extension of something I was already doing.
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You have been selected to serve on the Loeries 2026 jury. What does being part of this jury mean to you at this stage of your career?
It means a lot. Personally, it&rsquo;s a huge milestone, but it&rsquo;s also incredibly humbling to experience creativity from the other side and see how other people think.
More importantly, I get to bring an honest Arab perspective into the room. Arab creativity is sometimes judged from outside the culture, which can reinforce stereotypes simply because they&rsquo;re easier to understand. I&rsquo;m excited to have a small opportunity to challenge parts of the system I&rsquo;ve disagreed with as a creative.
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You will be judging categories including Integrated Campaign and Audio &amp; Radio Craft. What will you be looking for?
For Integrated, I&rsquo;m looking for an idea big enough to live naturally across different mediums without compromising the executions. Each execution should feel fresh and work independently, while becoming even stronger together.
Audio &amp; Radio depends entirely on the subcategory. I could be judging performance, writing, the idea, sound design, music, or overall craft. The important thing is to judge the work specifically for what that category is asking you to judge.
You have previously received Loeries recognition yourself. How does experiencing the awards from the participant side influence the way you approach judging today?
Being the player and winning will probably always be the best place to be. It reminds you that you&rsquo;re still making the work, rather than just watching or judging it.
But being a juror is significant in a different way. As a participant, you adapt to the system. As a juror, you have an opportunity to influence it and challenge things you believe are unfair, particularly when it comes to how Arab creativity and culture are understood.
When looking at work from across Africa and the Middle East, how important is cultural context in understanding the strength of an idea?
Extremely important. An outside perspective is valuable, but without cultural context, you can easily miss the humor, references, nuances, and art behind an idea.
That&rsquo;s why representation inside judging rooms matters. If nobody understands the culture from within, you risk rewarding only the work that translates easily internationally, often social-purpose work, or repeating familiar stereotypes. You need both the fresh outside perspective and people who genuinely understand the culture.
Your work has been recognised by Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx, the Effies, and the Loeries. How has being on the other side of the judging table changed the way you look at creative work?
It has actually changed how I look at myself as a creative more than how I look at creativity.
Seeing so much work reminds you how much courage and vulnerability it takes to put an idea into the world. Creatives can suffer from terrible imposter syndrome and kill their own ideas too early. Judging has made me question how many ideas I might have underestimated simply because I didn&rsquo;t give them enough of a chance.
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You will be bringing an Arab, female, and Gen Z perspective to the jury. How do these perspectives influence the way you approach creative work?
As an Arab, I feel a responsibility to challenge stereotypes and make space for creativity that goes beyond the versions of our culture people already recognize.
As a woman, representation still matters because many decision-making rooms remain male-dominated. I also embrace emotion and instinct as important ways of experiencing creative work, alongside the pragmatic criteria.
And as Gen Z, I bring disruption. Gen Z shouldn&rsquo;t constantly be discussed like some mysterious audience from outside the room. If you want to understand them, include them. Disruption shouldn&rsquo;t exist only in the work; it should exist in how we judge it too.
With new technologies and AI changing the creative process, what do you believe will always remain uniquely human in creativity?
It&rsquo;s tricky, because every time we say AI will never be able to do something, we wake up and discover that it can. So I wouldn&rsquo;t confidently predict which craft will remain exclusively human.
But AI will never have a soul. Sometimes that soul appears in art direction, music, an idea, an execution, or even a mistake. Humans make irrational, imperfect choices that somehow connect with other humans. I think that imperfection and instinct are where the soul of creativity lives.
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As an Arab woman working in the creative field, what do you hope your participation in the Loeries jury represents for other young creatives in the region?
I hope it shows that you don&rsquo;t have to follow the established formula to succeed. I came from a market heavily centered around film, but I never wanted to be married to one medium.
I&rsquo;ve always tried to be idea-first and medium-agnostic, whether that means integrated campaigns, digital, technology, or something completely different. As a young Arab woman, I hope there&rsquo;s value in showing that you can challenge the expected path, do things your own way, and still make it.
What advice would you give to young Arab and Gen Z creatives hoping to make their mark internationally?
Never stop teaching yourself. One of the biggest mistakes is deciding too early that you&rsquo;ve &ldquo;made it.&rdquo; I certainly don&rsquo;t feel that way now, and I hope I&rsquo;m still learning ten years from now.
I&rsquo;d also encourage young creatives not to build their entire identity around TVCs. Film is a great medium, but it&rsquo;s only a fraction of how people actually experience brands today. Look at how consumers really behave, explore new mediums and technologies, and let the idea decide where it belongs.
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After everything you have achieved so far, what dream are you still chasing?
Honestly, all of them. I really appreciate the recognition I&rsquo;ve received, but I still feel like I&rsquo;m only 20% done. I don&rsquo;t think my portfolio fully reflects who I am yet or the kind of work I know I want to make.
I&rsquo;m still chasing the right environments, teams, and people that bring the best out of me. More than anything, I hope I can keep doing what I love without ever losing the passion for it.
Photo Credit: Almer El Ebiary&nbsp;

Exclusive | Zainab Yasseen On Arab Creativity, AI And Judging The Loeries 2026

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
At just six years old, Haya Khairat first picked up a camera and discovered a fascination with capturing the moments that often go unnoticed. What began as a childhood curiosity gradually grew into a passion for photography, cinematography, and filmmaking, eventually shaping her career behind the lens.
In 2023, Khairat made history as the first Egyptian to receive the Ang&eacute;nieux Special Encouragement Award at the Cannes Film Festival, a recognition that celebrated her body of work and distinctive artistic vision.
Now, the film director and cinematographer is returning to the Shots Awards EMEA 2026 jury, this time as a juror in the Cinematography category, where she will help recognize creative work from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Khairat takes us behind the lens, discussing what she looks for when judging cinematography, how culture and identity shape visual storytelling, the impact of AI on filmmaking, and the challenges women continue to face in the industry. She also reflects on the recognition that changed the way she saw her own artistic voice and shares what she hopes to explore next as both a director and cinematographer.
You picked up a camera before 16 and began exploring photography. How did that early passion lead you to where you are today as a director and cinematographer? I was around six the first time I remember using one, and it slowly became my biggest hobby. By 11, I was already asking for my first digital camera, one of those cameras where you couldn&rsquo;t even see the photos on the screen yet. You had to connect it to the computer first to find out what you had actually taken, which feels very funny now. But cinema was always the dream. I always wanted to work in film and express myself through moving images. I think a huge part of that came from how much I loved observing and trying to understand what might have happened before I arrived and what could happen after. And it isn&rsquo;t only people. It&rsquo;s nature, light, streets, movement, and the world constantly changing in front of you. There is something about seeing time unfold that I never get tired of. At 16, I got my first professional DSLR, and that was when I decided I wanted to pursue it seriously. I started taking commissioned portraits through a Facebook page I had created with my best friend at the time, and let&rsquo;s just say that was the beginning. Photography eventually led me into cinematography and then directing, but I think the impulse underneath all of it has stayed exactly the same: I just really love to observe life as it is happening and somehow preserve a little bit of it before it disappears.
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You have recently joined the Shots Awards EMEA 2026 jury for Cinematography. When judging work from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, what makes an image stay with you beyond its technical execution? Technical execution can impress me, but it is rarely what makes an image stay with me. What stays is intention. I want to feel that there is a reason this image looks the way it does, that the light, the framing, the movement, and even the imperfections are all serving something beyond themselves. I am always drawn to images that make me feel something before I even fully understand why. Sometimes it is a tiny gesture, a look, a certain distance from a subject, or a moment that feels completely unplanned.
I think the strongest cinematography isn&rsquo;t necessarily the kind that makes you immediately think, &ldquo;What a beautiful shot.&rdquo; Sometimes it almost disappears into the story. With so much technically accomplished work around us, what becomes interesting is why this filmmaker chose to see this moment in this particular way. What are they noticing that somebody else might have missed? For me, an image stays when it feels honest, and emotionally alive. Beauty alone isn&rsquo;t enough, I want to feel the human behind the camera and the human in front of it.
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How do culture, identity, and emotion influence the way a powerful image is created and understood? I think everything starts with knowing where you come from and staying truthful to it. And I don&rsquo;t only mean your country or your culture in the obvious sense. I mean your home, your family, your memories, your consciousness, the things you have lived through, the things the people you love have lived through, the struggles you have witnessed, and the way you understand other people&rsquo;s lives, and differences. All of that shapes the way you look at the world before you ever pick up a camera. Being rooted means seeing the colors as they really are and translating them truthfully rather than trying to make them look like somebody else&rsquo;s version of beauty, It also means understanding what feels familiar to you, what makes you uncomfortable, and what you question. I think the more an artist is in touch with who they are, what has shaped them, and what drives them in life, the more power they have in their expression. Because then the image is not just aesthetically beautiful. It carries a point of view. It carries memory, identity, and emotion. And I think that is what people respond to. They may not come from the same place or have lived the same life, but they can feel when something is truthful.
In 2023, you became the first Egyptian recipient of the Ang&eacute;nieux Special Encouragement Award at Cannes. What did that recognition mean to you, and how did it shape your career? It meant a lot to me, probably in a much more personal way than I expected. I had always doubted my artistic voice a little. What I do is actually very simple. It is raw, very real, sometimes even amateur, and I mean amateur in the sense that I constantly try to protect that instinctive, almost innocent feeling I have when I shoot. I never want to become too conscious of the camera or too polished to notice the moment happening in front of me. And that is not necessarily what is trendy or what everyone responds to. It speaks to a certain kind of audience, and because of that, I have questioned myself a lot over the years. Am I actually an artist? Is this a voice? Is the way I see things distinctive, or does it simply look amateur in the other, less flattering sense of the word? So being recognized by Ang&eacute;nieux at Cannes for my body of work, rather than for one specific project, did something very important for me. It made me believe in my vision and in the way I see things much more. Throughout my time there, in conversations with Ang&eacute;nieux and with filmmakers I was meeting from different parts of the world, I kept hearing versions of the same thing: we see you. This is distinctive. This is yours. Keep going. The award opened doors, created international visibility, and introduced me to people and opportunities I may not have encountered otherwise. But its biggest impact was internal. It became something I return to whenever I start doubting my artistic identity again, because I still do. It reminds me that at one point, the very way of seeing that I was questioning was seen, recognized, and encouraged. And it happened at Cannes. That will probably always mean something very special to me.
As a woman working behind the camera, what challenges do you think women in filmmaking still face today? I think a lot has changed, but women still face challenges that are sometimes very visible and sometimes much subtler. Behind the camera, especially in roles that are still perceived as technical or physically demanding, there can still be an assumption that a woman has to prove herself before she is trusted in the same way a man might be. Authority can also be read differently. A man can be decisive and be seen as confident, while a woman can say or do the exact same thing and be perceived as difficult, emotional, or intimidating. Beyond the set itself, women are often navigating expectations around family, marriage, motherhood, and what a &ldquo;normal&rdquo; life is supposed to look like. Filmmaking can be very demanding, unpredictable, and consuming, and I think women are still asked to negotiate those sacrifices differently. But I also think there are more women behind the camera now, and that matters enormously. The more normal it becomes to see women as directors, cinematographers, gaffers, camera operators, and producers in every department, the less each woman has to feel like she is representing an entire gender. I don&rsquo;t want to be seen as a good female filmmaker. I want to be seen as a good filmmaker. But I also understand that being visible can make the road slightly easier for the woman coming after me, and that part means a lot to me.
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AI is becoming an increasingly important part of filmmaking, from visual development to production. How do you think it will change the filmmaker&rsquo;s role and the creative process?
I think we are at a breaking point in the creative industry right now. Everyone is trying to figure out how much to depend on AI, and I think it is actually making people less creative at the moment. Stories, content, briefs, and a lot of other things are starting to feel less human, less emotional, and less real. And I think that is the tricky part. AI is an incredible tool when it makes our lives easier. If I have an idea and instead of spending hours writing a treatment from scratch, I can explain what I mean and use AI to help me structure it, that is useful. It can help with the repetitive work, the donkey work, and the things that take time away from actually thinking and creating. But it should not think for me. It should not speak for me. And it definitely should not be creative for me. I still believe the filmmaker has to be in the lead. The idea, the feeling, the taste, and the decision of what matters, all of that has to come from the person. The danger begins when we start asking AI to give us the idea itself or to tell us what the story should be, because then everything slowly starts to come from the same place. We will start to see the distinction between people who are incredibly skilled at making things and people who are here because there is something they genuinely need to say, feel, or express. Neither is better or more valid than the other; our industry needs both and always has. AI may make it easier than ever to create an image but much harder to hide whether or not there is actually someone behind it.
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You have spent much of your career capturing other people&rsquo;s stories. If you could preserve one moment from your own life forever, which would you choose and why? I think I would choose a completely ordinary moment with my family. Nothing monumental. No big celebration, no achievement. Probably one of those days at my grandparents&rsquo; house when everyone was there, talking over one another, someone was making food, and somebody was laughing in another room. As I grow older, I realize that the moments I miss the most are rarely the ones I knew were important while they were happening. They are the ordinary ones. The people you love exist in the same room. A voice coming from somewhere in the house. Maybe that is also why I am so obsessed with capturing moments in my work. Time is constantly moving, whether you are ready for it or not. So if I could keep one moment forever, I think I would choose one where everyone I loved was still there, and nobody in the room knew yet that this ordinary day would one day become something I would give anything to return to. What are you most excited to explore next, both as a director and cinematographer? As a director, I want to move further into narrative and longer-form storytelling, characters, memory, fiction, and stories that come from somewhere much closer to me. For a long time, so much of my work has been about observing other people and finding truth in what is happening in front of me. I want to keep that language but allow myself to say more through it. Not only to observe, but to reveal something of my own. And as a cinematographer, what I am really excited about is bringing the two sides of what I do together more often, directing and shooting the same project. That was actually one of the main reasons I wanted to study cinematography in the first place. I wanted to have the freedom to pick up a camera and shoot something whenever I felt the need to make it. To not have that distance between what I see in my head and the camera capturing it. I still do projects like that from time to time, maybe once a year, and every time I do, I remember how much I miss it. So I really want to return to that more, being behind the camera while directing, allowing both instincts to work at the same time. I already have some future plans moving in that direction, and I really hope they bear fruit soon. I think ultimately I am excited for the directing and cinematography to feel less and less like two separate practices and more like one language, where what I want to say and how I instinctively see it can happen at the same time. When you look back at the 16-year-old who first fell in love with photography and cinema, what has changed most about you? I don&rsquo;t think the love has changed much. If anything, that part feels almost exactly the same. What has changed most is my relationship with myself. At 16, I think I was much more focused on proving that I could do it. Proving that I belonged in cinema, that I could make beautiful images, that I could become technically good enough, and that people would take me seriously. Now I think I am much less interested in proving and much more interested in understanding. Understanding what I actually care about. What moves me. What keeps repeating itself in my work. What I am trying to say, even when I am not consciously trying to say anything. I think I have also become much more accepting of the way I naturally see things. When I was younger, I was always looking outward, at references, at filmmakers I admired, and at what good work was &ldquo;supposed&rdquo; to look like. Now I am trying to look inward more. And maybe the biggest change is that I trust instinct more. I understand now that taste is not something you build only by consuming more references. It also comes from your life, your memories, your relationships, your losses, your curiosity, your fears, and everything you have lived. So I think the 16-year-old me wanted desperately to become a filmmaker. And now I am much more interested in becoming myself through filmmaking.
What advice would you give a young person who dreams of becoming a filmmaker but does not know where to start? Start by looking. Before worrying about cameras, lenses, film school, or whether you are technically good enough, learn to pay attention. Watch people. Watch films. Watch how light changes in your room during the day. Notice gestures, conversations, silence, and movement, the things people do when they think nobody is looking. Then make things with whatever you have. Your phone is enough to begin. A friend is enough to begin. One room is enough to begin. Don&rsquo;t wait until you have the perfect idea or the perfect equipment, because I think so much of filmmaking is learned by actually making mistakes. And don&rsquo;t be too quick to lose the amateur in you. There is something very valuable about not knowing all the rules yet. You are still instinctive, curious, and less afraid of doing something &ldquo;wrong.&rdquo; Protect that. Of course, learn the craft. Learn lighting, editing, lenses, sound, and storytelling. Become technically strong. But don&rsquo;t confuse technique with having something to say. Your life is part of your education too. Read. Travel if you can. Talk to people who are completely different from you. Learn about psychology, sociology, history, music, art, anything that helps you understand people and the world a little better. And most importantly, keep making things. Your voice usually does not arrive before the work. You discover it through the work.
And after everything you have achieved so far, what is the dream you are still determined to make a reality? I think the dream now is to finally turn the camera inward. I have spent so much of my life observing people, trying to understand them, looking for their stories, and finding ways to translate what I see and feel into images. And I think there is still a part of me waiting to do the same with my own life. To tell my story: the things I have experienced, the things I have questioned, the people I have loved, the things I have lost, and everything that has shaped the way I see. And maybe, by watching my life, someone else can see a little bit of theirs. I don&rsquo;t think the dream is simply to make a successful film. Awards, festivals, recognition, all of that would be beautiful. Of course I would want the film to travel and be seen. But that is not what would make it successful to me. I want to make something honest enough that I can look at it and say, "This is me." This is how I see. This is what I wanted to say. And I want it to be truthful enough that somebody who has never met me can watch it and feel something of their own. To feel seen. Heard. Validated. Maybe to recognize an emotion they thought belonged only to them and realize that someone else has lived somewhere inside it too. I want to make films that make people feel a little less alone in whatever they are going through. And honestly, if one person watches something I make and walks away feeling a little more understood, then I would consider myself incredibly lucky. The dream is to make something that could only have come from me but somehow belongs to someone else when they watch it. And I think, in many ways, everything I have done until now has just been preparing me to make it.
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Photo Credit: Haya Khairat&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Haya Khairat On Her Cannes Journey, Cinematography, AI, And Shots Awards EMEA 2026

