Community Times May 2019 Issue by Community Times

Since 1996

May 2019

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

ARTIST HEBA DWAIK EXPRESSES WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREEDOM FURNWISH REVOLUTIONIZES THE INTERIOR DESIGN WORLD ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY IN UPPER EGYPT COUNTRIES EGYPTIANS CAN VISIT WITHOUT A VISA

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CONTENTS MAY 2019 tOWN tAlK 18

06 Talk of the Town News

StYle 12 Unique Houses Around the World

COmmuNItY

15 So Spa at the Old Cataract 16 Skinny Houses Around the

Culture

World

18 Art

Farida El Gazzar

22 Heba Dwaik’s “Moment”

EntrEprEnEur Entrepreneurial Activity in Upper Egypt

rEAL pEOpLE Dr. Zeinab Khalil on Being an Immigrant

Exhibition

28 BOOKS

Newest Thriller Titles

30 Imagina Books Bring Science to Life

60 trAvEL

Countries Egyptians Can Visit Without a Visa

34 EvEntS

Events You Do Not Want to Miss

COVER (Art by Heba Dwaik):

Since 1996

DeStINAtIONS

May 2019

BuSINeSS IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1996

38 Interviewing the CEO of PepsiCo

42 A Talk with the Colombian Ambassador

ARTIST HEBA DWAIK EXPRESSES WOMEN’S FREEDOM FURNWISH REVOLUTIONIZES THE INTERIOR DESIGN WORLD ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY IN UPPER EGYPT COUNTRIES EGYPTIANS CAN VISIT WITHOUT A VISA

FeAtureS 46 How Childhood Tales Help in Children’s Psychology

48 Furnwish Revolutionizes the Interior Design World

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CuISINe 66 Innovative Sohour Recipes

SOCIetY 70 Social Events and Gatherings

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

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief Moguib Roshdy

Editor’s NotE

Acting Editor Najla Riad Editor Rawan Abdel Latif

WRITERS Hadeel Hegazi, Katharina Froehlich, Noha Kandil, Soha Khater and Zeinab Abul Gheit

ART DEPARTMENT Senior Graphic Designer

Dear Reader

Alia Azzouz

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan comes a sense of community where people gather around with family and friends for blessed days and memorable nights. For innovative Sohour ideas that you can share with your loved ones, check out our cuisine section. Culture is a huge part of our society, and that is why we are bringing you several artists in our designated section who have showcased their incredible talents, like Farida El Gazzar who highlights the Egyptian civilization as well as Heba Dwaik who depicts women and significant moments in life. Also in our culture section is an article on Imagina Books which works to bring science to life and educate children through Augmented Reality. This issue’s features include how childhood tales help in children’s pyschology, as well as an article on Furnwish, a start-up that is revolutionizing the interior design world through advanced technology. Our business section offers interviews with the CEO of PepsiCo Egypt who tells us more about his approach to this industry, and with HE the Colombian ambassador in Egypt who shares with us her experience as a previous First Lady and her plans here.

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

Entrepreneurship is a rising industry in Egypt, and that is why we bring you the newest activity in Upper Egypt, as well as the story of Dr. Zeinab Khalil who travelled across the world to further her career while living as an immigrant. If you are looking for spontaneous new places to visit during the upcoming summer vacation, make sure you check out our travel section for countries Egyptians can go to without a visa. Wishing everyone a Happy Ramadan and a lovely start to the summer.

!e Editor

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

CommunityTimesEgypt

Ct | MAY 2019

RAMADAN CHOICES... FROM PALATIAL BANQUETS TO ‘STREET LIFE’.

AS DUSK FALLS ON GEZIRA PALACE’S ENCHANTED GARDENS AND LIGHTS GLOW MORE BRILLIANTLY ... CATCH UP WITH NEAREST AND DEAREST AT RAMADAN CELEBRATIONS THAT HONOUR TRADITION WHILE FILLING THE NIGHTS WITH GAIETY. Under brightening stars, select iftar classics from Omar’s Café or Egyptian Nights, as the tempting aromas from grills, freshly-baked breads and oriental classics waft on the soft breezes. Create your own joyful family iftar parties in Ristorante Tuscany or Saraya Gallery ... choose the grandeur of our palatial ballrooms for exclusive private or corporate iftar and sohour banquets. The night comes alive in Cairo’s legendary Som3a Basha tent for sohour among the drapes and fawanees lanterns with megascreen entertainment and Takht music ... Egyptian Nights hosts live band music in a lively ‘street party’ atmosphere of interactive entertainment, while Antica is an exhilarating Ramadan venue on the Palace rooftop. Ramadan Kareem!

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

TOWNTALK Cairo Marriott Hotel...The Gate to Football Events The Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino hosted the African Champions League and the Confederation Cup draw for the third time in history at the iconic Aida ballroom. The event took place last March. Live from the heart of Cairo, the official draw took place at the Hotel. The day started with a cocktail reception held at Almaz, followed by a draw that took place at Aida ballroom where the official results were announced and guidelines for the upcoming games were set. Attending the event were the iconic football players Emad Meteb and Patrick M’Boma in addition to a number of legends in the football game field.

Sheraton Cairo Celebrates Earth by Switching off Lights For Earth Hour 2019 Sheraton Cairo Hotel joined the global Earth Hour event that is inspiring millions to take action for our world.

and dimming the lights in all public places and replacing it with candles as a symbolic act of solidarity for the planet.

The Earth Hour is an annual event that encourages people, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on a specific day; this year it was the 30th of March.

The hotel team made sure to involve the in-house guests by inviting them to the Bridge café for an evening on candlelights with #connect2Earth theme asking them to switch off their room lights before coming down as a participation in “Earth Hour ”. The management with the engineering team took an extra mile by setting up solar stand lights reducing non-essential electric lights.

