Community Times February 2019 Issue by Community Times

Since 1996

February 2019

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

We are dedicating this issue to all who have served the company over the years and to all our clients who have been loyal sponsors, as well as all our readers.

23 YEARS

A GREENER FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE SECTION

SPECIAL FEATURES ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Publisher Live Colors, Nicosia Managing Partner Najla Riad Associate Partners Ahmed Samy Mohamed Maher

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Editor’s NotE

Editor-in-Chief Moguib Roshdy Acting Editor Najla Riad Editor Rawan Abdel Latif

WRITERS Hadeel Hegazi, Noha Kandil, Rehab Saad and Yasmine Mabrouk

Dear Reader

ART DEPARTMENT

This is our 23rd year in the publishing and advertising business including Community Times magazine, therefore we are dedicating the February issue to all the employees who have served the company over the years and to all our clients who have been loyal sponsors, as well as our readers. The company and Community Times would not have existed and stayed on the market all these years without you. Live Colors Egypt has been advancing in the social media movement with a Facebook page where we highlight an important event or an article at least twice a week, and Instagram is where we post events we attend for our clients as well as some fun anecdotes. Our old website had crashed a few months ago, but we redesigned a better one and uploaded it which started operating last October and we are proud to say that during the first month it was online, it welcomed 20,000 viewers organically. This issue is addressing an important topic that is on the headlines of every major paper and online sites worldwide, and that is the extreme climate change that is rapidly advancing all over the world. The year 2018 has experienced cold fronts caused by unusually low temperatures in Europe, and Argentina and Uruguay had severe droughts, which in turn caused a surge in global grain prices. A series of heat waves hit Europe where the temperature reached 45C in Portugal and the UK had the hottest three months on record between May and July. Flooding in India from May to October left hundreds of thousands homeless. The United States had the worst hurricane season in its history, and a colossal storm devastated Guan, the Philippines and parts of South China. A category five hurricane was responsible for more than 100 deaths, and deadly wildfires in California burned 460,000 acres. All those disasters and more have cost the world so far, US$ 85 billion. On that basis, Egypt is one of the countries where serious steps have been taken and are still being taken to play its role in rectifying some of the damages caused by humans. You will find a whole section of more than 40 pages highlighting government projects, individual efforts and upstart organizations that are contributing to lessen the effect of greenhouse gases, as well as nongovernmental organizations that are spreading awareness on the topic. This is an interest read.

Senior Graphic Designer Alia Azzouz

SALES DEPARTMENT Sales Director Rania Halim Rana Touban

PRODUCTION MANAGER Enas Adly

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Distribution Manager Rana Ezzat Salem Tantawi

Office Manager Magda Adib

FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS Hazem Abdel Tawab Mohamed Mostafa

Office Clerk Mohamed Adel Office Custodian Ismail Othman Distribution Al Ahram, Next Media Mohandessin, Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, Nasr City, New Cairo, 6 October City, Sheikh Zayed City

Address: 48 Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, Midan El Sabaa’ Emarat, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 0100 005 2322 - 0100 005 2323 E-mail: editor@live-colors.com Website: published by LC Live Colors Nicosia, Cyprus

Wish you a fun Valentine’s Day and once more, thank you for being a loyal reader to our magazine. !e Editor

Ct | FEBRuaRy 2019

CommunityTimesEgypt

LIVE YOUR DRE AM WITH A WEDDING UNIQUELY YOURS.

A W E D D I N G F O R TO D AY ’ S MODERN BRIDE AND GROOM, A LO N G S I D E T H E T I M E L E S S M A J E ST Y O F T H E P Y R A M I D S I N A LO C AT I O N T H AT H A S E N T R A N C E D R OYA LT Y A N D CELEBRITIES. Just imagine ... as you sashay from the exclusive foyer to ‘wow’ your loved ones under the crystal chandeliers, surrounded by the gold-leafed teak walls of the versatile Al Khalifa ballroom. Tasteful elegance blends seamlessly with up-to-the-minute innovation as our Marriott Events experts create your perfect day, offering menus tailored for up to 700 guests with music hitting all the notes from ‘pop’ to zaffa. Glamorous, romantic, captivating ... a fantasy come true.

6. PYRAMIDS ROAD, P.O. BOX 12556, GIZA, CAIRO, EGYPT T: 00. 202.33.77.3222 F: 00. 202.33.76.7777

www.communitytimes.me

@CTimesEgy

communitytimes

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2019 tOWN tAlK

BuSINeSS

06 Talk of the Town News

74 Interviewing the Managing

Director of Ahram Beverages

76 Business News

Culture

DeStINAtIONS

20 BOOKS

Titles to Look Out For in 2019

80 ScEnES

22 EvEntS

Sofitel Winter Palace: A Luxory Retreat

Events You Do Not Want to Miss

SpeCIAl FeAtureSA GreeNer Future

26 Recycled Homes From Around the World

28 Eco-Friendly Projects for a Greener Future

82 travEl

Emirates Opens First Dedicated Airport Lounge in Egypt

86 Emirates Presents a Unique Culinary Experience

88 Cambodia: A Journey to a Land of Timeless Grace and Charm

36 Go Green Programs and Initiatives

44 Youththinkgreen Egypt 62

48 “Taqatak” Startup Presents Electricity Solutions

COVER: Since 1996

52 FEED Introduces Permaculture February 2019

56 How to Help at Home 60 Eco-Tourism in Egypt

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

We are dedicating this issue to all who have served the company over the years and to all our clients who have been loyal sponsors, as well as all our readers.

23 YEARS

A GREENER FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE SECTION

SPECIAL FEATURES ON CLIMATE CHANGE

62 Exploring Egypt’s Protectorates

COmmuNItY 70

EntrEprEnEur Al Makinah Startup Fills Market Gap

Mind, Body & Soul 58 The TriFactory: The Glory of Endurance Sports

CuISINe 70 Energy Boosting Breakfast Recipes

SOCIetY 78 Social Events and Gatherings

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A TABLE FOR T WO ... A MEMORY FORE V ER

T H E ‘ W O R L D I S YO U R OYST E R ’ T H I S V A L E N T I N E ’ S . . . S O T R A N S P O RT YO U R S W E E T H E A RT TO D I V I N E LY ROMANTIC SETTINGS FOR A NIGHT O F I N T E R N AT I O N A L T E M P TAT I O N S .

Saraya Gallery, is stylishly French with the cuisine to match ... ‘Ooh la la!’. Whisper ‘il mio amore’ to your love amid the Italian ambience of Ristorante Tuscany ... take a front row seat for the exotic Japanese teppanyaki show at Torii. Promenade Café awaits in an outdoor setting - just perfect, while The Bakery welcomes you with delectable delights.

16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM ARABIC.MARRIOTT.COM/CAIEG

For the young at heart ... what’s not to love.

TOWNTALK IHG Partners with Arab International Tourism Investment Company to Develop Voco Giza Pyramids InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Arab International Tourism Investment Company to debut the Voco brand in Egypt, with the development of Voco Giza Pyramids; part of a mixed-use development, which will include a high-end mall, and a 17,000 sqm hotel scheduled to open in 2022. The Voco brand combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Strategically located to cater for both business and leisure travellers, the 230-room Voco Giza Pyramids will be situated in the prime locale of Pyramids Gardens in Giza, beside the Grand

Egyptian Museum and the main entrance of the Pyramids. A 15-minute drive from the newly opened Sphinx International Airport, the hotel will be conveniently located 30-minutes from the city center, with easy access to the ring road connection to the New Administrative Capital. The hotel will offer all the features that guests will expect from the upscale brand, including an outdoor pool, a health club and spa, as well as 861 sqm of meeting space. There will also be multiple dining options available for guests to enjoy, from the pool bar to the hotel’s specialty restaurant.

Marriott International Anounces Marriott Bonvoy – The New Brand Name of its Loyalty Prog ram Marriott International unveiled Marriott Bonvoy, the new loyalty brand replacing the current loyalty brands – Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) – and reflecting the unmatched benefits, single loyalty portfolio and experiences announced last year. Starting February, Marriott Rewards Moments and SPG Moments will become Marriott Bonvoy Moments, which together with Marriott Moments will feature approximately 120,000 experiences in 1,000 destinations available for purchase or by redeeming points. In addition to accessing locally relevant sights and excursions, such as hiking into glacial Patagonia, desert treks on camelback in Morocco or cruising to Vietnam’s timeless floating villages, members can indulge in oncein-a-lifetime experience like cooking alongside renowned chefs, or honing football skills in a master class with Hall of Famers. Throughout 2019, Marriott will bring Marriott Bonvoy to life with a series of experiential events

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for members taking advantage of the company’s marketing partnerships with iconic brands including the NCAA and the FIA Formula One™ World Champions, MercedesAMG Petronas Motorsport, as well as through sponsorships such as the Oscars, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival, The Hong Kong Sevens and The PGA Tour World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship. Marriott Bonvoy will usher in a new mobile experience. Members using either the SPG or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards apps are encouraged to download the current Marriott app now, which will automatically update to become the Marriott Bonvoy app on February 13.

Egyptian Banking Institute Hosts a Specialized Workshop on "Women Financial Inclusion" The Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), the official training arm of the Central Bank of Egypt, hosted a specialized workshop last December on "Women Financial Inclusion" at Conrad Cairo Hotel. The workshop was held in cooperation with a number of prestigious international organizations, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The workshop was attended by representatives of the Central Banks of Egypt and Zambia and a large number of heads of departments in Egyptian banks and representatives of international organizations, in addition to a distinguished group of professors and academics interested in the subject. EBI's management sought to invite a group of prominent foreign and Egyptian speakers to promote the exchange of experiences and valuable proposals on this important subject.

The opening session was presented by Mr. Abdel Aziz Nosseir, Executive Director of the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), Dr. Ola El Khawaga, Director of the Research and Awareness Department at EBI, and Ms. Nermine El Tahri, Assistant Sub-Governor (Deputation) Banking Reform Sector at the Central Bank of Egypt, in addition to Ms. Randa Abou El Hosn, Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). El Khawaga mentioned that greater access to financial services for women can be achieved through introducing innovative specialized financial products and services that are customtailored to cater for the needs of all segments, as well as expansion in the development of e-services, diversification of banking distribution channels and promoting effective participation in financial awareness and education initiatives. As the topic is receiving a growing amount of attention in global debate on economic, social and development issues, the workshop aimed to review the best practices in formulating effective financial policies and designing financial services and products tailored to all women needs.

Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars Celebrates Christmas with 57357 Children’s Cancer Hospital Choir As part of the IHG corporate social responsibility and the company’s ongoing support to the community, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars invited 57357 children’s choir to celebrate Christmas and chant carols with the hotel’s team and guests. The celebration took place at the lobby where many guests gathered with the hotel’s team to watch the choir ’s performance. The celebration started with a short welcoming ceremony where children enjoyed warm Christmas drinks, followed by a beautiful performance by the kids. After, Santa Clause distributed Christmas cookie bags to the children and the guests where they also had the chance to take memorable pictures with Santa and the colorful festive decoration displayed.

Dieter Franke, General Manager of the hotel and Area General Manager for Egypt, Ibrahim Nashaat, General Manager of Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars, the Public Relations team and Holiday Inn team welcomed the children. The 57357 Hospital relies completely on donations and financial aid as they offer treatment free to all children.

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TOWNTALK A Royal Winter Escape in Luxor and Aswan Shake off the winter blues with a Winter Royal Escape at Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor or a Legendary Escape at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan. The two palatial hotels are the perfect place to enjoy fivestar luxury and still be within a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw of some of the oldest antiquities in the world. This winter, the Winter Palace and Old Cataract design a vacation solution for distinguished guests eager to explore the gems of Luxor or to find serenity and relaxation in Aswan.

Guests can book from February till April and enjoy special rates for Egyptian citizens and foreign residents, in an ingenuity to encourage citizens to know more about their history. Old Cataract and Winter Palace are must-visit destinations for guests seeking unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on the chance for a fabulous winter break.

Nile Ritz-Carlton Receives Four Awards of Excellence from Marriott International The Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo announced receiving four major awards from Marriott International for best performing hotel in 2017 and 2018. The General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Joe Ghayad was awarded General Manager of the Year for Middle East and Africa. He was given this prestigious title at Marriott International Luxury Hotel Awards ceremony held in mid-January in Cairo. The award was presented to honor his impressive work and dedicated effort. In addition, the hotel was given three major luxury awards as Best Performing Hotel in Financial Excellence, Operational Excellence and Food and Beverage Excellence on all criterias related to service, quality and financial achievements.

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Mall of Arabia Brings the Looney Tunes Show to Town for the First Time in Egypt For the first time in Egypt, Mall of Arabia’s newly launched Phase II –The Expansion, hosted the famous Looney Tunes show. The Looney Tunes show saw a huge turnout of mall visitors and was attended by more than 6000 spectators during the period of January 3rd to January 12th. The show is one of a series of unique and exclusive events held at The Expansion catering to the various needs of all members of the family.

Orascom Development Egypt Signed an Ag reement with Thomas Cook to Introduce Casa Cook Hotel and Cook's Club Hotel to El Gouna Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) through its hotel subsidiary Orascom Hotels Management (OHM) signed an agreement with Thomas Cook to develop a new 100-room luxury beachfront hotel property under the brand of Casa Cook El Gouna. The deal also includes rebranding Arena Inn, El Gouna's 144room downtown hotel to become a Cook's Club Hotel. Casa Cook El Gouna, set to open in October 2019, will offer a range of family-friendly accommodation including two-bedroom villas with private pools and suites with shared pools. As for Cook’s Club, opening summer 2019, the hotel will cater to a new generation of travelers looking for a stripped-back design hotel with great food and drink. The 144-room hotel will feature a large, beachside pool, a street-food style canteen restaurant, and a DJ who builds the atmosphere throughout the day. Casa Cook is the luxury hotel brand of Thomas Cook that was introduced in 2016 with the opening of Casa Cook Rhodes. Cook’s Club builds on the success of Casa Cook, extending the same design-led ethos to bigger properties at a more accessible price. The first Cook's Club was opened in June 2018 in Crete, Greece.

The Famous Moghul Room is Back at Marriott Mena House Cairo’s most celebrated Indian restaurant has reopened in a contemporary setting in the shadows of the Pyramids. Savor a new menu which has been miticousely updated by the hotel’s newly appointed Indian Chef who has recently joined the Marriott Mena House, Cairo’s team. Indian food lovers can now experience the true tase of India when choosing from the exceptional menu including mouthwatering appetizers, exquisite bread selection,the famous biryani and exotic desserts.

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TOWNTALK Café Fontaine Opens its Doors at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino Café Fontaine, a vibrant new coffee shop and bakery is now open with a wide variety of food and beverage outlets. It is accessible through the Nile entrance, and opens early to serve morning commuters offering freshly brewed coffee, fresh sandwiches, salads and an oversized bakery. Wedding and customized cakes are offered, allowing guests to celebrate and personalize any special occasion with unlimited imagination. All baked goods are made with local, fresh ingredients and are handcrafted in-house.

Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah Wins Best Luxury Hotel for 2018 The “International Hotel & Property Awards” was given to Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah Hotel - the “Best Luxury Hotel” in Egypt. This marked the second time the hotel wins such an award for reaching excellence in the hospitality industry. The International Hotel Awards were judged by an independent panel of 80 industry experts. Judging focused on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to

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sustainability. The panel was chaired by Lord Thurso, a member of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. The Awards were presented last December at the The Savoy Hotel, London and was attended by Laurent Betourne, Area General Manager Sofitel Egypt and Ghada Beshr, Area Director of Marketing Sofitel Egypt.

Sofitel Upper Egypt Appoints New Marketing Manager Sofitel Legend Old Cataract and Sofitel Luxor Winter Palace have appointed Mahy Medhat as Marketing Manager, responsible for executing the hotels’ marketing and PR objectives and strategies. The Egyptian national, holder of a Master ’s of Art degree in Mass Communications from University of Leicester, joins the hotels with 10 years of experience in the luxury travel and hospitality industry in the GCC, including UAE, KSA and Qatar. Her mission will revolve around creating and maintaining the historical hotels’ brand identity, reputation and communication activities internally and externally. The Winter Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel built in 1886 by British explorers perched on the Nile River amid luxuriant tropical gardens and ancient temples. The Old Cataract is one of the only five Sofitel Legend hotels in the world, a 19th-century Victorian palace in Aswan.

Mohamed Abdel Fattah Named Executive Chef of Sofitel Legend Old Cataract A native of Egypt, Abdel Fattah began his career with Accor Hospitality more than 20 years ago. Holding a Master ’s of Arts degree from Alexandria University along with a Bachelor ’s degree specializing in hospitality and tourism, he has developed his culinary skills over many years of working in various upscale restaurants and luxury hotels around the region, including Egypt, KSA and France. He will bring a dynamic, innovative energy to the dining experience at the hotel. In his new role, he will be overseeing the hotel's entire food and beverage program, the banquet operations and six dining venues, including the historical signature restaurant “1902”, oriental inspired cuisine at “Oriental Kebabgy” and Mediterranean at “Al Saraya” among stylish lounges and bars that hosted royalties and Sir Winston Churchill.

Atef Wilson: General Manager of the Year Le Méridien Cairo Airport announced that Mr. Atef Wilson, the General Manager of the Hotel has won “The General Manager of the Year 2018” Award during the Marriott General Managers Road Show 2019. The award came to recognize Wilson as the General Manager of the Year 2018 among The Middle East & Africa.

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TOWNTALK Surprise your Valentine with an Exceptionally Romantic Dinner at Grand Nile Tower Wish to surprise your Valentine? Make it a night to remember at the spectacular Grand Nile Tower Revolving Restaurant. With remarkable views from atop the city, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner, enchanting atmosphere and musical melodies on this special night. This entire experience with an astonishing 360-degree panorama of the Nile and city of Cairo, makes the Revolving Restaurant one of Cairo’s most romantic meeting places this Valentine’s Day.

intimate setting and live entertainment while cruising the Nile.

An alternative experience would be on the Marquise yacht that offers a delectable dinner in an

Make it an unforgettable experience and spend the night in one of the elegantly appointed rooms while soaking up the dazzling atmosphere on the Nile for an ultimate Valentine’s Day experience.

InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars and Staybridge Suites Celebrate Love on Valentine’s Day InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites help promises come true in a magically romantic atmosphere. At InterContinental, enjoy a Valentine cocktail at Bellini Cocktail Lounge and dine from the à la carte menu on an evening exclusively for couples. Esplanade Restaurant features a live buffet, and at My Bakery, give in to temptation with chocolates and strawberries, heart-shaped cakes and Valentine's cupcakes. Enjoy a night of traditional Egyptian celebration at Al Khal, or add an exotic touch at Fayruz with a Lebanese set menu, live band and belly dancer. Heart-shaped balloons and rose petals add to the atmosphere at Shogun, while love songs set the mood at Pool Bar, The Arcade and The Lounge. At Holiday Inn, go back in time to the 80s at Simply Neon. You will definitely enjoy a lively night packed with the DJ playing the decade’s biggest hits while you showcase your best moves and enjoy exquisite cocktails and food. For a colorful Valentine’s Day, Windows features an exclusive buffet for couples while ladies will enjoy receiving a red rose when they dine at Indira, which offers authentic Indian dishes. For a more intimate Valentine’s Day, celebrate at Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars.

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Valentine’s Day Highlights at Semiramis InterContinental Fulfil your sweet tooth cravings at Café Corniche. Savour sweet strawberry creations everyday throughout February and pick up a Valentine’s cake and favorite treats. The signature resto-bar and lounge, India Along the Nile, brings an unmatched romantic experience in a contemporary and modern setting. Indulge in an exquisite set menu by Indian Chef Sanjib Kumar and dance along to the resident DJs tunes. A Valentine’s Celebration Gala Dinner will be held in Teeba ballroom. Egyptian Rising Stars, Dalia and Lily Farid, will lead the performance with the Cairo Jazz Orchestra featuring original songs and popular selections in five languages. On the following day, enjoy a Valentine’s Brunch at Night & Day, where the hotel’s brigade of chefs bring you an array of traditional, oriental, Lebanese and multi-ethnic dishes “a la minute” from sushi and stir fry to Teppanyaki, Tandoori and carving stations, not to mention salads, pasta, and desserts. Birdcage restaurant captures the spirit and flavors of Thailand. Chef Narong is always cooking up the most original and check out his Valentine specials. This restaurant has been awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” for the eighth consecutive year by Tripadvisor. Sabaya brings the fine art of Lebanese dining to a higher level. Going beyond the traditional, Chef

Walid Baz presents an exclusive Valentine’s Menu in oriental and Lebanese style. You do not want to miss an exclusive fun-filled night of romance at Pane Vino on Valentine’s Day with Cairo's premier crooner Ahmed Harfoush and panoramic views of the Nile! The Grill boosts a symphony of classic love songs for dinner. Enjoy a contemporary cuisine in a romantic setting, with spectacular Nile views and French authenticity throughout its menu. Private dining corners and an unparalleled selection of wines complete the refined Valentine’s dinging experience. Designed especially for couples, the hotel’s Valentine’s getaways are the perfect way to reconnect and rekindle romance on Valentine’s Day. Your journey starts with a chocolate wrap, followed by a 60 minute couples massage, sparkling water and divine chocolate dipped strawberries. You can then escape further and calm your senses in the private spa relaxation area, sauna and Jacuzzi. Do not forget to ask about their special overnight rates for two. For reservations and further information for restaurants: 279788188, and for the spa: 279788080.

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TOWNTALK Celebrate at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino Celebrate the day with an exceptional stay at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino. Kick off with a wine and delicious cheese experience at Bridge. Accompany your loved one to a romantic five-course set menu dinner at Giannini’s amid a romantic Italian atmosphere with a modern New York twist in the first New York Italian restaurant in Cairo. On the other hand, you can enjoy “Siret El Hob” early seafood buffet dinner at Rawi restaurant with an oriental atmosphere and the sound of the legendary Om Kalthoum who will take you to a time of outstanding love stories. Finish off the night at Studio 70 where you will dance to the Latin tunes and savor the freshest sushi platter. Don’t forget to buy a chocolate box from Café Fontaine to add some sweetness to this special day and book your room and extend your celebration for a romantic weekend.

Romantic Dinner in Aswan by King Fouad Corner at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Spoil your special one with an extraordinary evening and dine like royalty. An intimate private dining experience is available for discerning guests, where King Fouad of Egypt entertained royalty and dignitaries. Dine under the stars and soak the shimmering Nile views. Sit down at a candlelit table for two in a secluded dream location, where a butler will meet your every romantic desire for a seamless fine dining affair, starting from a mouthwatering threecourse dinner menu.

Royal Romantic BBQ Dinner at the Garden of Sofitel Luxor Winter Palace

Indulge in an extraordinary flame-grilled feast outdoors in their royal garden overlooking the pool and the Palace. Pamper yourself with the epitome of Sofitel luxury. Enjoy the breeze, oriental music and meat delicacies on the barbecue, served with an array of delicious creations, authentic Egyptian tagines, oriental dips and appetizers. An ultimate romantic experience to cherish and impress your beloved one.

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Celebrate the Season of Love at Le Meridien Cairo Airport

Pamper your significant other with a romantic candle-lit dinner on Valentine’s Day at Mezzeh restaurant, where a specially crafted four-course set menu for couples will be offered with romantic live music to make your celebration even more special. Add a little effervescence to the evening with a classic Sparkling Kir Royale welcome drink with a twist.

If you are not a fan of the occasion, escape all the romance at Live Sports Bar which will be hosting an unconventional Anti-Valentine’s Day party! No hearts, flowers or the color red. For more information or to make a reservation, call: +202 22659680 or +202 22659600.

Valentine’s Day Celebration at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is offering packages that will help you create fairytales and memories that last forever. Experience an evening to remember at Nox, the glamorous rooftop restaurant and bar that offers some of the best views of Cairo. Nox will be transformed into a Valentine’s wonderland. the resident DJs will be playing your favorite love songs throughout the evening, with a surprise live appearance. Special romantic bites and cocktails will be on offer, and ten lucky couples can enjoy the exclusive intimacy of the romantic terrace. A rooftop dinner is also an option. Couples can treat themselves to exclusive access to the terrace space with only 10 tables. The experience begins with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne, along with a sophisticated five-course candlelight dinner, with a professional photographer on-hand to capture the highlights of the evening. Follow this with a luxury spa experience and pamper yourself with a rose body scrub or a 90-minute massage with rose body butter. For more information, please call +202 25778899 Ext: 2002, or email rc.cairz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.

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TOWNTALK Valentine’s Day Done Right at Cairo Marriott Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the heart of the city where true love has begun decades ago at the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. The palace will be decorated with Valentine’s spirit. At Saraya Gallery, the evening could be spent in a French atmosphere amidst candle lights and your choice of a set menu. Guests can be pampered with a romantic candle-lit dinner with a variety of Italian specials at Ristorante Tuscany. The palatial gardens are the perfect spot to spend Valentine’s Day, the Garden Promenade Café is a place for a royal celebration. For those aiming for an unmatchable Valentine’s Day, Torii will take guests to Japan with an exciting Teppanyaki show including a variety of delicacies cooked right in front of you.

Early birds can find their place at the palace as Valentine’s Day celebration specialties will be available at The Bakery starting from February 10th. For more information and reservations please contact the hotel directly.

Celebrate with your Valentine at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel

Indulge in a charming ambiance with a dinner buffet at Citron or join the Valentine's Party filled with divine romance paired with eclectic cocktails and music that will fuel your soul. Don’t forget to surprise your partner by gifting them one of the hotel’s delicious Valentine's Day cakes from En Passant.

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LASTING MEMORIES THIS AT GRAND NILE TOWER Live entertainment, sparkling stars, and breathtaking views ... The ultimate ingredients to a romance filled dining experience at the Revolving Restaurant on the 41st floor or aboard Marquise, Grand Nile Tower’s private yacht. Compliment the magical night with a one night stay in a luxurious room overlooking the spectacular Nile. WE GUARANTEE YOU A VALENTINE’S TO REMEMBER!

Corniche El Nile, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt Telephone: +202 2365 1234 Fax +202 2362 1927 www.grandniletower.com info@grandniletower.com

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Merriam Webster defines retreat as “the process of receding from a position or state attained.” So, who wouldn’t want that?! Who wouldn’t want to take the time to just cool off and recharge? Adding to the “who wouldn’t want” list of questions: Who wouldn’t want to have a permanent home where you go for “A RETREAT”? Take George Clooney for example, he chose to purchase property in Laglio on lake Como, which is a beautiful place in Italy. At a press conference promoting one of his movies Clooney announced, "What changed my life in a very pleasant and unexpected way was buying the villa in Laglio.” When asked to explain he continued, “At first that was a pure investment decision. I thought maybe I would spend a few weeks vacationing there. But then I realized how beautiful life was in Italy and how it really helped calm me and not feel so pressured.” So, go ahead and tell me now, why not invest in your own retreat? Doing this shouldn’t necessarily

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mean going very far away from home but it definitely means going somewhere that enhances your spirituality and peace of mind and would be even better if it was a place where you can call home. Designed in the theme of those Italian lakeside cities, IL Monte Galala - built on the Galala mountains in Sokhna - promises to become another Como with a little bit extra when it becomes live in 2020 exclusively in Egypt. The houses are definitely a new style, and present a fresh perspective of what architects can come up with in terms of creativity and ingenuity. On a personal note, I am very partial to the cabanas on the beach of the on-mountain crystal lagoon, which proved itself to be a fantastic architectural and structural achievement, as it represents the world’s first lagoon to be built on a mountain top. Who can battle such a retreat? I find it absolutely amazing to have a beach-side home on the mountain with a view of the sea. There is something very decadent about it.

Think proximity, think spirituality, think uniqueness, think IL Monte Galala! Your retreat just around the corner. When you think about Sokhna you automatically picture a nice quiet place with simple activities such as enjoying the sound of sea waves hugging the shore or absorbing the calming landscape, but what if I tell you that IL Monte has more to offer beyond beach life. Tatweer Misr, the developer and mastermind behind IL Monte Galala, had a certain vision. They went for a masterplan designed with a perfectly portrayed “All in One Concept”, representing a full integration of elements for its residence to reach the utmost levels of enjoyment and serenity. IL Monte mountain resort experience encourages the concept of back to basics but with the bright side of technology, it has a 300 meters rule for maximum walking distance between the diverse options of transport offered all within the development. The idea of a retreat doesn’t include driving, so mobility and accessibility solutions are shown at their very best by Tatweer Misr and my personal favorite is the inclined elevators, like the ones you find in the mountains of Switzerland all with glass views allowing sun and air to cover your face adding more and more calmness to your day! Adding to the unmatched, IL Monte’s mountain top base camp features diverse options that would be summarized in the words rope, climbing, Yoga and nature. All devised by our own world class mountaineer extraordinaire Omar Samra and it’s his first and only mountain base camp in Egypt. “NAMASTE“ will become lifestyle at IL Monte Galala! The word is maybe used for greetings and starting and ending yoga sessions, but it will surely become a state of mind once you get to experience the immense number of amenities integrated in one place just for you. Spas and walks in the small cobblestone alleys of the Italian inspired old town are also part of the equation.

Serenity comes in so many ways, but I never expected that Tatweer Misr ’s very own walk of fame or as they call it the “Art Spine” would have such a major effect on the people of IL Monte. Forget the breathtaking views and crystal waters all around you, let’s talk interactive modern art features that will embrace the inner photographer in you! It’s Nirvana to those who are looking to entertain themselves in another fashion. As if the surrounding natural and architectural features are not enough of a background for those selfie addicts, the Art Spine is a major cool playground of interactive, or as they call it “instagrammable”, elements that invite people to join in. I honestly don’t know how to describe them but let me tell you when it comes to that walk, age is really just a number! I can’t think of any age that will not be actively enjoying the walk; it’s not just the beautiful design or the view and all that God given stuff, but 3D pictures drawn on the ground make you think you are literally going to walk down the stairs down there. Wall art is not just graffiti but encourages interaction and let me tell you, sitting on an awesome bench designed as a hat over your head, the furniture, the art and the surrounding area is a collection of interactive features that inspire fun and play. Again, I must say hats off to those guys at Tatweer Misr for coming up with concepts for the design of pathways and stairs that takes ingenuity to another level. IL Monte Galala, your very own retreat just around the corner! No wonder why it’s an award-winning project as it gives each and every one of us a reason to look forward to 2020 indeed.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Ct

CULTURE Books

Titles to Look Out For in 2019 AGAIN, BUT BETTER

COMICS WILL BREAK YOUR HEART

By Christine Riccio

By Faith Erin Hicks

Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents, which sounds ideal, but Shane's made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and has nothing to show when it comes to a romance. Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. She needs a change, and there's nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! Proving to be easier said than done, she is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination, one can conquer anything.

Miriam's family should be rich. After all, her grandfather was the co-creator of smash-hit comics series The TomorrowMen, but he sold his rights to his co-creator in the 1960s for practically nothing, and now that's what Miriam has: practically nothing. How can she afford college when her family can barely keep a roof above their heads?

THE SIMILARS By Rebecca Hanover When six clones join Emmaline’s prestigious boarding school, she must confront the heartbreak of seeing her dead best friend’s face each day in class. The Similars are all anyone can talk about at the elite Darkwood Academy. Who are these six clones? What are the odds that all of them would be Darkwood students? Who is the madman who broke the law to create them? Emma couldn't care less. Her best friend, Oliver, died over the summer and all she can think about is how to get through her junior year without him. Then she encounters Levi— Oliver's exact DNA replica and one of the Similars. Emma wants nothing to do with the Similars, but she keeps getting pulled deeper and deeper into their clique, uncovering dark truths about the clones and her prestigious school along the way. But no one can be trusted, not even the boy she is falling for who has Oliver's face.

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With already enough to worry about, Miriam's life gets much more complicated when a cute boy shows up in town, and turns out to be the grandson of the man who defrauded Miriam's grandfather, and heir to the TomorrowMen fortune. In her endearing debut novel, cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks pens a sensitive and funny Romeo and Juliet tale about modern romance and what it takes to heal the long-festering scars of the past.

TAROT By Marissa Kennerson Anna was never supposed to exist. Born of a forbidden union between the Queen and the tyrannical King’s arch nemesis, Anna is forced to live out her days isolated in the Tower, with only her mentors and friends the Hermit, the Fool, and the Magician to keep her company. To pass the time, Anna imagines unique worlds populated by creatives and dreamers—the exact opposite of the King’s land of fixed fates and rigid rules— and weaves them into four glorious tapestries.

TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET By Karen M. McManus Echo Ridge is small-town America. Ellery's never been there, but she's heard all about it. Her aunt went missing there when she was 17, and only five years ago, a homecoming queen put the town on the map when she was killed. Now, Ellery has to move there to live with a grandmother she barely knows. The town is picture-perfect, but it is hiding secrets. Before school even begins for Ellery, someone's declared open season on homecoming, promising to make it as dangerous as it was five years ago. Then, almost as if to prove it, another girl goes missing. Ellery knows all about secrets. Her mother has them, and her grandmother does too. The longer she's in Echo Ridge, the clearer it becomes that everyone there is hiding something. The thing is, secrets are dangerous - and most people aren't good at keeping them, which is why in Echo Ridge, it's safest to keep your secrets to yourself.

But on the eve of her 16th birthday and her promised release from the Tower, Anna discovers her true lineage: She’s the daughter of Marco, a powerful magician, and the King is worried that his magical gifts are starting to surface in Anna. Fearing for her life, Anna flees the Tower and finds herself in Cups, a lush, tropical land full of all the adventure, freespiritedness, and creativity she imagined while weaving. Anna thinks she’s found paradise in this world of beachside parties, endless food and drink, and exhilarating romance, but when the fabric of Cups begins to unravel, Anna discovers that her tapestries are more than just decoration. They’re the foundation for a new world that she is destined to create—as long as the terrors from the old world don’t catch up with her first.

DREAMING DARKLY By Caitlin Kittredge Ivy Bloodgood’s mother is dead, and she should probably be sad about it, but she isn’t. Myra Bloodgood was a confusing mix of protective and abusive, a manipulative personality who never told the truth—about where she came from, who Ivy’s father was, or why they were living their lives on the run. Now that Ivy has been sent to Darkhaven, an island off the New England coast, to live with a rich uncle she didn’t know existed, she is forced to reckon with her mother ’s past. Ivy can tell right away there are long-held family secrets buried within these walls, but when she wakes up from one of her nightmares covered in someone else’s blood, Ivy fears that whatever demons her mother battled while she was alive have come to roost in her own mind. Scared that she can no longer trust what she sees, Ivy seeks the help of a boy who thinks her episodes are connected to the sordid history of Darkhaven—but what they don’t know might kill them both.

february 2019 | Ct

CULTURE Events

3 AYAM X EL SA7EL NESMA MAHGOUB CONCERT Alexandria Opera House 22 February Talented Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub will be showcasing her powerful voice at a concert at the Alexandria Opera House. An AUC graduate, Mahgoub went on to win Star Academy for her impressive vocals.

Cairo Show Theater – Movenpick Hotel Media City 1 to 16 February This theatrical performance by entertainment entity Cairo Show introduces the “3 Ayam X El Sa7el” event starring the hilarious Mohamed Henedy among other rising stars. The performance is directed by Magdy El Hawary. Time: 9 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

Time: 8:00 pm

LA BAYADÈRE BALLET Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 26 February to 1 March La Bayadère is a four-act ballet by French choreographer Marius Petipa and was first performed in 1877 in Russia to the music of Ludwig Minkus. This piece, that tells the story of the love between an Indian temple dancer and a warrior, will be presented by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company and the Cairo Opera Orchestra. Time: 8 pm

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KHALED SELIM CONCERT Alexandria Opera House 16 February The Alexandria Opera House will be holding a concert for popular singer Khaled Selim. Selim is an Egyptian musician and is among the most successful of the country’s youthful musical performers. Time: 8 pm

AMR DIAB CONCERT

“UN BALLO IN MASCHERA” OPERA

Misr University for Science and Technology 22 February

Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 7 to 8, 10 to 11 February

In celebration of releasing his new album “Kol Hayaty”, popular singer Amr Diab will be performing many of his hits at the Misr University for Science and Technology in 6th of October.

“Un Ballo in Maschera” is an Italian, three-act opera by Giuseppe Verdi that was first performed in 1859 in Rome. It includes the events of the assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden in 1792 following the political conspiracy against him, during which he was shot during a masked ball.

Time: 7 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

This opera will be performed by the Cairo Opera Company and Cairo Opera Orchestra. Time: 8 pm

ASSALA CONCERT

OMAR KHAIRAT CONCERT

Al Manara Theater 22 February

Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 18 and 19 February

Superstar singer Assala will perform her popular songs at Al Manara International Convention Center.

Legendary soloist Omar Khairat will entertain the crowd with his piano masterpieces.