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
The story is not simply about age or records. It is about the journey of Egyptian &ldquo;Iron Woman&rdquo; Amany Khalil, who recently became the first Egyptian woman to complete seven of the eight World Marathon Majors after finishing the Sydney Marathon. Her journey has also taken her to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro alongside a team of Egyptian women.
What began as a way to stay active after stepping away from her banking career to focus on her family grew into a lifelong passion, taking Khalil around the world to compete in some of the most demanding endurance events. Along the way, she has balanced motherhood and family life with her ambitions as an athlete.
NileFM speaks to Khalil about the journey from motherhood to international marathons, the support of her family, the loss of her mother and why she believes it is never too late to start something new.
From Motherhood To Marathon Running
Leaving her banking career was not the end of Khalil&rsquo;s professional journey. After moving to the USA with her husband while he pursued his PhD, she began a new chapter focused on raising her children. It was during those years in the USA that her love of running took hold.
You made the decision to leave your career to focus on your family. How have your children shaped your journey and the person you are today?
I worked at a bank for three years after I got married. Then my husband was given the opportunity to pursue his PhD in the United States, so I left my job and travelled with him to support him.
While I was there, I decided to continue my master&rsquo;s degree, but I became exhausted and then found out that I was pregnant. I decided to focus all my attention on my children and on being with them.
I am the kind of person who wakes up early, and there was a group that used to run together. I already loved running, so I decided to join them. They encouraged me to enter a five-kilometre race, and I did very well and won a medal. After that, I tried a full marathon before my husband completed his PhD, and we returned to Egypt in 1999.
When my children were young, they became used to me taking them to the school bus and then going out for an hour-long run. I have loved running ever since my time in the USA.
Someone noticed that I was a good runner and encouraged me to participate in a race. I registered for the Luxor race and came third. That was when I felt that I was actually doing something really good.
I also discovered a group of foreign runners living in Egypt who would train for international marathons. I eventually managed to complete 14 marathons around the world with them.
When my children went to university, I participated in a marathon and also took part in a triathlon, which consists of cycling, swimming and running. At that time, my children were always encouraging me. When I entered an Ironman competition at the age of 50, they insisted on coming with me.
They, along with my husband, made a huge difference during the race. Each one of them ran five kilometres with me. Whenever I felt tired, they would tell me, &ldquo;You are making history for Egypt. Don&rsquo;t stop.&rdquo; And I actually did it.
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You chose to leave your career to focus on your family. Have you ever regretted that decision?
I do not regret it because it made a difference in my relationship with my children. I was always there for them while also doing something I loved.
I used to teach aerobics. When my mother-in-law saw me doing it in the USA and noticed that I was good at it, she told me, &ldquo;You are good at this. Why don&rsquo;t you teach it when you return from the USA?&rdquo; So I actually studied it and worked in the field while my children were at school. It helped me maintain my fitness while allowing me to always be there for them.
This is a message I want to give to all mothers: you can have a career, be an athlete and be a mother at the same time. A mother can do anything she loves, and that reflects on her daughter, her friends, her husband and her family. It makes a difference compared with a mother who constantly feels that she is not doing anything for herself.
When I returned from the USA, I saw mothers who felt guilty for doing something for themselves because nobody had told them that it makes a difference to the people around them. But every mother needs to do something that makes her happy.
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Chasing The World&rsquo;s Biggest Marathons
What began with local races eventually grew into an international journey. Khalil has completed seven of the eight World Marathon Majors, with races in Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney.
You recently completed the Sydney Marathon in Australia, your seventh World Marathon Major, becoming the first Egyptian woman to achieve this milestone. What did the journey to Sydney involve?
It is one of the top seven marathons in the world, and it is not easy to get into these races.
I started with the Boston Marathon in 2017, then the Berlin Marathon in 2018, the Chicago Marathon in 2019, the London Marathon in 2022, the New York Marathon in 2022, the Tokyo Marathon in 2023, and finally the Sydney Marathon in 2026.
Looking back at your journey, what has been the most special and unforgettable moment for you?
When I crossed the finish line of the Ironman, many people had told me, &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not for your age. It&rsquo;s crazy.&rdquo; But when I got there, I saw people who were even older than me. When I finished, I cried because I could not believe that I had actually done it. It made me realise that nothing is impossible.
During the Boston Marathon in 2018, I saw someone running in a T-shirt saying that he had completed the third of the six marathons. At the time, there were six World Marathon Majors before Sydney was added as the seventh. I researched the six marathons and thought, &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t I complete them too? This is an opportunity.&rdquo;
That taught me that when an opportunity comes your way, you should not let it pass. You will never regret trying, but you will regret not trying.
27 Marathons, 28 Years: Amany Khalil&rsquo;s Race Journey
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Turning Injury Into Another Challenge
For Khalil, an injury became an opportunity to discover another form of adventure before eventually returning to running.
After taking a long break from running because of injury, what was the biggest challenge you faced when you decided to make your comeback?
If you ask any athlete about an injury, they will tell you that it feels almost like being diagnosed with a serious illness, because you are used to constantly being active.
Doctors told me that I could not run at that time, so I spent a long time trying easier activities while undergoing physical therapy. That was when I started climbing mountains, because I have always been the kind of person who, whenever an opportunity comes my way, feels that I have to try it.
Eight Women, One Mountain
When her friend Alexandra Kinias suggested celebrating her 60th birthday on the summit of Africa&rsquo;s tallest mountain, Khalil said yes. The idea quickly grew into a journey involving eight Egyptian women.
Can you take us behind your KiliEgypt and Kilimanjaro journey? What did the experience mean to you as part of a group of women?
When Alexandra told me she was turning 60 and wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I said, &ldquo;Come on, let&rsquo;s take a group of women and mothers with us so we can support each other. Age is not a barrier.&rdquo;
We went to a coach and trained for a year. At the time, I had an injury in my left leg, but after my doctor gave me permission to train, I started all over again and trained from the beginning.
I believe that sport brings out the best in women. We were a group of eight women willing to do the same thing I was talking about. We had a common goal, which was learning how to deal with each other and support one another. The most important thing was that we had to be united.
The journey was exhausting, but when you return, you feel grateful for all of God&rsquo;s blessings.
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A Mother&rsquo;s Legacy
While many of Khalil&rsquo;s achievements have been defined by numbers, medals and finish lines, her latest milestone carries a deeply personal meaning. Her mother passed away this year, making the Sydney Marathon a tribute to the woman whose advice had always stayed with her.
Your mother passed away this year, and you paid tribute to her through your victory. What advice did she give you that you still carry with you today?
She was always very worried about me. During competitions, she would be terrified and constantly tell me to take care of myself. That taught me that I should not enter any competition that involves danger. She always told me, &ldquo;Do what you love, but don&rsquo;t take risks.&rdquo; Even the mountain I climbed had no real danger.
Whenever I enter a competition, I make sure I train for it very well, and it has never hurt me. But if I enter a competition and fail, it means that the training itself was not right or that the competition was not meant for me.
The first competition I entered without my mother being there, I felt as though the T-shirt I was wearing, which had her picture on it, meant that she was still with me. When she was alive, I always felt that God was protecting me.
But at the end of the day, we only live once. So the Sydney race was for my mother. My coaches and my doctor were happy with the result I achieved, but I was happy because of my mother. I was thinking about her the entire time.
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Becoming The &ldquo;Iron Woman&rdquo;
Long before completing seven World Marathon Majors, Khalil had already made her mark by becoming the first Egyptian mother and woman over 50 to complete a full Ironman. The achievement also earned her the nickname &ldquo;Iron Woman&rdquo;.
You became known as the &ldquo;Iron Woman&rdquo; after ranking fourth globally in the Full Ironman international competition. How did that title change the way you saw yourself and your journey?
Before I returned to Egypt, the media went wild. For them, what stood out was that I had done it at 50, so the focus was on my age rather than on my journey.
But my coach, who was only 28, is the one who made me who I am. Without her, I would not have been able to do it. That is where the nickname &ldquo;Iron Woman&rdquo; came from.
Life At 60 And Beyond
For Khalil, turning 60 has not meant slowing down. Instead, it has become another reminder that people can continue discovering their abilities at every stage of life.
You recently turned 60 and often say that age is just a number. Looking back, how have you changed through the different stages of your life?
I am proud of my fitness and of every stage of my life. Of course, my energy in the sport is not the same as it was when I was 40 or 50. I have given my energy to many different things throughout my life.
I always tell myself that I do not have to be so hard on myself about my performance, because my performance is already good. I will keep going as long as I do not compromise my health.
I see people over 80 who still go out and buy their own vegetables and do not want anyone to help them. On the other hand, there are people who turn 40 and simply sit down, eat and watch television. That makes us grow old faster.
There were moments when I could have said, &ldquo;That&rsquo;s it, I&rsquo;m done.&rdquo; But I thought, I have this talent, so why not make use of it? People should enjoy whatever they have.
What sports or activities would you like to see become more accessible and widely practised by women in Egypt?
I would love to see women walk for one hour every morning.
People need to wake up early. I saw this in a place like Peru, where people start their day early, and that also has an impact on their physical health, their thinking, their mental health and many other aspects of their lives.
I would love to see this become part of life in my country, with proper walking paths where people can exercise without cars disturbing them.
The Power Of Support
Behind Khalil&rsquo;s achievements is a support system that has accompanied her throughout her journey. From her husband to her children, that encouragement has played an important role in allowing her to pursue her ambitions.
You have previously spoken about your relationship with your husband. What would you say to men who do not support their wives in pursuing their dreams and ambitions?
My husband is very supportive. He showed me what an Egyptian man can be when he truly loves his wife.
He saw that I was fulfilling my responsibilities, so it was a win-win situation. He knew that I loved my work, but I could not leave him to travel alone when he went to the United States. He recognised the sacrifice I had made and saw that I was happy and successful, so he cleared the path for me.
My children are now doing the same thing in their own lives, and I believe all of this came through sport. Sport brings out the kindest side of people, and it is free. I am still studying Pilates because I believe it is extremely beneficial.
A Message To Women With Dreams
Beyond the medals and records, Khalil&rsquo;s story is also about identity, purpose and the importance of allowing women to pursue something that belongs to them.
What advice would you give to an Egyptian woman who has a dream but feels it may be too late or too difficult to pursue it?
You should never feel guilty for doing something you love. You can give your energy to more than one thing, including the things you are passionate about, and that reflects back on you.
Life is very short, and you never know what is coming next.
If you want people to remember Amany Khalil for one thing, what would you want it to be?
My positive spirit. I truly feel that people are happy when I encourage them, and that makes a difference to them because they do the same for others.
What Comes Next?
For Khalil, completing another major milestone does not mean the journey is over. She continues to set new goals while finding new reasons to challenge herself and support the women around her.
What comes next for you? What new goal or challenge are you looking forward to?
At the beginning of every year, I go out and buy a new planner. On the first page, I write down what I want to achieve that year.
There are three countries left on my list, and I am supposed to do them on 11 October 2026. I was not supposed to take part, but I found some girls who are going to participate for the first time, so I decided to go and support them. The countries are Germany, Austria and Switzerland. After that, I will take a break.
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Photo Credit: Amany Khalil's official page&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Exclusive | Amany Khalil On Becoming The First Egyptian Woman To Complete Seven World Marathon Majors