As part of its commitment to the local community, Sheraton Cairo performed a wide range of activities by shutting down the façade’s lighting,

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Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars Celebrates Achieving Remarkable Results in the Winning Metrics Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars celebrated winning IHG Ten Club Award for the hotel’s outstanding performance in 2018. Ten Club Award is an InterContinental Hotels Group regional award, which hotels receive based on achieving outstanding performance in the Winning Metrics, a way to measure hotels’ performance in different areas including guests’ satisfaction, loyalty recognition, brand standards and revenue generated.

Dieter Franke, Area General Manager for Egypt and General Manager for InterContinental Cairo Citystars and Asma’a El Hadary, Executive Assistant Manager Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars attended the celebration along with the hotel’s department heads and the winning team. The Staybridge Suites is designed to meet all the various needs of travellers, or those looking for the luxurious comforts of a ‘home away from home’ while on holiday.

Giuseppe Angelica Takes Guests on an Italian Gastronomic Journey at Vivo Restaurant at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo Vivo the Italian restaurant welcomed Chef Giuseppe Angelica as the Italian Chef De Cuisine starting last March. With more than 15 years of unrivalled experience in various prominent destinations, restaurants and luxury hotels, Giuseppe took Vivo restaurant into a unique Italian voyage of flavors Born in Bologna in Italy, Giuseppe discovered his culinary passion at a very young age at his grandmother ’s kitchen when he was only 18 years old. Giuseppe’s appointment brings an enormous impact to Vivo restaurant, as he brings the finest Italian ingredients to Vivo’s kitchen creating mouthwatering rustic authentic dishes. Vivo brings a part of the lush Italian countryside to the elegant setting of the hotel. Under the cultural and culinary guidance of Chef Giuseppe, fresh Italian and local ingredients will add a sophisticated edge to Vivo’s menus. As an overture to the premium experience and authentic food, guests can also enjoy the nostalgic sounds of jazz music and delight in cocktails and cigar at Bar ’Oro, a sophisticated bar attached to Vivo overlooking magical views of the Nile River.

MaY 2019 | Ct

TOWNTALK

Fatafeat Launches Unmissable New Programming for Ramadan 2019 The Middle East’s leading food network, Fatafeat, celebrated the launch of an innovative line-up of fresh shows which are set to delight viewers during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

platforms, serving as the finest inspiration for the cooking and dining during the Holy Month.

At a restaurant in Cairo Festival City, guests enjoyed an exclusive masterclass by Chef May Yacoubi, a passionate self-taught chef, food consultant and stylist.

With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers across the region and more than 4 million views of Fatafeat’s first ever Snapchat discover show ‘Melt Me Down’, Fatafeat digital channels are leading the way in the digital ecosystem by extending the Fatafeat story off screen for a young, digitally-savvy audience.

Fatafeat will be broadcasting a host of new shows which feature some of the Middle East’s most renowned celebrity chefs throughout Ramadan, set to provide viewers with a diverse and unique line-up of shows across Fatafeat’s multiple

Fatafeat is available exclusively on beIN channel 351 and on social channels; Facebook @fatafeat, Twitter @fatafeat, Instagram @FatafeatChannel, and Youtube. For more, please visit www.fatafeat. com.

InterContinental Hotels Group Cairo Citystars Donates Food Supplies to Arab Sarab Village in Shabrament This year, InterContinental Hotels Group Citystars decided to have a different approach to celebrate Ramadan. The hotel joined forces with Resalet Nour Ala Nour Charity association and visited Arab Sarab village in Shabrament, Sakkara district on the outskirts of Giza governorate to distribute basic food supplies that would be sufficient to support the families for two weeks during the Holy Month of Ramadan. A team of the hotels’ management and staff visited the villages and distributed the supplies. This visit helped in raising the spirits of everyone confirming our responsibility to help the less fortunate people in our society.

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Ramadan at the JW Marriott Cairo Experience the Holy Month in graceful elegance with a variety of Ramadan specials. Enjoy a delectable Iftar buffet and Sohour set menus at Mirage CafĂŠ. For a more casual outdoor experience, Plateau offers family-style Iftar and a la carte Sohour amidst a beautiful backdrop, enlivening entertainment and shisha. La Patisserie will be serving up the very best of oriental pastries. Guests in need of unwinding get 30 minutes free for every one-hour massage booked at Mandara Spa.

Ramadan at Citystars Hotels For Iftar, enjoy a variety of delectable dishes at Esplanade or relish the oriental flavors at Al Khal with a daily set menu. The authentic taste of Lebanon will be at Fayruz with a daily set menu and soup trolley of three kinds. If you crave having Iftar in the fresh air, Pool Bar is the place to be. The Arcade, The Lounge, and Pool Bar are the highlights for this year â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sohour nights. Treat your appetite with delicious a la carte and set menu with various entertainment programs along the month of Ramadan. At Holiday Inn, the Indian cuisine restaurant, Indira, will give your taste buds a treat with a special Iftar set menu. The diversified restaurant, Windows, will offer a fine selection in an Iftar and a Sohour buffet. The Pool Garden offers special set menus for Iftar and Sohour. Gather with family and friends to relish a relaxed atmosphere at Star Corner or Pool Garden while you enjoy tea or coffee.

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TOWNTALK

Ramadan at Sheraton Cairo Hotel AZAR Events has announced the arrival of ZAD Ramadan Tent on the west bank of the River at Sheraton Cairo. ZAD Tent will feature popular entertainment acts, and the most beautiful decoration and set-up. The theme combines the beauty and diversity of the Moroccan and Egyptian motif.