Time: 8 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

Time: 8 pm

february 2019 | Ct

CULTURE Events

FIRE OF GEORGIA BALLET Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 20 to 21 February RICHARD CLAYDERMAN CONCERT Al Manara 15 February The “prince of romance” and pianist Richard Clayderman is coming to Egypt to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, playing some of his top romantic melodies. Time: 9 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

The national Ballet of Georgia Folk Company will be in Egypt to present the two-hour first class performance that reflects the Georgian spirit, with steps, music and rhythm from Georgian folklore. Time: 8 pm

KOLTHOUMIAT Arab Music Institute 17 February A night dedicated to Om Kolthoum’s greatest hits. Time: 8 pm

YEHIA KHALIL CONCERT

MEDHAT SALEH CONCERT Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 12 February Popular singer Medhat Saleh will perform his hits at the Cairo Opera House. Time: 8 pm

Cairo Opera House – Small Hall 15 February Yehia Khalil is one of the most respected and talked about drummers, bandleaders, creative producers and jazz musicians who is a phenomenon in the music scene today. Time: 8 pm

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CLIMATE CHANGE SECTION

SPECIAL FEATURE

Recycled Homes Designed by Urban Office Architecture for a retired pilot, this villa is created to give its inhabitant the feeling of living in the open air. Image Credit: GizMag.

This (not so) tiny home is built with two reclaimed shipping containers and some additional material to create the part that merges the two partially opened up containers to one stunning home. Victor Moore built The “Junk Castle” completely out of scraps and salvaged materials he found at a nearby junkyard. The artist and high school teacher started building the place in 1970 at a total cost of only $500. The fairy-tale-like structure is situated atop a defunct rock quarry in Washington state. Image Credit: David Patterson via Inhabitat.

This eco-friendly small house has a patio deck and is just one of the best container homes we’ve seen so far. Spiral Island is the name of a floating artificial island built in Mexico by British artist Richart “Rishi” Sowa, that is completely built out of plastic bottles inserted in bags. The island consists of two layers of these bags with soil in between and on top of it, thus enabling vegetation to grow creating a root system that keeps the island more tightly together. In 2005, hurricane Emily completely destroyed Spiral island version 1 but Sowa didn’t give up and picked up his project naming the second version Joyxee Island.

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This house built out of 25,000 recycled bottles cemented together is situated in Cap-Egmont, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Image Credit: Keith Watson via Flickr.

Apart from building a tropical island, plastic PET bottles are very useful for building walls too. This home created by the Alfredo Santa Cruz family in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, consists of thousands of plastic bottles.

Earthships are ultra-sustainable homes built from recycled trash such as bottles, tires, aluminum cans, and other litter. The cans and bottles are filled with soil and then plastered over with natural mud. Interesting fact, many of these seemingly primitive structures around Taos, Mexico use solar panels or small wind turbines to create renewable electricity. Image Credit: Laurel Kallenbach’s blog.

According to the building, Casa de Botellas is “a tool for promoting ecological and social responsibility.” Image Credit: Planet Magazine.

Not technically a home, but this boat turned upside down into a shed makes such an appealing impression. A great example of how simple recycling and approaching waste in a fresh way can be. Image Credit: Dave White.

This structure was built using more than 100,000 beer and soda cans, wooden windows, hubcaps, screen doors, bicycle reflectors and more. The creator, Dominic “Cano” Espinosa, a Native American Vietnam vet, was inspired by “Vitamin Mary Jane” and Jesus. Espinoza has spent over 30 years working on what he calls “Jesus’ Castle.” The castle is popularly referred to as Cano’s Castle. Image Credit: Motherwit.

This house is built from recycled pallets and comes with Ikea style assembly instructions.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Eco-Friendly Project s For a Greener Fut ure By Rehab Saad

Today the world is facing multiple crises â&#x20AC;&#x201C; economically, socially and environmentally. Climate change is not only damaging to natural resources, but to the global economy as well. It is becoming exceedingly difficult to take aggressive actions to cut carbon emissions.

As for climate change projections in Egypt, it is expected that by 2050, water demand will increase by approximately 5%, and at the same time, water availability will decline to reach, in some cases, 70%. It is also forecasted that by 2060, as a result of global warming, average temperatures will increase by 3.1 to 4.7ÂşC in Egypt. As for the Mediterranean Sea level, it is predicted to rise by 0.5 meters by 2050, which will lead to the flooding of coastal areas along the Nile Delta. Climate change is not the only menace facing natural reserves in Egypt, but the disparaging abuse of human beings, identified in industrial run-offs, oil leakage and intensive unregulated use of pesticides and fertilizers, which will eventually lead to ecological degradation of the Nile River and wetlands, and the extinction of fishing communities.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

Egypt has strong potential for growth, as it is gifted with natural resources, vast deserts, spectacular coasts and human resources. In 1982, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) was established, which became the Ministry of Environmental Affairs in 1997. In 2015, the National Council for Climate Change was formed to develop framework policies to reduce projected climate risks. With the rapid escalation of pollution in Egypt, the situation became intimidating and urged the government to intensify its efforts. The government has adopted projects to improve haphazard areas and slums and upgrade drinking water and sanitation systems, enhancing the use of clean energy and biofuels, building new eco-friendly cities, encouraging green construction investments and supporting urbanization expansion and recycling projects.

Energy projects already occupy a leading position in the country due to their magnitude in the economic and social development process. The second half of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 witnessed the inauguration of several sustainable projects.

BENBAN SOLAR PARK IN ASWAN Upon completion, this project will be the largest solar park in the world and is named after a Nile river village nearby. It is forecasted that the project is planned to include 41 power plants that will produce between 1.6 and 2.0 GW of solar power by mid 2019. NEW ASSUIT BARRAGE The New Assuit Barrage is planned to be the third largest hydraulic power plant, after the High Dam and Nagaa Hammadi. The barrage will provide irrigation water to 690,000 hectares of lands, and is expected to boost the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power generation by 50% as it includes a combined capacity of 16.4 GW, plus three 4.8 GW turnkey combined-cycle power plants, namely in Beni Suef, Burullus and the New Capital.

They have also set comprehensive plans to produce 20% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2022, and implemented the feed-in-tariff program.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE GABAL AL-ZEIT WIND STATION Another significant wind station, which is perceived as the largest in the Middle East, has a total capacity of 580 MW. The plant contains a monitoring system used for the first time, which monitors the migration process of birds through a radar to stop turbines when they pass and re-operate after they leave. EL BURULLUS COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANT (CCPP) On the shore of the Mediterranean Sea north of Kafr El Sheikh lies one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest natural gas fired power plants, with a capacity of 4800 MW. BENI SUEF COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANT With a capacity of 4.8 GW, the plant will provide power to around 15 million Egyptians across an area of 500,000 mÂ˛, and will use innovative technology from Siemens that combines a gas turbine with a steam turbine to achieve high fuel-efficiency at low production costs, which consequently, will lead to lower fuel consumption levels. NEW CAPITAL POWER PLANT The plant involves the development of three 4.8 GW natural gas-fired CCPPs and up to 12 wind farms with a combined capacity of 16.4 GW. EL DABAA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT The El Dabaa plant is established with a capacity of 4.8 GW that will be able to feed four million homes with electricity, and will achieve a stable Egyptian grid depending on clean energy and low-cost electricity. Thirteen solar energy projects will be financed by the International Financial Corporation (IFC), in addition to loans provided by the European Bank of Reconstruction (EBRD) for 16 additional solar projects. KARMBUILD A leading Egyptian company in architectural design and construction, KarmBuild integrates solar energy technology into building designs by using appropriate cost-effective construction material to reduce energy and optimize environmental techniques like climateresponsive passive-cooling, ventilation and thermal heating.

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They were the first to install a 50 KW Solar Water Pumping Solution Pilot station on a large commercial farm in Bahareya Oasis, which was considered the first system of its kind in the Arab region. This unique project resulted in not only the reduction of the system’s cost, but in boosting its performance as well. They then installed three other solar water pumping stations in Bahareya, one with a capacity of 280 KW, another with 1.125 MW, while the third was installed in 2015, and is a hybrid pumping and drip irrigation system with a capacity of 147 KW. The system enables the direct pumping of water to flow into fixed irrigation networks, and can run with two energy sources simultaneously (solar photovoltaic and diesel generators). Due to the system’s highly efficient use of the solar component, the diesel generator can be switched off during peak hours with a seamless transition. KarmSolar installed a solar station “Enmaa Juhayna” with a capacity of 1 MW and operates in conjunction with existing diesel generator infrastructure, utilizing the fuel saver technology to feed into a private island grid. Moreover, Karm has also rehabilitated and upgraded the existing power generators of a whole farm in Bahareya Oasis with the total capacity of 5 MW, in addition to the Sheikh Zayed grid power plant – with the capacity of 350 KW for Mazar Mall. They also have projects in Marsa Alam – the “Wadi Sabbara Solar Station” with the capacity 150 KW serving Wadi Sabbara – and in Sahl Hasheesh with a capacity of 2.2 MW that operates under the feed-in-tariff. 100,000 ACRES AGRICULTURE GREENHOUSES, MATROUH Recognizing the need for integrated and sustainable urban planning practices encouraged the development of urban and agriculture projects, on top of which are the greenhouses in El Hammam, Matrouh, with the aim to provide food security. The structure of greenhouses is made of walls, and a transparent roof to enable plants to grow in regulated climatic conditions. It aims at developing the economy by increasing the production of planted crops and the exploited area across the nation. Not only does it produce high quality agricultural crops out of season, it also consumes around 70% less water than traditional agriculture areas, as it relies on modern irrigation techniques and setting up drainage water treatment plants to serve greenhouses projects.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE ECO-FRIENDLY CITIES NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL

The government is planning to establish 15 new cities in the coming years, and has set meticulous criteria in the evaluation process in order to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, eliminate the use of toxic material or pollutants and promote the use of recycled content.

The New Capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is to deliver the largest smart city in the Middle East, and to make use of stateof-the-art sustainable technologies that are up to international standards. It is also planned to become a focal point of the Eastern Cairo Region. As it is projected that Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population will reach 40 million by 2050, a series of stimulus were set to attract people to the new capital, for example, an administrative and financial district, a cultural district, and a wide variety of urban neighborhoods.

The strategy adopted many ways to maintain sustainability, including the expansion of greenery and replacing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs that depend on solar energy, in addition to developing a Waste Management System using recycling technologies to reuse water waste in irrigation, and an integrated solid waste management system. In addition to basic key sustainability indicators which were taken into consideration in the implementation plan, the spatial land distribution, housing location and transportation system will aim to reduce distances among homes, services centers and work locations, to minimize cars usage and save time and fuel, and above all, to achieve a clean environment and a healthy lifestyle.

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Transportation to the New Capital will be via electric trains, to ensure eco-friendly transportation.

MOUNTAIN VIEW ICITY This project, set to be established in compliance with international environmental standards, includes smart solutions to separate human traffic from automotive traffic, with the inclusion of no-car zones. “NEW HERMOPOLIS” ECO-VILLAGE In December 2011, Mervat Nasser, a physician from Menya, introduced an ecological-based project by launching the “New Hermopolis” eco-village located 340 kilometers south of Cairo. This is a limestone structure consisting of 16 rooms, generated with solar energy. Nasser ’s vision behind such an initiative is to use the resort’s revenues for development purposes to support the growth of civil society and to revive the area’s valuable intellectual and cultural heritage. The nearby city of Hermopolis is considered the seat of creation in mythology, and it includes a lot of monuments and ancient sites. NEW ALAMEIN CITY An eco-city is coming to life in an area that stretches about 48,000 feddans and will cost a total of around $337 million. The city is established to boost the country’s economy, as it would incorporate touristic, residential, agricultural, and industrial elements. The eco-friendly city will rely on renewable resources, including a desalinization plant and solar energy stations. EL GALALA PLATEAU El Galala Plateau covers 19,000 feddans and lies 700 meters above sea level, between Ain Sokhna and Zaafarana. Water and energy resources for the plateau are planned to be provided through the construction of a desalination plant with a daily capacity of 150,000 cubic meters and the upgrading of Suez’s Ataqa power plant and Zaafrana’s wind farms. The integrated city is set to have energy provided mainly through new and renewable energy sources.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE PROTECTION OF COASTAL CITIES During the past years, vast areas of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coasts have been occupied by tourist villages and hotels, which subsequently threatens the loss of coastal habitats. Many scientists predicted that sea levels would rise for more than two feet by the end of the century and some historic buildings are already collapsing, not only in Alexandria but at all of the cities located in Rosetta and Delta. The government has set a plan to execute several protection projects with the aim of limiting the impact of coastal floods of cities on the Mediterranean Sea. Along with these projects and as part of the seven-year eco-friendly strategy plan, the Egyptian Cabinet has signed a 31.5 million USD grant agreement with the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) and Green Climate Fund, to protect coastal cities and vulnerable areas against the effects of climate change. The granted funds will be allocated to protect the Egyptian Northern coastal line in five governorates including Port Said, Damietta, Dakahleya, Kafr El Sheikh and Beheira, which are the most vulnerable areas. In conclusion, governmental entities, ministries, foreign official bodies, local and foreign investors, NGOs, educational institutions and individuals have all come together to face climate challenges and raise awareness to the importance of sustainable consumption and production, which are crucial to achieving sustainable development.

TRANSPORTATION One of the major aspects that greatly impacts our climate is transportation, which is a main cause of pollution. The government established a comprehensive plan to improve energy efficiency and find clearcut solutions for transportation. The strategy included extending the underground metro to new areas in Greater Cairo, intensifying the use of environmentally sound river transport, significantly increasing the use of natural gas in commercial vehicles and replacing the old buses with new energyefficient ones with electronic ticketing, in addition to promoting the use of vehicles utilizing fuel cells. In fact, the Ministry of Environment has been working on a concrete plan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, to stimulate the use of vehicles operating with natural gas instead of gasoline. Due to collaborated efforts of both ministries, a decree has been issued banning the production and import of dual-stroke scooters, allowing only the import of electric cars, in order to eliminate pollution and gas emissions. The government has also signed joint agreements with a number of NGOs and foreign authorities like the UN Habitat, to create parking slots for bicycles, and is working towards establishing an electric train to connect the New Capital with the heart of Cairo.

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Egypt in the Process of Building the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Solar Plant MORE ON BENBAN The largest solar park in the world, Benban Solar Park, is being established in Aswan with an estimated total capacity of 1650 MWp, which is the equivalent of 90 percent of the energy produced by the High Dam. It is part of Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nubian Suns Feed-in Tariff program, which is an initiative that encourages the private sector to work towards the goal of generating 20% of our electricity from renewable sources by the year 2022. Benban Solar Park will contain 41 plants that will be connected through four new substations established by the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company. This specific spot was chosen due to the amount of sunlight it receives, being the second best spot for solar plants, after the Chilean desert. The park has already seen the opening and operation of the first section, Infinity Station, in March 2018, which produces 50MWp. The park is estimated to begin working at its full capacity within the first few months of this year. Once it does, the costs of power lines and stations should decrease, lowering with it the cost of electricity.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Go Green Prog rams and Initiatives By Rehab Saad

It is estimated that the total amount of solid waste is around 20 million tons per year, and accordingly, the government established a new waste management system to attract investments in waste recycling projects. On the other hand, the Ministry has launched the National Solid Waste Management Program, with the support of the United Nations and the European Union, to ensure sustainable development of waste, and to protect the environment. To reduce consumption of plastic bags, the government also launched an initiative funded by the EU.

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WMRA In parallel with these efforts, the Waste Management Regulatory Agency (WMRA) was established to regulate and oversee all waste management processes. The program not only reduces a burden on the state’s budget, but also attempts to make both consumers and producers aware of how to reduce their energy usage.

CAIRO GOVERNORATE In 2017, Cairo Governorate launched a project called “sell your garbage”. Kiosks were established in different neighborhoods to encourage people to sell their cans, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard instead of throwing them away. It started with two kiosks in Heliopolis, and others were supposed to follow in other locations. Even though the initiative didn’t succeed at the beginning due to raising a lot controversy among garbage collectors, they were later convinced that they won’t be harmed, on the contrary, they’ll be making more money than they do on their own. Today, we can see these garbage kiosks in many companies, clubs, hospitals and compounds. Besides the government’s comprehensive implementation of sustainable strategies and the efforts exerted to confront climate change challenges, there is also support and contribution in the education sector from NGOs and individual initiatives in the field of green environment.

MOTHER EARTH & OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE BOOKLET The Ministry of Environment published a booklet in collaboration with El Nasr for Girls College as well as Science Across the World Program, which raised environmental awareness and explained more about climate change, its impact and how it can be mitigated, in addition to global warming topics. This booklet aims at educating children and their families in a simple way to clarify the effect of human activities in increasing the greenhouse gas emissions.

In 1992 and 1993, two workshops were organized, one at the Hunting Club (Cairo) and the other at Sharm El-Sheikh. Both workshops tackled sustainability, natural resources, and how to minimize their impact on natural habitats. In March and August of 1996, the National Biodiversity Unit in Egypt held two training courses for school teachers, herbarium curators, museum keepers, rangers of protectorates as well as interested attendants from various ministries and NGOs, where the main theme was biodiversity data management. The media also actively organized wide campaigns for public awareness. Weekly radio and TV programs raised topics about natural history, biotechnology and the benefits of conserving natural resources, as well as the problems subsequent of global warming, pollution and desertification.

GO GREEN NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL This is a school inspired by the power of nature. They are striving to meet international standards, teaching children to respect all living things and their surroundings. Their core value is “Go Green”, which is reflected everywhere, through solar energy lighting, children’s education and practice. Their motto is “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Most importantly, they are using eco-friendly wooden toys, supplies and sustainable furnishings. The paints used are odor-free, low volatile organic compounds. “Go Green” provides color mixtures combined with natural materials to create a motivating environment which optimizes the value of learning and entertainment.

PUBLIC’S EFFORT IN TRAINING AND AWARENESS Recently, the importance of conservation has been included in the education curriculum, which indicates that these topics are becoming valued and have a positive impact on future generations.

February 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE AUC AUC has successfully built the university based on employing green concepts in design and structure. The environmentally-friendly elements used in the foundation construction is: solar water heaters, nonCFC cooling refrigerant for air conditioners, green rooftops and electricity efficient LED light bulbs.

EL DABAA ATOMIC TECHNICAL SCHOOL This is considered the first nuclear power plant school in Egypt, and is an important step to developing Egypt’s own nuclear cadre that will serve the country’s clean energy. This long-anticipated agreement is a great achievement and reveals the significance of nuclear energy future in Egypt.

THE NILE UNIVERSITY PROJECT The University’s project is funded by Drosos and implemented by Nahdet El Mahrousa. It aims at raising awareness and finding solutions for environmental challenges related to Nile River water. The program succeeded in forming a team of more than 150 students from Cairo and Aswan and provided them with the necessary tools and skills to implement initiatives to resolve the River ’s problems.