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
What started as a childhood dream of becoming an actor gradually became a journey of persistence, experimentation, and creative discovery for Seif Zahran. From visiting casting offices at just 15 to exploring acting, directing, music, and scriptwriting, Zahran has continued to look for ways to develop his craft and bring his creative ideas to life.
Although audiences may know him through his social media videos, Zahran says acting has always been his true passion. When acting opportunities became limited, he turned to content creation, a path that eventually opened new doors for him while also creating a new challenge: proving that he could move beyond being seen simply as a content creator.
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Now starring in &ldquo;Red Flag&rdquo; alongside Ahmed Hatem and Jamila Awad, Zahran takes on his first major film role while also contributing creatively to the film&rsquo;s marketing campaign. Working with the team, he helped turn the film&rsquo;s themes into a social media campaign that sparked conversation and audience engagement ahead of its release.
NileFM spoke with Seif Zahran to discuss his journey from aspiring actor to content creator and back toward acting, his experience on &ldquo;Red Flag,&rdquo; the film&rsquo;s creative marketing campaign, his work in writing and directing, and the dream role he hopes will show audiences another side of his talent.
Tell us more about Seif Zahran behind the camera. What is the side of you that people don&rsquo;t usually get to see?
I&rsquo;m an actor. I&rsquo;m not a content creator. As an actor, first and foremost. I only started making videos because I was trying to find a way into acting. I'd been chasing it since I was 15, sneaking into casting offices without an ID, until I finally got my first role at 22 in 2013. I acted steadily until 2017, then the roles dried up, so I turned to video content, and that ended up opening a lot of doors for me.
But I'm trying to move away from that now. People are quick to criticize content creators who act, and I want to be clear: this was a phase, not who I am. I didn't expect it to stretch on for years. I still enjoy making videos sometimes, but I don't consider myself a content creator.
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Take us behind the scenes of &ldquo;Red Flag.&rdquo; What was the experience of making the film like for you?
As I grew up, I realized that acting was what I truly loved. &ldquo;Red Flag&rdquo; was a big opportunity for me. It&rsquo;s the third film I&rsquo;ve worked on after &ldquo;Arousty&rdquo; and &ldquo;El Matareed,&rdquo; alongside my television work, but it&rsquo;s my first major film role.
I was nervous and really trying to give it everything I had. We filmed over a long period, and throughout the process, I was always trying to bring out the best performance I could.
You previously worked with Ahmed Hatem and Jamila Awad in &ldquo;Arousty.&rdquo; How was working with them again in &ldquo;Red Flag&rdquo;?
Ahmed is one of the closest people to me; we've collaborated on a lot of projects, so working together again was amazing. Jamila and I had only shared one day of shooting on "Arousty" and crossed paths a couple of times since, so "Red Flag" was really the first time we got to know each other properly. She's a genuine, wonderful person, and I feel lucky to now call her a friend.
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What was the best feedback you received after audiences watched the movie?
The reactions have been mixed. Some people were happy with my performance, while others felt that I wasn&rsquo;t ready for the opportunity because I came from a content-creation background. Others said that I did well.
It has been a mix of opinions, but I hope I get more opportunities to learn from my mistakes and become better in the future. Everyone needs to listen to criticism and use it to improve rather than thinking they did everything perfectly.
The things people criticized me for are definitely things I can learn from, and I&rsquo;m very grateful to everyone who enjoyed my performance and supported me.
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&ldquo;Red Flag&rdquo; explores the idea of red flags in relationships. What is one red flag in a person that would make you decide not to deal with them?
Lying, even if it&rsquo;s about something small. I feel like that&rsquo;s a warning sign that tells you to stay away or run.
How did the idea of creating short reels and teasing videos for &ldquo;Red Flag&rdquo; come about?
It was part of a campaign called "Rawa7y 3la Bet Abouki," led by Khaled Gohar, but honestly, it was a group effort; we had a WhatsApp group where ideas came from everyone involved. I was the one who suggested making a video around the "Red Flag" song; Khaled brought the concept and the song itself, and I wrote the lyrics, composed it, and produced the music. I also built out the campaign around the song with Lilly Samy, worked on creative video with Malak Dahshan, and helped make the "Red Flag" music video.
Audiences really engaged with the short reels and teasers. Tell us more about the audience&rsquo;s reaction and how you experienced it?
I don't think a film had been marketed quite like this before its release, and it felt right, because the campaign tapped into exactly what "Red Flag" is about, something people are already talking about constantly. Ahmed delivering a line like "Rawa7y 3la Bet Abouki" with that toxic energy is a big part of why it landed. I'm proud we took the initiative, and I hope more productions try something this creative with their marketing.
Take us through your scriptwriting journey in &ldquo;Al Eind.&rdquo; What inspired you to take on this side of the project?
I&rsquo;ve always tried to do things beyond acting. I also have experience in writing, including work on &ldquo;Abla Fahita&rdquo; and the series &ldquo;Al Eind.&rdquo; I still don&rsquo;t know what will happen with &ldquo;Al Eind&rdquo; because I haven&rsquo;t heard any updates about it.
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Between acting and singing, which one feels closer to you?
I make musical content, and I had an experience about six years ago called &ldquo;Ma&rsquo;adarsh Asohab.&rdquo; I did something similar again with &ldquo;Red Flag.&rdquo; But I&rsquo;m not a singer, and I don&rsquo;t really consider myself connected to singing.
I&rsquo;m not planning to pursue it professionally, although I might occasionally have fun with it and make something. I don&rsquo;t see it as a career for me, and I don&rsquo;t think my voice is the best.
What is one dream you are still hoping to achieve?
I really want to get a role that isn&rsquo;t comedic and is completely different from me, both in appearance and personality. I want to show people that I&rsquo;m capable of much more than that.
I hope I get an opportunity like that, and if I do, I want to give it everything I have.
<a href="https://ibb.co/LhbFd1fL"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2Ym93dBD/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
"Red Flag" is my most recent acting project, and last year I was part of the Emirati series "33." On the writing side, I'm working on the series I mentioned, the first one I'm writing entirely by myself. Hopefully there's more acting news to share soon.
Photo Credit: Seif Zahran&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Seif Zahran Opens Up About “Red Flag” And His Journey To Becoming An Actor

Nile FM Exclusive  

British-Egyptian actor, director, writer and psychological acting coach Mel Masry has joined NileFM with a new podcast examining the gap between romance on screen and relationships in real life.
Masry, host of NileFM&rsquo;s upcoming &lsquo;REEL vs REAL&rsquo;, joined The Big Drive with Zeinab and Sami to introduce the new podcast and discuss how films can influence the way audiences understand love, intimacy and relationships.
The podcast explores the expectations people develop from watching romantic stories, with a particular focus on relationships in the Arab world.
Masry, who recently joined the NileFM family, brings experience across acting, theatre, filmmaking and writing, as well as psychological approaches to performance. His career includes credits and appearances connected to Cannes, BAFTA and Off-Broadway.
From Cinema to Reality
Masry said the idea for &lsquo;REEL vs REAL&rsquo; came from his interest in the gap between what audiences see on screen and what they come to believe relationships should look like.
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t just watch films. We naturally absorb them,&rdquo; he said.
According to Masry, audiences can internalise the relationships portrayed in films and sometimes use them as a reference point for their own lives. This can contribute to unrealistic expectations, particularly when real relationships are compared with idealised romances on screen.
One example he wants to examine is the tendency to confuse intensity with intimacy.
&ldquo;When two people meet and it becomes quite intense, there&rsquo;s a bit of a confusion that, &lsquo;Oh, I&rsquo;m actually in love with that person,&rsquo;&rdquo; Masry said.
He noted that jealousy and obsession can sometimes be mistaken for signs of love, even though intensity does not necessarily mean genuine intimacy.
Hollywood, Egyptian Cinema And The Relationship Script
Masry also explored the different ways relationships are portrayed in Hollywood and Egyptian cinema.
While Hollywood often centres romantic stories around the familiar idea of &ldquo;boy meets girl&rdquo;, Egyptian cinema can place the relationship within a much wider social and family context.
&ldquo;In Egyptian cinema, it&rsquo;s our boy meets girl and meets mum, meets dad, dog, the whole neighbourhood,&rdquo; he said.
Such portrayals, Masry suggested, can reinforce the idea that relationships should follow a particular formula, even though real-life relationships rarely fit a single script.
He also cautioned against treating Arab culture as one uniform experience.
&ldquo;Cairo is not the same as Beirut. Beirut is not the same as another Arab country,&rdquo; he said, pointing out that even families living in the same neighbourhood can have very different beliefs and expectations around love and relationships.
&ldquo;Culture can influence love. But it doesn&rsquo;t write the same script,&rdquo; Masry added.
Why We Get Attached To Romantic Films
One of the surprises for Masry while developing &lsquo;REEL vs REAL&rsquo; has been seeing how deeply audiences can connect with particular films.
He cited films such as Titanic and The Notebook as examples of stories that have become personal reference points for romance for many viewers.
The podcast examines how audiences can become attached to the fantasy presented by these stories and treat them as representations of an ideal relationship, despite the imperfections and complexities of real-life partnerships.
Looking Beyond The Romantic Moment
Through &lsquo;REEL vs REAL&rsquo;, Masry hopes to encourage listeners to reconsider what they are actually looking for in a relationship and to distinguish between romance and genuine partnership.
Rather than focusing only on grand romantic gestures or moments of intense emotion, he encourages people to consider the everyday details that can define a lasting relationship.
&ldquo;Look 10 years ahead,&rdquo; he said.
For Masry, that means asking who listens, who communicates, who remains present during difficult moments and who consistently shows up.
Real relationships, he said, also involve accepting imperfections and working through them together, rather than expecting the instant perfection often presented on screen.
Ultimately, NileFM&rsquo;s new &lsquo;REEL vs REAL&rsquo; podcast invites listeners to question the romantic scripts they may have absorbed from cinema, and to consider the difference between the relationships&rsquo; films teach us to expect and the relationships we experience.
&nbsp;

NileFM’s New ‘REEL vs REAL’ Podcast Explores How Cinema Shapes Our Ideas About Love

British-Egyptian actor, director, writer, and psychological acting coach Mel Masry, host of the upcoming NileFM podcast &ldquo;REEL vs REAL,&rdquo; is set to join NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Monday, 21 September 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Masry is an award-winning performer and acting coach whose career brings together theatre, film, writing, and psychological approaches to performance. His work has received international recognition, with credits and appearances connected to Cannes, BAFTA, and Off-Broadway. He is also known for his emotionally charged and psychologically rich approach to acting. Beyond acting and coaching, Masry has developed a strong passion for writing and storytelling. His interest in relationships led him to spend nine years documenting and interviewing couples from different generations, exploring the reasons behind the success and failure of relationships. His observations eventually inspired his published book, &ldquo;A Letter on Love.&rdquo; He later turned his attention to scriptwriting, including Shadows of Stardom, exploring how real-life experiences and observations could be transformed into stories for the screen. Masry&rsquo;s creative journey began at an early age when he entered the world of modelling. His enjoyment of being in front of the camera eventually led him to acting workshops and further training in theatre before he expanded his work into screen performance. Tune in to NileFM tomorrow, Monday, 21 September, for Mel Masry&rsquo;s appearance on &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

British-Egyptian Actor And Acting Coach Mel Masry To Join NileFM’s “The Big Drive”

Two of Colombia's biggest Latin stars are bringing fans another collaboration after years of shared success. Shakira and Colombian singer and rapper Maluma are set to reunite for &ldquo;Agua,&rdquo; a new collaboration scheduled for release on 17 September 2026. The track marks their first new song together in eight years, following 2018's &ldquo;Clandestino,&rdquo; with early previews suggesting a lively, rhythm-driven sound with tropical influences. Before the new release drops, here's a look back at their previous collaborations.
&ldquo;Chantaje&rdquo; &ndash; 2016
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pMxJgBoosU0" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
 &ldquo;Chantaje&rdquo; was the massive pop-reggaet&oacute;n lead single from Shakira's album El Dorado, marking the pair's first major hit together. The song topped Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for 11 nonconsecutive weeks and crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Its music video also went on to rack up billions of views, further cementing the chemistry between the two Colombian stars and leaving fans eager for more collaborations. &ldquo;Trap&rdquo; &ndash; 2017
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZHMDLOOP69I" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The pair reunited on &ldquo;Trap,&rdquo; featured on Shakira's 2017 album El Dorado and later released as a single in January 2018. The track peaked at No. 17 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart.
&ldquo;Clandestino&rdquo; &ndash; 2018
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RgULjdsjiLQ" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The pair continued their musical partnership with &ldquo;Clandestino,&rdquo; a sultry, reggae-tinged track that further showcased their chemistry. According to Billboard, the song reached No. 9 on Hot Latin Songs and topped Billboard's Latin Airplay, Latin Pop Airplay, and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts.
Teasing &ldquo;Agua&rdquo; With the countdown now underway, fans have already received their first clues about the upcoming track. Before Shakira was officially revealed as his collaborator, Maluma shared a series of TikTok videos teasing &ldquo;Agua,&rdquo; dancing along to snippets of the unreleased song. The reunion comes during a big year for Shakira, whose collaboration with Burna Boy, &ldquo;Dai Dai,&rdquo; recently surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, reaching the milestone almost four months after its release as part of the World Cup's music lineup.
Photo Credit: Maluma&rsquo;s official page

