After surprising fans at the 2026 Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift&rsquo;s new music video for &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; has sparked conversations about her work not only as a singer and songwriter, but also as a director and storyteller.
Starring Taylor Swift, Dakota Johnson, and Colin Farrell, &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; is a single from the expanded edition of Swift&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Life of a Showgirl,&rdquo; titled &ldquo;The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.&rdquo; The expanded album features four new songs, including &ldquo;Patient Zero.&rdquo;
Directed by Swift herself, the music video uses a gothic, cinematic narrative to explore toxic relationships, betrayal, manipulation, and the experience of warning someone about a relationship you have already survived.
&ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; Music Video Explained
The &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; video is more than a visual accompaniment to the song. It tells a story about two women connected through the same man and uses ghost-story imagery to explore the aftermath of a toxic relationship.
The story begins with Dakota Johnson&rsquo;s character standing in front of a grave. As the video unfolds, Swift appears as a mysterious presence connected to Johnson&rsquo;s character, who is in a relationship with Colin Farrell&rsquo;s character.
Swift&rsquo;s character appears to be trying to warn Johnson about the man and help her recognize the warning signs before she suffers the same fate.
The song itself establishes this connection through its lyrics, with Swift describing herself as &ldquo;patient zero,&rdquo; suggesting that she was the first woman to experience the damage caused by this man.
Who Is &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo;?
In the song, Swift sings about a woman being trapped in a toxic relationship and offers to help her because she has already experienced the same situation.
The phrase &ldquo;I was patient zero&rdquo; therefore works as a metaphor. Swift&rsquo;s character is essentially telling Johnson&rsquo;s character that she has already been through what she is currently experiencing.
The lyrics also suggest that the man&rsquo;s charm extends beyond his romantic relationships. Swift describes how he won over family and friends, creating an image of someone who appears loving and charismatic while hiding another side of himself.
This makes &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; a story about recognizing patterns of manipulation and warning someone who may not yet see what is happening.
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Mirrored Lives
One of the most striking visual elements of the video is the way Swift and Johnson&rsquo;s characters mirror each other.
Throughout the video, the two women are frequently placed in visually similar situations. They lie on the bed facing each other, stand at the same sink, and appear in matching leather jackets in the graveyard.
The visual similarities reinforce the idea that Johnson&rsquo;s character is living through a version of Swift&rsquo;s past.
Rather than presenting the two women as literal twins, the video uses their mirrored appearances and movements to emphasize their shared experience with the same man.
The Plot Twist
The major twist comes toward the end of the video, when it becomes clear that Swift&rsquo;s character was previously married to Farrell&rsquo;s character.
The story reveals that Farrell&rsquo;s character killed Swift&rsquo;s character for her money and is now repeating the same pattern with Johnson&rsquo;s character.
Swift therefore appears as a ghost attempting to warn Johnson before she suffers the same fate.
The ending brings the story full circle when Johnson&rsquo;s character visits Swift&rsquo;s grave, which identifies her as a beloved wife and daughter who died young.
Taylor Swift&rsquo;s Cinematic Vision
Swift has described the creative direction behind &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; as an opportunity to explore cinematic and literary genres she loves, including gothic ghost stories, true crime, and psychological thrillers.
The setting also carries a metaphorical meaning. Swift explained that the house represents the coldness of a relationship that has faded and deteriorated.
This approach makes the locations and visual details part of the storytelling rather than simply serving as a backdrop.
The Video&rsquo;s Color Palette
The video also relies heavily on muted, grey, and cold tones, reinforcing the dark and emotionally distant atmosphere of the story.
These colors can be read as reflecting the coldness and tension within the relationship, while the moments featuring gold create a visual contrast.
The shift can be interpreted as representing moments of revelation, particularly as Johnson&rsquo;s character begins to understand the truth about her husband and his past.
The visual storytelling is consistent with the video's broader use of color, costumes, locations, and repeated imagery to reflect the characters&rsquo; emotional states.
It Feels Like Yesterday: A &ldquo;Look What You Made Me Do&rdquo; Callback
Swift&rsquo;s decision to premiere &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; at the VMAs also recalls one of the most memorable moments of her career.
In 2017, she premiered &ldquo;Look What You Made Me Do&rdquo; at the VMAs, introducing a darker version of her public persona and beginning a new visual era.
Nine years later, &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; brings Swift back to the VMAs with another dark, cinematic story featuring a cemetery, a mysterious death, and a new version of Swift as a character inside the narrative.
The cemetery imagery has also been noted as an Easter egg connecting the video to Swift&rsquo;s earlier work.
The Connection Between Dakota Johnson and &ldquo;Verity&rdquo;
There is no confirmed connection between Dakota Johnson&rsquo;s role in &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; and her upcoming film &ldquo;Verity.&rdquo;
However, the casting creates an interesting coincidence. Johnson stars in the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover&rsquo;s &ldquo;Verity&rdquo; alongside Anne Hathaway, a psychological thriller scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 2, 2026.
Both projects involve dark relationships and psychological tension, but there is currently no indication that Swift&rsquo;s music video was created as a reference to &ldquo;Verity.&rdquo;
Instead, the connection can be viewed as an interesting coincidence for audiences familiar with Johnson&rsquo;s upcoming film.
Photo Credit: Taylor Swift&rsquo;s official page

“Patient Zero” Taylor Swift Music Video Explained: Dakota Johnson, Colin Farrell And The Ending