SHAGARA This initiative was introduced by Petroleum Engineer Omar el Deeb in April 2016, with the aim to spread modern agricultural methods that can be on roof-tops of buildings and more than 1000 balconies, as well as the cultivation of more than 20,000 fruit trees in seven governorates with the participation of around 20 public and private schools. El Deeb mainly focuses on schools and universities. He also believes in the importance of recycling and reusing every possible source in the environment. The year 2013 witnessed the success of the implementation of the first Shagara project in a school in Qalyubia.

GARBAGE CITY This is a unique and notable initiative led by “The Association for the Protection of the Environment” (APE). Around 70,000 residents work on garbage collection and recycling, and around 90% of the garbage is recycled into useful products. This NGO supports and generates income to local garbage collectors, while creating innovative recycling ideas, based on efficient allocation and usage of water and energy resources enhancing the development of sustainable agriculture and waste management.

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RELIANCE This is a company founded in 1998 and specializes in bulk commodity trading (residue and cement), fuel, mining and minerals supply, concrete ready-mix production and waste management. They developed a program to create alternative fuels as cleaner energy sources for cement production, and accordingly, they established two waste processing plants in Ismailia and Port Said. Reliance succeeded in handling solid waste, which is generated by 1.6 million people, sorting and putting it in a variety of uses more beneficial and environmentally-friendly, as well as cost-effective. Solid waste is usually used as a fuel called refuse derived fuel (RDF), which is an alternative to fossil fuels used in cement production, that produces 70% less greenhouse gases. Moreover, they derive glass, aluminium, paper and carton from recycled wastes to be reused as raw materials, and biodegradable waste is used as a natural fertilizer.

CLEANING OUR SEAS The Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation (HEPCA), organized several campaigns to clean up the Red Sea, including Magawish, Marsa Allam, and other islands. Moreover, a national youth foundation working to promote ecotourism in Egypt called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youth Love Egyptâ&#x20AC;? joined their efforts with the Red Sea Governorate and HEPCA to clean up areas like Marsa Allam, which has become one of the most attractive spots for tourists, and includes rare species like the green turtles and Dorcas gazelle.

THE VERY NILE In 2018, the Very Nile was established as a collaborative initiative between several NGOs, among them is Nahdet El Mahrousa - a Nile University Project, Bassita and Greenish, and other partners from governmental entities, private sectors, UN organizations, embassies and media representatives. They all joined forces to launch this initiative and managed to collect 1.5 tons of trash in two hours from the Nile and its shores. There were more than 250 volunteers from more than 20 organizations. The initiative also aims to drive cleanup means on a large-scale, such as removal of plastic from aquatic ecosystems. It partners with fishermen to collect trash on a daily basis providing them with extra revenue. They also organize cleaning expeditions, awareness events, and online campaigns to encourage everyone to protect our waters.

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SPECIAL FEATURE SEKEM Their approach to climate change encompasses both adaptation and mitigation, as they use a premium quality method of organic agriculture, called biodynamic agriculture. This has lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional agriculture. SEKEM is already taking action to reduce risks and limit the damage caused by climate change, by diversification, water efficiency and resilient crops. SEKEM is a business model that provides solutions for one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prevalent challenges.

MOBIKYA Inspired by architect and designer Ibrahim Abu Gendy in 2016, the idea is based on an upcycling design studio that reuses rubbish such as old tires and plastic boxes, to produce creative decorative pieces.

UP-FUSE This is an eco-conscious and lifestyle studio founded by Yara Yassin and Rania Rafie that upcycles plastic bags using sustainable materials while creating highquality accessory bags.

EL NAFEZA Established by Enas Khamis, the foundation mainly reutilizes the huge amount of rice straw, which is burnt annually and has a crucial impact on Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air pollution. They also organize workshops for youth, especially girls, in papermaking to teach them the different techniques to create recycled papers made from rice straws, Nile water lilies and banana stalks.

ZEBALA STORE Zebala Store basically works on recycled items with the aim of enabling people to understand the importance of recycling by supporting the conservation of the environment. Zebala Store is a chain that belongs to Adam Foundation for Human Development. This is where people can buy recycled products, such as books and notebooks made of recycled paper.

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AdvertoriAl

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan ROOMS AND SUITES Stay in the original, historic Palace Wing with its very 19th-century European feel, or choose the more recent Nile Wing with its 21st-century Egyptian design. Royal hues of red and gold reflect the enchanting luxury of the hotel, while refreshing splashes of turquoise and lime green showcase its more contemporary side. Stylish, modern interpretations of golden chandeliers, traditional friezes and finely crafted oriental lamps add a touch of French elegance and sophistication.

THE HOTEL Discover this majestic 19th-Century Victorian palace on the banks of the river Nile. Steeped in history, gateway to the treasures of Upper Egypt, this lush, green oasis marks the end of the fertile Nile Valley and the beginning of the vast Nubian desert stretching as far as the eye can see. Share the same sense of awe and tranquility felt by so many famous authors, statesmen and other celebrities who have stayed here over the years. Their portraits adorn the walls of the hotel, a testimony to the pleasure they felt in this unique setting where time really does stand still. Built in 1899, the epitome of Victorian elegance and aristocratic grandeur combined with authentic oriental charm, the hotel has long been considered one of the wonders of Egypt. Both the original building, today the Palace Wing, and its 1960s extension, the Nile Wing, were recently superbly renovated by French interior designer Sybille de Margerie. Come and experience first-hand the legend of this glittering jewel of the Nile. Stepping under the colored arches in the lobby is like being magically transported back in time. The hotel’s exceptional setting invites you on a journey for the senses, from the magnificent infinity pool that seemingly flows directly into the Nile to the refinement and pharaonic architecture of So SPA. 1902 RESTAURANT Marvel at the oriental beauty of the hotel’s signature restaurant, named for the legendary New Year ’s Eve event that brought together dignitaries from both Europe and the Middle East. This festive atmosphere can be relived every evening under the restaurant’s impressive Moorish dome. Star-shaped ceiling lights add to the grandeur and serenity of the venue, reminiscent of nights in the Nubian desert. Here you can savor innovative dishes inspired by traditional French cuisine with a distinctly Egyptian twist. Red Sea bass in a saffron beurre blanc sauce, French duck breast with hibiscus and caramelized onions, delicate scallops, or foie gras with pineapple... Exceptional menus in a magical setting.

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Treat yourself to a stay in one of the hotel’s most emblematic suites. The grand, exquisitely furnished Agatha Christie Suite boasts the distinctly British aristocratic charm of the 1930s. Here, you will easily picture the Queen of Crime putting together the plot of her thrilling Death on the Nile. Or share Sir Winston Churchill’s fascination for Egypt from the luxurious suite that bears his name and its vast panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of the Nile.

SO SPA Imagine a setting straight out of One Thousand and One Nights, a majestic temple of well-being with shimmering golden walls. Swim in the turquoise water of the pool bordered by beautiful Egyptian columns with glittering mosaics. Spend time relaxing in the hot tub, or experience an authentic Egyptian hammam ritual. Spacious and intimate, inspired by the sheer luxury of Ancient Egypt, So SPA will introduce you to the ageold secrets of oriental beauty. Anti-aging skin care treatments worthy of Cleopatra, Nubian massages with sandalwood oil and hibiscus iced tea, papyrus body wraps... So SPA will leave you with a deep and lasting sense of calm and well-being, the perfect finishing touch to a truly unforgettable stay in this legendary hotel.

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Other Efforts GREEN BANKING INITIATIVE The year 2013 marked the achievement of CIB’s robust sustainability initiative aiming at promoting sustainability, and ensuring that business growth takes place in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner and the benefits of economic development. Again in 2018, the bank introduced its new “Go Green” concept, among the bank’s many other effective sustainability efforts that are carried out in CIB’s business lines.

EGYPT’S FIRST HOTEL TO INSTALL ELECTRIC CARCHARGING STATION Over the past couple of years, Egypt has made headway in working towards a more eco-friendly economy, currently building some of the world’s biggest solar panel and wind-turbines farms. Also, as recently reported, Egypt is building its first locally-produced electric car. Joining in the government’s efforts, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence goes green by installing electric vehicle chargers. In line with Four Seasons global green projects, the hotel took the initiative to maintain a sustainable and healthy environment for their guests and respective environment by becoming the first hotel in Cairo to install and provide electric vehicle chargers. The brand new charging station works with a variety of vehicles, such as plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids. For a full-battery, vehicles get charged for eight straight hours, however a two-hour charging session is enough for a 500 kilometer drive.

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FIRST SOLAR POWER STATION AT JW MARRIOTT CAIRO JW Marriott Cairo celebrates the launch of the first advanced solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) Modeling softwares, the Helioscope and PVSyst, that use solar power to convert the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays into electrical energy.

energy sources and expand the use of clean renewable energy technologies in the hotel sector in Egypt, in accordance with the concepts of green hotels and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause changes in climatic conditions. JW Marriot Cairo was the first hotel in Egypt to convert its lighting systems to LED energy-saving systems in 2014, which saved about 25% of the total electricity consumption of the hotel.

The project is established in cooperation with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, H.E. Eng. Amr Nassar, Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Tourism, H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment and Mrs. Randa Aboul-Hosn, Country Director of United Nations Development Program.

It is worth mentioning that the solar cell system project aims to support the spread of the use of small solar cells installed in residential and commercial buildings, public buildings, hotels and industrial facilities, which is a catalyst for the spread of the use of small solar plants to develop the market for the production of solar cell systems and facilitate installation.

This is the first project in Egypt to use a grant made available by the United Nations Development program with support from the Industrial Modernization Center and the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

In addition to establishing technical support and advisory centers, increasing the percentage of the local manufacturing component, preparing technical cadres and supporting the emerging markets of this technology in Egypt, this implementation will assist with new employment opportunities for youth, and removes barriers to increase energy generation by small solar cells and decentralized networks.

Mr. Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman of Mirage City Hotels Co., declared that the implementation of this plant comes in the context of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for the efforts of the State to diversify

H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, Mrs. Randa Aboul-Hosn, Country Director of United Nations Development Program, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman Mirage City Hotels Company, Mr. Nabil Abo Kalam Director of Engineering and associates at the JW Marriott Cairo.

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SPECIAL FEATURE Youththinkgreen Egypt Sustaining the Environment Through the Youth By Noha Kandil

In an attempt to resist and contain the downward spiral of our global environment, Egypt has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), launched during the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015. Since then, sustainability has become a concrete element of Egypt's Agenda for its 2030 vision. There is a tangible rise in Egyptians' awareness regarding the environment. Major organizations are now altering their old ways and implementing more green approaches, in addition to the growing number of green-friendly startups and initiatives.

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One of those leading initiatives that is making an impact through teaching youth sustainable solutions is Youththinkgreen Egypt; an originally German movement that expanded to become a worldwide enterprise. Chairman AbdelRahman Fahmy answered our questions, helping us understand their contribution to bettering the environment in Egypt. Can you tell us how the Youththinkgreen enterprise landed in Egypt? Youthinkgreen was an initiative from a German teacher named Helmut Speiring back in 2009, when he established an international movement worldwide educating and empowering youth for sustainable development. The initiative started in the EuropaSchule in Cairo in 2009 and then was actively working under the umbrella of Cairo University from 2013 to 2017 until finally Youthinkgreen Egypt became a registered social enterprise. What are the programs you are offering here? We continuously develop our educational offerings to better cope with state-of-the-art sustainability approaches to inspire youth towards sustainable development. Each educational program tackles a certain challenge or topic within the Egyptian context. We offer the Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Youth Program for university students and graduates to ignite their entrepreneurial skills and offer solutions to environmental challenges. We are also working with school students through the Sustainability Future Leaders program which focuses more on environmental and climate change awareness as we strongly believe that young generations should be fully aware of their own footprint on the environment and climate. Besides this, we organize a couple of community events with our partners to raise awareness among the society for different emerging environmental topics. Last October, we partnered with Goethe Institute to organize the 2018 Science Film Festival where three short movies were screened and discussed with environmental experts. Therefore, we are trying to diversify our activities and we welcome invitations to collaborate and participate in new activities and ideas from the community. Do you keep in contact with participants after the conclusion of programs/workshops? Once you became a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youthinkgreener â&#x20AC;? we follow up with our network and invite them to events and workshops. Our beneficiaries right now are working in prestigious environmental enterprises or startups and also many of them are studying abroad for masters and PHDs.

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SPECIAL FEATURE To what extent is networking important for sustainability in Egypt? If networking wasn’t important for sustainability, the UN wouldn’t have dedicated a specific sustainable development goal (#17) to partnerships to achieve SDGs. As social developers, we completely rely on our network in outreaching beneficiaries, developing educational methodologies and mobilizing support and resources to our programs’ participants. For environmental entrepreneurs or activists, networking is very crucial. Sustainability wouldn’t be achieved except with collaborative work and building on the experience of partners and experts in certain fields. Can you give us an insight about the success of the programs held so far? Since 2013, we managed to educate and train more than 200 nascent entrepreneurs who created more than 25 environmental startup ideas. We raised awareness to more than 150 students. Online, we have reached more than 500,000 through our different social media channels and we engage a community of 14,000 subscribers to our Facebook page. We also managed to partner with more than 30 public, private and developmental entities to mobilize support for education and empowerment of youth. We also offer educational, marketing and ecofriendly events management services to partners and stakeholders. From your experience, do you think it's more realistic to focus on the youth when it comes to sustainability, rather than older segments? We believe that youth can disrupt the current ecosystems and offer more sustainable and innovative solutions to all areas of life, but this won’t be achieved without the knowledge and experience of seniors. This is our core value; to educate and empower young generations with the support and guidance of experienced seniors. Youththinkgreen Egypt was initiated in Egypt five years ago. How would you compare people’s awareness then and now? I would say that sustainability awareness is no longer a new topic among the Egyptian society; however, it experienced ups and downs for decades. Egypt now is in the phase of rapid development and we are more connected to the world thanks to the Internet and social media, and so I would say that the awareness among Egyptians is much better than before.

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However, we believe awareness alone is not sufficient to secure a change and that is when our role comes in. Youththinkgreen has branches around the world; where does Egypt stand in terms of sustainability progress? We are among the best if not the most active group among Youthinkgreen worldwide. We always communicate with our colleagues in different countries and we aim to support them and familiarize ourselves with their updates.

We are also willing to collaborate with a number of schools to execute our workshops among their students, which tackle many environmental topics such as renewable energy, recycling, biodiversity, climate action and many others. As mentioned before, we are welcoming any idea of collaboration with the community to better raise awareness among our society.

What is your plan in 2019? What do you aspire to achieve in the long run? We are doing our best to include more beneficiaries and to diversify our activities and outreaches. We have just launched the Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Youth Program of 2019 tackling circular economy and entrepreneurial opportunities in waste management. This 10-month program will educate, incubate and empower Egyptian entrepreneurs who are willing to start an environmental business in recycling and circular economy industries.

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SPECIAL FEATURE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taqatakâ&#x20AC;? Startup Merges Solar Energy with Technology to Introduce Electricity Solutions By Hadeel Hegazi

A recent engineering graduate and a technology savvy at heart, Mostafa Ashraf has always dreamed to build a business based on renewable energy innovations to help make the environment resources easy to use and more accessible to the public.

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“

We d r e a m t o b e t h e b i g g e s t r e n e w a b l e energy company in the world

”

Do you know that, according to Business Insider, 430 quintillion Joules of solar energy hit the Earth from the sun each hour, while all humans use 410 quintillion Joules throughout an entire year? This means that planet Earth enjoys unlimited amounts of solar power. Solar energy could be irrefutably dependable; it is limitless, it is a clean source, it is CO2 free and operates on quite low costs. Egyptian startup “Taqatak", which literally translates to “Your Energy”, strives to use the sun’s power to provide electricity generated from solar panels for people in public places. The founder has come to know how to harness the power of technology and pair it with their entrepreneurial mindsets, present solutions to both preserve the environment and employ our natural resources, opposed to the traditional and consuming means that threaten our planet. Mostafa Ashraf is no anomaly; the 23-year-old engineer is the founder of Taqatak startup. This emerging company plans to provide a diversity of products by capitalizing on the abundance of Egypt’s solar power and mixes it with technology; the Smartphone charging devices are the first of which. “We dream to be the biggest renewable energy company in the world,” Ashraf describes his vision. By the time Ashraf concluded his university years, he kicked off his startup with one solar station at a beach. Please elaborate more on the company’s products. Taqatak is a company that works on creating innovative solutions out of renewable energy. Our product is solar smartphones charging stations. The device is a station with a solar panel and highly secured nine charging units and cables so that users are able to charge any type of smartphone. The stations operate on full charging capacity, running for several days without any sunlight. They can be found in branches of the Arab African International Bank, Four Seasons Alexandria, Telal and Bianchi Sahel, and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) in Alexandria. When did you start and how big is your team? I created my first prototype in 2013 but officially started in 2016. My co-founder, Soliman Mohamed, joined me a few months ago. We studied engineering together at AAST (Arab Academy for Science Technology) in Alexandria but we met during the senior year of college. Our head office is located at the Greek Campus and the rest of the team are freelancers in business development and marketing.

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SPECIAL FEATURE What is your business model? How do you generate revenues? We work on multiple purposes; we serve the environment, use our natural sources, advertise corporates, and help users benefit from our technology solutions at no cost. On one hand, the mobile charging stations are free of charge for the end users, and on the other, sponsors and companies rent the surfaces of our stations for their advertising exposure, like when AAIB rented the station with their ads on, and this generates revenues for them. The device rental helps our clients to drive maximum usage from collecting and analyzing data about the users. Are there any obstacles you face? We mainly work Business-to-Business, and so we try to sell our products to corporates and banks, and here comes the challenge. It is difficult to seal deals with corporates, as we first try to introduce them to the innovative solutions that are generated out of solar energy, and then try to sell them the idea to be operated in their premises.

How was the launch? I have always been passionate about the solutions provided by solar and renewable energy since I was a kid. I even tried to manufacture a renewable energy device at home before going to university, until I started up “Taqatak”. When I first started, almost everybody told me to give up the idea and choose a stable one in engineering instead. When I began to reap my efforts, they started to believe in me and my business idea. However, my parents were my first supporters; they helped me bootstrap the startup with 20,000 EGP to create my first prototype. Do you have other supporters? Yes, we received an investment from the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation that is worth 50,000 as part of their program ”Fekretak Sherketak”. Also, the AAST supported us massively; they believed in our idea from the start and the university was one of the first places where we installed our stations. The Arab African Bank was our first client and collaborator, which helped us execute and distribute the stations in many places. My mentor, the founder of “Knowledge” consultancy firm, also played a significant role, in addition to the great help of the Ministry of Military Production where we locally manufacture our products.