Before “Agua”: Shakira And Maluma’s Biggest Collaborations

Dressed in black, C&eacute;line Dion opened her arms to the audience as she stepped onto the stage in Paris, marking a deeply emotional return to live performance. For the Canadian superstar, the moment represented more than simply another concert. It was a long-awaited reunion with the stage and the millions of fans who had been waiting to hear her voice again.
After more than six years away from full live performances, Dion returned to the stage at the Pl&eacute;nitude Arena in Nanterre, near Paris, opening her highly anticipated 2026 residency. The performance marked her first full concert in more than six years, following years away from touring after she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022.
First Full Concert After Six Years
Dion's Paris performance marked her first full concert in more than six years. Her career on the live stage was interrupted by health challenges, including her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasms, according to BBC.
Although she had made a highly celebrated stage appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, her return to a full-length concert represented a much bigger milestone in her recovery and career.
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An Emotional Moment
The emotion of the night was visible from the very beginning. According to AP News, Dion became tearful during the opening song, &ldquo;On ne change pas,&rdquo; and struggled to continue before regaining her composure.
She had previously promised herself that she would not cry, but the overwhelming response from the audience made the moment impossible to contain. The crowd responded with chants and applause before Dion continued with the performance.
Despite the emotional start, she went on to perform for more than two hours, demonstrating the determination that has defined her journey back to the stage.
What C&eacute;line Dion Sang
The comeback concert featured a mixture of Dion's biggest French- and English-language hits, including &ldquo;The Power of Love,&rdquo; &ldquo;It's All Coming Back to Me Now,&rdquo; and &ldquo;My Heart Will Go On.&rdquo;
She also incorporated covers and new arrangements into the set, including a disco medley featuring &ldquo;I&rsquo;m Alive&rdquo; and &ldquo;That&rsquo;s the Way It Is,&rdquo; alongside renditions of &ldquo;I Feel Love&rdquo; and &ldquo;Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).&rdquo;
The singer also surprised the audience with the Italian aria &ldquo;Ebben? Ne andr&ograve; lontana,&rdquo; adding another emotional dimension to the evening. The concert featured 25 songs across approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
Her 2024 Olympics Return
Before this full concert comeback, Dion delivered one of her most memorable recent performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
According to Variety, Dion made her stage return by performing Edith Piaf's &ldquo;Hymne &agrave; l'Amour&rdquo; from the Eiffel Tower, marking a powerful return to the public stage and giving fans a glimpse of her determination to perform again.
C&eacute;line Dion's Health Journey
Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022. The rare neurological disorder can cause severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms and significantly affected her ability to perform.
Her health journey was also documented in the 2024 film &ldquo;I Am: C&eacute;line Dion,&rdquo; directed by Irene Taylor, which offered fans an intimate look at the singer's struggles, treatment, and determination to continue making music.
After years away from full performances, her return to Paris became a powerful reminder of the physical and emotional challenges she had overcome.
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What's Next for C&eacute;line Dion?
Dion's Paris comeback is only the beginning. Her 2026 residency at the Pl&eacute;nitude Arena features 16 concerts running from 12 September through 17 October 2026. Following the 2026 performances, she is scheduled to return to the same venue for 10 additional concerts in May 2027.
The residency marks a major new chapter for Dion as she reconnects with her audience after years away from the stage.
For the fans who filled the arena and waited years to hear her perform again, the comeback was about much more than music. Seeing Dion back under the spotlight, delivering the voice and emotion that have defined her career, turned the night into a celebration of resilience, connection, and the enduring bond between an artist and her audience.
Photo Credit: C&eacute;line Dion&rsquo;s official page

Céline Dion Returns To Concerts After Six Years: Inside Her Emotional Paris Comeback

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Driven by curiosity and a deep connection to culture, DJ AXL has built a distinctive sound that weaves traditional Egyptian, Saidi, and Nubian musical elements into Afro House, Organic House, and Melodic Electronic music. Rather than simply combining genres, he focuses on preserving the character of these traditional sounds while introducing them to a contemporary electronic context, an approach rooted as much in respect for his heritage as in musical experimentation.
This week, DJ AXL joins NileFM's &ldquo;DJ of the Week&rdquo; for a one-hour set at 10:00 pm, delivering a mix of rhythmic and melodic electronic sounds that reflects his evolving sonic direction.
In this exclusive NileFM interview, DJ AXL takes us behind the decks to explore the journey that shaped his sound, the challenges of blending traditional instruments with electronic production, and the storytelling and emotional movement that guide his sets. He also reveals what listeners can expect from his upcoming projects and performances.
Take us behind DJ AXL. What should listeners know about you beyond the music?
Beyond the decks and the studio, I&rsquo;m deeply driven by curiosity and culture. My love for rhythm actually started during my childhood in Qatar, where watching traditional live percussion at holiday celebrations completely fascinated me. Off the clock, I&rsquo;m someone who appreciates the simple things, enjoying a good cup of coffee, diving into great cinema, and finding continuous inspiration in the world around me to bring back into my sound.
<a href="https://ibb.co/4wkMS4KL"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/XfHp5FjP/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You specialise in Afro House, Organic House, and Melodic Electronic music. What drew you to these genres in particular?
What drew me to these genres is their organic human core. As I grew older and fell in love with house music, I realized these genres offered the perfect bridge to blend two things I&rsquo;m passionate about: authentic, traditional percussion and modern electronic energy. Afro and Organic House allows me to take rich rhythmic roots and elevate them into a contemporary context.
You blend your sets with powerful Arab voices and sounds. What do you want your audience to feel or take away from your music?
I want them to feel a deep sense of connection, nostalgia, and elevation. Vocal textures carry soul, history, and emotion. When integrated into an energetic electronic track, they create a bridge between heritage and modern club culture, making listeners feel something meaningful on the dance floor beyond just the beat.
You combine electronic beats with traditional Egyptian, Saidi, and Nubian musical elements. What challenges do you face when bringing these different sounds together?
The biggest challenge is balance. Traditional instruments like Saidi drums or Nubian scales have unique, organic timings and frequencies that don't naturally fit rigid digital grids. The goal is to make the fusion feel seamless and respectful to the original heritage, rather than forcing a heavy electronic beat over a delicate acoustic sound.
<a href="https://ibb.co/FLSz3bG4"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/XrhtLZmx/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What is the main idea, emotion, or feeling that guides you whenever you create a new set?
Storytelling and movement. I aim to take the listener on a complete emotional arc, starting with a grounded energy, building momentum, and ending on a high note that leaves them feeling refreshed and full of good energy.
As Nile FM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, what surprises have you prepared for our listeners?
I&rsquo;ve put together a very special summer-infused set that reflects my recent sonic direction. It starts with deep, rhythmic Afro-tech grooves, transitions smoothly into some indie flavors, peaks with high-energy tech house, and finishes with an uplift that sets a perfect mood.
<a href="https://ibb.co/DSCm2YN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Gb2GS9X/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You have carved out a distinctive sound that reflects your Egyptian identity. How do you choose the voices, instruments, and sounds that best express that identity?
Selection comes down purely to authenticity and gut feeling. I look for vocal stems and traditional instrumentation that evoke genuine emotion. Whether it's a raw Nubian vocal texture or classic Middle Eastern percussive elements, I choose pieces that honor local culture while translating naturally into global dance floors.
Take us back to the beginning of your journey. How has your approach to creating sets evolved since your first one?
In the beginning, it was mostly about technical execution and playing great tracks. Over time, my approach evolved from just mixing songs to curating an immersive experience. I now focus much more on tension, release, and reading the subtle energy shifts of the room.
How do you adapt your sets to different audiences, venues, and atmospheres?
It&rsquo;s all about emotional flexibility while staying true to my core sound. Whether I&rsquo;m playing an intimate beach club or a major festival stage, I keep my signature identity, but I tweak the drive, tempo, and energy dynamics to match the venue's natural vibe.
What upcoming projects or collaborations can your fans look forward to?
Now I&rsquo;m gearing up for the Chill O'posite Festival on 8 October 2026, where I&rsquo;ll be playing a B2B set with M&ouml;W on the Bayati Showcase stage. Plus, we have a stream of fresh releases lined up that I can&rsquo;t wait to share with everyone.
Photo Credit: DJ AXL's official page

Exclusive | DJ AXL Talks Blending Egyptian Heritage With Afro House On NileFM's “DJ Of The Week”

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

Stefano Douaihy, founder and president of Miss Elite World, discussed the pageant&rsquo;s international vision, cultural mission, judging process and future plans during his appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Bringing Different Cultures Together Douaihy highlighted the importance of bringing women from different countries and cultural backgrounds together through Miss Elite, describing cultural exchange as one of the pageant&rsquo;s most important elements. &ldquo;One of the most important parts of Miss Elite&rdquo; is bringing women from different cultures together to create &ldquo;friendship, understanding, and connections that go far beyond the competition,&rdquo; he said. More Than a Beauty Crown For Douaihy, the Miss Elite crown represents more than a traditional beauty pageant title. He described the platform as a global stage where presence and culture can become powerful sources of inspiration. A Growing International Vision Looking ahead, Douaihy said he wants Miss Elite to develop into a lasting international symbol of beauty, culture and connection, adding that the pageant is expected to continue growing every year. The 2026 edition, he noted, marked another significant step in the pageant&rsquo;s development. He described the event as &ldquo;quite big&rdquo; and said Miss Elite has evolved into &ldquo;a small family getting bigger and bigger year by year,&rdquo; with increasing trust from those involved. How Miss Elite Judges Its Contestants Douaihy explained that judging goes beyond physical appearance. Contestants are evaluated throughout the experience based on factors including their attitude, ability to interact with others, punctuality, choreography, adaptability, social media presence, public voting and how they conduct themselves throughout the competition. He explained that judges receive information about the contestants&rsquo; experiences during the 12-day journey, while their impressions can also change as they get to know the women better. Egyptian Roots, Global Ambitions Beyond the competition itself, Douaihy emphasized Miss Elite&rsquo;s multicultural identity. Although the pageant has Egyptian roots, he said there is no contradiction between being Egyptian and having an international outlook, describing the organization as a multicultural platform with people from different nationalities working together. The Details Behind Miss Elite&rsquo;s Growth Douaihy attributed Miss Elite&rsquo;s development to persistence, dedication to quality and attention to detail across areas including production, technology, voting and the overall contestant experience. During the NileFM conversation, the hosts also reflected on their long-standing connection with Miss Elite and how much the pageant has grown since its early days. Douaihy agreed with the comparison, describing its development as being &ldquo;like a baby growing.&rdquo; Looking Ahead to the Next Edition With plans already underway for the next edition, Douaihy indicated that Miss Elite will continue expanding its international presence while maintaining its focus on culture, connection and the experiences of its contestants.

Stefano Douaihy Discusses Miss Elite’s Global Vision, Growth And Cultural Mission On NileFM

Nile FM's Guests

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.37 for buying and EGP 51.47 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 68.36 for buying and EGP 68.70 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.66 for buying and EGP 58.94 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.65 for buying and EGP 7.68 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 13.97 for buying and EGP 14.01 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/mFMrdRjn"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/6JfcGyMK/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-23-T102658-676.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-23-T102658-676" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates | Today’s Exchange Rates In Egypt – 23 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience the first day of autumn astronomically, with hot and humid conditions during the day in the north of the country, extending to Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, while temperatures will be very hot in southern Upper Egypt. Weather will be moderate to warm and humid at night in most areas on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). There is a slight chance of light rain, at approximately 20%, in scattered areas of the northwestern coastal governorates and northern Lower Egypt. Moderate rain is possible at times during the evening, with a chance of approximately 10%, in areas including Salloum, Marsa Matrouh, and El Alamein, intermittently. Winds will be active, reaching speeds of 30 to 35 km/h in parts of Greater Cairo, South Sinai, and southern Egypt. These winds may help moderate temperatures in the shade and at night in some exposed areas. They may also stir up sand and dust in parts of the New Valley Governorate at times. There is also a slight chance of low clouds forming over scattered areas of the northeastern coast, southern Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern and southern Upper Egypt, potentially resulting in light and insignificant drizzle in some areas.
<a href="https://ibb.co/B2xM1CXx"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Mk40XCY4/Egypt-Weather-86.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-86" border="0" /></a> Autumn Begins in Egypt According to the EMA, autumn is considered one of the most pleasant seasons of the year due to its moderate temperatures and lower humidity. It is a transitional season, moving from the hot and humid conditions of summer toward the colder and rainier weather of winter. The season is also associated with various weather phenomena, including occasional heat waves and rainy spells, particularly in the northern parts of the country. Rain and Flash Floods The EMA also noted that rainstorms are also expected in some areas of southern Egypt, Sinai, and the Red Sea mountain range, with rainfall potentially reaching the level of flash floods in some areas. The seasonal forecast issued by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority indicates that rainfall and temperature levels during this autumn may be slightly higher than usual. Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather | Autumn Begins With Hot Temperatures And Rain Chances – 23 September 2026

Miss Elite 2026 winner Sophia Bianca from the Philippines, first runner-up Anabelly Ojeda from Venezuela, second runner-up Sharon Julius from Tanzania, third runner-up Viktoria Lazarova from Bulgaria, and fourth runner-up Jera Brigitte from Belgium will join Stefano Douaihy, founder and president of Miss Elite, on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
The 2026 Miss Elite World competition took place on 18 September in Somabay on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast. The event marked the fifth edition of the international pageant, bringing together contestants representing countries from around the world.
Miss Elite celebrates beauty, culture, traditions, and national identities, providing contestants with an international platform to represent their countries. Founded in 2021, the competition has made Somabay its annual home, bringing an increasingly international audience to Egypt for the event.
Tune in to NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, as the Miss Elite 2026 winners and Stefano Douaihy discuss the competition, their experiences, and the journey behind the international pageant.