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

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

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards brought together some of the biggest names in music for a night filled with performances, surprises, and major wins at Los Angeles&rsquo; Peacock Theater on Sunday, September 27.
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the ceremony saw Madonna lead the night with seven wins, while Taylor Swift took home three awards, including Video of the Year for &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo; and the inaugural Artist Director Honors.
Madonna Leads the Night With Seven Wins
Madonna entered the 2026 VMAs as the night&rsquo;s most-nominated artist and finished the ceremony with seven awards, including three presented during the telecast: Artist of the Year, Best Dance for &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film,&rdquo; and Best Collaboration for &ldquo;Bring Your Love&rdquo; with Sabrina Carpenter.
Reflecting on her recent journey while accepting Artist of the Year, Madonna said: &ldquo;I spent the last year and a half finding myself, believing in myself and really making the music that I wanted to make.&rdquo;
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Taylor Swift Makes VMA History
Taylor Swift made history at the 2026 VMAs, taking home Video of the Year for &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo; and Best Direction for &ldquo;Opalite,&rdquo; while also receiving the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
The new honor recognizes artists whose directorial work has expanded the possibilities of music videos and visual storytelling. Swift&rsquo;s latest wins brought her career VMA total to 33, making her the most-awarded artist in the history of the ceremony.
Swift also premiered the music video for her new song &ldquo;Patient Zero&rdquo; during the Los Angeles ceremony. The video stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson.
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LISA Scores a Major Win
LISA took home Best Pop for &ldquo;Dream,&rdquo; featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi, adding another major milestone to her growing solo career.
Full List of Winners
Genre-Neutral Categories
Video of the Year
Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
Bruno Mars &ndash; &ldquo;I Just Might&rdquo;
GENER8ION &ndash; &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; starring Yung Lean
Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;Tears&rdquo;
WINNER: Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Bruno Mars
WINNER: Madonna
Morgan Wallen
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
Song of the Year
WINNER: BTS &ndash; &ldquo;Swim&rdquo;
Ella Langley &ndash; &ldquo;Choosin&rsquo; Texas&rdquo;
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI &ndash; &ldquo;Golden&rdquo;
Madonna &amp; Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;Bring Your Love&rdquo;
Olivia Dean &ndash; &ldquo;Man I Need&rdquo;
PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson &ndash; &ldquo;Stateside&rdquo;
RAYE &ndash; &ldquo;WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!&rdquo;
Best New Artist
Bella Kay
CORTIS
Magnus Ferrell
Malcolm Todd
Myles Smith
WINNER: Sienna Spiro
Stella Lefty
Best Collaboration
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice &ndash; &ldquo;Chains &amp; Whips&rdquo;
French Montana x Max B &ndash; &ldquo;Ever Since U Left Me&rdquo;
WINNER: Madonna &amp; Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;Bring Your Love&rdquo;
PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson &ndash; &ldquo;Stateside&rdquo;
Shakira &amp; Burna Boy &ndash; &ldquo;Dai Dai&rdquo;
Teyana Taylor &amp; Lucky Daye &ndash; &ldquo;Hard Part&rdquo;
Genre-Specific Categories
Best Pop
Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
Charli xcx &ndash; &ldquo;SS26&rdquo;
WINNER: LISA &ndash; &ldquo;Dream&rdquo; feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Olivia Rodrigo &ndash; &ldquo;drop dead&rdquo;
Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;House Tour&rdquo;
Tate McRae &ndash; &ldquo;Nobody&rsquo;s Girl&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Best Hip-Hop
WINNER: Cardi B feat. Kehlani &ndash; &ldquo;Safe&rdquo;
Don Toliver &ndash; &ldquo;E85&rdquo;
Drake &ndash; &ldquo;Janice STFU&rdquo;
Megan Thee Stallion &ndash; &ldquo;LOVER GIRL&rdquo;
Travis Scott &ndash; &ldquo;DUMBO&rdquo;
Tyler, The Creator &ndash; &ldquo;SUGAR ON MY TONGUE&rdquo;
Best R&amp;B
WINNER: Bruno Mars &ndash; &ldquo;I Just Might&rdquo;
Chris Brown &ndash; &ldquo;It Depends/Obvious&rdquo;
Dave &amp; Tems &ndash; &ldquo;Raindance&rdquo;
Justin Bieber &ndash; &ldquo;YUKON&rdquo;
Kehlani &ndash; &ldquo;Folded&rdquo;
Mariah the Scientist &amp; Kali Uchis &ndash; &ldquo;Is It a Crime&rdquo;
Best Alternative
Geese &ndash; &ldquo;Taxes&rdquo;
mgk &amp; Fred Durst &ndash; &ldquo;FIX UR FACE&rdquo;
Noah Kahan &ndash; &ldquo;The Great Divide&rdquo;
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo &ndash; &ldquo;the cure&rdquo;