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Meanwhile, the people’s recipient of the idea is very hopeful; they welcome and trust it, to the degree that at some of the beach stations, we built a waiting list system on the cabinets to suffice the people’s demands. What are some of the accomplishments and awards you have received so far? We received an award during the “Mobadret Rowad Technologya El Mostabal” celebration, with the presence of President Al-Sisi. We also got an award granted by AAIB during “Amwal Al Ghad” magazine’s ceremony that honored 100 companies. We surely consider AAIB’s collaboration as one of our major accomplishments. Contact Information: Website: taqatak.com Facebook and Twitter: /taqatak

WE BRING YOUR BUSINESS TO LIFE

48, Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, off Nozha St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 010 005 2322 - 010 005 2323 Email: info@communitytimes.me - rania.halim@communitytimes.me

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FEED: Building a Sustainable Future Through Permaculture By Noha Kandil

Permaculture is a term rarely used in Egypt, but which we should start familiarizing ourselves with, as it is an important tool in tackling environmental issues. According to the Permaculture Research Institute, Permaculture is a system that “integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed loop systems seen in diverse natural systems.”

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After further research, it became obvious how deep Permaculture is, with its principles, design, types and practices. I was left wondering how a subject that has been present since the 70’s, and which can help us fight the coming environmental global challenges and assist in saving our scarce resources, isn’t being discussed with a louder voice. Helping us to understand more about Permaculture is Aycha-Rahaf Badaro, Co-Founder of FEED; an initiative that aims to help save the environment by spreading this concept in Egypt. Originally from Jordan, Badaro now carries the Egyptian nationality after getting married in 2003. Before getting into Permaculture, she was a PR and Strategic Communication expert who worked in all kinds of organizations in Dubai and beyond.

Why did you make that shift to Permaculture? I felt like I was sinking in and getting drained by this vortex of life, with its responsibilities, money-chasing and vigorous competitions. It was like I was living a lie and I needed to stop. We usually discuss this during our introductory Permaculture, and propose the question “Who said we have to spend our lives in a rat race?” We started as a group in Egypt seeking to share a self-sufficient life, open to its surroundings and based on collaboration, moral values and spiritual awareness. We were a like-minded group of people and were aware of what is lying ahead in terms of global crisis, and our circle gets bigger everyday. How would you explain Permaculture to someone that has never heard of it before? Permaculture is a beautiful yet complex concept, because it mimics nature, which is part of God’s creation - the most sophisticated integrated system of all. That’s why accredited Permaculture Courses are normally quite long and a bit expensive. It’s an all-new kind of teaching. We spent a long time working on a comprehensive brochure both in English and Arabic trying to explain what the concept is. Permaculture, in a nutshell, teaches us how to create a small oasis mimicking nature, following what God created. For instance, experts have found out that there are plants and trees that co-exist in the same way in different natural oases, which is identified as “Companion Planting”, a process that increased the yield. Another example is what’s known as Micro Climate, where in the same planting area you find a sunny part, humid part, dry part, all co-existing for the best yield. Often times this is the work of not less than seven years and requires a community of not less than seven families, as all kinds of skills are needed in such Permaculture communities. february 2019 | Ct

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Why seven years and seven families? According to the Permaculture School of Thought, it takes seven years to develop what is called a Food Forest, which is basically a sustainable food production system that would allow self-sufficiency. Also, to reach that self-sufficiency we need to start with the minimum of seven families with a diversified set of skills, from handicraft and planting, to teaching, administration and even alternative-medicine, etc. What motivated you to start FEED, while you could have just embraced Permaculture in your circle? When we created FEED in 2017 as a social and environmental initiative, we had reached a point where we could no longer remain silent spectators to the magnitude of threats faced by humanity, particularly in our part of the world, that are mostly caused by wars and climate change: they vary from water scarcity, food safety to energy crisis. Such challenges required urgent attention and action on our part. How aware are people of Permaculture here in Egypt vs. other parts of the world? Permaculture is gaining a worldwide popularity among a special niche who are interested in nature, simplicity and back-to-ethics and especially those that are tired of the materialistic life. It is a still not that common in our part of the world, but it is gaining more momentum nowadays in Egypt and the Arab World. I don’t personally think that Permaculture will continue to address a certain niche of the society, but I don’t see it as a mass global movement either; at least not for the time being. How many workshops/retreats have you held so far? We had a small retreat back in September 2018, introducing Urban Permaculture and providing effective solutions to address the critical economic challenges facing the world today. The workshop provided techniques to reduce high cost of living (food, electricity, and water) like how to cultivate crops on balconies, rooftops and home gardens – the Permaculture way. Also, in our pursuit to fully understand the Permaculture theory and practice, we organized a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) highlighting the issue of global water scarcity. The PDC was led by Rhamis Kent, one of the most prominent Permaculturists. The course was held in an ingenious spot in Sinai where participants were harnessed with practical solutions and strategies towards a responsible off-grid living that is simple and self-sufficient. How would you evaluate Egyptians’ feedback so far, with regards to FEED? We didn’t predict how fast the initiative would spread, and the feedback surpassed our expectations, especially among the youth who are fascinated with the idea of living semi-off-grid, or living self-sufficiently and in serenity close to nature; which is what we aimed for from the beginning.

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Our ultimate goal is to build the first Permaculture eco-lodge in Egypt, in which people can practically experience and live a self-sufficient life

”

We wanted to attract youth from the start, and we knew we had to do it smartly. During our workshops, we inform them of the current deteriorating situation of our global environment and resources, but we focus more on the solutions and what we can actually do. Is it easier for children to embrace the Permaculture life than adults? Anything taught from childhood is easier to embrace. The only challenge is that this requires parents to be aware and dedicated. Permaculture allows children to reunite with nature to prepare them for the future ahead with all the scarce resources and environmental challenges. FEED started over a year ago. How have your objectives developed since? We originally wanted to spread Permaculture in Arabic, so we were more focused on developing solid material through translating books and creating presentations. We wanted to localize the subject for the Mena region. Then, like I mentioned, we didn’t predict how fast FEED would grow, and we had to develop our objective to match the pace. Our focus has consequently shifted to raising funds and creating trusted partnerships to help us cope with the rising number of people joining FEED. What are the main obstacles that you faced in Egypt, and how did you overcome them? Funding and finding the right partners is a challenge, as Permaculture is still a new concept to Egyptians; not all people can envision the full picture, and many think it is impossible to live a self-sufficient life in Egypt. Also, positioning FEED correctly is not the easiest task, especially with many entities taking sustainability as a trend rather than a real movement. That is why joining FEED, and embracing Permaculture in general, has to be a conscious choice. What is your advice for someone who is interested in Permaculture, but doesn’t have time to attend workshops, or isn’t ready to embrace the semioff-grid life? I would tell them to just get into it bit by bit. Start reading about Permaculture in your free time; Urban Permaculture is perfect to start with, as it would help you make those small changes at your home and in your life. Moreover, embracing the ethical principles of Permaculture can be of great benefit. Those principles are: Care of Earth, Care of People, and Managing Surplus. It’s all about leading a simple life. Where do you see FEED five years from now? It all depends on the funds and the number of people joining; but from our experience with FEED so far, I can say we are very optimistic about the future. Our ultimate goal is to build the first Permaculture eco-lodge in Egypt, in which people can practically experience and live a self-sufficient life. Our plan is to construct a one-year program for teaching the practical implementation of Permaculture. Hopefully five years from now we will be well-established. Facebook: /FEED.Bokra

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Lead a Green Lifestyle: How You Can Help at Home By Najla Riad

The three R’s is the the golden rule and your guide to reducing waste at home, which can be your small contribution in helping with the global disaster phenomena. The three R’s are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

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Helpful OrganizatiOns tHat Help witH tHe tHree râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s There are at least two organizations in Egypt that accept items from your home for recycling: RecycloBekia and Outgreens Egypt for Management Services. They will help you to get rid of the following: 1. Paper and cards that you crumble and throw in the basket. Be sure to place these items separately in one bag. If you have a shredding machine at home, collect the shredded paper and donate. 2. Disposable plates and cups that you used at a gathering or party. Rinse and place them together in another bag for recycling.

3. Reduce at home by copying your CDs and DVDs on your computer and see if any of the above organizations would accept them. They may also accept your printer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used ink cartridges. 4. Cardboard boxes like cereal, pizza, cracker boxes or any other type of paper packaging. Throwing them in the trash causes a negative environmental impact. 5. Items that contain harmful chemicals and toxic material to the environment, including batteries, fluorescent lamp bulbs that contain a bit of mercury and old TVs that contain up to eight pounds of lead.

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SPECIAL FEATURE How to Reduce waste at Home 1. Instead of buying plastic water bottles, install a water filtering system and drink from glasses or mugs. 2. For plastic water bottles, you can cut off the bottoms and plant seedlings in them instead of buying new pots from the nursery. You could also cut a hole in a water bottle, fill it with water and place it in the planter, to water your plant systematically. 3. Reuse your aluminum foil. If it is clean and free from any food debris, use it as a jewelry cleaner. Line a small dish with foil, add hot water and one tablespoon of powder laundry detergent and mix together. Swirl jewelry in the mixture, then remove and dry. You can also crumple the foil into a ball and place in the dryer along with your clothes to help remove static cling and wrinkles. 4. There are several arts and crafts centers in Cairo and Alexandria where you can donate bottle corks, batteries, and even ribbons from old tapes that they can use for creative art. Even old clothes can be cut up and turned into bags and patchwork quilts.

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5. Empty glass jars should be rinsed and reused to put other food items in them. 6. The plastic dish that you receive when you order food delivery can be rinsed and reused by placing food you are giving to a doorman or security man nearby. 7. Reuse disposable aluminum platters at least once or twice before you think of disposing them. Rinse well and reuse to cook food in the oven instead of buying new platters every time. 8. Books that you no longer need, donate immediately. Community Services Association in Maadi is one venue, and next to Azbakia gardens, there are many used booksellers that would be glad to buy books by the weight. You can also head to the club you are a member in and donate books to their library. 9. Don’t buy what you don’t need. If there is a new toaster that you like in the store because it has an added feature that probably you will never use, and your old one is still working fine, then don’t buy it. Use your old toaster.

10. Recycle your clothes. With a little alteration you may have a completely new outfit, or mix and match. You can match a jacket from a suit with another skirt or pants or vise versa. Adding a sequined vest or top to an evening skirt will give you an extra outfit to wear.

Help Your GarbaGe ColleCtor Instead of one garbage bag, use two: one for all the solid waste such as bottles, cardboard, paper and discarded rags, and one for all the other waste.

RecycloBekia address: Malaco Alimar, International Towerm Building 13A, next to Maadi 2nd entrance. Tel: 02 23592506 Outgreens Egypt address: 15 Hammad, Mit Akaba, Al Agouzah. Tel: 0120 056 0000

February 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Eco- Tourism By Rehab Saad After many setbacks that affected the tourism industry in Egypt, the government needed to think of more innovative and sustainable solutions to help develop this sector in Egypt. Boosting eco-tourism was an approach that would consolidate the industry and ensure growth as well as conserve the environment. Efforts were exerted to protect reefs, as there had been disturbing damage done to the overall marine biodiversity of Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters. Shark attacks occurred due to the unpredicted impact on the ecosystem as a result of climate change, as well as overfishing and other disruptive practices.

Credit- Ra oufz Via Flic kr

NUWEIBA AND TABA In these areas, the problem of overfishing has been resolved by establishing fish farms and displacing naturally occurring species of fish in the surrounding areas, which in other places have caused shark attacks.

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BASATA VILLAGE Established in 1986, Basata Village is located north of Nuweiba. The idea was initially thought of by Maged El Said, an Egyptian engineer, and his German wife, who used to camp in Basata in the bamboo and reedmade huts. Seeking to establish a new form of environmental tourism, they developed the idea and expanded the camp to include other huts and camps. Inspired by the Bedouin lifestyle and wanting to create a healthy environment, El Said took a further step by establishing Habiba Camp in Taba, with an organic farm and learning center that seeks to revolutionize unhealthy lifestyles.

EL GOUNA This town is one of the leading green initiatives in the area with its authentic architecture, sustainable development concept, internal recycling and water treatment plants.

Credit- Habiba

El Gouna is considered the ideal starting point for the Green Stars Hotels Initiative. The Green Star is a partnership between Orascom, the German consulting firm AGEG Consultants and the German International Cooperation (GIZ). Considered the first of its kind in Egypt, the Green Star initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key objective is the improvement of environmental performance based on several criteria that has to be achieved in collaboration with different entities, bodies and departments. The criteria principally lies in reducing energy and water consumption from 10 to 30%, optimizing the use of renewable energy, ensuring proper handling of waste, and raising awareness, which should be applied to hotels throughout the country. For the first two years, 11 hotels in El Gouna have received Green Star awards, while in 2018, it has been announced that all El Gouna Hotels and four in Taba have received the certificate. february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Exploring Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beautiful Protectorates By Rawan Abdel Latif

Home to desert plains, green lands, and two seas, Egypt is full of mesmerizing nature that needs to be preserved. Across many of its provinces and governorates, you can find a great number of nature reserves and protectorates that house an impressive amount of foliage and wildlife. Because there are so many of them, we thought of familiarizing our readers with some of Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful protectorates.

Credit - Mohamed Said

WADI DEGLA PROTECTORATE Just minutes away from Maadi, Cairo, Wadi Degla Protectorate is perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Entering the 12-kilometer long preserve, you are immediately transported to the serenity of nature, with its impressive rock formations, animal life and 64 types of plants. This spot is also popular among those who look for a peaceful, picturesque place to ride their bikes, hike, practice yoga or even just gather around with friends for a barbecue. It is open everyday from 7 am to 6 pm, but sometimes the timing varies depending on the season.

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RAS MOHAMED NATIONAL PARK This nature reserve is situated in Sinai by the Red Sea, around 12 kilometers from Sharm El Sheikh, and covers around 480 square kilometers of land and sea. Due to its location overlooking the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba, Ras Mohamed National Park was declared for marine and terrestrial protection in 1983 by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. Several of the fishing methods that were used there were destroying its incredible coral reefs and affecting the fish, such as using dynamites and knives. This location is also home to underwater caves that were formed as a result of earthquakes, as well as 220 species of coral and 1,000 species of fish, making Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef popular destinations for divers. Also present off the coast of Ras Mohamed that intrigues divers is the wreckage of the SS Thistlegorm, a British armed navy ship.

Credit - Alamy

SIWA OASIS Declared a protectorate in 2002, Siwa Oasis is located in the Matrouh governorate between the Great Sand Sea and the Qattara Depression. Covering an area of around 7,800 squared kilometers, it is home to several hot springs, and is known for its olive and palm trees, as well as housing the ancient ruins of the Orcale of Ammun.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Credit - Sancara

WHITE DESERT NATIONAL PARK Found in the Farafra area in the New Valley governorate, the White Desert National Park is known for its large white chalk rocks that have been formed as a result of erosion. The reserve covers an area of 3,010 square kilometers, which also houses cliffs and sand dunes, a perfect place for campers. The park is also home to a large variety of animals, including the endangered Rhim gazelle, Barbary sheep, Fennec foxes, Sand cats and many others.

WADI ALLAQI This wadi (dry river) is located in the south of Egypt, beginning in Sudan and ending near Aswan on the shore of Lake Nasser. Declared as a protectorate in 1989 and managed by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Wadi Allaqi covers 30,000 square kilometers of land, and includes a 250-kilometer river. The nomadic Bejas tribe lives in the area, and uses the protectorate to graze livestock, for the production of charcoal and for agriculture. Wadi Allaqi is also famous for its gold and rock inscriptions, especially the one found at Umm Ashira. You can also find a well 60 kilometers into the wadi, as well as a stela attributed to Ramesses II.

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Credit - Zodiac Travel

WADI EL GEMAL NATIONAL PARK Wadi El Gemal is located on the Red Sea by Marsa Allam, and was declared a national park in 2003. The reserve covers an area of 7,450 square kilometers that are split into both desert plains as well as marine spaces, and is home to a large variety of wildlife, from endangered species to gazelles and camels. Its coastal area includes 450 species of coral and around 1,200 species of fish, as well as five islands that serve as the homes of 13 bird types and turtles. The UN Environment Assembly announced in 2017 that Wadi El Gemal islands are free from plastics, which is a huge accomplishment in itself. Credit - Seac o logy

SAINT CATHERINE NATIONAL PARK This national park lies in the South of Sinai, which was declared a reserve in 1988, and houses popular attractions like Mount Sinai and the Saint Katherine Monastery. This mountainous ecosystem covers an area of 4,350 square kilometers, and is known for having a biodiversity of plant endemics with around 472 species, in addition to 27 mammal species and 46 reptiles.

Credit - Trover

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Credit - Dale Gillard

WADI EL RAYAN / WADI EL HITAN Under the supervision of the Ministry of Environmental Affairs, Wadi El Rayan can be found in the Fayoum governorate, and is known for its picturesque lakes, including Lake Qarun, as well as its large variety of flora and fauna, which amounts to 13 species of plants, the endangered slender-horned gazelle, the fennec fox, 11 species of reptiles and 13 species of resident birds. It was declared a reserve in 1989. There are three sulphur springs at the southern side of the lower lake, where you can find marine fossils and archeological remains. If visitors travel northwest, they will come across Wadi El Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the fossils of extinct whales.

Credit - Mohamed Ouda

LAKE BURULLUS Lake Burullus is a brackish water lake found in Kafr el-Sheikh on the border of the Mediterranean Sea that was declared a protectorate in 1998. Covering 460 square kilometers, the lake is home to 32 species of fish, 112 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles and 18 species of mammals.

Credit - Bionic pt

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Credit - Sinai Trekking and Safari

ABU GALUM PROTECTORATE Located near Taba in Sinai overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, the 400 square kilometer Abu Galum Protectorate is home to mangroves, high coastal mountains and coral reefs, which is why it was declared a nature reserve in 1992.

Credit - TravelStart

The protectorate houses around 165 species of plants, as well as Hyraxes, foxes and even the striped hyena, and a large variety of birds and other wild animals. When it comes to reptiles, there are around 10 species of snakes and lizards. Underwater, a cave system lies at 100 meters.

february 2019 | Ct

SPECIAL FEATURE

Credit-Mohamed Kamal

ASHTUM EL-GAMIL PROTECTORATE Located near Port Said on the Damietta coastal road, Ashtum El-Gamil protectorate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which was established in 1988 - separates the wetland Lake Manzala from the Mediterranean Sea. The protectorate is a common place to go bird watching, as it is one of the main stops for migratory birds, which sometimes use the area for breeding. These species include flamingos, swans, the Little Gull, Whiskered Tern and curlews.