Miss Elite 2026 Winners To Join NileFM’s “The Big Drive” 

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.87 for buying and EGP 51.97 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 69.31 for buying and EGP 69.57 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.44 for buying and EGP 59.65 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.74 for buying and EGP 7.76 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.10 for buying and EGP 14.15 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/XxMpstcw"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Zz7K8xqZ/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-22-T100618-741.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-22-T100618-741" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar Trades At EGP 51.87 Against The Egyptian Pound – 22 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience stable weather across most areas on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, with hot and humid conditions during the day in the north of the country, extending to Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt. Temperatures will be very hot in southern Upper Egypt, while most areas will experience moderate to warm and humid conditions at night, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). There is a very low chance of light rain, at approximately 10%, in scattered areas of the North Coast and northern Nile Delta governorates at intervals. Winds will be active, reaching speeds of 30 to 35 km/h in parts of Greater Cairo, South Sinai, and northern Upper Egypt, helping to moderate temperatures in the shade and at night in some exposed areas. These winds may also stir up sand and dust in parts of New Valley Governorate at intervals. There is also a slight chance of low clouds forming over scattered areas of the southern Nile Delta, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern and southern Upper Egypt, which may produce light and insignificant drizzle in some areas.
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/nsmMbxvH"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/VW9YtfZ7/Egypt-Weather-85.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-85" border="0" /></a>
Photo Credit: Flickr

Egypt Weather | Hot And Humid Conditions Expected Across Most Areas – 22 September 2026

Stefano Douaihy, founder and president of Miss Elite, is set to join NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
A Lebanese entrepreneur, Douaihy founded Miss Elite in 2021, establishing the international beauty pageant as a platform that brings together contestants from around the world to celebrate beauty, culture, individuality, and national identity.
The 2026 Miss Elite World competition took place on 18 September in Somabay on Egypt&rsquo;s Red Sea coast. The event marked the fifth edition of the international pageant, bringing together contestants representing countries from around the world.
Tune in tomorrow as Stefano Douaihy joins Zeinab and Sami on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; to discuss Miss Elite, the 2026 competition, and his journey behind the international pageant on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Miss Elite World Founder Stefano Douaihy To Join NileFM’s “The Big Drive”

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.97 for buying and EGP 52.07 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 69.50 for buying and EGP 69.73 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.63 for buying and EGP 59.80 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.76 for buying and EGP 7.77 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.13 for buying and EGP 14.17 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://postimages.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/P5pmh4X2/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-21T100902-929.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-21T100902-929" width="673" height="379" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today – 21 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience autumnal weather in the north of the country, extending to Greater Cairo and parts of northern Upper Egypt, on Monday, 21 September 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
The weather will be hot and humid during the day across the north of the country, Greater Cairo, and northern Upper Egypt, while southern Upper Egypt will experience very hot conditions. At night, temperatures will be moderate to warm and humid across most areas.
There is a slight chance of light rain, occasionally moderate, with a probability of approximately 20%, over scattered areas of the northeastern coastal governorates and northern Lower Egypt. The rain may extend intermittently to parts of the northwestern coastal governorates.
Winds will be active, reaching speeds of 30 to 35 km/h across most areas, creating cooler conditions in shaded areas and at night, particularly in exposed locations. The winds may also stir up sand and dust intermittently across parts of the Western Desert.
Wind activity is also expected along some coastal areas, including Alexandria, Baltim, Gamasa, and Damietta, with waves reaching heights of 1.5 to 2 meters.
Meanwhile, low clouds may form over scattered areas of Greater Cairo, southern Lower Egypt, and the Suez Canal cities, helping to moderate temperatures. These areas may also see a very slight chance of light rain, with a probability of approximately 10%.
<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/MTK2fXrh/Egypt-Weather-(84).png" alt="Egypt-Weather-(84)" width="804" height="452" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
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Egypt Weather | Autumnal Weather Prevails In The North Of The Country – 21 September 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.09 for buying and EGP 52.19 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 69.46 for buying and EGP 69.92 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.67 for buying and EGP 59.97 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.77 for buying and EGP 7.79 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.16 for buying and EGP 14.21 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/wZh8tWsH"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/203RJtN2/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-20-T104435-900.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-20-T104435-900" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar Trades At EGP 52.09 Against The Egyptian Pound – 20 September 2026

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Egyptian star Mohamed Salah has made an impressive start to life at Trabzonspor, scoring seven goals in six S&uuml;per Lig appearances. His latest performance, however, took his numbers to another level as he scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in Trabzonspor&rsquo;s 4&ndash;0 victory over Galatasaray.
Check out this infographic to explore Salah&rsquo;s numbers with Trabzonspor so far.
<a href="https://ibb.co/wN9YhfHT"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/0jgQyxNk/Black-White-and-Gold-Dynamic-Football-Match-Poster-1.png" alt="Black-White-and-Gold-Dynamic-Football-Match-Poster-1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
The victory came in the sixth week of the Trendyol S&uuml;per Lig, with Trabzonspor moving to fifth place with 10 points, while Galatasaray remained top of the table with 13 points.
Salah opened the scoring in the fourth minute before setting up Noah Saviolo for Trabzonspor&rsquo;s second goal in the 39th minute. He then found the net again in the 44th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 80th minute. Galatasaray&rsquo;s difficult night continued when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off in the 87th minute.
Salah joined Trabzonspor in the summer after leaving Liverpool following nine years with the club.
Photo Credit: Trabzonspor&rsquo;s official page

Infographic | Mohamed Salah’s Numbers After His Hat-Trick For Trabzonspor

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
At just 15 years old, Mohamed Hamza stepped onto the Olympic stage at Rio 2016, carrying the Egyptian flag and focused on one thing: representing his country and learning from the experience. Today, the three-time Egyptian Olympian and foil fencer has established himself among the sport&rsquo;s elite, recently adding a gold medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games to his growing list of achievements.
With his sights now firmly set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Hamza continues to chase the biggest titles in fencing and hopes to make history by standing on the Olympic podium.
Fencing has also been a family affair for Hamza. His father, Maher Hamza, Head of the Technical Committee of the Egyptian Fencing Federation, has played an important role throughout his son&rsquo;s journey, sharing his experience, keeping him motivated and remaining one of his biggest supporters.
Following his gold-medal victory at the 2026 Mediterranean Games, NileFM spoke exclusively with Mohamed Hamza about his latest achievement, the challenges he has overcome throughout his career, representing Egypt on the world&rsquo;s biggest stages, his father&rsquo;s influence and his ambitions for Los Angeles 2028.
You are a three-time Egyptian Olympic foil fencer. After winning gold at the 2026 Mediterranean Games, how does this achievement feel, particularly after such a competitive tournament?
It feels great to be at the top of the podium again and represent Egypt in the best way possible at the Games. I&rsquo;m very motivated to be at the top again soon in the next international competition.
<a href="https://ibb.co/MkZfCSD5"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/tpQzJKMP/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
The competition was tough. Tell us about your preparation in the build-up to the Mediterranean Games and what you focused on most.
We had just finished our international season with the World Championships in July, so it was all about staying physically sharp. The motivation was simple because it&rsquo;s always great to represent Egypt at any Games, and it was a great opportunity to end my 2025/26 season on a high.
Looking back at your career so far, what has been the toughest moment you have faced, and how did you overcome it?
My toughest moment is related to injuries. During the season before the qualification year for the Paris 2024 Olympics, I suffered a crash on my bicycle with a car that ended with me in hospital, needing 30 stitches and a long-term recovery from a bad concussion.
Fighting through that and pushing myself to continue my progress on the world stage and in the rankings required a lot of faith and perseverance. I was able to excel throughout and after my recovery from such an incident.
You have won several major medals throughout your career. How does winning your first major medal compare with winning a title today? And what has the journey taught you about yourself?
My first major medal felt like a relief but also pure excitement at the fact that I had marked my position among the elite in my sport. This medal is proof to myself that I continue to be a strong competitor and have lots to look forward to in my career as I stay hungry for more success!
<a href="https://ibb.co/Kz5LZPbS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/6Jy1hMrL/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You have represented Egypt on some of the biggest stages in world sport. What does that mean to you?
It means the world to me to be able to raise our flag and show the strength that we Egyptians have! To be able to compete with the flag on my uniform and bring pride to Egyptians with our performances makes me happy. I&rsquo;m always so honoured to compete for Egypt and represent the country worldwide.
<a href="https://ibb.co/vxBsxvr3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/fYS8YGKk/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You have competed at three Olympic Games, from Rio 2016 to Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. How has each Olympic experience changed you, both as an athlete and as a person?
At Rio, I was 15 years old. Being so young at the Games, I had no pressure on myself and just allowed myself to learn what it was like on the biggest stage. For me, the achievement was qualifying and competing at Rio so I could prepare myself for the following Olympics in Tokyo.
At Tokyo, I was making a name for myself in the senior category after having just finished world number one in the junior category. I got Covid-19 right before the Games, unfortunately, so I had no expectations of myself and just chose to enjoy it. I beat the British fencer who won silver at the previous World Championships and then beat an Italian fencing legend to make the quarter-finals.
It was a huge boost to my confidence, and I went on in the following Olympic cycle to become one of the best in the sport and establish myself as a top-three fencer by 2024.
At Paris, having had the experience of the previous two Games and the confidence that came with my career improving year after year and climbing the world rankings, I again made it to the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, the hamstring strain I suffered right before Paris 2024 held me back, as the pain kept growing throughout the competition day, and fifth place was my fate.
But it&rsquo;s great to see the progress over the years, from growing as a breakthrough athlete to becoming an established top-tier athlete in fencing. My confidence and skill set were getting better and better with every Olympics.
<a href="https://ibb.co/bMVB2xkQ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/sd4w6hZb/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
You are now targeting Los Angeles 2028. What would you like your fourth Olympic Games to look like, and what would make it different from the first three?
At the peak of my game, age-wise, I&rsquo;m looking to get the gold in LA28. I feel my experience, age profile and confidence will help me massively in the upcoming Games.
Your father, Maher Hamza, has been by your side throughout your journey. What is the biggest lesson he has taught you, both inside and outside fencing?
There will always be ups and downs in life, but you have to keep believing and working hard because, in the long run, it pays off and consistently helps you overcome difficulties whenever they happen.
What is the toughest piece of advice your father has ever given you?
Accepting the sacrifices that come with wanting to be an elite athlete and recognising that extra work always needs to be done, whether it&rsquo;s physical, technical or mental, to stay at the top.
What do people often misunderstand about the mental pressure of being an elite athlete?
Experience makes dealing with high-pressure scenarios simpler over time, but we&rsquo;re humans with highs and lows, and having no guarantee of results after hard work is difficult to accept. You won&rsquo;t always be immediately rewarded for your hard work, but you just have to keep going and believing.
<a href="https://ibb.co/V0rYcLvW"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xKPqt2MS/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
If you could speak to the 15-year-old Mohamed Hamza, who dreamed of competing at the Olympics, what would you tell him today?
There will be lots of ups and downs, but continue to believe in yourself and know that hard work truly does pay off!
You have competed at three Olympics, won major international titles and now added Mediterranean Games gold to your r&eacute;sum&eacute;. What is the dream Mohamed Hamza still wants to achieve?
World Championship gold and Olympic gold! I want to be at the top of the podium on the biggest stages and make history.
Photo Credit: Mohamed Hamza's official page

Exclusive | Mohamed Hamza Opens Up About Mediterranean Games Gold And His LA 2028 Olympic Dream

A lovely new chapter has begun for Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah and his wife, Magi Sadeq, as they welcome their third child, a baby boy named Leil Mohamed Salah. The announcement was made by Salah's sister, Rabab Salah, who shared a photo of a baby cap on her official Facebook page, captioning it: "Auntie's sweetheart, the light of the world, Leil Mohamed Salah." The news also explains why fans noticed Magi's absence from Trabzonspor's official unveiling of Salah at the club's stadium in Trabzon, Turkey. Salah has not yet publicly commented on the birth.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frabab.salah.472707%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05yAMZrEr5SrS4kgSTyA2FpzSFDcvCQxVZwozD1YD6UhsqLNs9aSZ6CscYToSWVJVl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="497" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Mohamed Salah's Three Children Leil joins two older sisters. Makka, born in 2014, is Salah's eldest child and a longtime fan favorite, often seen celebrating her father's goals, including a memorable moment when she playfully scored on the Anfield pitch during his Liverpool years. Kayan, the couple's second daughter, was born in 2020. Both girls appeared alongside their father during his emotional farewell to Liverpool, featuring prominently in the club's one-hour documentary marking his departure, which opened with Makka speaking proudly about him.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1Z9cA8RyHyw" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> A New Chapter On and Off the Pitch In football news, Salah joined Trabzonspor in early August on a two-year contract after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. The club's European campaign got off to a rocky start, however, with a 4&ndash;0 defeat to Ferencv&aacute;ros that eliminated them from the UEFA Europa League. Trabzonspor will now continue in the UEFA Conference League instead. Off the pitch, Salah begins this new season with a fuller family and a third child to welcome home. Photo Credit: Mohamed Salah&rsquo;s official page
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Mohamed Salah Welcomes Third Child: Baby Boy Leil Joins The Family