SOMBR &ndash; &ldquo;Homewrecker&rdquo;
Tame Impala &ndash; &ldquo;Dracula&rdquo;
twenty one pilots &ndash; &ldquo;Drag Path&rdquo;
Best Dance
Bebe Rexha &amp; Faithless &ndash; &ldquo;New Religion&rdquo;
Harry Styles &ndash; &ldquo;Aperture&rdquo;
Lady Gaga &amp; Doechii &ndash; &ldquo;RUNWAY&rdquo;
WINNER: Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
PinkPantheress + Zara Larsson &ndash; &ldquo;Stateside&rdquo;
Slayyyter &ndash; &ldquo;DANCE&hellip;&rdquo;
Tate McRae &ndash; &ldquo;Nobody&rsquo;s Girl&rdquo;
Best Latin
Anitta with Shakira &ndash; &ldquo;Choka Choka&rdquo;
WINNER: Bad Bunny &ndash; &ldquo;NUEVAYoL&rdquo;
Fuerza Regida &ndash; &ldquo;TU SANCHO&rdquo;
KAROL G &ndash; &ldquo;Papasito&rdquo;
Rosal&iacute;a ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia &ndash; &ldquo;La Perla&rdquo;
Ryan Castro, Kapo &amp; GANGSTA &ndash; &ldquo;LA VILLA&rdquo;
Shakira &amp; Burna Boy &ndash; &ldquo;Dai Dai&rdquo;
Best K-Pop
BLACKPINK &ndash; &ldquo;JUMP&rdquo;
WINNER: BTS &ndash; &ldquo;SWIM&rdquo;
CORTIS &ndash; &ldquo;REDRED&rdquo;
KATSEYE &ndash; &ldquo;PINKY UP&rdquo;
LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS) &ndash; &ldquo;SPAGHETTI&rdquo;
LISA &ndash; &ldquo;Dream&rdquo; feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Best Country
WINNER: Ella Langley &ndash; &ldquo;Choosin&rsquo; Texas&rdquo;
Kacey Musgraves &ndash; &ldquo;Dry Spell&rdquo;
Lainey Wilson &ndash; &ldquo;Somewhere Over Laredo&rdquo;
Luke Combs &ndash; &ldquo;Back in the Saddle&rdquo;
Shaboozey &ndash; &ldquo;Cowgirl&rdquo;
Stella Lefty &ndash; &ldquo;Boston&rdquo;
Tucker Wetmore &ndash; &ldquo;Brunette&rdquo;
Technical Categories
Best Direction
Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
Bruno Mars &ndash; &ldquo;I Just Might&rdquo;
GENER8ION &ndash; &ldquo;STORM starring Yung Lean&rdquo;
Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;House Tour&rdquo;
WINNER: Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;Opalite&rdquo;
Best Art Direction
Charli xcx &ndash; &ldquo;SS26&rdquo;
Lady Gaga &amp; Doechii &ndash; &ldquo;RUNWAY&rdquo;
Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
WINNER: PinkPantheress &ndash; &ldquo;Stateside + Zara Larsson&rdquo;
SOMBR &ndash; &ldquo;My Body Isn&rsquo;t Ready&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Best Cinematography
A$AP Rocky &ndash; &ldquo;PUNK ROCKY&rdquo;
Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
LISA &ndash; &ldquo;Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi&rdquo;
WINNER: Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
Shaboozey &ndash; &ldquo;Cowgirl&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Best Editing
Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
Bruno Mars &ndash; &ldquo;I Just Might&rdquo;
LISA &ndash; &ldquo;Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi&rdquo;
Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;House Tour&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Best Choreography
GENER8ION &ndash; &ldquo;STORM starring Yung Lean&rdquo;
Harry Styles &ndash; &ldquo;Dance No More&rdquo;
KATSEYE &ndash; &ldquo;PINKY UP&rdquo;
WINNER: Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
Tate McRae &ndash; &ldquo;Nobody&rsquo;s Girl&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Best Visual Effects
WINNER: Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;hate that i made you love me&rdquo;
JISOO X ZAYN &ndash; &ldquo;Eyes Closed&rdquo;
Madonna &ndash; &ldquo;Confessions II &ndash; The Film&rdquo;
PinkPantheress &ndash; &ldquo;Stateside + Zara Larsson&rdquo;
RAYE ft. Hans Zimmer &ndash; &ldquo;Click Clack Symphony.&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;The Fate of Ophelia&rdquo;
Social Categories
Best Group
BLACKPINK
WINNER: BTS
CORTIS
FLO
Fuerza Regida
Geese
KATSEYE
Twenty One Pilots
Best Long Form Video
Charli xcx &ndash; Music, Fashion, Film
Ella Langley &ndash; Choosin&rsquo; Texas
GENER8ION &ndash; STORM starring Yung Lean
WINNER: Madonna &ndash; Confessions II &ndash; The Film
Best Album
Drake &ndash; ICEMAN
WINNER: Madonna &ndash; Confessions II
Olivia Dean &ndash; The Art of Loving
Olivia Rodrigo &ndash; you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love
Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; Man&rsquo;s Best Friend
Taylor Swift &ndash; The Life of a Showgirl
Song of Summer
WINNER: Ariana Grande &ndash; &ldquo;Hate That I Made You Love Me&rdquo;
Bruno Mars &ndash; &ldquo;Risk It All&rdquo;
Charli xcx &ndash; &ldquo;Camera&rdquo;
Ella Langley &ndash; &ldquo;Choosin&rsquo; Texas&rdquo;
KATSEYE &ndash; &ldquo;Hootie Frutti&rdquo;
Latto ft. Doja Cat &ndash; &ldquo;Okayyy&rdquo;
Morgan Wallen &ndash; &ldquo;Been By Now&rdquo;
Olivia Dean &ndash; &ldquo;So Easy (To Fall in Love)&rdquo;
Olivia Rodrigo &ndash; &ldquo;Stupid Song&rdquo;
Sabrina Carpenter &ndash; &ldquo;House Tour&rdquo;
Slayyyter &ndash; &ldquo;Brand New Chanel$&rdquo;
sombr &ndash; &ldquo;Homewrecker&rdquo;
Stella Lefty &ndash; &ldquo;Boston&rdquo;
Tame Impala &amp; JENNIE &ndash; &ldquo;Dracula&rdquo;
Taylor Swift &ndash; &ldquo;I Knew It, I Knew You&rdquo;
Photo Credit: VMAs' official page
&nbsp;