Credit-Mohamed Kamal

Ashtum El-Gamil is managed by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency.

TABA PROTECTORATE

NABQ PROTECTORATE

This protectorate in Sinai near the Gulf of Aqaba is home to rare animals like eagles and deers, which live within a distinguished geological formation, and includes various water springs like Wadi Ghazala, Wadi Elsewana, Fortage Spring and Hadra Spring. It was declared a reserve in 1998, and covers an area of 3,595 square kilometers.

Named the largest coastal protectorate in Egypt, Nabq is located near Sharm El Sheikh and covers an area of 600 square kilometers. With exotic terrain and high mountains, the area is home to mangroves, crustaceans and small fish. The area also serves as a great place for bird watching, diving, and minor offroading activities, or watching out for gazelles and Nubian Ibexes.

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WADI SANOR CAVE Located southeast of Beni Suef, Wadi Sanor Cave was discovered in the 1980s and announced a protectorate in 1992. Covering an area of 12 square kilometers, this limestone cave overlaid with alabaster is popular for its unique geological formations of stalactites and stalagmites that date back to the middle Eocene period, which provides researchers and geologists with insight into the ancient climate.

GABAL ELBA

Credit- Jebel Elba/Flic kr

Declared as a protectorate in 1986, Gabal Elba National park covers an area of 35,600 square kilometers, and is located in the south of the Eastern Desert. The first sighting of a leopard in Egypt since the 1950s was witnessed in this protectorate in 2014, which is also home to many other species of birds, reptiles and plants. Its mountainous regions also house coastal marshes, desert coastal plains and mangrove woods on the coast of the Red Sea.

Credit- ETL Travel

february 2019 | Ct

COMMUNITY | Entrepreneur Al Makinah Startup Equips Non-Techies with the Knowledge to Fill the Tech Market Gap By Hadeel Hegazi

The technology field in Egypt witnesses a massive gap between tech talents and the companies that require employees with tech-related skills. On that basis, Al Makinah is a company that was created to fill that gap, teaching programming to women and youth, later on connecting them with potential employers. IT has for so long been a male-dominated industry, however, in an age where everything speaks technology, demands for software and web development competencies are on the rise, and so is the gender variance. Al Makinah founders look to create generations of female techies who can be efficient enough to shift the trend and defy these stereotypes. The three-day Riseup Summit was the perfect place to have a conversation about technology. One of the workshops during the summit was “Tech for non-Techies” given by Eman El koshairy, Co-founder of Al Makinah school. Eman joined forces with Bahia Al Sharkawy two years ago to establish Egypt’s first coding and programming boot camp.

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We sat with Bahia at The Greek Campus and chatted about Al Makinah, their dreams and ambitions for the startup as well as the obstacles they face in the field. Bahia studied Digital Media Engineering and Technology at the German University in Cairo and worked for three years as a web developer.

When and why did you start Al Makinah? I started almost three years ago, but registered the company two years ago. Eman joined since the registration, and only then did Al Makinah start to reel on. The purpose is to bridge the gap between job seekers in the technology field and the market requirements. It was an opportunity to address this problem and start off “Al Makinah”. What does the company offer? We are a tech hub for anybody who wants to learn or teach technology or wants to hire tech talents. Currently, we focus on teaching web development for people who want to build websites or web apps. So our participants are either computer science graduates but need practical experience, or people coming from different backgrounds who decide to shift careers and work as web developers. We design and build our own curriculum teaching according to the missing parts in the market. For example, tech startups look for certain tools; we try to address these skills so the graduate is able to work after finishing the program right away. Why do you have a program for kids? Less than a year ago, we started “Makindar ” program for kids. Most of the schools abroad deliver these programs, and very few schools in Egypt have programming subjects for kids, so we decided to raise awareness and introduce a basic program.

Are there people who come without any tech experience? Yes, when we first started we thought that a lot of programmers in the field would more likely join, but actually, many of our students come from various disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, and mechatronics engineering. How many people are on your team? We are now six full-timers. Eman and I are co-founders, we have one person in the business department, two in the “Makindar ” project as instructors and managers, and a graphic designer, alongside our teachers who are all part-timers. We now look for people to join as full-time tech instructors. Do you follow up with your alumni? Yes, we do. Our major program, “Fireup”, is a three-month boot-camp. On the last day, we invite the companies that want to hire new talents to meet and interview our graduates. Within two to three weeks, the graduates are hired. However, we follow up with them and the company and, if they decide to leave, they come back to us and we look for other opportunities. What challenges do you face? The essential problem of lacking tech talents is hugely present in the MENA region, Egypt and certainly in our company. We always search for a strong tech team to teach our classes, and thus lacking a talented team is our main problem.

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Entrepreneur Also, for people to come and enroll in our bootcamps, we do our best to make it accessible and affordable for everyone. They are not expensive compared to prices abroad, but they are not cheap which basically leads to the third problem; that we usually look for sponsorships to cover the expenses. We dream to make our program available for everyone who wants to change their lives, not focusing on a certain segment. Tell us about the women’s edition of “Gear Up”. We tailor this program just for women. In the beginning, I didn’t know that it would differ much having a mixed class from having an all-women program, but honestly, it matters a lot with the self-confidence of the girls during the program. Girls and women are much more comfortable asking questions without being shy in the allwomen groups. Do you think women graduates face harsher challenges in a male-dominated technology field? I believe that once they finish the program, practice the tech skills and gain self-confidence in their abilities, they are ready to delve deeper into the industry. We try to break this issue within the program, inspiring them with success stories of prominent women figures in technology and encouraging them to challenge the stereotypes and believe they are good enough to share the industry with men.

What are your achievements so far? Whenever I meet any of the graduates who have managed to shift their career, work in a solid company and earn a good salary, I deem him or her as a success story for us. Throughout the three-month boot-camp, we all live in the same bubble and we get very attached, so anyone succeeding is great news for all of us. Do you receive any funds or investments? We currently depend on no investments, but we run our programs upon awards we receive. Recently, we got the P&G award to focus on sponsoring the women’s program that starts from January until March. Do you have mentors? Nowadays, the startup ecosystem is becoming broad and well networked. In events like Riseup, you can meet and network with whoever and ask for advice. Ever since we started and got incubated by AUC Venture Lab, we got to know people who guided us through our journey.

Al Makinah Facebook and Instagram: /almakinah Email: info@almakinah.com Address: Maadi Al Khabiri Ash Sharqeyah, Al Maadi, Cairo Governorate 72

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BUSINESS

Decades of Success An Inter view with the Managing Director of Al Ahram Beverages Company

Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC) was originally first called the Crown Brewery Company that was first established in 1897 in Alexandria, and later nationalized in 1963. More than 30 years later, it was bought by an Egyptian entrepreneur and was privatized. In 2002, ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth continued, leading to its acquisition by Heineken Group. The company has successfully established a strong clientele, with brands and products that we now use and love, from alcoholic beverages like Desperados, Heineken, Sakkara, Blue40, Valmont and its newest addition Devlin, among many others, to the non-alcoholic Fayrouz, Amstel Zero and Birell. Mr. Hans Essaadi, who has recently joined the company a few months ago as the Managing Director, has many plans for the development of ABC. Esaadiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career started in The Netherlands with Heineken and has since been given the opportunity to work in several countries across the world including Germany, Puerto Rico, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. He was then appointed managing director of Heineken Malaysia Berhad.

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The company has been established since 1897. How would you say the approach has differed between then and now? I would say that we now focus on providing a diversified range of products that cater to different consumers’ needs. I believe that when the company was established more than 120 years ago, the focus was primarily on producing beer. However, I can say for sure that one thing that was there in 1897 and is still here now, is the focus on high quality products. This will never change. What opportunities and threats does the alcoholic beverage industry face in Egypt, which are not evident in some of the countries you have worked in? I have only been here for a few months but I know that Egypt is a market of great potential; the size of the market, the population growth rates and the change in people’s attitudes are all positive signs for our business. Like any business, the “challenge” I would say will be on how to continuously stay a step ahead of your competition. Seeing as advertising is very difficult for tobacco and alcoholic beverages here in Egypt, what are some of the alternative ways to publicizing your company? How are you looking to overcome such obstacles? In any country we operate, we respect the local laws and regulations. Egypt is no exception. We work on overcoming the limitations in marketing and advertising by creating consumer experiences through our events and the events that we sponsor. We let our brands speak for themselves. We also capitalize on digital marketing, which is one of the most influential tools at the moment. Digital also suits our thrive for innovation, which is one of our strategic objectives. What are some of your main short and long-term goals? Our short-term goals would be to create inspiring brands not just products; brands that are the preferred by the heart of our consumers. In the long-term, we aspire to be the most admired beverage company in Egypt.

What is the competition like in Egypt? What makes Al Ahram Beverages stand out? We face competition in wines, spirits and mainstream brands. We stand out thanks to our diverse portfolio of high quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Our commitment to continuous innovations puts us in the lead. What would you say is your best-selling product? There isn’t a one and only hero brand because we have different categories; we have Stella, we have Birell, and we have different wines and spirits. What new products are you introducing to the market? Can you tell us more about what makes them unique? Our latest innovation is Devlin, the first ever premium single malt whisky that is 100% Egyptian. How is success or failure measured using the product? Like most FMCGs, its consumer demand determines whether a brand is successful or not; it all boils down to the sales. Other elements would be the brand health indicators (BHI); its awareness levels, degree of consumers’ loyalty and perception. How do you implement quality control? How do you balance cost and quality? We have five state-of-the-art plants that are all ISO certified. We follow the Heineken standards across all our production cycles. For us, quality is paramount; we never compromise on our quality standards. We work on continuously improving our processes to ensure that the highest quality is always guaranteed without affecting our profitability levels. Does ABC have a sommelier? If so, what is their exact role and how much do you rely on them? We have what is known in Heineken as “master brewers” and we rely on them in ensuring our product quality standards. For Devlin for example, our “brewers” received special training in Scotland to be able to produce Devlin with the needed quality and taste that we have now. We do the same with our other products too.

FEBRuaRy 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS

LG Egypt Announces Partnership with Popular Game Show “Al Abakera” LG Egypt launched its new unique corporate social responsibility initiative by partnering with Al Abakera (The Geniuses) game show, granting the winners a trip to Korea, for a chance to experience what the country has to offer and witness LG’s revolutionary technology.

universities competing to claim the winning title, and every time a student answers a question correctly, the entire school system wins a cash prize. The show’s latest season is set to witness fierce competition between 32 public and private schools from all governorates that are going head-to-head.

Al Abakera, with the largest money prize of any game show in the Middle East, is a reality edutainment competition between high schools and

LG chose to support this program because it creates a new mechanism for students to demonstrate excitement to learn about various scientific and literary fields. The show’s live audience will also be asked to take part in a competition for a chance to win LG competitive products.

“Realme” Smartphones to Launch in the Egyptian Market in 2019 Realme, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will launch in the Egyptian market in January 2019 to introduce a number of smartphones combining the powerful performance and stylish design, targeting users who focus on strong performance and modern design in conjunction with the latest technology in the smartphone industry. The company will offer a selection of smartphone versions, ranging in features and prices, with quality, style, strength and technological development and prices suitable for different categories of users. Realme” phones have been very successful in six of the world’s most powerful markets, notably India and the South East Asian market. In order to prepare to enter the Middle East through the Egyptian market, Realme is launching a high-end specs device with mid-range prices to suit the purchasing power of young people.

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The Next Generation of the Cinema is Now with Samsung Samsung Electronics is set to define the “cinema of the future” with its new Cinema LED Technologies called “Onyx” and “Home Cinema”. By bringing the visual power of LED picture quality to the big screen, Samsung cinema technologies offer viewers more powerful, and memorable cinematic content. Not only do the Samsung solutions offer the most detail-rich and vivid content possible, but they further capture the viewers senses with an epic audio experience, thanks to support from HARMAN Professional’s JBL Surround technology and Samsung’s proprietary technology, expanding the audio sweet spot within a given theater.

Samsung Electronics also offers a 3D version of Samsung cinema solutions; featuring highbrightness and industry-leading 3D dimensional depth, bringing visual details to the forefront and allowing for subtitles to be easier to read. Samsung cinema solutions can also make the modern theater feel bigger and better thanks to eliminating bulky projector equipment, while making room for more seats and as such offering content to wider audiences.

Ericsson and Volvo Cars Sign Five-Year Connected Vehicle Cloud Worldwide Deal Ericsson has been selected by Volvo Car Group to provide the industrialized Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud (CVC) platform to further enable its digital vehicle services in more than 120 markets worldwide for the next five years. Volvo Cars is increasing focus on securing high-quality connected-vehicle services as digitalization increases the importance of software services. The services will also benefit from the increased speed, low-latency and capacity for mission critical applications, such as autonomous driving, that commercial 5G networks will enable.

Delivered via several geographically distributed centers, the platform takes full account of legal, security, and privacy obligations on a global scale – such as compliance with the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The deal will enable Volvo Cars to provide car owners and drivers with its latest developments in connected car digital services such as automation, fleet management, telematics, navigation, and infotainment – is the largest to date for Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud.

This is what the Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud delivers - meeting Volvo Cars’ high services and applications availability and stability expectations, and allowing Volvo Cars to focus on the value creation of connected vehicle digital customer experiences as a differentiator.

FEBRuaRy 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS Nokia 8.1 Elevating the Value Flagship Experiences HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced the Nokia 8.1, the newest addition to its value flagship range. The Nokia 8.1 punches above its weight with extraordinary imaging achieved by its highly sensitive, industry-leading camera sensor, ZEISS Optics and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Proprietary PureDisplay screen technology with HDR 10 support along with highly accurate colour reproduction delivers enhanced viewing experiences even in bright sunlight, while the chipset ensures smooth performance for up to two days per charge. Its 12MP main camera with ZEISS Optics has an industryleading 1/2.55” super sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels for precise light capture, delivering exceptionally detailed images. A wide aperture ensures

you can capture sharp pictures even in low light conditions, allowing longer exposure times that can be manually controlled with the Pro Camera mode. Visuals are taken to another level with HDR 10 delivering higher contrast, great clarity, and over a billion individual colours to ensure images remain accurate-whether you’re in a dark room or bright sunlight. Through apps like Human Anatomy, Magic Plan, and Jenga AR, you can visualise and learn about the nervous system in 3D, create a floor plan for your next remodel just by walking around the house, and stack blocks on your dining room table with no need to tidy up after your tower collapses. Diamond cut edges deliver a bold statement with the durability to withstand the knocks of everyday life. The Nokia 8.1’s stunning 6.18” Full HD+ edge-to-edge display is housed within a beautifully refined and neat footprint, so

Start Something Fun and Fresh with Skittles and Doublemint Mars-Wrigley confectionary, a leading company worldwide in confectionary; celebrated the launch of their famous Skittles, a chewy candy along with the icon of freshness Doublemint gum. The event was organized especially for the media, foodies and social bloggers who were delighted to be taken through the Mars-Wrigley history, Skittles candy and the freshening doublemint gum. The launch was held at the Kempinski Nile hotel in a fun and festive mood overlooking the Nile and enjoying the saxophone show.

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you can enjoy your favourite movies and apps on a big screen comfortably on the go, giving you even more screen than the award-winning Nokia 7 plus with its 6” display. The Nokia 8.1 is the first Nokia smartphone to launch with Android 9 Pie out of the box. It joins the comprehensive line-up of Nokia smartphones in the Android One family, which means it delivers the best version of Android innovations and software experiences. The Nokia 8.1 will be available in Blue starting January 19, 2019.

Ministry of Health Approves Insulin Degludec (Tresiba®) as the Only Basal Insulin for the Treatment of Type-1 Diabetes from the Age of One Year This announcement came as a medical and scientific breakthrough for the leading global diabetes healthcare company. The administration of Degludec (Tresiba) to oneyear-old infants with type-1 diabetes received regulatory approvals from renowned scientific authorities such as EMA, FDA, as well as the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Diabetes Type-1 patients who use any type of basal insulin, usually reduce the dosage by 20% when switching to Tresiba, which shows the superiority and efficacy of Tresiba.

Diabetes is a chronic disease in Egypt, with 8.2 million citizens suffering from the disease, representing 14.8% of the total adult population in the country. Egypt occupies the 8th position globally in terms of diabetes prevalence, and it is expected that the number of patients in Egypt will reach 16.7 million by 2040.

Mindsalike Stepping Up Entrepreneur and Investor Networking in Egypt Mindsalike held their 9th exclusive networking event hosting 350 entrepreneurs, investors and C-level executives for an informal and fun night of networking at SASS in Zamalek. For this event, and for the second year running, Mindsalike threw the RiseUp After Party, in partnership with Cairo Angels, to celebrate the success of the 6th annual RiseUp Summit that attracted over 6,000 attendees from the region. Mindsalike is an initiative to connect entrepreneurs and business minds in Cairo in an informal way to build real relationships. Mindsalike do regular mid-week events after work at informal venues to bring together entrepreneurs

to build powerful informal relationships with like minds – allowing them to meet, discuss challenges, share knowledge and build collaboration. Mindsalike attract many different types of business minds – startups, SMEs, corporates, family businesses, multinationals, investors, investor networks and more. The combination opens new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, investment and sharing of ideas.

FEBRuaRy 2019 | Ct

DESTINATIONS | Scenes Sofitel Winter Palace – A Luxury Winter Retreat By Najla Riad

The city of Luxor has always been a great winter vacation spot since the 1800s. Not only because it is the “World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum”, but also for the stunning scenery of the river Nile, the feluccas, the beautiful people of Upper Egypt and for the history that belies the city. Luxor is also known as a therapeutic destination for those with specific ailments. One of the highlights of Luxor is staying at the Sofitel Winter Palace. This was the winter residence of King Farouk as well as many celebrities, and from this hotel, Explorer Howard Carter announced the discovery of the most complete tomb site of all the sites, that is the burial chambers of King Tutankhamen. The Sofitel Winter Palace was built in 1886, taking on a Victorian influence. French details are felt everywhere such as the grand chandelier in the foyer and curtains made of intriguing textiles, as well as original fabric still perceived at the bar/lounge that exists since the inception of the hotel. Indulge in a delectable breakfast at the hotel, that is an adventure on its own. A huge array of pastries, cheeses, breads, fruits, fresh juices and much more, is at your beck and call.