Ramadan at the Nile Ritz-Carlton

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo invites guests to an array of delicious and unique culinary experiences. At Culina Restaurant, the culinary team has put together a selection of gourmet Arabic and International delicacies for their extensive Iftar buffet experience. Main courses are provided through interactive cooking and molecular gastronomy stations for main courses and desserts add an element of culinary theatre to the experience. Aqua Pool Restaurant offers an a la carte menu for Sohour while enjoying Ramadan TV series on large screens. The Lobby Lounge offers an à la carte Sohour

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menu paired with the authentic sounds of oud and other authentic musicians. At the Sweet Boutique, choose your favorite Ramadan delicacies from konafa to exquisite balah el sham to mouthwatering baklava to traditional Eid kahk. ‘Wust El Balad’ Ramadan Tent located at the spacious garden the hotel features memorable Sohour nights and delicious shisha flavors. The tent, includes large TV screens which will air the most popular TV shows and live entertainment and flavorful shisha. Al Qahira’ and ‘Alf Leila Wa Leila’ Ballrooms are suitable for big groups, offering lavish set Sohour menus and Iftar buffets.

Ramadan at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel Enjoy an extensive Iftar buffet and Sohour set menu at Afandina by the pool topped with a variety of shisha options. Choose from a scrumptious array of Arabic pastries and treats at En Passant, the perfect takehome indulgences. Chinoix’s authentic Chinese a la carte menu is perfect for those looking for a change of flavors this month.

Ramadan Flair at the Palace The Palace is offering a variety of venues with a selection of themes. For a more personalized event, guests can enjoy a tailored Iftar or Sohour either in banquet ballrooms or outside catering. The annually anticipated Iftar is back in Omar ’s Café with an outdoor and indoor seating. An array of appetizers, mezzah, grills, main courses will be offered and on top of all the mouthwatering Cairo Marriott’s famous Om Aly dessert. Following Iftar, guests can enjoy Cairo’s evening breeze at Al-Qahwah. For big groups who crave to go oriental, Egyptian Nights with its oriental vibes and streetdecoration will be serving special set menus for both Iftar and Sohour. Time to get ready to enjoy live entertainment daily from 10:00 pm until 1:30 am.

Ristorante Tuscany will be the perfect private spot offering an Italian family-style menu cooked to perfection. A French atmosphere blended with oriental and historical vibes will be available at Saraya Gallery for an authentic family style Iftar experience. Spend Sohour time at the iconic Som3a Basha tent, a street-style menu is prepared for guests every night from 9:30 pm with a special live Takht band performance. Time to unveil Cairo Marriott’s latest surprise; Antica the newest addition to the iconic Gezira Palace. It is the perfect Ramadan Nights destination located at the palace’s rooftop overlooking magical views of the River Nile.

MaY 2019 | Ct

STYLE

Unique Houses Around the World Photos and Info Taken from the Columbia SIpa Website

A house built on a rock on the Drina River near the western Serbian town of Bajina Basta, about 160 km from Belgrade. The house was built in 1968 by a group of young men who decided that the rock on the river was an ideal place for a tiny shelter, according to the house's co-owner, who was among those involved in its construction.

A toilet-shaped house, Haewoojae, which means the house for satisfying one's anxiety, in Suwon, about 46 km south of Seoul. South Korean sanitation activists marked the start of a global toilet association by lifting the lid on the world's first lavatory-shaped home that offers plenty of water closet space.

An airplane house in the village of Miziara, Lebanon. Miziara prides itself on building residential homes that resemble ancient Greek temples and Egyptian ruins, or this one, built in the shape of an Airbus A380.

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The Heliodome, a bioclimatic solar house in Cosswiller, eastern France. The house is designed as a giant three-dimensional sundial, set on a fixed angle in relationship to the sun's movements.

The Cabin, on the site of Treehotel in the Swedish village of Harads. A lofty new hotel concept which aims to elevate the simple treehouse into a worldclass destination for design-conscious travelers.

The "China House" in Tianjin. The house is decorated with hundreds of millions of ancient porcelain flakes, ancient bowls, dishes, and vases, inlaid everywhere in the architecture.

Houses sit on the rooftop of a factory building in Dongguan, Guangdong province. According to local media, the government said the size of the houses was not in line with the original design submitted, thus the construction should be deemed illegal.

May 2019 | Ct

STYLE Inside the home of Brazilian gardener Estevao Silva da Conceicao, which he calls the Casa de Pedra, or House of Stone, that he built himself in the Paraisopolis slum of Sao Paulo. Silva da Conceicao built his house using every kind of imaginable object in a style very similar to that of Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, but without ever having heard of Gaudi.

A car-shaped dwelling, built for a family of four, by architect Manfred Voglreiter, in the town of Langwied, in the Austrian Salzburg province.

A full-scale mock-up of the Floating Seahorse home is readied for clients to visit on the waters of The Dubai World. The Seahorses are part of an ambitious larger hotel development called The Heart of Europe, seeking to attract interest in The World, the long-stalled Earth-shaped island project off Dubai's coast.

Le Palais Bulles, or The Bubble Palace, sits atop a hillside in Theoule-sur-Mer in the French Riviera, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The futuristic mansion, comprised of rounded rooms with rotating floors, was designed by Pierre Cardin and architect Antti Lovag.

Ct | May 2019

Indulge at So Spa at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Travelers and serenity seekers throughout history have pinpointed Aswan as one of the finest destinations for explicit medication whilst watching the magical sunset. So Spa is inspired by its crowning location in the heart of the Nile, where all essential minerals and life merits are combined together to base a cultural and heritage knowledge of well-being and beauty enhancement therapies. So Spa simply pastes its visitors into an era of the pharaonic arts of creating beauty queens and gods, presenting 1200 sqm including 8 treatment rooms, Hammam, indoor pool and fitness center. So SPA offers an extra-ordinary journey into the world of beauty. Inspired by the Pharaohs; Queen

Cleopatra secret anti-aging recipe, combining contemporary and traditional treatments for a one of a kind experience. Highly trained specialists balance ancient techniques and modern scientific methods with a New-Age approach to create programs dedicated to achieve optimum health, beauty and well-being. The spacious and luxurious spa areas are lined with blue tiling and mosaics, reflecting the style of the old Moorish bath houses with an ultramodern style which, in combination with the elegant and ingenious indirect lighting, further compliment the relaxing effects of the various treatments. The Spa also offers a state of art fitness room, fitted with a range of cutting edge â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TechnoGymâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cardio and resistance equipment.