VMAs 2026 Winners: Taylor Swift Makes History As Madonna Wins Seven Awards

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
With each story told over three episodes, "El Qessa El Kamla" goes beyond the headlines to explore the human stories behind real-life criminal cases.
In an exclusive interview with NileFM, Egyptian producer and director Magdy El Hawary discusses the creative vision behind the series, his collaboration with storyteller Sameh Sanad and the process of selecting real-life cases for television. He also explains the importance of respecting the facts when adapting real events for drama and why he believes crime stories should be explored through their human dimensions.
El Hawary also talks about Kinda Alloush&rsquo;s upcoming role in "El Mataha," hints at potential collaborations with Ahmed Mekky and Mostafa Gharieb, and shares details of his upcoming projects.
Rather than focusing solely on the crimes, "El Qessa El Kamla" explores the circumstances, decisions and events that lead to each case, offering a closer look at the people behind the headlines.
What was the creative vision behind selecting the cases featured in "El Qessa El Kamla," particularly those that sparked controversy and attracted public attention?
From the beginning, our goal was not to select the most notorious or violent crimes. The crime itself does not make a drama. We were looking for the human story behind the headlines: an apparently ordinary household, a relationship that gradually deteriorates, or small decisions that accumulate until they lead to a point of no return.
Our main criterion was that each case should raise questions beyond simply asking who committed the crime. We wanted to explore how the story began, why it reached such an ending and whether anything could have been done to prevent it.
That is why we tell each story over just three episodes, using a realistic and distinctive narrative structure. Rather than beginning with the investigation and then returning to the past, we follow the characters from the beginning, exploring the circumstances and decisions that ultimately lead to the consequences we see.
We do not simply recreate crime scenes. We try to discover the human being behind each case.
<a href="https://ibb.co/SwbQ94kX"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/tpgZWT0M/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Was there a particular case you wanted to include in "El Qessa El Kamla" but were unable to?
Certainly. There are many cases I would have liked to explore, some of which have considerable dramatic and human potential. However, not every real-life case is suitable for adaptation.
Sometimes the available information is incomplete, the necessary rights are unavailable, or there are legal and humanitarian considerations involving people who are still alive.
In other cases, the crime itself may be compelling, but there may not be enough character development or a sufficiently substantial human journey to sustain three episodes without inventing details or omitting important facts.
I believe respecting the truth is more important than our desire to tell an interesting story. If we cannot find a responsible way to adapt a case without doing anyone an injustice or presenting unverified claims as facts, it is better to postpone it until the circumstances are right or not present it at all.
<a href="https://ibb.co/7x1GKwRS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wZzK49wd/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Kinda Alloush has recently been announced as part of the cast of "El Mataha." Can you reveal any further details about the cast or other names joining the production?
Kinda Alloush&rsquo;s involvement in "El Mataha" is a significant addition. She is an actress with great sensitivity and intelligence, capable of portraying complex characters without exaggeration.
The story requires an actress who can make the audience believe in and sympathise with her character, while keeping them uncertain about what is happening beneath the surface.
There are indeed some surprises, and we are currently in negotiations with several prominent names. However, I prefer not to announce anyone until the agreements are finalised.
I can say that "El Mataha" will have a distinctive psychological and visual identity, with an unexpected combination of actors. We are not bringing people together simply to create an impressive cast list. Every actor is chosen because they are right for the character and can contribute to the story, rather than simply attracting publicity.
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What would you like audiences to take away from "El Qessa El Kamla"?
I do not want audiences to leave with a direct message that sounds like a moral lesson at the end of a school essay. I want them to reflect and ask questions, because the questions that remain after an episode ends are often more important than ready-made answers.
"El Qessa El Kamla" does not suggest that evil emerges suddenly. Instead, it explores how it can develop through seemingly insignificant details in our relationships and everyday lives: violence we choose to ignore, greed we justify, love we mistake for ownership, or injustice we tolerate because it is committed by someone we care about.
I hope viewers come to understand that a crime is not simply the final act in a story. Sometimes, it has a long history of silence, fear and poor decisions behind it.
Audiences may begin watching as though they are investigating a crime, but I hope they leave asking themselves a different question: when did the crime really begin, and could anyone have prevented it?
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You recently shared a photograph with Ahmed Mekky and Mostafa Gharieb. Could we see the three of you working together on a project soon?
Ahmed Mekky and Mostafa Gharieb are both friends and artists I greatly admire and appreciate. The photograph captured a lovely moment between us, but it was not an official announcement of a project.
Of course, I hope we can work together soon. Each of them has a distinctive artistic identity and a unique presence.
However, I have learnt not to announce a project until its concept and details are fully developed and it is genuinely ready to go into production.
Conversations between artists are ongoing, and sometimes photographs may hint at ideas behind the scenes. But an idea remains just an idea until it becomes a script, a contract and, eventually, a production.
Following "El Qessa El Kamla," what kinds of stories or formats would you like to explore in your future work?
"El Qessa El Kamla" has brought me back to the area I love: creating formats, rather than simply producing television series.
I am interested in projects built around a strong idea, a distinct identity and a structure that can evolve and develop, rather than stories that end when they are shown.
I would like to explore the stories of ordinary people, the ones we encounter every day but rarely pay attention to, even though they can be more compelling and influential than fictional stories.
I am also interested in psychological and social drama, particularly stories that incorporate an element of mystery and explore the intersection between drama, reality, digital content and audience interaction.
I want to continue looking for new forms of storytelling. In my view, a producer is not simply a financier or someone who manages a budget. A real producer creates projects, builds their identity and establishes their value. The job is to recognise the potential of an idea before the market does.
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What projects are you currently developing, and what can audiences expect from you in the coming period?
We are continuing to develop new stories within the "El Qessa El Kamla" universe, including "El Mataha," alongside several other cases that are still at the research, writing and selection stages.
My aim is for every title in the series to have its own setting, characters and dramatic approach, while retaining the core identity of the format.
We are also developing new drama projects and formats, but I would prefer to discuss them once all the elements are in place.
For me, the next stage is not about increasing the number of productions. It is about creating projects with a lasting identity and something meaningful to offer both audiences and the industry.
Photo Credit: Magdy El Hawary&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Exclusive | Magdy El Hawary: '"El Qessa El Kamla" Brought Me Back To The Area I Love'