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The beautifully designed rooms and suites are equipped with all modern amenities, yet a French chic and elegant ambience surrounds you. Some of the rooms are equipped with furniture from a yore era, adding to the charm of the hotel. After a day visiting the monuments in the West Bank or East Bank, there is nothing better than to head back to the hotel and enjoy each moment in its various outlets. Both restaurants, 1886 and Corniche, carry a touch of French finesse. The elegant ambience in both restaurants gives you the feeling of dining like royalty, adding to this is the staff that guides you through an authentic culinary experience. You should then end your evening at the bar/ lounge for an aperitif or to choose from a huge selection of drinks. If you are going to skip a full meal, the bar offers gourmet bites to go with your drink. Beyond the lounge bar is another room with a wealth of books to choose from. Ask for your drink, then relax in a dĂŠcor that takes you back a century or two. Another delight that you can experience is wandering in the lush gardens of the hotel with its exotic flowers and plants while soaking in the winter sun. In warmer weathers, the swimming pool with its imbedded bar is an alternative where you can swim up to the bar for a cocktail. Watching the sun setting over the Nile from one of the terraces while having an afternoon tea or a cocktail is another enchanting moment.

PAVILLION WINTER LUXOR Sharing the luxurious tropical gardens of the Sofitel Winter Palace is the 5-star Pavillion. This hotel with the peach colored faĂ§ade, is a contemporary retreat that is minutes away from the Luxor temple, the market, and the Luxor Museum. Chosen to complement the Palace, it overlooks the gardens and the swimming pool. The contemporary decorated rooms are spacious with all the needed amenities available. Breakfast is a delight where you have the choice of sitting indoors or outdoors amid the Bougainvillea and the palm trees. As a special treat, ask the waiter for a slice of warm fresh feteer, drizzle it with honey, and you are in heaven. In the evening, you can dine by the swimming pool, listening to the chirp of the birds before they retire for the night and enjoy the surrounding greenery. Then head to the sheesha parlor and puff away with a glass of minted tea. If you are planning to entertain a small party of friends, and want to impress them, the hotel can also arrange a candle lit dinner under the gazebo along with a glass of bubbly drink. The whole experience at Sofitel Winter Palace or the Pavillion is all about seizing the opportunity to enjoy each moment of your trip.

february 2019 | Ct

Travel

Emirates Opens Fir s t Dedicated Airpor t Lounge in Cairo Airline invest s over US$ 3.6 million in the new premium of fering There are around 41 Emirates lounges around the world, and all of them meet your expectations in terms of quality. Wherever you land at any international airport, you will enjoy access to a comfortable stay with complimentary refreshments, magazines and newspapers, Wi-Fi, television viewing, even showers, and spa facilities. The latest lounge Emirates Airlines opened is at Cairo International Airport, a pride to experience. The lounge serves First Class and Business Class customers as well as any customer who is a Platinum or Gold member of the Skywards program. The airlines invested $3.6 million in the lounge in order to provide its customers with the same excellent standards as any of their lounges worldwide. The lounge offers customers services that enhances their experience while they are at Cairo Airport. Other than being a comfortably spacious lounge, there are several counters that provide refreshments such as different flavors of coffee, tea and sodas, and an international hot and cold cuisine inspired from different cities where Emirates flies.

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Over and above, business travelers have access to a complimentary Wi-Fi service, business facilities with touch screen computers, and a printer. For transit travelers, Emirates Airlines also provides spa facilities, spa products, and a shower. Relaxing in comfortable leather seats, customers can also enjoy the LED TVs updating them on the latest business and world news. Mr. Mohamed Matter, Divisional Senior Vice President, says: “Cairo is our first destination in North Africa with an Emirates Lounge – and it underscores our relentless efforts to enhance the travel experience that we offer to customers, not online in the air, but on the ground. We are committed to the highest standards of quality in every aspect of our business and the new Emirates Lounge is a testament to that.” He added, “We hope to contribute to the country’s tourism industry in a meaningful way and attract both international customers as well as discerning Egyptian travellers with our premium service. Egypt is a very important market for Emirates, and this dedicated lounge demonstrates our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible airport experience.” All in all, the contemporary designed lounge will be an enhancing travel experience for both leisure and business travelers. Emirates Airlines’ reputation of excellence in its high standards is definitely an added benefit to Cairo’s airport. The lounge is located in Terminal 2 on the second level, just steps away from the duty free area. Mr. Thani Al Ansari is currently Egypt’s Country Manager for Emirates Airlines since 2016. Previously serving as Country Manager for Zambia and Uganda, Al Ansari was placed in the carrier ’s commercial operations for six years, having previously been country manager in Uganda. Al Ansari holds a bachelor ’s degree in Business Administration from the US and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the international aviation market. He is, however, no stranger to the airline having worked in Emirates' Commercial Operations for six years.

february 2019 | Ct

Travel Communit y Times Inter views Mr. Thani Al Ansari

How do you promote the Skywards program here in Egypt? We have a good foundation of Skyward members and have incurring Skyward members. We promote the program through our ticketing offices, online, onboard, and at checking counters. We also update our passengers, through agents and corporates. Emirates Airlines contributes to the environment and the community. What do you do in that sense? Emirates supports the environment in many ways by supporting wildlife and also in contributing to many charities. We apply environmentally friendly techniques on the aircrafts itself like food efficiency and fuel consumption that are on the priorities list, besides new generation aircrafts. It is known that Emirates also invests in its own people. How do you do that? Training our staff is an important aspect of our rules. As an airline, we have top standards, like security safety, and so on, whether at the airport or on the plane. Our staff is top notch.

It is quite a large investment the Airlines has allocated for its Cairo Airport lounge. This lounge serves around 150 passengers. It is just under 1,000 square meters. We spent around three million US dollars as we always find it important to invest well in our passengers, for the Emirates and for Egypt. We have been here for a while and we are planning on staying here, therefore we need to accommodate our passengers well. Other than your Skywards program, you also have a Skysurfers program. Who does it target and what are the benefits? Skysurfers is for children between the ages of two and 17, where they earn Miles on Emirates and Flydubai flights. A Skysurfer can achieve Silver or Gold status, and enjoy the extra benefits of that tier, in exactly the same way as an Emirates Skywards member would. In addition, Skysurfers also enjoy extra benefits when travelling and have their own exclusive website, membership card and special Skywards Skysurfers offers and events designed for young frequent flyers. We are now working on updating Skysurfers and introducing a new family Skywards program better than the present one.

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Emirates also has its own training college and an aviation college in Dubai. We also have a flying school and small training aircrafts. Emirates not only invests in itself, but also in its people and for the customer. How do you compare your previous posts with Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post? From day one, I always felt at home in Egypt. With that being said, I have nothing but the best of memories here. From the work perspective, and with market conditions always changing, we promote Emirates Airlines as much as possible, increase flights, promote Dubai as a tourist destination and support Egypt and Dubai. With three flights a day, we are doing well.

!e Community Times magazine is published by Live Colors Egypt and has been on the market since 1996. !e publication is popular among both the Egyptian and the foreign community, as it covers a large variety of topics that are both informative and entertaining.

WHY ADVERTISE WITH COMMUNITY TIMES? FIVE SPOT OFFER

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DISTRIBUTION POINTS Al Ahram Distribution Points (Cairo/Sharm/Gouna/Alexandria) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Major Coffee shops in Maadi, Heliopolis, Mohandessin, Zamalek, City Stars Mall, Arkan Mall, Americana Mall, Galleria Mall, Mall of Arabia. Major hairdressers (Kriss, Mohamed Sagheer, Ahmed & Abdo, La Coup, Pace Luna and others), Clinics, Gymnasiums (Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym, En Vogue, Samia Allouba, and others). Hotels: Four Seasons Nile City, Four Seasons First Residence, JW Marriott, Marriott Zamalek, Kempinski, Villa Belle Epoque, Fairmont Nile City, Fairmont Heliopolis, Dusit !ani, Westin Hotel, Semiramis Intercontinental, Intercontinental City Stars.

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february 2019 | Ct

Travel Emirates Showca ses it s Net work Through a Unique Culinary Experience in Cairo

Emirates Airlines, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest international airline, invited the media and culinary bloggers for an exclusive culinary experience at the new Emirates First Class and Business Class lounge at the Cairo International Airport. The event showcased culinary showstoppers from the Emirates menus across multiple destinations through a blind tasting event with a focus on the popular destinations that included dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, USA, Australia, India and the UAE. The invitees were divided into five groups and by being blindfolded, they would attempt to recognise the food offered, specifically the ingredients and spices incorporated in each dish, and write it on a sheet. One of the five groups faired better and were offered prizes.

Ct | february 2019

This was followed by a luncheon and discussions. Emirates is known as the world’s largest flying restaurant, serving more than 100 million meals a year with the same attention to details in First, Business and Economy Class. Speaking at the event, Mr. Thani Al Ansari, Emirates Country Manager for Egypt and Libya, said: “Emirates focuses on simple, well-cooked dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients of the highest quality. Our menus are always inspired by the regions we travel to, and each month, our customers will see dishes that evoke a sense of their destination. We are always learning about regional cuisines, new techniques and most importantly, what our customers prefer to find on our menus.” Through long standing partnerships worldwide, the airline brings the finest products on board, including sourcing over 15,000 kilograms of Persian feta from the Yarra Valley in Australia each year. The olive oil served on board is exclusively from carbon neutral producer Monte Vibiano in Italy, a partnership that is now more than 15 years old. Recently, Emirates launched its own food channel on its entertainment system to highlight its large variety of food and beverages, and to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at how it creates its on-board menus and works with its global partners. Emirates also frequently shares information on the food that is served on-board its flights, and where it is sourced. Emirates features some recipes from its regionally inspired on-board menus, so customers can recreate Emirates’ signature dishes, or learn how to make a classic crepe at home. The recipes can be found on emirates.com.

february 2019 | Ct

Travel

CAMBODI A A Journey to a Land of Timeless Grace and Charm By Najla Riad

Bordered by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia has welcomed tourists since the election of a democratic government in 1993. It is famous for its magnificent temples and natural attractions. Besides, it has been rebuilt with modern facilities, hotels and resorts.

Ct | february 2019

february 2019 | Ct

Travel

Where to Go Siem Reap â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A two day visit

What to See Our tour bus took us through Siem Reapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets where we saw well-preserved colonial and Chinese style buildings, cafes, restaurants and modern shops on our way to Angkor Wat, the old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire that is classified as a UNESCO heritage site. The temple is the largest religious building ever constructed and is truly one of the wonders of the world. Besides Angkor Wat temple, it is advisable to include Bayon and Ta Prohm Temples on the same trip.

Angkor Wat Temple

On the second day, we drove to Tonle Sap Lake, which is the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where you will discover beautiful mangrove forests and the stunning Phnom Kulen falls. I suggest you take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery there. In the evenings you can head to Pub Street that is lined with lively clubs and bars and great restaurants. We also visited the Old Market where you will find affordable souvenirs and a lively setting. Bargaining is permissible, but people there are very friendly and polite.

Angkor Wat Temple

Ct | february 2019

Artisan Angkor

Recommended Res t aurant s We headed to Wat Damnak restaurant for a dinner show. The restaurant offers a good mix of European and Cambodian dishes. Also recommended is a sunset dinner on Tonle Sap Lake and explore the floating villages, stilted houses and lotus fields. There are also private tours for street food tasting which include a set dinner. This is a walking tour exploring the night-market eats.

Wat Damnak Restaurant

Shopping Recommended shops are the Artisan Angkor, where you will find high quality silks, jewelry and homeware and Garden of Desire for jewelry made by a Cambodian architect.

Hotels We stayed at the Victoria Angkor Hotel, which is a resort and spa hotel surrounded by beautiful vegetation and scenery. Prices vary from 400 Egyptian pounds to 2,000 a night, depending on whether you are staying in spa/resort hotel or just a hotel. However, most hotels have big rooms and all modern facilities.

Phnom Kulen Falls

Tonle Sap Lake

february 2019 | Ct

Travel

Phnom Penh

What to See The two most visited attractions in Phnom Penh are the National Museum and Royal Palace. The museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building is a traditional design built in 1917. It is home to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great collection of Khmer sculpture. There are over 14,000 items from prehistoric times to periods before, during and after the Khmer Empire. The building itself is inspired by Khmer temple architecture. You will see at the Royal Palace the Throne Hall and the buildings surrounding it. Also nearby is the Silver Pagoda, home to a glittering array of Buddhist statuary. It is also called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha and the floor is made up of 5,000 silver blocks. In the center is a magnificent 17th century emerald.

The National Museum

One of the emotional sites that is a must-see is the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. In the 1970s, about 20,000 men, women and children were detained there and tortured. You will experience the horrors that these people went through and the chambers they were tortured in. During the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975 to 1979, an estimated 1.7 to 2.5 million Cambodians died through execution, starvation or disease. You may think it is an unpleasant trip, but to me it was an eye-opener and educational tool to ensure history does not repeat itself. The audio tour guides visitors around the site with compelling stories from survivors, and executioners. We also met one of the survivors, an old man who sells books at the entrance of the compound.

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Ct | february 2019

The Royal Palace

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

Nightli fe You may not sleep much in Phnom Penh as there are lots of bars and restaurants to keep you busy. Most are situated along Sisowath Quay and next to the riverfront. Among the most popular is the Eclipse Sky Bar located on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh tower, the Pontoon that has a huge dance floor and many seating areas, and Hangar 44, the latest hot spot.

Sisowath Quay

Recommended Res t aurant s We ate at Topaz restaurant that serves French cuisine as well as vegetarian dishes and CafĂŠ Monivong at the Raffles hotel Le Royal. This is a place not to be missed, as it provides an elegant French dining experience.

General

Topaz Restaurant

Food

Shopping

Cambodian cuisine is almost like most other Asian cuisines nearby, however, the most popular are fresh green vegetables and steamed rice served with Prahok ktis fried in banana leaves. However, for us they replaced the Prahok, which is pork, with chicken instead.

The Flea and Street Markets are fun to browse in. For finer artisan handicrafts check out the Russian Market, Space Four Zero which is a pop art gallery. Besides there are shopping malls, and factory outlet stores.

Amok is a thick soup cooked with fish, meat vegetables, eggs and coconut milk. It is a common dish served at restaurants. However, a Cambodian diet consists of lots of rice, fresh vegetables and not too much meat.

Prahok Ktis

Flea Market

What to Buy Look for the Krama, which is a multi-purpose scarf and the national symbol of Cambodia. Cambodia is known for its silver and you will find intricately decorated boxes, plates, bowls and jewelry. I bought two sets of salad serving spoon and fork with beautiful silver hands. A Buddha head is found best in hotel shops and silk scarves with its soft feel.

Making of Krama Scarves

february 2019 | Ct

MIND, BODY & SOUL The TriFactory: The Glory of Endurance Sports in Egypt

An Interview With The Founder Ayman Hakky By Yasmine Mabrouk

The TriFactory LLC is a sport managing company that specializes in triathlon, endurance sports and mass participation sports events. They organize the annual Sahl Hasheesh Triathlons, Aswan 42 - the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation Marathon, and other events in various areas in Egypt like Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh, North Coast and Ain Sokhna.

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Ayman Hakky, founder and managing director of the company, first established The TriFactory in 2015, focusing on triathlons, which he later developed into a complete sports management firm, offering sports events, athlete training, travel facilitation, and sports marketing services. Hakky is also a board member at Gezira Sporting club, and a two-time Iron Man finisher.

We interviewed him about the organization and where he plans to take it. What inspired you to start with triathlons? I used to play water polo, but after my injury, it was difficult to play certain sports. After that, I traveled abroad where I got to participate in a triathlon. When I came back, I researched the sport and found out that there were no clubs or teams that I could join, so I decided to go to the Gezira Sporting Club and train with a group of my friends. I found many people who were interested, and step-by-step, I managed to organize an event. We created one for the triathlon in El Gouna in 2014 and thankfully it was a success. A year later, I established The TriFactory as a solid company. Triathlon is a time-consuming sport. What do you suggest participants do? We try to introduce the concept of early training before work. When we started The TriFactory, this was not a concept, but now in various clubs, you will find several athletes training as early as six or seven in the morning. So, it became a convenient time to train where the body responds well. Seeing the results, participants get more addicted to early training. Also, one thing we did to get people to commit was to create monthly targets for them to reach. The community has also established a value to the sport opposed to training on your own. Is the fact that it is a costly sport a challenge? The cost is indeed an obstacle, but there are ways you could avoid spending too much. If you want to be a triathlete, you do not have to play the three sports, but rather you could be a part of a team and only participate in the swimming part of the race, for example. The most expensive item in the race is the bicycle, but now the bicycle supply has increased in Egypt, which is good for the market and the consumer to find more options and prices. Also, renting road bicycles has increased, making it very affordable. Instead of buying a bicycle for 20,000 you could rent it for a month for around 1,000.

february 2019 | Ct

MIND, BODY & SOUL Does The TriFactory participate in charity events? We always strive to include a charitable cause for an event. Either we are fundraising directly or just promoting a specific entity in terms of our services. For example, the Magdi Yacoub Marathon directly fundraises the Foundation. The Sahl Hasheesh Endurance Festival usually has at least one charity partner. In Ramadan, we always have a challenge like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Run for A Causeâ&#x20AC;? in which we match the number of kilometers people run with the number we will give to charity. Do you promote the sport to younger generations? We wanted to have longer distances for participants to aim higher, but we also wanted to include everyone, so we opened up races for children as young as three years old, as well as for less athletic participants who could join a relay team in which an individual joins one of the three sports then tags his teammate to continue on. We also targeted kids from ages 13 to 16 by creating a Youth Race that aims to build a generation to play this sport professionally. What is the half Iron Man distance? What made you decide to introduce it? The half Iron Man distance starts with a 1.93 kilometer swim, followed by a 90.125 kilometer cycle, finishing with a 21.1 kilometer run. The Iron Man distance would be double that. The Sahl Hasheesh Endurance Festival 2018 introduced for the first time the half Iron Man distance held in Egypt as a race. Over the years, the participants develop athletically. Their appetite for a more challenging race has increased, and so we always try to include a different race in every event so they do not get bored. How do you train for the Iron Man? It is very difficult to target Iron Man from day one, and so it is best to take it one step at a time to avoid injury and be able to complete it. It also differs from one person to the other and your background in sports, and so I cannot tell you it will take a year to train. For me, I was a swimmer, and so that part was not a challenge, but the bigger challenge was cycling.