It all started in the 85th minute of the game. After being left out of Barcelona&rsquo;s first two games, 18-year-old Egyptian footballer Hamza Abdelkarim made his official debut for Barcelona, making the moment very special as he proved he deserved this opportunity. But the best part came after the final whistle, when he celebrated the memorable moment with his mother after Barcelona&rsquo;s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, a victory that put the team at the top of La Liga. Hamza and Mom Celebration If you want to know how to celebrate your best moment, it is the moment you run to your mother, feeling proud of yourself, while she is even prouder of the person she raised. That is exactly what Hamza did after his historic debut. He ran to celebrate the special moment with his mother, creating one of the most emotional moments to take over social media. One of his fans shared a 12-second video of the celebration, which quickly went viral across social media.
<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/DcuSvnTM02-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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 Hamza Deserves to Play Days before the match began, German coach Hansi Flick addressed Abdelkarim&rsquo;s absence from Barcelona&rsquo;s opening two league matches during his press conference on Sunday, according to Cadena SER. Speaking about the young Egyptian, Flick said: &ldquo;It's not always easy. We think about giving playing time to those who deserve it. He deserves it. I see him improving day by day. He has the right attitude and mentality. He deserves to play, and he will play. We have to give him minutes and the opportunity to demonstrate his quality in a league match.&rdquo;
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffcbarcelona%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0ra29kjj8rH5pFATJ5FfjoEVcUk21NMHzL3LYhxtGCqDggUbB8JLEfXTHZA2842iel&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Match Stats Barcelona secured a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scoring twice. Rayo&rsquo;s two goals came from Sergio Camello, while Florian Lejeune scored an own goal for Barcelona. With Barcelona comfortably ahead, Abdelkarim came on in the 85th minute, replacing Raphinha, to make his first official appearance for the club. Raphinha&rsquo;s two goals took his league tally to five in Barcelona&rsquo;s first three matches of the campaign, making him the first player to reach that total in the opening three games since Lionel Messi did so in the 2017-18 season. The victory moved Barcelona to the top of La Liga with nine points from three games, level with Real Madrid, while Rayo Vallecano remain on just one point. What Hamza Said After the Match After his debut, Hamza Abdelkarim gave an interview, stating: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m very happy with this appearance. I was excited when I came onto the pitch. There were a lot of fans, and I built an amazing connection. I want to experience this feeling again and again.&rdquo; Speaking about being top of La Liga, he added: &ldquo;Top of La Liga? It&rsquo;s great for us. This is where we should be, and we have to continue like this and stay at the top.&rdquo; Asked about Raphinha, the Egyptian forward said: &ldquo;Raphinha is amazing person. He has a lot of talent, and we know that he gives 100% wherever he plays on the pitch.&rdquo; Speaking about Lamine Yamal&rsquo;s goal, he said: &ldquo;Lamine Yamal is a magical player. He has an incredible ability with both feet, and we all enjoy watching him. He always plays for the team.&rdquo; Regarding his goals with Barcelona, Abdelkarim said: &ldquo;I hope to help the team as much as possible and win everything this season.&rdquo;
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffcbarcelona%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02U2SsxyPN3ogRRnJCdM2iireygngsoZenCPbgfFFx6Sx8UpfX2EExj5KswxgcUZgFl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="333" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Writing History As the first Egyptian to play for Barcelona, Hamza continues to work hard and prove that he deserves this place and this opportunity. He is also only the third Egyptian to play in La Liga. According to Barcelona&rsquo;s official website, the first was Mido, the former Celta Vigo player, while the second is Haissem Hassan, who played for Oviedo last season. Coming from Al Ahly SC, Egypt&rsquo;s biggest club, Abdelkarim, who initially joined Barcelona on loan last season before becoming a fully-fledged FC Barcelona player this summer, has had an eventful few months. The Egyptian forward joined the club permanently and signed a contract for the next three seasons, until 30 June 2029. Despite having only played for the U19s at the time, he was called up for the World Cup and featured in several games. With barely any holiday, he then joined the squad for preseason and scored four goals. Four Out of Ten According to Barcelona&rsquo;s website, Abdelkarim made the most of his preseason opportunity. He returned early from his holiday after the World Cup with Egypt and quickly made an impact with the first team. The forward scored in three of Barcelona&rsquo;s five preseason games, including two goals against Birmingham and a strike against Basel. His final goal came in the Gamper Trophy, when he scored against his former club, Al Ahly. Barcelona scored 10 goals during preseason, with four of them coming from Abdelkarim, showing just how important his contribution was as he continued to prove that he was ready for the first team. Photo Credit: Barcelona&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Hamza Abdelkarim Celebrates His Official Barcelona Debut With His Mother

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From ancient Egyptian artefacts displayed in China to ballet performances, exhibitions, cinema, language exchange and cultural festivals, Egypt and China have built extensive cultural ties reflecting the shared heritage of two of the world's oldest civilisations.
The relationship is set to receive further attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to visit Egypt in the coming days, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
Presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said Xi will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss ways of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues.
Beyond political and economic cooperation, culture, heritage and people-to-people exchanges have remained important elements of Egypt-China relations.
A new documentary book, &ldquo;Egyptian-Chinese Relations Over 70 Years&rdquo;, has also been issued by Egypt's State Information Service, documenting the development of ties since diplomatic relations were established on 30 May 1956. Published in Arabic and Chinese, the book covers major milestones in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological relationship between the two countries.
Egypt-China Cultural Year
One of the most significant milestones in cultural cooperation came in 2016, when Egypt and China designated the year as the Egyptian-Chinese Cultural Year.
The year was launched by El-Sisi and Xi during a joint celebration at Luxor Temple in January 2016, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The opening ceremony featured more than 200 performers from Egypt and China in a programme bringing together music, dance, ballet and other art forms.
The wider cultural year included around 200 events, including visual arts exhibitions and performances by Chinese and Cairo Opera Ballet artists.
Egypt continued to expand its cultural presence in China, taking part in the Shanghai Tourism Festival in September 2017, where it received the Most Popular Tourist Destination award.
In September 2020, Egypt also participated in the International Tourism and Culture Exhibition in Guangzhou, showcasing Egyptian cultural and heritage products alongside tourism programmes.
Ancient Egyptian Heritage On Display In China
Archaeology has become another important area of Egypt-China cultural cooperation, giving Chinese audiences opportunities to explore Egypt's ancient civilisation through major exhibitions.
In February 2024, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Shanghai Museum signed a cooperation protocol for a temporary archaeological exhibition in China.
&ldquo;On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt&rdquo; opened at the Shanghai Museum in July 2024, featuring 787 artefacts from different periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation. The exhibition included statues, jewellery, coffins and other objects illustrating aspects of kingship, daily life, religion, writing and beliefs about the afterlife.
The exhibition attracted significant interest in China, with tickets for its opening day selling out and hundreds of thousands of tickets sold before and shortly after its opening.
The exhibition was also described by Egyptian officials as an important platform for promoting cultural tourism and strengthening people-to-people understanding between the two countries.
Education And Language As Cultural Bridges
Education and language have also played an important role in Egypt-China cultural exchange.
The two countries have cooperated on introducing Chinese as an optional second foreign language in Egyptian schools, while educational initiatives have also encouraged exchanges between students and institutions. Around 24,000 Chinese students study Arabic in Egypt, while 16 Egyptian universities have established Chinese language departments or teach Chinese as part of their curricula.
Egypt is home to Confucius Institutes at Suez Canal University, Cairo University and Ain Shams University, supporting Chinese-language and cultural education.
Chinese-language programmes have also expanded at Egyptian universities, while Egyptian students have opportunities to study in China.
The Egyptian Luban Workshop has added another dimension to educational cooperation, providing technical and vocational training for young Egyptians.
Cinema, Visual Arts And Cultural Activities
The Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo has become another platform for cultural exchange, hosting activities covering cinema, traditional arts, visual arts and Chinese culture, as well as joint exhibitions and cultural events.
Such programmes give audiences in Egypt opportunities to learn more about Chinese culture while providing opportunities for artists from both countries to meet and collaborate.
Media And Cultural Exchange
Media cooperation has also contributed to greater cultural understanding.
Chinese media organisations have established a presence in Egypt, while cooperation between Egyptian and Chinese media institutions has expanded over the years.
Joint and bilateral media activities have helped increase coverage of each country's culture, heritage, arts and society, supporting wider people-to-people exchanges.
More recently, cultural and media cooperation has continued through joint projects. In 2025, Egypt and China held the &ldquo;Yangtze Meets the Nile&rdquo; cross-civilisation dialogue, which included cultural exhibitions, media cooperation and the premiere of a jointly produced documentary exploring connections between the two ancient civilisations.
A Cultural Relationship Built Over Decades
From the 2016 Egyptian-Chinese Cultural Year and joint artistic performances to archaeological exhibitions, language programmes, cinema and cultural events, Egypt-China relations extend beyond diplomacy and trade.
The two countries have increasingly used culture and heritage as a way to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding.
As Xi prepares to return to Egypt a decade after his 2016 visit, the cultural relationship between the two countries remains an important part of their broader partnership.
Photo Credit: Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency&rsquo;s official page

Egypt-China Cultural Relations: All You Need To Know About Arts And Heritage

Days after Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor, the Turkish club has continued to celebrate his arrival with a warm welcome that goes beyond football.
Trabzonspor&rsquo;s promotional video featuring Salah quickly spread across social media, attracting attention not only for the way the club welcomed its new star but also for its celebration of the culture and hospitality of the Black Sea region.
The official Trabzonspor page shared the video with the caption: &ldquo;Those who say &lsquo;you will see in a dream&rsquo;... Dreams come true for us.&rdquo;
A Warm Turkish Welcome
The video presents Salah as a new member of a traditional Turkish family, highlighting the region&rsquo;s famous hospitality.
A grandmother prepares a variety of traditional dishes as the family waits to welcome Salah into his new home. The concept reflects the idea of treating him like a member of the family, with the grandmother making sure he is well-fed before he heads to training with his new club.
The setting and food choices also highlight Trabzon&rsquo;s Black Sea identity, connecting Salah&rsquo;s arrival with the culture of the region where Trabzonspor is based.
What Traditional Turkish Food Did Mohamed Salah Eat?
The promotional video puts the spotlight on several traditional Turkish dishes, particularly those associated with the Black Sea region.
Kuymak is one of the most recognisable dishes featured in the video. A speciality of the Black Sea region, this rich and stretchy dish is made with cornmeal, butter, water and melting cheese. The ingredients are cooked gently until the cheese reaches its signature stretchy consistency, while the butter rises to the surface.
Stuffed collard greens, known as kara lahana sarması or dolması, are another traditional dish strongly associated with the Black Sea region. Collard leaves are filled with a savoury mixture that can include rice or bulgur, minced meat, onions and herbs before being slowly cooked in a flavourful tomato-based sauce.
The video also shows blueberries, with Salah enjoying them before heading off to training, adding a playful touch to the traditional family-style welcome.
Stuffed vine leaves, known as sarma or dolma, are another classic of Turkish cuisine. Tender grape leaves are wrapped around a flavourful filling typically made with rice, herbs and spices.
The breakfast table also features honey and kaymak, a traditional Turkish pairing that combines thick, creamy clotted cream with sweet local honey.
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Reflecting Traditions And Promoting Tourism
The promotional video does more than announce Mohamed Salah&rsquo;s arrival at Trabzonspor. It uses food, family and hospitality to introduce the Egyptian football star to the culture of his new home, while showcasing traditions that make Trabzon and the wider Black Sea region distinctive.
The campaign also demonstrates how football can become a platform for cultural exchange and tourism promotion. By featuring traditional dishes and local customs, Trabzonspor gives its international audience a glimpse of the region beyond the football pitch, potentially encouraging greater interest in its food, traditions and local identity.
This is particularly significant for Trabzonspor, which is closely connected to the Black Sea region and is nicknamed the &ldquo;Black Sea Storm&rdquo;. The appearance of well-known local dishes in the advertisement reinforces the club&rsquo;s regional identity while introducing these traditions to Salah&rsquo;s global fanbase.
The video also creates an intercultural connection between Salah&rsquo;s Egyptian background and his new Turkish home. By portraying him as a welcomed guest being treated like part of the family, the campaign presents his transfer as more than a sporting move. It becomes a cultural exchange bringing together football, hospitality, local identity and tourism.
About Trabzonspor
Founded in 1967, Trabzonspor is one of Turkey&rsquo;s most successful football clubs and was the first team from outside Istanbul to win the Turkish top-flight title, achieving that milestone in 1976.
The club won six league titles during its dominant period between 1975 and 1985 before claiming another S&uuml;per Lig championship in the 2021-22 season. Trabzonspor has also enjoyed memorable European victories over clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Barcelona.
Today, the club remains one of the biggest symbols of football in Turkey&rsquo;s Black Sea region, with Salah now the latest star to wear its famous burgundy and blue colours.
Photo Credit: Trabzonspor&rsquo;s official page