May 2019 | Ct

STYLE

Skinny Houses Around the World

Polish architect Jakub Szczesny claims to have built the world's narrowest house, just 122 centimeters across at its widest point.

The Hollensbury Spite House was constructed in 1930. It came into being when the owner of a house next to an alleyway became incensed that people were always walking in the alley and disturbing his peace. So, he decided to build a home in the space.

Singel 166 is known as the Narrowest House in Amsterdam, the front of the residence is just 6 feet, or 1.8 meters wide. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so interesting about the Singel 166 house is that the three-storey building is a private residence.

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Casa Estrecha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Juan. La Casa Estrecha, literally The Narrow House, is a skinny abode located in the Old Town area of San Juan in Puerto Rico. This bright yellow house sits sandwiched in a colorful street in a space that was once an alley. Measuring 1.5 meters wide and around 11 meters deep, this is one house where there literally isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t room to move! The house was once a residence and is now being developed into an art gallery.

The Gap House on an eight-foot-wide (2.5 m) site is by Pitman Tozer Architects, London, 2007.

The 47-inch wide Wedge in Milport, on the island of Great Cumbrae in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Lucky Drops, by Yasuhiro Yamashita, Atelier Tekuto, Tokyo, Japan, 2005.

May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Art

FARIDA EL GAZZAR By Katharina Froehlich

Farida el Gazzar is a Greek artist with Egyptian roots, living in Athens. She is known internationally due to her widespread artwork and has taken part in recent exhibitions in New York, Egypt, Greece as well as many more and will exhibit in Japan at Art Basel from March 29 to 31. The paintings shown in these art shows pay tribute to her recent artistic efforts.

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El Gazzar is particularly famous for her artistic depiction of the Egyptian civilization and landscape, highlighting specifically the construction process that the country has undergone in the past decade. She enables the spectators to ponder about ongoing changes happening around them and raises the question to think about a deeper meaning of what lies behind it all.

CT: We are happy to have the chance to talk to

you although you have a really busy schedule due to your teaching activity and ongoing exhibitions. Now you are in Greece but some of your family is in Alexandria and Cairo as well, right?

FG: Yes. I was actually born in Alexandria but we

moved to Kuwait and spent nine years there. Later on, we moved to Greece in 1985, when I was 10 years old. Athens has been my base ever since and I feel highly connected to the city.

CT: How often do you visit now? FG: I go back and forth to Egypt all the time since

I was a child. I still have a lot of my immediate relatives there. I like to come and spend time with my family by the sea on the north coast. Whenever I take a trip to Egypt in winter, I stay in Cairo. I also had stayed in Cairo for a while following an art-in-residence program with The Townhouse Gallery during the winter of 2008-09.

CT: How would you describe your connection to Egypt today?

FG: Basically, it is an ongoing love affair with

the country. I have never lost my affiliation to it. Thankfully, Greece and Egypt are also in close proximity so even short weekend trips are easily doable. In the past four years, I have been fortunate to have a solo show at Gypsum Gallery, Cairo, and more recently took part in a group show organized by Art D’Egypte at the Manial Palace.

CT: You have also spent some years in London for your studies.

FG: London has actually played a big role in my education. I went to university there and loved living in the city. I have to admit though that today, I couldn’t imagine fully living there. The lifestyle and culture are different compared to Greece or Egypt.

CT: What do you love most about living in Greece?

FG: We really enjoy the simple things of life a

lot more. You have the natural landscape and the nice Mediterranean climate which doesn’t leave May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Art

much more to wish for. Generally, just the whole quality of life is unique. In comparison to Egypt, which has its extreme highs and lows, I feel that it’s more stress-free to live in Greece. In Egypt there are different dynamics. On the other hand, the mentalities of people in the two countries are quite similar, it’s all about enjoying life and having a good time.

CT: Which steps did you have to take to reach the point of your career where you are now?

FG: I have been drawing and painting, basically

since I can remember. It just evolved naturally, and luckily I had great support from my parents to pursue this. Because of art being my biggest passion, I first went to an art school in Greece and then continued my Bachelors and Masters in Arts in London. Overall my studies were seven years.

CT: What are some difficulties that come with

being an artist in a world where people are always seeking stable jobs?

FG: I think in most of my career I have been lucky to have had the stability of jobs related to the arts in parallel to my painting practice.

Currently, I’m working as a part-time art teacher, which allows me to have a certain discipline in my life. It has helped me a lot with time management and building my confidence in speaking with bigger groups. Before I started teaching, I used to work as a freelance editorial illustrator for about

Ct | MaY 2019

14 years ongoing. Right now I like the advantage that teaching at schools gives you- during the many vacations, I still have a lot of time to work on my own artwork and preparing exhibitions.

CT: How would you describe the style of your pieces and what do they express?

FG: The style of my artwork is a combination of

naive and almost photorealistic cityscapes mostly from my travels to Egypt. I think once you are away from a country you see it from a different perspective. For me, there are endless sources and amounts of inspiration from my view of Egypt. Exemplarily many of my paintings I develop initially through taking snapshots and capturing moments with my camera which trigger my creativity. I like the cityscape and a reflection of all the things we use in daily life. When you look at Cairo and all the new construction sites on the North Coast and countless other places, it makes you think about the deeper meaning in things and ponder about what’s behind everything. There is such a big boom of development and that reflects a lot of the situation in Egypt. Every time I fly over I see more buildings and every piece of land is just being used. This constant change in the country is something I reflect a lot on and is always shown as a subject in my work.