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Triathlons are not a skill or talent-based sport, it is more of a right training program, time, and energy. We also have certified Iron Man coaches that help anyone reach the distance. Any advice for participants during the race? The Iron Man distance ranges from 10 to 15 hours depending on the participant. The first piece of advice is ignoring the time it will take for you to finish because the glory is in crossing the finish line. Nutrition is huge during the race itself, and so figuring it out with a professional will definitely help. Quantities of vitamins and drinks should all be measured, because you run out of fuel during the event, and so without the correct nutrition, you will crash. How do you manage the participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety? Safety is always our main concern in all our events. During longer distances, we add more medical staff, more nutrition stations, and implement cut off times so participants do not hurt themselves. Cut off times are time limits in which participants are taken out of the race once reached. It is a challenging distance and participants usually are not aware of how hard it is, and so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to us to put a certain limit in which distances are allowed to be completed within the frame of their level. We also have well-equipped staff overseeing the safety and they were up to the challenge last event. Finally, we always try to educate all participants on the safety precautions as it is their responsibility as well to keep themselves safe. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for The TriFactory? On February 15th, 2019, we are inviting runners from around the world to participate in the Pyramids Marathon, which will be held at the Great Pyramids of Giza. The event will have various distances of Marathon (42 kilometers), Half-Marathon (21 kilometers) and a 10-kilometer distance. Instagram: @thetrifactory

february 2019 | Ct

CUISINE

The Perfect Thanksgiving Sides Kick-S tart the New Year Energy-Boosting Breakfast Recipes to

Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Ingredients Blueberry Scones Đ ĐCUPSĐALL PURPOSEĐFLOUR Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐBAKINGĐPOWDER Đ vĐTEASPOONĐSALT Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐSUGAR Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐUNSALTEDĐBUTTER ĐCOLD ĐCUTĐINĐCHUNKS Đ ĐCUPĐFRESHĐBLUEBERRIES Đ ĐCUPĐHEAVYĐCREAM ĐPLUSĐMOREĐFORĐBRUSHINGĐTHEĐ SCONES

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Ct | february 2019

THEĐCLASSICĐTRIANGLEĐSHAPE Đ 0LACEĐTHEĐSCONESĐONĐANĐUNGREASEDĐCOOKIEĐSHEETĐ ANDĐBRUSHĐTHEĐTOPSĐWITHĐAĐLITTLEĐHEAVYĐCREAM Đ"AKEĐ FORĐ ĐTOĐ ĐMINUTESĐUNTILĐBEAUTIFULĐANDĐBROWN ĐĐ,ETĐ THEĐSCONESĐCOOLĐAĐBITĐBEFOREĐYOUĐAPPLYĐTHEĐGLAZE Đ 9OUĐCANĐMAKEĐTHEĐLEMONĐGLAZ7EĐINĐAĐDOUBLEĐ BOILER ĐORĐFORĐAĐSIMPLERĐALTERNATIVE ĐYOUĐCANĐUSEĐAĐ MICROWAVE Đ -IXĐTHEĐLEMONĐJUICEĐWITHĐTHEĐCONFECTIONERS Đ UNTILĐDISSOLVEDĐINĐAĐHEATPROOFĐBOWLĐOVERĐAĐPOTĐOFĐ SIMMERINGĐWATERĐFORĐTHEĐDOUBLE BOILERĐMETHOD ĐORĐ INĐAĐMICROWAVE SAFEĐBOWL Đ 7HISKĐINĐTHEĐBUTTERĐANDĐLEMONĐZESTĐ Đ %ITHERĐNUKEĐTHEĐGLAZEĐFORĐ ĐSECONDSĐORĐCONTINUEĐ WHISKINGĐINĐTHEĐDOUBLEĐBOILERĐ Đ 7HISKĐTHEĐGLAZEĐTOĐSMOOTHĐOUTĐANYĐLUMPS ĐTHENĐ DRIZZLEĐTHEĐGLAZEĐOVERĐTHEĐTOPĐOFĐTHEĐSCONES Đ,ETĐITĐ SETĐAĐMINUTEĐBEFOREĐSERVING

Avocado Toast with Eggs, Spinach and Tomatoes Ingredients Đ vĐTEASPOONĐMINCEDĐONION Đ ĐCUPĐSPINACHĐLEAVES Đ ĐEGGĐLIGHTLYĐBEATEN Đ 3ALTĐANDĐBLACKĐPEPPER ĐTOĐTASTE Đ ĐSLICEĐMULTIGRAINĐBREAD ĐTOASTED Đ vĐAVOCADO ĐPITĐANDĐSKINĐREMOVED Đ ĐTOMATOES ĐSLICED

Directions Đ 3PRAYĐAĐSMALLĐSKILLETĐWITHĐNON STICKĐCOOKINGĐ SPRAY Đ !DDĐTHEĐONIONĐANDĐSPINACHĐANDĐCOOKĐOVERĐ MEDIUMĐHEATĐUNTILĐSPINACHĐISĐWILTED ĐĐ0LACEĐINĐ AĐSMALLĐBOWLĐANDĐSETĐASIDE Đ 3PRAYĐTHEĐPANĐAGAIN ĐĐ0OURĐBEATENĐEGGĐ INTOĐTHEĐPANĐANDĐSEASONĐWITHĐSALTĐANDĐBLACKĐ PEPPER ĐTOĐTASTE Đ #OOKĐOVERĐMEDIUMĐHEATĐUNTILĐSOFT SCRAMBLED ĐABOUTĐ ĐMINUTES Đ -ASHĐTHEĐAVOCADOĐWITHĐAĐFORKĐANDĐSPREADĐ EVENLYĐONĐPIECEĐOFĐTOAST Đ 4OPĐTHEĐAVOCADOĐTOASTĐWITHĐSPINACH Đ SCRAMBLEDĐEGGS ĐANDĐTOMATOĐSLICES Đ 3EASONĐWITHĐSALTĐANDĐPEPPER ĐTOĐTASTE ĐĐ3ERVEĐ IMMEDIATELY

Banana Sour Cream Pancakes Ingredients Đ vĐCUPSĐFLOUR Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐSUGAR Đ ĐTEASPOONSĐBAKINGĐPOWDER Đ vĐTEASPOONSĐSALT Đ vĐCUPĐSOURĐCREAM Đ wĐCUPĐPLUSĐ ĐTABLESPOONĐMILK Đ ĐLARGEĐEGGS Đ ĐTEASPOONĐVANILLAĐEXTRACT Đ ĐTEASPOONĐGRATEDĐLEMONĐZEST Đ 5NSALTEDĐBUTTER Đ ĐRIPEĐBANANAS ĐDICED ĐPLUSĐEXTRAĐFORĐSERVING Đ 0UREĐMAPLEĐSYRUP

Directions Đ 3IFTĐTOGETHERĐTHEĐFLOUR ĐSUGAR ĐBAKINGĐPOWDER ĐANDĐSALTĐ Đ )NĐAĐSEPARATEĐBOWL ĐWHISKĐTOGETHERĐTHEĐSOURĐCREAM Đ MILK ĐEGGS ĐVANILLA ĐANDĐLEMONĐZESTĐ Đ !DDĐTHEĐWETĐINGREDIENTSĐTOĐTHEĐDRYĐONES ĐMIXINGĐONLYĐ UNTILĐCOMBINED Đ -ELTĐ ĐTABLESPOONĐOFĐBUTTERĐINĐAĐLARGEĐSKILLETĐOVERĐ MEDIUM LOWĐHEATĐUNTILĐITĐBUBBLES Đ ,ADLEĐTHEĐPANCAKEĐBATTERĐINTOĐTHEĐPANĐTOĐMAKEĐ ĐORĐ Đ PANCAKESĐ Đ $ISTRIBUTEĐAĐROUNDEDĐTABLESPOONĐOFĐBANANASĐONĐEACHĐ PANCAKEĐ Đ #OOKĐFORĐ ĐTOĐ ĐMINUTES ĐUNTILĐBUBBLESĐAPPEARĐONĐTOPĐ ANDĐTHEĐUNDERSIDEĐISĐNICELYĐBROWNED Đ&LIPĐTHEĐPANCAKESĐ ANDĐTHENĐCOOKĐFORĐANOTHERĐMINUTEĐUNTILĐBROWNED Đ 7IPEĐOUTĐTHEĐPANĐWITHĐAĐPAPERĐTOWEL ĐADDĐMOREĐ BUTTERĐTOĐTHEĐPAN ĐANDĐCONTINUEĐCOOKINGĐPANCAKESĐUNTILĐ ALLĐTHEĐBATTERĐISĐUSEDĐ Đ 3ERVEĐWITHĐSLICEDĐBANANAS ĐBUTTERĐANDĐMAPLEĐSYRUP

february 2019 | Ct

CUISINE

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon Ingredients Đ ĐGRAMSĐSLICEDĐSMOKEDĐSALMON Đ ĐEGGS Đ vĐCUPĐHEAVYĐCREAM Đ 3ALTĐANDĐFRESHLYĐGROUNDĐBLACKĐPEPPER Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐBUTTER Đ ĐTOĐ ĐBLADESĐOFĐFRESHĐCHIVES ĐFINELYĐCHOPPED

Directions

Mint and Green Tea Smoothie Ingredients Đ ĐGREENĐTEAĐBAG Đ ĐCOINSĐOFĐPEELEDĐGINGER Đ ĐCUPĐBOILINGĐWATER Đ ĐCUPĐBABYĐSPINACH Đ ĐTOĐ ĐSPRIGSĐOFĐFRESHĐMINT ĐLEAVESĐONLY Đ wĐCUPĐDICEDĐPINEAPPLEĐ FRESHĐORĐFROZEN Đ ĐRIPEĐPEAR ĐCOREDĐANDĐCUBED Đ 3MALLĐPINCHĐOFĐKOSHERĐSALT Đ vĐCUPĐCRUSHEDĐICE Đ (ONEY ĐTOĐTASTE Đ &RESHĐLEMONĐJUICE ĐTOĐTASTE

Đ 2ESERVEĐ ĐSLICESĐOFĐSALMONĐFORĐGARNISH ĐĐ#HOPĐTHEĐ REMAININGĐSALMONĐINTOĐVERYĐSMALLĐPIECES Đ 7HISKĐYOURĐEGGSĐANDĐCREAMĐTOGETHER Đ !DDĐvĐOFĐYOURĐCHOPPEDĐCHIVESĐANDĐSEASONĐEGGSĐWITHĐSALTĐ ANDĐPEPPER Đ 0REHEATĐAĐLARGEĐNONSTICKĐSKILLETĐOVERĐMEDIUMĐHEAT Đ -ELTĐBUTTERĐINĐTHEĐPANĐANDĐADDĐEGGS Đ3CRAMBLEĐEGGSĐWITHĐAĐ WOODENĐSPOON ĐĐ$OĐNOTĐCOOKĐEGGSĐUNTILĐDRY Đ 7HENĐEGGSĐHAVEĐCOMEĐTOGETHERĐBUTĐREMAINĐWET ĐSTIRĐINĐ CHOPPEDĐSALMON Đ 2EMOVEĐPANĐFROMĐTHEĐSTOVEĐANDĐPLACEĐONĐAĐTRIVET Đ 'ARNISHĐTHEĐEGGSĐWITHĐREMAININGĐSALMONĐANDĐCHIVESĐANDĐ SERVEĐRIGHTĐOUTĐOFĐTHEĐWARMĐPAN

Coffee Banana Smoothie with Oats

Directions

Ingredients

Đ 0LACEĐGREENĐTEAĐBAGĐANDĐGINGERĐINĐAĐ CUPĐMEASURINGĐCUP ĐTHENĐTOPĐWITHĐ BOILINGĐWATER Đ 3TEEPĐTEAĐFORĐ ĐMINUTES ĐTHENĐREMOVEĐTHEĐ TEAĐBAGĐFROMĐTHEĐWATER Đ 3TEEPĐGINGERĐFORĐ ĐMINUTESĐLONGER ĐTHENĐ REMOVEĐTHEĐGINGER Đ ,ETĐGINGERĐGREENĐTEAĐCOOLĐBEFOREĐUSING Đ 0LACEĐCOOLEDĐTEA ĐSPINACH ĐMINT Đ PINEAPPLE ĐPEAR ĐSALTĐANDĐCRUSHEDĐICEĐINĐAĐ BLENDER ĐANDĐBLENDĐUNTILĐSMOOTH Đ 3EASONĐTOĐTASTEĐWITHĐHONEYĐANDĐLEMONĐ JUICE

Đ wĐCUPĐBREWEDĐCOFFEE Đ ĐLARGEĐBANANA ĐCUTĐINTOĐCHUNKS Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐSMOOTH ĐUNSALTEDĐALMONDĐBUTTER Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐOLDĐFASHIONEDĐROLLEDĐOATS Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐCHIAĐSEEDS ĐPLUSĐEXTRAĐFORĐGARNISH Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐHONEY Đ ĐCUPĐICE

100 Ct | february 2019

Directions Đ !DDĐALLĐINGREDIENTSĐTOĐAĐBLENDERĐANDĐPULSEĐUNTILĐSMOOTH Đ 3ERVEĐIMMEDIATELY ĐGARNISHEDĐWITHĐEXTRAĐCHIAĐSEEDS ĐIFĐ DESIRED

Potato Crust Quiche with Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese Ingredients Crust Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐBUTTER Đ ĐCUPĐPOTATOES ĐGRATED Đ vĐLEMONĐJUICE Đ uĐTEASPOONĐSALT Đ vĐTEASPOONĐPEPPER

Filling Đ ĐCUPĐMUSHROOMS ĐSLICED Đ ĐTABLESPOONĐBUTTER Đ vĐTEASPOONĐSALT Đ ĐEGGS Đ ĐCUPĐHALFĐANDĐHALFĐCREAMĐ MIXTUREĐ BETWEENĐMILKĐANDĐLIGHTĐCREAM Đ ĐCUPSĐHEAVYĐCREAMĐ Đ !ĐPINCHĐOFĐGROUNDĐNUTMEG Đ ĐCUPĐGRATEDĐ3WISSĐCHEESE

Directions Crust Đ 0REHEATĐOVENĐTOĐ # Đ 'RATEĐPOTATOESĐINTOĐAĐBOWLĐOFĐCOLDĐ WATER ĐSQUEEZEĐDRY Đ !DDĐLEMONĐJUICEĐANDĐSALTĐANDĐPEPPER Đ 0RESSĐEVENLYĐINTOĐTHEĐBOTTOMĐOFĐAĐ BUTTEREDĐ INCHĐSPRINGĐFORMĐPAN Đ "AKEĐINĐOVENĐFORĐ ĐMINUTES

Filling Đ 3AUTýĐMUSHROOMSĐINĐBUTTERĐADDĐSALTĐANDĐ COOKĐUNTILĐSLIGHTLYĐUNDERDONE Đ3ETĐASIDEĐ TOĐCOOL Đ -IXĐEGGS ĐHALFĐANDĐHALF ĐHEAVYĐCREAMĐ ANDĐNUTMEGĐTOGETHERĐUNTILĐWELLĐBLENDED Đ 3TIRĐINĐMUSHROOMSĐANDĐ3WISSĐCHEESE Đ 0OURĐMIXTUREĐINTOĐWARMĐCRUST Đ "AKEĐINĐOVENĐUNTILĐQUICHEĐISĐSET Đ APPROXIMATELYĐ ĐMINUTES

Apple-Almond Muffins Ingredients Đ ĐCUPĐALL PURPOSEĐFLOUR Đ wĐCUPĐWHOLEĐWHEATĐFLOUR Đ uĐCUPĐSUGAR Đ uĐCUPĐPACKEDĐBROWNĐSUGAR Đ ĐTEASPOONSĐBAKINGĐPOWDER Đ wĐTEASPOONĐGROUNDĐ CINNAMON Đ vĐTEASPOONĐSALT Đ ĐLARGEĐEGG Đ uĐCUPSĐMILK Đ uĐCUPĐCREAMYĐALMONDĐBUTTER Đ ĐTABLESPOONSĐCANOLAĐOIL Đ ĐTEASPOONĐVANILLAĐEXTRACT Đ ĐMEDIUMĐAPPLE ĐPEELEDĐANDĐ FINELYĐCHOPPED Đ vĐCUPĐSLIVEREDĐALMONDS Đ DIVIDED

Directions Đ 0REHEATĐOVENĐTOĐ # Đ )NĐAĐLARGEĐBOWL ĐWHISKĐTHEĐFIRSTĐSEVENĐINGREDIENTS Đ )NĐANOTHERĐBOWL ĐWHISKĐEGG ĐMILK ĐALMONDĐBUTTER ĐOILĐANDĐ VANILLAĐUNTILĐBLENDED Đ !DDĐTOĐFLOURĐMIXTURE ĐSTIRĐJUSTĐUNTILĐMOISTENED Đ &OLDĐINĐAPPLEĐANDĐuĐCUPĐALMONDS Đ &ILLĐ ĐGREASEDĐORĐPAPER LINEDĐMUFFINĐCUPSĐTHREE FOURTHSĐ FULL ĐĐ3PRINKLEĐWITHĐREMAININGĐALMONDS Đ "AKEĐ ĐMINUTESĐORĐUNTILĐAĐTOOTHPICKĐINSERTEDĐINĐCENTERĐ COMESĐOUTĐCLEAN Đ #OOLĐFORĐ ĐMINUTESĐBEFOREĐMOVINGĐTOĐWIREĐRACKS Đ

february 2019 | Ct

101

SOCIETY Test Driving the Newest Hyundai Models Ghabbour Auto invited many members of the media at Autovroom to test drive three 2019 Hyundai models. These cars included the Tucson, Elantra and Ioniq, which is their new hybrid car.

102 Ct | february 2019

“Emotional Health” Session for the Charm JW Ladies Society

JW Marriott Hotel Cairo was delighted to welcome Personal Development Expert Cherif Cotta to provide insightful ways to “Emotional Health”, hosted for the exclusive Charms JW Ladies Society club. The session included an approach to the seven different kinds of love and learning how to deal with our emotional health whether they are positive or negative. Guests were inspired by Cherif Cotta’s session, and interacted with many questions about how everyone should deal with the people around them through the seven kinds of love. The attendees were mesmerized by the delicious menu prepared by our talented chefs in a remarkable atmosphere along with the joyful DJ tunes and the unprecedented hospitality.

february 2019 | Ct

103

SOCIETY Honor Egypt Launches New Smar tphone Honor Egypt launches Honor View 20, a new smartphone designed by Moshino, during an event held last month at the Four Seasons Hotel Nile Plaza, along with its brand ambassador actor Amir Karara.

104 Ct | february 2019

Golden “Saving” Account In Egyptian Pounds & Foreign Currencies

INVEST YOUR SAVINGS AT THE HIGHEST INTEREST RATE. Highly competitive interest rate up to 14% annually in EGP Same interest rate on any amount starting from account minimum balance EGP 5,000 Flexible interest payment frequencies (monthly, quarterly, semiannually and annually) Available in USD, Euro and GBP with minimum balance of 500 for each currency * Terms and conditions apply

Golden Saving Account... It´s all about VALUE

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