Mohamed Salah Gets A Taste Of Trabzon In Warm Trabzonspor Welcome

Entrepreneur and content creator Matthew Kerolos joined Basmah on Brain Busters on NileFM, where he opened up about building meaningful relationships, creating content with purpose, and why persistence, not talent, is often the biggest factor behind success.
Known for traveling across Egypt to spotlight entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners, Kerolos has used storytelling to showcase the people behind emerging businesses while giving them a platform to share their journeys.
Throughout the interview, he explored the episode's central theme, "persisting until it hardens into fact," sharing the mindset that has helped him build meaningful connections, overcome rejection, and create opportunities through consistent effort.
Persistence Without Burning Bridges For Kerolos, persistence is one of the most valuable qualities anyone can develop, but only when it's done with respect. "I never try to be pushy in a negative way because the world is small," he explained. Whether he's trying to secure a guest or build a new business relationship, he believes persistence should never damage future opportunities. "If it's somebody I really admire and want to work with, I'll find another way to reach them. If someone is ignoring you, get to the point where they can't avoid you, but do it respectfully." Why Sending the First Message Doesn't Scare Him Unlike many people who hesitate before reaching out to someone successful, Kerolos says fear has never stopped him. "I never get scared of reaching out to anybody because there will always be another person." To him, rejection is simply part of the process rather than something to avoid. The Biggest Mistake Young People Make According to Kerolos, one of the biggest mistakes he sees is approaching opportunities with a sense of entitlement. "A lot of people ask for opportunities expecting to get something immediately," he said. While he's happy to help others, he believes opportunities must be matched by effort. "People who feel entitled rarely put in the work. Entitlement at a young age is a recipe for disaster." He added that many experienced entrepreneurs avoid working with people who believe success should simply be handed to them. Convincing High-Profile Guests to Say Yes One of the questions Kerolos receives most often is how he convinces influential entrepreneurs to appear in his videos. His answer is surprisingly simple. Many of the successful people he interviews aren't interested in publicity at all. "I actually love interviewing people who don't like publicity." Instead of focusing on exposure, he approaches them by explaining how their stories can provide value to others, support charitable initiatives, or inspire future entrepreneurs. "It's never about making them famous. They don't need that." Confidence Comes From Repetition For Kerolos, confidence isn't something people are born with, it develops through repetition. "I believe in reps." Before creating content, he spent years working with hospitality business owners in the United States, an experience that taught him how to deal with rejection. "They were probably the most ruthless when it came to saying no." By the time he began filming content in South Africa, approaching strangers felt far less intimidating. However, he believes confidence and repetition work together. "You have to believe in yourself enough to start, and then the reps build the confidence." The Biggest Myths About Successful People Kerolos believes people often misunderstand what success looks like. Many assume successful people possess extraordinary abilities, when in reality they're often ordinary people who have simply spent years mastering their craft. "They just have more experience than you." He also challenged another common misconception, that wealthy people are inherently selfish. "A lot of successful people genuinely want to provide value because they're passionate about what they do." Whether building businesses, creating television, or developing real estate, he believes many successful entrepreneurs simply turned the passions they had as children into lifelong careers. The Craziest Way He Landed a Collaboration Persistence paid off in one unforgettable experience while filming in South Africa. After being rejected five separate times by a potential guest, Kerolos came up with an unconventional solution. He convinced people around the executive to schedule what appeared to be a professional meeting, giving him the opportunity to finally speak with the businessman face-to-face. After a 30-minute conversation, the executive agreed to meet him again the following morning. The experience reinforced Kerolos' belief that persistence often succeeds when paired with creativity and respect. The One Person He'd Love to Meet If given the opportunity to interview anyone, Kerolos doesn't hesitate. "The Lebanese singer Fairuz." Calling her a legend, he says she's someone he's admired for years. Advice to His Younger Self Looking back, Kerolos wishes he had started even earlier. "Make the mistakes early." He believes the teenage years are the perfect time to experiment, fail, and gain experience before adulthood brings greater responsibilities. "Don't wait until you graduate. Start while you're still in school." He also encourages young people to surround themselves with individuals from different generations rather than only looking at people who have already achieved success. "The people who have already made it are living a completely different life from the people who are still building theirs." For Kerolos, success isn't built overnight. It's the result of taking action early, learning from failure, putting in countless repetitions, and remaining persistent long after most people would have given up.
&nbsp;

Matthew Kerolos Opens Up About Persistence, Entrepreneurship, And Chasing Big Opportunities

The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) is celebrating its 128th anniversary on 25 June 2026, marking more than a century of growth since its establishment in 1898 and reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of Egypt&rsquo;s banking sector. From becoming the first bank to issue banknotes in Egypt and serving as the country&rsquo;s central bank until 1960, to leading major national development projects and embracing digital transformation, NBE&rsquo;s journey mirrors the evolution of Egypt&rsquo;s modern economy. Today, the bank remains Egypt&rsquo;s oldest commercial bank and one of its most influential financial institutions, serving millions of customers while continuing to expand its digital capabilities and international reach. A Banking Giant at the Heart of Egypt&rsquo;s Economy Over the past 128 years, NBE has grown into the largest bank in Egypt by assets, deposits, loans, branch network, and number of employees. As of 2024, the bank operates 679 branches, offices and banking units nationwide, supported by a wide network of ATMs and point-of-sale terminals, making it one of the most accessible financial institutions in the country. NBE accounts for 74% of the credit card market and 40% of debit cards in Egypt, and has financed about 24% of Egypt&rsquo;s foreign trade. Digital Transformation Driving the Future While NBE&rsquo;s history stretches back more than a century, its focus is firmly on the future. Digital innovation has become a central pillar of the bank&rsquo;s strategy as it seeks to meet changing customer expectations and accelerate financial inclusion. Through platforms such as Al Ahly Net and NBE PhoneCash, customers can now complete a wide range of banking transactions remotely, reducing the need to visit branches and enhancing convenience. The bank has also introduced mobile branches equipped with modern digital solutions, extending banking services to communities across Egypt and supporting efforts to broaden access to financial services. As digital banking continues to grow, NBE has invested heavily in cybersecurity, data protection, and accessibility. Initiatives include Touch Cards and ATMs designed for visually impaired customers, reflecting its commitment to inclusive banking in line with international standards. Expanding Beyond Egypt&rsquo;s Borders Alongside its digital transformation efforts, NBE has continued to strengthen its international footprint, connecting Egyptian businesses and customers to global markets.
The bank operates subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Sudan, including NBE Juba in South Sudan, as well as a branch in New York. This year, NBE marked 28 years as the only Egyptian bank operating in the United States. A major milestone came in October 2025 when NBE announced the soft opening of its first branch in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first Egyptian bank to establish a branch in the Kingdom on Feburary 2026. The move marked another step in the bank&rsquo;s regional expansion strategy and reinforced its growing presence in key international markets.&nbsp;
The bank&rsquo;s global operations are further supported by an extensive network of correspondent banks spanning Europe, North America, Africa, the Far East and the Gulf region. Connecting Egyptians Around the World NBE continues to play a leading role in facilitating remittances from Egyptians living abroad through its international banking network and partnerships with money transfer companies, fintech firms and financial institutions worldwide. The bank&rsquo;s global connectivity has helped strengthen financial links between Egypt and its expatriate communities while supporting foreign currency inflows and cross-border financial services. Looking Ahead As the National Bank of Egypt marks 128 years since its founding, the institution is celebrating not only a rich history but also a future shaped by innovation, digital transformation and international expansion. By combining its long-standing banking heritage with continued investment in technology, security and global connectivity, NBE is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of Egypt&rsquo;s financial sector for decades to come.&nbsp;
Photo Credit: The National Bank of Egypt's official page&nbsp;

National Bank Of Egypt Celebrates 128 Years Of Growth, Innovation And Global Expansion

Content creator and AI systems architect Farah Khaled stepped into the studio with Basmah on &ldquo;Brain Busters&rdquo; today, sharing her insights on mindset, opportunities and what it really takes to &ldquo;get a seat at the table&rdquo;.
Farah opened the conversation by explaining her perspective on earning a place in any professional space, noting that being in the room means wanting to be heard, to inspire and be inspired, and to learn from people while offering something valuable in return.
Finding opportunities
Reflecting on her own journey, she highlighted that opportunities often arrive unexpectedly, requiring constant awareness and readiness. She revealed that she landed her current role through Instagram, emphasizing the importance of actively seeking out paths, working hard and staying creative to recognize moments of luck when they appear.
To build that luck, she encouraged optimism and openness, explaining that stepping out of one's comfort zone is essential for growth. She urged listeners not to be afraid of taking risks or trying new things, stressing that creating your own luck stems directly from action and courage. According to Farah, curiosity remains one of the most vital traits for success, and she underscored the value of listening, learning from others and continuously developing oneself, even when starting out without strong industry connections.
Building confidence
Addressing the secret to confidence, Farah explained that feeling nervous in new environments is entirely natural. However, she advised adopting a &ldquo;fake it till you make it&rdquo; mindset until that confidence becomes genuine and self-assuredness develops over time.
This goes hand-in-hand with staying proactive; she spoke about the importance of initiative, explaining that being observant and solving problems without being asked is key to standing out in any workplace or creative environment.
AI and human intelligence
Turning her attention to artificial intelligence, the systems architect noted that while AI can perform a vast array of tasks, it cannot replace human emotional intelligence. She added that AI is a powerful tool, but human insight remains essential to how it is deployed.
She concluded by explaining that her parallel work in content creation is driven by self-expression, engagement and a desire to connect authentically with audiences, stressing that consistency is ultimately the most critical factor for success in any field.
Farah&rsquo;s insights highlight a central message; success is not defined by where you start, but by how consistently you show up, stay curious and create opportunities through action, mindset and persistence.

Farah Khaled On “Brain Busters” | How To Get A Seat At The Table And Build Success

Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Health and Population has approved a policy providing free first-time natural childbirth for women in public hospitals across all governorates, according to an official statement.
The decision, endorsed by Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, applies to hospitals operating within the ministry&rsquo;s therapeutic institution hospitals and is aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare services while easing financial pressure on families.
Officials say the move is part of a wider strategy to encourage natural childbirth in uncomplicated cases, citing its medical benefits for both mothers and newborns. The ministry also highlighted concerns over unnecessary caesarean sections and their associated risks, saying the policy supports safer and more appropriate delivery methods.
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The ministry added that hospitals involved are equipped to handle deliveries in line with national quality and safety standards, with trained medical teams and necessary medical equipment in place.
The programme will be implemented nationwide, ensuring equal access across all Egyptian governorates. Authorities described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare provision, particularly in women&rsquo;s health services, and to reinforce the role of preventive and safe maternal care in the public health system.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Egypt Health Ministry Announces Free First-time Natural Births In Public Hospitals

Egyptians continue to hold senior positions across key international institutions, reinforcing their presence in global decision-making bodies.
Most recently, UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres appointed Egypt&rsquo;s Rania Al-Mashat as Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), marking another milestone in Egypt&rsquo;s representation within the UN system.
The appointment reflects a broader trend of Egyptian leadership across United Nations agencies and related international organisations.
Below are some of the most prominent Egyptians serving, or who have served, in senior UN roles:
<a href="https://ibb.co/Pn4fjbm"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/gpwB9Xj/Clean-and-Minimal-Blue-and-White-Beach-Album-Release-Social-Feed-Static-Ad-4.png" alt="Clean-and-Minimal-Blue-and-White-Beach-Album-Release-Social-Feed-Static-Ad-4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Rania Al-Mashat &ndash; Executive Secretary of ESCWA
Yasmine Fouad &ndash; Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Khaled El-Enany &ndash; Director-General of UNESCO
Ghada Waly &ndash; Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV); the first woman to lead UNODC
Mahmoud Mohieldin &ndash; UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
Majed Abdel Fattah &ndash; Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Arab League to the United Nations
Photo Credit: Rania Al-Mashat&rsquo;s official page

Infographic | Egyptians in Key Leadership Roles At The United Nations

AI exploded into the mainstream, and now everyone&rsquo;s stuck on one question; is it here to kill creativity, or just give it a serious boost?
The Tools Are Already Here
ChatGPT from OpenAI, Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, they&rsquo;re no longer &ldquo;coming soon.&rdquo; Writers, designers, and musicians are using them daily. Briefs that used to take hours get knocked out in minutes. A track idea you&rsquo;d sit on for days can be mocked up before your coffee gets cold. The tech is fast. The debate is faster.
From Threat to Teammate
A lot of creatives are changing the game; AI isn&rsquo;t the enemy, it&rsquo;s the new collaborator. Producers are using it to test weird sounds they&rsquo;d never try otherwise. Content creators lean on it to beat blank-page panic or tighten a messy first draft.
Grimes basically set the tone for this mindset. She told fans to go ahead and use AI versions of her voice in their music, just split the royalties if it makes money. No lawsuits, no drama. Just, &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s see what happens.&rdquo;
&nbsp;But then there&rsquo;s the other side. Those viral AI tracks with &ldquo;Drake&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Weeknd&rdquo; last year? Neither artist stepped in a booth. It blew up the whole conversation around consent, identity, and who actually owns a sound.
The Copyright Mess
This is where it gets tense. AI models train on massive amounts of existing work; songs, scripts, paintings, and photos. A lot of it is copyrighted. Most of it was used without permission.
That&rsquo;s why the lawsuits keep coming. The Writers Guild of America drew a hard line during the strikes: AI can&rsquo;t write your screenplay. Human writers stay in control.
Illustrators and photographers are saying the same thing. If your art was used to teach a machine that now generates images in your style, and you weren&rsquo;t asked or paid, that&rsquo;s a problem.&nbsp;
So What&rsquo;s Happening in Egypt?
&nbsp;Cairo&rsquo;s creative scene is already testing the waters. Open TikTok or Instagram and you&rsquo;ll find young Egyptian producers dropping AI-assisted beats, designers using it for quick edits, and digital artists experimenting with new styles.
&nbsp;For a lot of them, AI isn&rsquo;t scary. It&rsquo;s leverage. In a digital economy where speed and volume matter, being able to pitch three solid concepts before noon instead of one by Thursday is a game-changer.
The questions we&rsquo;re still figuring out: Who&rsquo;s teaching people how to use these tools well? Are agencies, labels, and studios ready for how fast this is moving? And if access isn&rsquo;t equal, who gets left behind?
We&rsquo;ve Been Here Before
Every major creative tool started with panic. Photoshop was going to kill photography. Auto-Tune was going to kill real singers. Drum machines were going to kill drummers.
One analyst told the BBC: &ldquo;Every innovation in creative tools starts with fear. Then we realize it just expands what&rsquo;s possible. The human part doesn&rsquo;t disappear, it just moves.&rdquo;
AI can generate, remix, and suggest all day. But it doesn&rsquo;t get obsessed with a weird idea at 2 am. It doesn&rsquo;t have taste. It doesn&rsquo;t have a point of view or a story it needs to tell.
Bottom Line
So maybe the question isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;Can AI be creative?&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s &ldquo;Can we stay creative enough to use it right and make sure it doesn&rsquo;t use us?&rdquo;
The balance between human imagination and machine help? That&rsquo;s where the real story is right now. And it&rsquo;s moving fast.
Photo Credit:&nbsp;Freepik&nbsp;