CT: Is there anything that all of your artwork got in common?

FG: I think the atmosphere and mood through

similar to what one might have seen in the sixties. That again goes back to the element of something that is steady.

the colors is a common link. In most of my work, I’m using paints that reflect on the earthy colors juxtaposed with a bright color. Generally, my paintings have a similar color palette, and I especially use a lot of gold. Gold is a big factor in my work. I see gold as a symbolic representative of the country. It’s the colors of the sand, the land and the light in Egypt. Gold is also used as a metaphor - it’s something that is magnanimous, everlasting and resilient. It’s solid and doesn’t change through time. I also love the feeling of euphoria and the element of kitsch that it gives. That’s also why I use old gold vintage frames to support the complete aesthetic of the paintings. The color palette I use generally says a lot about the places I want to represent, as well as the feelings and the mood. In a way I also see the themes of my work with an element of resistance. While things are evolving, there are some things that remain the same throughout time.

CT: Do you have a favorite piece from your own

CT: What inspires you?

http://www.faridaelgazzar.com/

FG: I usually get inspirations from travels. If I

Farida El Gazzar is represented by Kalfayan Galleries in Athens/Thessaloniki (www. kalfayangalleries.com).

travel somewhere new I immediately think about how the new place affects me and how I could be able to depict that. I’m interested in how you can combine the past and the present. Sometimes, for example, there are images, which you see today in Egypt and it’s

artwork?

FG: I don’t have favorite pieces because overall

I see it as an ongoing body of work. It’s a form of work in progress that I see as whole.

CT: Is there somebody you draw inspiration from, a role model?

FG: I love David Hockney’s series of works which he did while he was visiting Egypt in the sixties. He had painted some location drawings which are so beautiful and which I can closely relate to in the subject matter. I also love his painting in his years in California. Especially the buildings! For more about Farida el Gazzar, please check her Website:

May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Art

Meet the Artist - Heba Dwaik “Moment” Art Exhibition By Soha Khater

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About the Artist After graduating from the faculty of Fine Arts, Décor sector in 2005, artist Heba Dwaik pursued her passion as an interior designer for a number of years. In around the year 2012, she followed her dream to become a professional painter – using acrylic painting on canvases. Throughout her journey, she was guided and supervised by artist Saleh AbdElSabur – owner of Artzone Association – to paint using different kinds of materials. She participated with her paintings in different exhibitions across Egypt, Kuwait and UAE, also attending a number of workshops, enhancing her professional career development.

“Moment” Under the auspices of the Chairman of the Board of the National Cultural Center – Cairo Opera House, Dr. Magdy Saber inaugurated “Moment” Art Exhibition on April 2nd at Ziad Bakir Gallery at the Music Library, which lasted until April 8th. The exhibition reflects any moment in the life of a person, while emphasizing on how this person should make the most out of this moment regardless of what it expresses, stated Heba Dwaik. “Moment” showcases a collection of around 20 paintings expressing each person’s “moment”, disseminated over two floors, where the upper floor comprises 11 portraits depicting a story of a war widow in the 40’s, while the ground floor showcases on a different annotation portraits of predominantly women.

Story Behind “Moment” Happening in a little Sicilian town back in the 1940’s – “Moment” presents the story of a lonely war widow, whose husband was killed while he was on the forces of Africa, fighting the British. During this time, she was taking care of her sick father who lives alone. As a young and attractive war widow, she was desired by men and envied by women. Rumors arose against her and she was denounced for allowing an unmarried officer to visit her after dark; who testified that he was only an occasional friend. Her father was killed when the war reached Sicily and the town was bombed by the Allies. She becomes bankrupt, while no one is willing to provide her with a job, thus resorting to prostitution.

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CULTURE | Art

“

There is no precise explanation for each, but it ref lects the viewer’s own understanding and feeling

”

As the Germans leave and American troops arrive to town, she was humiliated by women and escaped from the unsympathetic town. All portraits on the upper floor depict the various stages of the story denoted by reflective and expressive images of the war widow, enabling you to sense her sorrow, grief and loneliness. Around a year and a half was spent by the artist to breakthrough this story, while it took her around four months to produce “Moment” in her private atelier in Maadi. The exhibition continues on the ground floor showcasing around nine women portraits – reflecting their different moments in life. “There is no precise explanation for each, but it reflects the viewer ’s own understanding and feeling,” specified Dwaik. It is also clear to the viewer that all portraits depict women, which is the artist’s main focus, denoting a sense of freedom. The artist uses a glowing coloring concept, while applying different designs as geometrical or triangular ones, also all using acrylic painting on canvases. Around three weeks to one month is the timespan to produce one of those portraits. Visitors were truly impressed with not only the application of acrylic paintings on canvas, but by the glowing colors and the feelings or the “moment “expressions reflecting the story behind each portrait, which can be certainly detected by the viewer. Connect with Heba Dwaik Heba_eldwaik@linkedin.com Heba_eldwaik@hotmail.com Facebook: HebaDawikart Instagram: HebaDawikart

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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: editor@live-colors.com - rania.halim@live-colors.com DEC 2017 | Ct

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Now in Egypt; The All New Toyota Corolla The 12th generation of Toyota Corolla represents an unprecedented incident in the modern futuristic design of cars. This is in addition to the powerful performance characterized with new and different standards for the highest levels of luxury, comfort, and safety with Toyota New Global Architecture. TNGA is apparent in the new design of Corolla featured with luxury, stability, unprecedented control, more comfort for the driver, and more safety for the passengers. This reflects the policy of Toyota in manufacturing cars that are characterized by quality and durability. An Attractive Design Reflecting the Futuristic Character of Corolla The new Toyota Corolla comes in a new attractive design of the front-end supplied with high intensity LED lamps to offer the best vision for the driver. Corolla also has rear LED lamps with a stylish design and chrome finishing which contributes to the uniqueness and charm of the car. The new Corolla is produced with 17-inch aluminum wheels adding more elegance to the model. This is besides the sun roof and moon roof openings. The interior of the new Toyota Corolla is featured with luxury, quality, and special attention to details, which unprecedentedly maximize the delight of the driver and passengers. The trunk of the car was developed to be easier to use. The car is also supplied with air-conditioning vents for the back seats to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort and luxury. The multi-functional steering wheel allows an easy control of a number of functions like answering the phone and using the advanced entertainment system while driving. There is also the ability to manage the cruise control. The advanced sportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design of the driver seat that

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can be adjusted in six directions and the Lumbar Support which supports the back vertebrae offer the driver a more comfortable position while driving for long distances.