Just hours after the trailer dropped, audiences are getting their first glimpse at a new romance story starring an on-screen pairing we never knew we needed to see together. Nour El Nabawy and Yasmina El Abd are teaming up in the upcoming romantic film &ldquo;Wala Kan Ala El-Bal,&rdquo; bringing a love story set against the beauty of Luxor.
Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know about the upcoming film.
Plot
Set in the heart of Luxor, the film follows a man who embarks on a romantic and comedic adventure when he becomes responsible for a multinational tourist group.
As he attempts to communicate with the group in four different languages, he unexpectedly falls in love with a girl among the ancient temples. Along the way, he finds himself caught in a series of funny situations that prove that the language of the heart can be the truest of all, no matter how different our languages may be.
Cast
The film stars Nour El Nabawy, Yasmina El Abd, Ashraf Abdel Baky, Marwan El Moslemany, and Joud Alsufyani. &ldquo;Wala Kan Ala El-Bal&rdquo; is directed by Ahmed Emad and written by Eiad Saleh.
Trailer
The newly released trailer showcases the beauty of Luxor while offering the first look at the romance between Nour El Nabawy and Yasmina El Abd&rsquo;s characters.
Nour&rsquo;s character expresses his love for Yasmina&rsquo;s character throughout the trailer, admitting that he cannot live without her. The trailer also features the pair sharing a romantic date, while Yasmina tells him that he is lucky to be surrounded by people who love him.
The trailer gives audiences a glimpse of the film&rsquo;s romantic and comedic tone, while highlighting Luxor as an important part of the story.
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Release Date
&ldquo;Wala Kan Ala El-Bal&rdquo; is set to hit Egyptian cinemas on 21 October 2026, followed by its release across the Middle East on 29 October 2026.
What&rsquo;s Coming for Nour El Nabawy?
Fans are also waiting to see Nour El Nabawy in &ldquo;El Qessa El Kamla,&rdquo; where he will star in the story titled &ldquo;Jannat Iblis.&rdquo;
The upcoming project follows his successful appearance in the &ldquo;El Hareefa&rdquo; franchise, including &ldquo;El Hareefa 2: El Remontada&rdquo; (2024), which continued the story of the original film.
What&rsquo;s Coming for Yasmina El Abd?
Yasmina El Abd also has several upcoming projects on the way. She is set to appear alongside Kinda Alloush in the upcoming series &ldquo;50/50,&rdquo; in addition to her upcoming film &ldquo;Mamsos.&rdquo; She will also star alongside Ahmed Ezz in the upcoming series &ldquo;Al Amir.&rdquo;
Why Fans Are Waiting
At a time when cinemas are seeing a variety of action and comedy films, Nour El Nabawy and Yasmina El Abd are bringing audiences a different kind of story with &ldquo;Wala Kan Ala El-Bal.&rdquo;
The film combines romance and comedy with the beauty of Luxor, offering audiences a chance to experience a love story unfolding among some of Egypt&rsquo;s ancient landmarks.
With the chemistry between its young leads and Luxor serving as a backdrop, &ldquo;Wala Kan Ala El-Bal&rdquo; is set to bring a fresh romantic story to Egyptian cinemas this October.
Photo Credit: Photo from the film&rsquo;s teaser trailer

“Wala Kan Ala El-Bal”: Everything You Need To Know About Nour El Nabawy And Yasmina El Abd’s New Film