Is AI Replacing Creativity or Supercharging It? How AI Tools Are Changing Music, Art, and Everyday Life

Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has announced the launch of a nationwide medical and ambulance plan for Eid al-Fitr 2026, aimed at ensuring readiness across the health system during the holiday period.
The ministry said more than 700 government hospitals have increased emergency preparedness, with emergency departments and operating theatres functioning around the clock as travel and public gatherings rise.
Ambulance Services and Rapid Response
The plan includes enhanced deployment by the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, with around 3,000 ambulances operating across governorates and an additional 1,200 vehicles positioned at key locations.
Ambulances have been stationed near main roads, public squares, mosques, Eid prayer areas, parks, and other gathering points. Twenty-seven emergency rooms are linked to a central control centre to enable real-time monitoring and dispatch, while regional officials oversee high-traffic areas.
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Focus on Major Roads
Authorities say priority has been given to major routes, including the coastal road between Damietta and Matrouh, the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, the agricultural road, as well as routes in South Sinai, the Red Sea, and Upper Egypt.
More than 600 fixed and mobile ambulance points have been deployed along these roads to allow rapid response to accidents.
Hospital Preparedness
Hospitals have also increased capacity in emergency and intensive care units. Around 250 facilities have been designated as primary referral centres on highways, supported by 54 rapid response teams for large-scale incidents.
Blood banks have been supplied with an additional 40,000 units, and medical stocks have been reinforced to meet potential demand.
Public Health Measures
The preventive medicine sector has intensified inspections of more than 35,000 food outlets, including sweet shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, and public transport hubs.
Around 1,200 inspection teams have been deployed to monitor compliance with health and safety standards.
Monitoring and Public Guidance
A central operations room will operate круглосуточно to monitor implementation of the plan.
The ministry has also urged the public to follow health guidelines, with the hotline 137 available for medical enquiries and emergency assistance throughout the Eid holiday.
Photo Credit: The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt&rsquo;s official page

Egypt Rolls Out Nationwide Health and Ambulance Plan for Eid

Nesma Mostafa, Head of MENA Higher Education Insights and Student Mobility at the British Council, joined Rob and Sally on &ldquo;The Big Fast&rdquo; this Tuesday to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education in Egypt and the MENA region. Airing from 8 to 10 AM, the conversation explored international collaboration, student mobility, and the benefits of transnational education for learners seeking global opportunities without leaving home.
Defining Herself as an Educator
Nesma shared her personal perspective on her role: &ldquo;So I&rsquo;m at the British Council, but how I define myself is as an educator, an education researcher. I&rsquo;ve been working in higher education for 15 years, which technically means research around higher education opportunities within the region, with the aim of informing the UK sector of these opportunities and then bridging, making connections, and building these relationships between the UK, Egypt, and beyond.&rdquo;
When asked why education is such a passion, she said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always been a lifelong learner. Education is at the core of development, supporting people to find what they&rsquo;re meant to do and helping nations meet their goals. Knowledge is power, regardless of where it comes from.&rdquo;
What is Transnational Education?
The discussion then turned to transnational education (TNE). Nesma explained: &ldquo;Transnational education is when a university in one country offers a programme or a degree in another country, physically moving to meet students where they are. Instead of Egyptian students travelling to get a degree in the UK, the UK institution comes to Egypt and delivers that in-country through different models.&rdquo;
She highlighted the accessibility of this model: &ldquo;This increases access to international education for students who can&rsquo;t travel for personal, family, or financial reasons. You get the benefits of an international degree without ever having to leave home.&rdquo;
Models of Transnational Education
On international branch campuses: &ldquo;This is one of the independent models of transnational education where a university expands to a new country, offering the same programmes and teaching methods, and bringing its expertise into a new context. Students graduate with one international degree that is very similar to what they would receive if they studied abroad.&rdquo;
On joint degrees: &ldquo;Joint degrees are when two universities come together to develop a programme. You have international expertise alongside local knowledge, creating something relevant to students and their context. It&rsquo;s co-created, combining the strengths of both institutions into one degree accredited by both.&rdquo;
On digital learning: &ldquo;This could be fully online learning, where you&rsquo;re in Egypt studying at a university abroad, which is still transnational education. There are also blended models combining online and face-to-face learning, usually involving a local partner and an international partner. The international side may develop the virtual learning environment and resources, while local expertise ensures the content is contextualised. Exams, for example, may take place in Egypt, even if systems are hosted abroad.&rdquo;
Why Egypt is a Key Destination
Egypt has become the fourth-largest host country globally for UK transnational education programmes, with around 38,000 students enrolled. Nesma explained the appeal: &ldquo;Egypt has 3.8 million students in higher education, expected to grow to 5 million by 2030. There&rsquo;s strong demand, and universities in Egypt are keen to partner with international counterparts. Students trust UK institutions, and government strategies highlight internationalisation as a priority.&rdquo;
The Benefits for Students
The advantages extend beyond studying locally. Nesma highlighted global recognition and employability: &ldquo;You get a degree that can be used anywhere in the world without needing revalidation. Students also develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, and intercultural skills that are highly valued by employers.&rdquo;
She also emphasised the British Council&rsquo;s role: &ldquo;We work with governments, institutions, and learners. We help ensure supportive regulations, bring stakeholders together through networking, and guide students on accessing opportunities. Everything we do is research-driven to continuously improve partnerships.&rdquo;
Regional Collaboration through Deep Dialogues
Nesma discussed the recent regional Deep Dialogue in Cairo: &ldquo;Participants from 11 countries came together to learn from different models of transnational education. Mature ecosystems like Egypt shared insights with countries still developing their frameworks. We discussed regulation, quality assurance, and engaged directly with students to understand their experiences.&rdquo;
She added, &ldquo;These dialogues build a community of practice. Connections continue beyond the event, creating sustainable networks that support education across the region.&rdquo;
Looking Ahead
Nesma concluded with a forward-looking perspective: &ldquo;Successful models in more developed systems can help guide countries in earlier stages. At its core, this is about improving education, expanding opportunities, and empowering students to reach their potential while contributing to society. The British Council plays a key role in building the connections, understanding, and trust needed to make this ecosystem sustainable.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Nesma Mostafa on Transnational Education: Bringing Global Degrees Closer to Egyptian Students

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

Geekdom

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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Transmissions 



The Sound of the Stork is a radio show and event concept by Stoned Stork Records, presented by Valerio Raponi.
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The Sound of the Stork 



Music in the Air is an incredible travel into house, deep house and nu-disco sound selected by Villahangar' s Djs and the best house Djs.

MITA – Music In The Air



DAYS like NIGHTS is a devoted artistic platform founded by renowned Dutch DJ and producer Eelke Kleijn. Since its launch in 2017 as a record label, DAYS like NIGHTS has been dedicated to presenting innovative, organic music from both established artists and emerging talent around the world.
Known for its signature melodic sound and deep passion for music, the label has expanded into live experiences through its exclusive event series, held in major cities including New York, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and Toronto. Complementing these events is the label&rsquo;s globally recognized radio show, which continues to showcase affiliated artists, fresh talent, and close collaborators, offering listeners a curated journey through the best of modern electronic music.

Days Like Nights With Eelke Kleijn 

Voyager House Music DJ/Producer Tony Kay takes you on a tour of the planet with his weekly hour of the very finest new and upcoming dancefloor bangers from some of the most exciting Producers and Labels in the scene. With Tony Kay on the wheels of steel you can be sure of nothing but the very best rhythmic and grooving electronic music from his extensive armoury of music. Expect 3 deck live mixing and an organic flow that makes &lsquo;In The Mix&rsquo; a special weekly listen, wherever you may be. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In The Mix 



Let&rsquo;s Dance with Nancy brings the energy of the club straight into everyday life on Nile FM. Packed with high-energy beats, chart-toppers, classics, and fresh releases, Nancy keeps listeners motivated, uplifted, and connected to both the global and Cairo dance scenes. It&rsquo;s your daily dose of feel-good dance music proving that dancing doesn&rsquo;t wait for the night.
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Let’s Dance 




Gazlan will be taking listeners on a two-hour journey around different parts of Egypt and the world. Exploring what each place has to offer, from outdoor activities to watersports to simply relaxing and enjoying mother nature.

Gaz Guides

Electronic Music DJ and Producer, born and raised in Madrid, Spain. Creator of the pioneering Iberican Sound, founder of Stereo Productions and Redolent Music.&nbsp;Influenced by Portuguese and American underground sounds, Chus&rsquo;s musical evolution led him to craft house music infused with Soul, Disco, Latin, and World Music elements. he blends Organic House with Soul, Disco, Latin, and World Music influences. With a career spanning over 30 years, Chus is celebrated worldwide for his productions and remixes for artists like Madonna, Rihanna, and JLO, earning accolades such as DJ of the Year and Best House DJ..

Stereo Productions Podcast With DJ Chus 

Some say &ldquo;They don't make them like they used to", and we certainly agree. For one hour we spin out all your favorite classic hits from the 60s through the 90s that bring back those good oldies. Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 11 am, it's the time for some serious nostalgia.

Flashback

Hisham takes you on a journey through today&rsquo;s crowded entertainment world, from cinema releases to top picks with honest reviews, curated recommendations, and the latest entertainment news, he helps you quickly decide what&rsquo;s worth watching next.&nbsp;

The Watchlist 



Join Zeinab &amp; Sami every weekday afternoon for &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo;! Your best companion on your journey home from work or school. The best music, the funniest games and lots more as they help you shake off your Cairo traffic blues! Zeinab and Samy will keep you entertained every day from 5 to 7 PM.
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The Big Drive

Your morning commute has never been this fun! An endlessly entertaining blend of games, news tidbits, and the latest hits, "The Morning Show" is the best place to kick-start your morning. What you listen to in the morning can really set the tone of your whole day, and Sally is here to make sure you are fresh and ready to conquer the day!

The Morning Show

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

Friday Night Flavas

Every Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm, Nadine will be counting down the week&rsquo;s biggest 30 songs on the only official chart countdown in the nation &ldquo;Hit 30 Egypt&rdquo;
Find out whether your favorite song will make it to the #1 spot each week and how long it will stay there!

Hit 30 Egypt

Unlike any other show, Basmah will give you a variety of different segments throughout the weekdays for one hour! Basmah will keep you company with plenty of chat, fun, music &amp; games, along with all the latest entertainment news and much more!

Brain Busters

Every Monday and Wednesday from 3-4 pm, Feedo delivers the hottest chart-topping hit music, mixed back to back, nonstop! All the latest tracks for one hour straight, no interruptions! You know you&rsquo;re in good hands with Feedo and his stellar music taste!
&nbsp;

Mixalicious

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

American Top 40

DJ of the Week&nbsp;&ndash; Where Egypt&rsquo;s future DJs break through!
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!

DJ of the Week

A curated playlist of the best tunes from the 90s &amp; the 2000s! Join veteran music man Simon Ramsden as he helps you bring your busy work week to a close and prepares you for the weekend&rsquo;s parties! Every Thursday, Simon&rsquo;s power hour aims to kickstart your weekend with an hour full of the best of all time and new tracks to make you feel good!

Feel Good Thursday

Step into a world of calm and culture with Nile Bazar with Safi. Featuring oriental-inspired music and thoughtfully curated lifestyle content, the show offers a serene backdrop for reflection, discovery, and an immersive taste of local flavor. Every Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM, with a chance to catch it on Saturday later from 10 PM to 12 AM.
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Nile Bazaar

A him and her show where Mickey &amp; Nadine will talk about topics that interest us, that are trending, and that everyone can relate to. Two perspectives &amp; two preferences. Simply this show will be a place where people can listen to funny, interesting, and relatable&nbsp;topics, with his two cents and her takes. Music, movies, habits, career talk, pop culture, how-to, why, and why-not, did you know? and the list goes on and on which is what makes this show powerful. It&rsquo;s all about the now, the current, and the relevant with interesting talks about everything for everyone.

Real Talk

Miss Elite 2026 third runner-up Viktoria Lazarova of Bulgaria has reflected on her first pageant experience, overcoming her nerves when speaking English and the memories she made during the competition in an appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami.
For Lazarova, the competition was an opportunity to challenge herself, particularly when it came to speaking in front of an audience in English.
She said answering questions in the Top 10 and Top 5 rounds helped her become more confident speaking in front of others, especially as it was her first experience competing in a pageant.
&ldquo;The Top 10 and Top 5 questions actually made me feel more confident about speaking around people, because it was my first time,&rdquo; Lazarova said.
Memories That Will Last
Looking back on her Miss Elite journey, Lazarova said meeting the other contestants from the beginning of the competition was among the experiences she would remember most.
She also spoke about exploring Egypt and taking part in activities throughout the competition, including visits to historic sites and different adventures.
&ldquo;For sure, the first day, since Soma Bay, with all the girls, meeting all the amazing women,&rdquo; she said, describing one of her favourite memories.
Lazarova also highlighted her experiences exploring Egypt, including visits to Karnak Temple and the pyramids, as well as activities such as horse riding.
For Lazarova, her first pageant experience became an opportunity to meet women from different backgrounds, challenge herself and discover more of Egypt while creating memories she expects to carry with her beyond Miss Elite 2026.
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