Unprecedented Technological Features The new Toyota Corolla was designed to offer the driver unlimited luxury. It is equipped with highest levels of technologies, which include a smart key, rain sensors, and automatic lighting systems including the Follow Me Home feature. This is in addition to a rear camera, front and back parking sensors, and morning safety lights. The Highest Standards of Safety The new Toyota Corolla has the highest standards of safety among its category. It is equipped with various brakesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; systems including ABS, BA, and EBD. This is in addition to the Hill Assist Control and the advanced electronic stability system that ensures the stability of the car during turns. This is besides the distribution of airbags all over the car to protect the driver and the passengers with six airbags (Driver + Side + Passenger + Curtain Side). The car is engineered with a strong and powerful external structure to offer the highest levels of safety to the driver and passengers.

Top Performance Toyota Corolla offers a top performance with its advanced VVT-I 1600 cc engine. This is in addition to the availability of the sports’ driving mode, which assists in reaching the highest levels of speed and performance. The engine of the car, with the advanced automatic transmission system, CVT, offers an exciting driving experience, while providing the highest levels of comfort and smoothness in response. Despite the powerful engine of the new Toyota Corolla, the car is featured with its economic and advanced EFI fuel consumption system.

Unlimited Luxury The 12th generation of Toyota Corolla combines various means of luxury. The features include a double automatic air-condition, Bluetooth, a sound system that contains 6 speakers, 7-inch touch screen, AUX, USB, rear view camera, cruise control, colored glass, multi-functional steering wheel, remote control key, sun roof and moon roof, wireless phone charger, and electronic mirrors. All these features provide a distinctive driving experience with unlimited luxury.

One of the Best After Sales’ Services in Egypt The value Toyota owners obtain remains for as long as they own the car. Toyota cars are supported with the best services’ centers all over Egypt. The most skillful technicians and engineers who obtained the highest levels of trainings carry out the maintenance of all Toyota models in the services’ centers. It is worth mentioning that Toyota Egypt services’ centers acquired the golden excellence prize for after sales’ services in Africa for the fourth consecutive year from Toyota International. This affirms the highest levels of accuracy and efficiency in all the maintenance services

offered by Toyota Egypt according to the highest international standards of Toyota international trademark. For the easiest 24/7 services, “My Toyota” mobile application, for android and iPhones, offers major services for the luxury of owning the new Toyota Corolla: Easier and faster maintenance booking specified for the application users Review the pervious maintenances with their dates and details Activating the car ’s warranty without having to call or visit the services’ centers Maintenance reminder system alerts to remind with service maintenance timings and updates the mileage Important numbers that driver might need in case of an emergency Lights’ symbols and warnings that appear to reassure and assist the driver in explaining the problem to the engineer offering the driver peace of mind Alerts about the latest promotions and maintenance discounts to preserve the car with the least cost Service centers’ locations and how to reach them easily.

MaY 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Books

Newest Must Read Thriller Titles

The Bank er’s Wife

Cruel Prince

By Cristina Alger

By Holly Black

The only thing worse than finding out that your husband is dead, is discovering the secrets he left behind.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. However, many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

Annabel's seemingly perfect life in Geneva is shattered when her banker husband Matthew's plane crashes in the Alps. When Annabel finds clues that his death may not be all it seems, she puts herself in the crosshairs of powerful enemies and questions whether she really knew her husband at all. Meanwhile, journalist Marina is investigating Swiss United, the bank where Matthew worked. When she uncovers evidence of a shocking global financial scandal that implicates someone close to home, she is forced to make an impossible choice.

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The Death of Mrs. Westaway By Ruth Ware On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes very quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong person—but also that the coldreading skills she has honed as a tarot card reader might help her claim the money. Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased, where it dawns on her that there is something very, very wrong about this strange situation and the inheritance at the center of it.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. As betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

The Perfect Mother By Aimee Molloy

The Outsider By Stephen King An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens, Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad. As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face?

They call themselves the May Mothers—a collection of new moms who gave birth in the same month. Twice a week, with strollers in tow, they get together in Prospect Park, seeking refuge from the isolation of new motherhood. On this sultry Fourth of July night, something goes terrifyingly wrong: one of the babies is abducted from his crib. Winnie, a single mom, was reluctant to leave six-weekold Midas with a babysitter, but the May Mothers insisted that everything would be fine. Now Midas is missing, the police are asking disturbing questions, and Winnie’s very private life has become fodder for a ravenous media. Though none of the other members in the group are close to the reserved Winnie, three of them will go to increasingly risky lengths to help her find her son. As the police bungle the investigation and the media begin to scrutinize the mothers in the days that follow, damaging secrets are exposed, marriages are tested, and friendships are formed and fractured.