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

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

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
What started with curiosity quickly became a career for DJ Moti, who first wanted to discover the world of DJing and, just two years later, has turned that curiosity into a passion.
With a growing presence in Egypt&rsquo;s electronic music scene, Moti continues to explore her sound while encouraging more women to pursue careers behind the decks.
This week on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;DJ of the Week,&rdquo; Moti will take listeners through a fresh one-hour set, with a few surprises along the way. Tune in at 10:00 PM to hear more.
NileFM dives deeper behind the decks with Moti to explore her journey as a female DJ, the challenges she has faced in the industry, her evolving sound, and her upcoming performance alongside Danish DJ Morten during his first-ever performance in Egypt.
Take us behind your journey. What made you decide to become a DJ?
Honestly, it all happened quite spontaneously. A little over two years ago, I asked a friend to teach me how to DJ. But my interest in DJing actually started much earlier, back in 2018, because I had DJs, producers, and party organizers in my close circle.
I decided to actually learn how to DJ simply because I became curious about how everything works and wanted to experience it for myself, what it feels like to be on stage and play music for people.
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How would you describe your sound and the atmosphere you want to create when you perform?
When it comes to my sound, I don&rsquo;t think I have one exact answer yet. I started DJing relatively recently, so I&rsquo;m still figuring it out and exploring what feels right for me. I used to play mostly Afro House, but lately I&rsquo;ve been playing more Indie Dance, and I&rsquo;m really enjoying this direction.
And talking about the atmosphere, I know exactly what I want to create. I want people to have a really good time, enjoy the sound, and feel free to dance. I love watching people on the dance floor, and honestly, seeing people smile while I&rsquo;m playing is one of the best feelings for me.
What changes have you seen in the DJ industry since you first started?
From what I&rsquo;ve seen myself, and also from what I hear from other DJs and people in the scene, the industry has definitely been evolving. There are more DJs, more events, and more opportunities for new artists to get exposure, especially through social media.
What's also important, social media and content have also become a big part of the industry, how you present yourself and connect with people online.
What challenges have you faced in the industry?
One of the things I found challenging was having little to no sleep between shows, it gets exhausting over time, especially when I have to move between cities for each show.
What do you still want to achieve as a DJ?
Honestly, there&rsquo;s still so much I want to achieve, but let&rsquo;s start with playing outside of Egypt.
You have performed at major venues and festivals, including in front of the Pyramids. How has performing at such an iconic location influenced or inspired your music?
It&rsquo;s honestly such an honor for me to perform at places like these and at such major festivals. Playing in front of the Pyramids is something that still feels surreal, like sometimes, while I&rsquo;m in the middle of my set, I look behind me and it&rsquo;s hard to believe that the Pyramids are actually right there.
To be honest, performing in a place like that comes with a certain sense of responsibility. I usually spend much more time working on my playlist and preparing for the set, because I feel like being surrounded by so much history and energy makes me think more carefully about what I want to play.
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You&rsquo;ll be joining Morten for his first-ever performance in Egypt. What does it mean to be part of this special night?
For me, it&rsquo;s a real honor to be part of the night, especially knowing that this will be Morten&rsquo;s first ever show in Egypt. It makes the experience even more special and I&rsquo;m really excited to be part of this moment; can't wait to hear him live.
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What can Egyptian fans expect from your set alongside Morten?
Some exclusive IDS and fresh new edits.
What is one dream venue, festival, or artist you would love to perform alongside?
Solomun at Solomun +1, Pacha Ibiza. That&rsquo;s definitely one I&rsquo;d want to tick off one day.
What advice would you give to young women who want to start a career as DJs?
Stay consistent, find your sound, and don&rsquo;t rush it. The rest comes with time.
Photo Credit: DJ Moti&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | DJ Moti Talks Her Journey, Sound And Morten Performance Ahead Of “DJ Of The Week”

By: Yomna Walid
Egyptian athlete Ramy Ali has made history by setting his second Guinness World Record after completing 21 underwater kettlebell swings on a single breath, combining strength, breath control, endurance, and freediving in a demanding underwater challenge.
A kettlebell is a cast-iron or steel weight shaped like a cannonball with a handle on top, commonly used for strength and conditioning exercises. Unlike traditional kettlebell training, which is performed on land, Ali carries out the exercise underwater while holding his breath.
The challenge requires him to control his breathing, maintain his body position underwater, and perform repeated kettlebell swings without coming back to the surface for air. It combines elements of strength training and freediving, making it physically and mentally demanding.
The achievement came just two years after Ali set his first Guinness World Record in 2024, when he completed 33 underwater pull-ups on a single breath in Dahab.
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Ali spent a full year preparing for his latest record attempt, combining strength and physical training with breathwork, pool and open-water sessions, swimming, and the logistical preparations required to bring the challenge to life.
Under the auspices and supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ali successfully completed the challenge while continuing to develop his vision of creating a new category of spectator sport that combines strength, freediving, and endurance. NileFM dives deeper with Ramy Ali into his journey, preparation, and vision behind his latest achievement.&nbsp;
Take us behind your journey. What first drew you to underwater kettlebell training?
My idea was to build on my previous world record, which was also a strength-training challenge underwater. This time, it was kind of a proof of concept that my idea would work.
The idea by the end of this journey is actually to launch a new category of spectator sports, combining strength, freediving, and endurance altogether.
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After setting a Guinness World Record by completing 21 underwater kettlebell swings on a single breath, how did you prepare for the attempt? The preparation took one whole year because it was not only physical training but also mental and logistical preparation. At the beginning of the journey, I was working alone by myself, so I had to deal with sponsorship proposals, deal with sponsors, close the deals, and handle everything related to government permissions and permits.
The preparation started in September last year and took a whole year. It included physical training at the gym, breathwork training, pool sessions, open-water sessions, and swimming. It took quite a lot of effort to be able to prepare for this.
Completing 21 kettlebell swings underwater on a single breath requires an extraordinary combination of strength, breath control, and mental focus. What was happening physically and mentally during those moments underwater? The moments underwater were physically and mentally super challenging, especially because of the weather conditions during the day. The weather was rough, the sea had a very high tide, and the current underwater was very strong.
It felt like my lungs were exploding due to the fatigue and the weather conditions. Mentally, I was telling myself, &ldquo;I am not going to give up. I will do this whatever it takes.&rdquo; I had to keep myself calm despite the very strong current, which was actually making it very difficult to stay stable underwater.
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This isn&rsquo;t your first Guinness World Record. You previously completed 33 underwater pull-ups on a single breath. How did this record attempt differ from your first?
The previous record was done in August 2024 in Dahab during the summer, and the weather conditions were actually favorable. There was no wind, and the water was crystal clear.
This one was different in terms of exposure, the presence of Guinness World Records adjudicators on site, and, of course, all of these factors caused higher pressure on me compared to the previous one.
The previous one was considered more of a personal achievement, but this one was more about inspiring others, and there was a kind of responsibility. So, it was a bit heavier.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Z6BFdNbY"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/bgsC17G2/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
As an Egyptian athlete breaking records on the international stage, how important is it for you to represent Egypt through these achievements?
The importance of representing Egypt through these achievements is to actually deliver a message that Egyptians are capable of taking on big challenges and are capable of organizing sports tourism events.
I want to help generate sports tourism in Egypt and tourism generally, so the message was mainly patriotic, representing Egypt.
<a href="https://ibb.co/s9dt9Sg7"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/DfHLfX1d/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What was the most memorable feedback you received after setting the record? The most memorable feedback was, &ldquo;Keep inspiring us and keep pushing us to push ourselves beyond our limits.&rdquo; This is the most memorable feedback I got from different people.
Having achieved two Guinness World Records, what is the next goal you are determined to accomplish? The next goal is to help other younger people pursue their dreams, especially in sports and setting world records.
I believe there are many people who are wishing and willing and who have the power to achieve records like this, but they don&rsquo;t really know how to facilitate the process when it comes to government requirements and permits. So, I think I will be helping others to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the records and numbers, what do you hope people take away from your journey when they see you repeatedly push beyond what they thought was possible?
I wish people would take discipline, persistence, and faith from my journey. These are the three factors of success that every person should have if they are really willing to succeed in their lives.
Hard work, dedication, avoiding distractions, and focusing on yourself are important. Don&rsquo;t get your mind busy with other people.
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Photo Credit: Ramy Ali&rsquo;s official page&nbsp;