Give Me Your Hand By Megan Abbott You told each other everything. Then she told you too much. Kit has risen to the top of her profession and is on the brink of achieving everything she wanted. She hasn't let anything stop her. However, now someone else is standing in her way Diane. Best friends at 17, their shared ambition made them inseparable. Until the day Diane told Kit her secret - the worst thing she'd ever done, the worst thing Kit could imagine - and it blew their friendship apart. Kit is still the only person who knows what Diane did, and now Diane knows something about Kit that could destroy everything she's worked so hard for. How far would Kit go, to make the hard work and the sacrifice worth it in the end? What wouldn't she give up?

May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Books

Egyptian-Made Imagina Books: Bringing Science to Life By Noha Kandil

Products made in Egypt are on the rise, which gives the community the chance to support local talent in return for high quality products. Imagina Books are educational Augmented Reality (AR) books that bring science to life, with the objective of providing kids with an interactive and advanced way of learning. All you have to do is download the Imagina Books application on your smart device.

If adults could be that captivated with the product,

what would such advanced tools do with kids?

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If adults could be that captivated with the product, what would such advanced tools do with kids? That is why we reached out to Hisham Hosni, co-founder of Livit Studios, the company behind Imagina books, so that he would elaborate more on their work in the educational field. Hosni, a computer and communications engineer who graduated from Cairo University, previously worked at a telecommunications company and a technology firm as Quality Assurance Engineer. The company is specialized in educational applications for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. Its vision is to revolutionize STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) using the captivating settings of VR and AR technologies.

Was entrepreneurship something you always had in mind? It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t my focus, but with time, I discovered that my actions are aligned with those of any entrepreneur. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully realize it until my team mates - Ahmed Hesham and Abdelrahman Eissa asked me to join them and become a part of Livit Studios. How did Livit Studios start? Why did you choose Technology Education as your main focus? We started almost four years ago, working on new technologies to digitize and revolutionize education. We create VR/AR educational applications, driven by our admiration for new technology and our belief in the importance of education. We have been working on VR and AR to try out new techniques of learning, and one year later, we started working on Imagina Books. We thought about how most kids are entertained with new technology, so why not integrate it into education?

affordable as possible, which is reflected in our sales figures since our launch. However, like any new technology, AR is somehow expensive. We know that releasing an AR product now is risky, but we are willing to continue because we truly believe in the potential of this technology and in two to three years, it will become affordable to the average user. Your projects are classified into three categories: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Project Sponsorship; can you elaborate on each please? When we first started we wanted to integrate Virtual Reality into school labs, and so we started creating different educational applications for schools, universities and institutions. We have developed more than eight different experiences, which included school, university, and training curriculums. The purpose was to improve and integrate the technology into the way students/ workers learn. Then, we worked on Augmented Reality; we created a small demo and launched it during our

Technology, education and Egypt are three elements to a very tricky equation. Given the current economical conditions and the educational challenges, how do you get by and expand with such challenges? It is a very tricky equation and that is why we started Livit Studios. We want to be part of a big change in education. Some schools are thriving with new technology, and we are here to present the latest techniques to improve education. We believe that AR is the future of education, and we are trying to make Imagina Books as

May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Books

event at Maker Faire Cairo 2016. A year after that, we started developing a prototype of Imagina Books to establish a product. Finally, as part of our contribution to the Egyptian community, we wanted to support undergraduate students who wish to work on technology but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford it and need software guidance. Therefore, we have sponsored four different graduation projects from the faculty of engineering: three from Cairo University and one from Helwan University. The students were passionate about technology and their graduation project ideas depended on VR and AR. We worked with them day and night to provide them with software and hardware guidance as well as the opportunity to use the latest VR Headsets (like Oculus and HTC Vive) to develop their project. Your Imagina Books campaign on Kickstarter, the crowd-funding platform, is 100% funded. Did you expect that feedback? We were aiming to receive validation of the product through the campaign, and it was a great achievement to launch a new product like this and find supporters worldwide. During the campaign, we offered pre-ordering for the product before it is produced to help the product to expand. We sold the book to more than 10 different countries, including: UAE, USA, Canada, Australia, Finland, UK, Egypt, SAE, Japan, France, Turkey and Germany.

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Also, our product grabbed the attention of wellknown technology websites, who wrote about Imagina Books. As a result, we received requests from international educators who wanted to know more about Imagina Books, which was a great indicator that we are delivering a product that meets international standards. After the campaign, we worked on finalizing the product for six months to start delivering it to our backers. Our vision for Imagina Books is to become a collection of educative books that deliver different sciences to different ages and in different languages. Parents see it as a good investment for their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education and the success of the first book will help us continue the series. How would you rate your success so far in the Egyptian Market? Nothing compares to the joy we felt when people were fascinated by the product. Many customers were surprised when they got to know that Imagina Books is an Egyptian product. Their encouragement to keep up the good work was really inspiring. In the local market, people from different backgrounds were very supportive and some of them were interested to buy the product including parents, teachers, and technology enthusiasts. We had the chance to take part in an experiential part of a research conducted by a student as part

of her master ’s thesis about interactive books. It was conducted at Lycee El Horeya School in Egypt, and we were taken away by how smart and engaged the students were and how much they loved Imagina Books, as well as how excited teachers were about finding such a product that was so engaging to their students.

it, so explaining the concept in a video is hard. That is why we try to attend all the events that are related to us, but with a small team, it’s hard to allow a lot of people to try our book before buying it. Therefore, we are working on establishing mobile pop-up stands, and we will set up lots of one-day events across Cairo.

Although it is the first school to try out Imagina Books, we are expecting further positive results out of this study.

How can customers gain access to your products?

As a startup, what are you struggling with the most at this stage? Definitely reaching a wider audience. People who don’t know what AR is, have to try it to believe

Currently, our book is available in four branches of Virgin Megastores. It is also available online on Souq and Jumia. We are currently receiving new requests from individuals, bookstores and educational organizations to distribute Imagina Books across different stores in Egypt.