Exclusive | Ramy Ali On Setting His Second Guinness World Record Underwater

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”

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.

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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

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

Nile FM's Guests

Egypt is set to experience warm weather during the day along the northern coasts, hot weather in Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, and northern Upper Egypt, and very hot weather in southern Upper Egypt, while mild conditions are expected at night across most areas on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a chance of light to moderate rain, at approximately 20%, in scattered areas of the northern coastal governorates, northern Lower Egypt, and parts of the Western Desert. Rain may occasionally become heavy, with a 10% chance in some areas at intervals.
There is also a slight chance of light rain, at approximately 10%, in scattered areas of southern Lower Egypt, potentially extending to parts of Greater Cairo, central Sinai, Halayeb and Shalateen, as well as parts of Upper Egypt at intervals.
Winds will be active, reaching 30 to 40 km/h across most areas, helping moderate temperatures in shaded areas and at night.
<a href="https://ibb.co/YFr2JPn1"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/q3ZBh7qc/Egypt-Weather-90.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-90" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather | Warm Weather And Rain Expected In Several Areas – 29 September 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.02 for buying and EGP 52.12 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 68.82 for buying and EGP 69.09 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.06 for buying and EGP 59.28 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.75 for buying and EGP 7.77 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.14 for buying and EGP 14.19 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/rKXt9Q5V"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Q7xc0JY4/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-29-T100941-532.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-29-T100941-532" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates | Today’s Exchange Rates In Egypt – 29 September 2026

Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, has chaired the second meeting of the Supreme Committee overseeing preparations for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair, scheduled for 2027.
The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming edition, including digital transformation, infrastructure development and proposals to improve visitor services, according to a statement published on the Egyptian Cabinet's official page.
Digital Transformation And Organisational Development
Konsowa described the 58th edition as an important milestone in the digital transformation and organisational development of the region's largest cultural event.
He said preparations would go beyond addressing logistical challenges, focusing instead on establishing sustainable digital and investment infrastructure. The plans include the use of artificial intelligence and smart technologies to serve millions of visitors and improve access to cultural content.
He also reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting the publishing industry and preserving Egypt's cultural influence.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEgyptianCabinet%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0283XPJjAeR6U8shDA3SgTNVRd8ezoJVFkFRhCjjshYQGNvEFh3vs3G8kKg4H5Dc19l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="735" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Reviewing The 57th Edition
The committee reviewed statistical data from the 57th edition to identify areas for improvement and draw on previous experience in planning the next fair.
It also discussed the structure and responsibilities of the executive committees and ways to improve coordination between them.
The committees oversee various aspects of the event, including the main exhibition hall, intellectual and artistic activities, poetry, novels, book discussions and signings, international participation, and the Guest of Honour programme. Other areas include children's activities, professional events, conferences and media coverage.
The committee also discussed the criteria for selecting the central figure and slogan of the 58th edition, as well as the intellectual and cultural themes to be explored during the fair.
Smart Visitor Services
Plans for a unified digital system and mobile application were also discussed, with the platform scheduled to be ready by 1 December 2026.
The proposed system will offer visitors smart search tools for books and publishers, interactive maps and electronic ticketing. The committee also considered introducing an artificial intelligence assistant and providing access to selected services without an internet connection.
The meeting addressed the infrastructure and network requirements at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center. A joint team from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working on the technical requirements.
The committee also discussed expanding advertising opportunities for sponsors and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fair's digital services.
Developing The Exhibition Layout
The Capital University Consulting Center presented its architectural and engineering plans for redesigning the exhibition layout.
The proposals include improving visitor circulation, expanding exhibition spaces, widening main corridors and redistributing areas to ensure fair opportunities for publishers of different sizes.
The committee highlighted the importance of building on previous editions while upgrading the fair's infrastructure and services to accommodate its growing scale and international profile.
Coordination With Publishers
The committee also discussed plans for a coordination meeting with publishers represented by the Egyptian and Arab Publishers' Unions, in cooperation with e-finance.
The meeting will focus on technical proposals for the digital system and incorporating publishers' requirements into the mobile application ahead of its launch.
Konsowa thanked the Supreme Committee's members for their efforts and said further coordination meetings would be held to monitor progress, address challenges and ensure preparations were completed well in advance of the fair.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the Cairo International Book Fair's international standing.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet&rsquo;s official page

Cairo International Book Fair 2027: New Plans Revealed Ahead Of 58th Edition

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.66 for buying and EGP 51.76 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Monday, 28 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 68.31 for buying and EGP 68.56 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.75 for buying and EGP 58.95 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.69 for buying and EGP 7.71 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.05 for buying and EGP 14.09 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/N6P2sFm3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/vxG4HcQB/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-28-T084321-361.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-28-T084321-361" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates | US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today – 28 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience warm autumn weather during the day on the northern coasts, hot weather in Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, and northern Upper Egypt, and very hot conditions in southern Upper Egypt, while mild weather is expected at night in most areas on Monday, 28 September 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
There is a chance of light to moderate rain at times, with a probability of approximately 20%, over scattered areas of the northern coastal governorates, the northern Nile Delta, and parts of the Western Desert.
Winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h across most areas will help moderate temperatures, particularly in shaded areas and at night.
Low clouds are also expected to form over scattered areas of southern Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt, and may be accompanied by light, insignificant drizzle in some areas.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Y7wMzsGn"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/VW5Z748n/Egypt-Weather-89.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-89" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather | Warm Autumn Weather And Rain Expected Across Several Areas – 28 September 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.64 for buying and EGP 51.74 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 68.21 for buying and EGP 68.62 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.70 for buying and EGP 59.04 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.69 for buying and EGP 7.70 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.04 for buying and EGP 14.08 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/tpPTycV3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/B2K58j0w/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-27-T105652-091.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-27-T105652-091" border="0" /></a>
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar Trades At EGP 51.64 Against The Egyptian Pound – 27 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience a rise in temperatures across the country on Sunday, 27 September 2026, with hot and humid weather expected during the day in the north, including Greater Cairo, and very hot conditions in South Sinai and the south of the country. At night, moderately warm and humid weather is expected across most areas, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). There is a chance of light to moderate rain, at around 30%, in scattered areas of the northwestern coastal governorates, northern Lower Egypt, and parts of the Western Desert. Rain may be heavy at times from Salloum to Marsa Matrouh and could extend intermittently to Greater Cairo. Scattered rainfall is also expected across parts of southern Lower Egypt, with rain potentially extending to several other areas of the country. The rainfall is expected to help moderate temperatures, particularly in shaded areas and during the night. Dust storms may affect parts of the northwestern coast, Lower Egypt, and exposed areas of Greater Cairo. There is also a slight chance of light rain, at around 10%, in some areas. Winds are expected to reach 30 to 35 km/h in several areas, while stronger winds of 40 to 60 km/h are expected over the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. These conditions may lead to rough seas along parts of the Red Sea coast and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, with wave heights reaching between 2 and 3 metres.
<a href="https://ibb.co/08g1cm3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/J0f8KmP/Egypt-Weather-88.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-88" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Flickr

Egypt Weather | Rise In Temperatures Across The Country – 27 September 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 51.55 for buying and EGP 51.65 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 68.16 for buying and EGP 68.43 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.61 for buying and EGP 58.84 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.67 for buying and EGP 7.69 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.02 for buying and EGP 14.06 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/Sw0xxsBZ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/chtvvgQs/Exchange-Rates-2026-09-24-T104629-583.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-09-24-T104629-583" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates | US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today – 24 September 2026

Egypt is set to experience hot and humid weather during the day in the north of the country, extending to Greater Cairo, while temperatures will be very hot in the south. Nights are expected to be mild and humid across most areas on Thursday, 24 September 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
Light to moderate rain is expected in the evening, with a possibility of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at times. Rainfall is expected in scattered areas of the northwestern coastal governorates and northern Lower Egypt, with a probability of approximately 30%.
Scattered areas of southern Lower Egypt and the Suez Canal cities may also experience rain, while there is a slight chance of rainfall, at approximately 10%, in parts of Greater Cairo. The rain and associated weather conditions may help cool the air, particularly in shaded areas and during the night.
Wind activity is expected, with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 km/h. Strong winds associated with thunderstorms may also stir up sand and dust in some areas, particularly along the northwestern coast.
The EMA noted that thunderstorms, with a probability of approximately 30%, could be accompanied by lightning strikes in some areas and strong wind activity resulting from downdrafts beneath thunderstorms, which may stir up sand and dust.
Maritime navigation may be disrupted in some areas of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba due to strong winds ranging between 45 and 65 km/h. Wave heights are expected to range from 2.5 to 3.5 meters.
<a href="https://ibb.co/XZ4Y8Dm3"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/0jXstKPF/Egypt-Weather-87.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-87" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather | Hot And Humid Conditions, Rain Expected In Several Areas – 24 September 2026

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

Top News 
Current Affairs 
Local News 
International News 

News

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;
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.
<a href="https://ibb.co/39fjt4Nq"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Q38TspNR/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
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;
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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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
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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:
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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

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.
&nbsp;

Transmissions 



The Sound of the Stork is a radio show and event concept by Stoned Stork Records, presented by Valerio Raponi.
The show features DJs from around the world, sharing exclusive mixtapes through an international network of radio partners across Europe, the USA, and South America.

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.
&nbsp;

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.
&nbsp;

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.
&nbsp;

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

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;
<a href="https://ibb.co/5h7Jm1Fz"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/TMCN6wLn/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
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;
<a href="https://ibb.co/0pgdhTQC"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Q721rLXP/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
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;
<a href="https://ibb.co/BKzZ15gF"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Z1L8Zph7/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
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;
<a href="https://ibb.co/cc0LVwvb"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/XZ18MD4y/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Ahmed Samir&rsquo;s official page

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