We believe that AR is the future of education, and we are

trying to make Imagina Books as affordable as possible

May 2019 | Ct

CULTURE | Events

“Turandot” Opera

3 Ayam X El Sa7el Cairo Show Theater – Movenpick Hotel Media City 5 to 15 June 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.

Cairo Opera House – Main Hall 11 to 14 June “Turandot” is a three-act opera by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni, and was first performed in Milan in 1926. The opera is based on one of the seven stories of “Haft Peykar (The Seven Beauties)” by the Persian poet Nizami, and will be performed by the Cairo Opera Company and Orchestra. Time: 8 pm

Time: 9 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

Hollywood Comes to Egypt

Nesma Mahgoub – Ramadan Nights Open Air Theater – Cairo Opera House 24 May Talented Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub will be showcasing her powerful voice during Cairo Opera House’s Ramadan Nights program. An AUC graduate, Mahgoub went on to win Star Academy for her impressive vocals. Time: 9:30 pm

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AUC Tahrir Campus 10 to 11 June For the first time in the Middle East, popular Hollywood film producer Dov Simens will be sharing his secrets and insights into the world of show business during a two-day film school event. Simens has guided names like Will Smith and Bradley Cooper, among thousands more. Time: 11 am Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

Khebtena – Mohamed Sobhy Mazaher – Mazzia X El Sat7

Sonbol City, Giza 5 to 8 June Back by popular demand is the famous comedian Mohamed Sobhy’s sarcastic theatrical performance of Kebtena play. Time: 7 pm Tickets are available at TicketsMarche.

Darb 1718 30 May This mainly female oriented ensemble presents the audience with a traditional Zar experience through rich polyrhythmic drumming. Time: 9:30 pm Tickets available at Ticketsmarche.

Aida El Ayoubi – Ramadan Nights Open Air Theater – Cairo Opera House 18 May Oriental vocalist Aida El Ayoubi will be performing her relaxing tunes during Ramadan Nights at the Cairo Opera House. Time: 9:30 pm

Kolthoumiat Arab Music Institute 30 May A night dedicated to Om Kolthoum’s greatest hits. Time: 8 pm

The Forty Rules of Love Play Alexandria Opera House 17 to 27 May Based on the popular novel of the same name that is written by Turkish author Elif Shafak, this play follows the message of love and companionship of Rumi’s spiritual journey, and is organized by the Cultural Production Affairs Sector. Time: 8 pm

May 2019 | Ct

ADVERTORIAL

Mallorca TesT Drive of The MerceDesBenz B-class anD MerceDes-aMG a35 By Rania Halim

The iMpressive B-class feaTures The third generation B-Class is offering high safety standards. Similar to the S-Class driving assistance system, the B-Class can now provide partially automated assistance when faced with unexpected incidents. All functions of safety assistance are easily operated through the control buttons on the steering wheel. The first feature in the “Driving Assist Package” worth a try is when you are too close to an object that the “Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC” adjusts your speed accordingly. The second feature, the “Active steering Assist”, takes control of the car and all the driver has to do is push the signal or give voice instructions to change lanes. This is a necessary commodity, especially when combined with the “Active Emergency Stop Assist” in case of SOS need. Then comes the “Active Brake Assist” that we all need as it brings the vehicle to a complete stop in case of a sudden “pedestrian crossing” or any other congestion emergency where evasive action is not possible. Moreover the “Active Lane Keeping Assist” together with the “Active Blind Spot Assist” complement the package with additional visual and audible warnings in the mirrors and ambient door lights. Day 1: Driving this fast sporty car along the island of Palma de Mallorca was an absolute thrill. After a brief at Mallorca Airport, cars were allocated to

Ct | May 2019

all media colleagues to drive to “Baiben” for an hour, before we drove all the way to Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel. That scenic yet curvy drive was an absolute pleasure in which the agility of the car was manifested to provide us with the powerful feel without compromising stability. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz B-Class comes with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission combined with a new engine. When talking about aerodynamics, the new B-Class is the leader within its segment. The front LED headlamps with their low profile and the increased wheelbase (30millimiters), short overhands, slightly lowered roofline and the larger wheels make the sporty appearance more dynamic. The avant-garde interior offers more room and intelligent comfort and an extremely revolutionary MBUX multimedia system.

Moving to its engine, Mercedes-Benz succeeded to fit the first diesel model in the compact segment certified to EURO6d standard compliance. The Mercedes-Benz B 200 includes 4 cylinders arranged in-line and a powerful displacement of 1,332 CC via the 8 speed dual–clutch transmission designed for a higher torque to reach 520Nm (normally 250Nm at 1,620rpm). Comfort in shifting ensures a longer and ideal engine life.

between 6.9 l/100km 4.9l/100km and 5.6l/100km depending on the model range respectively urban/ extra urban or combined.

The vehicle holds a larger chassis with a longer wheelbase to ensure that the stability of the car is not compromised. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is in 8.2 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 223km/h. The fuel consumption varies

The YouThful A 35 4MATic

Day 2: We got the chance to test drive the new base model in the AMG range the AMG A 35 4MATIC; a sensational car that targets the youth. Its newly developed 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine combined with the right suspension gives it agility and smooth driving dynamics. Its unique performance is backed by a speed acceleration of 0-100km/h in only 4.7 seconds. The yellow color gives it an attractive edge, as well as the sporty interior and the MBUX multimedia system. From the youth’s perspective, we move to the feel of the new 4-cylinder turbo engine which offers a forceful acceleration of 400 Nm peak torque from 3,000 rpm combined with an impressive sound. The lightweight aluminum crankcase reduces engine weight which is vital for the dynamics of this car. A twin turbocharger

offers an immediate response when shifting from low to high speeds. Agility in gearing and dynamic character is reflected in the 7G dual-clutch transmission which allows maximum off-the-line acceleration and a more exotic experience. The dynamic performance of the car due to its variable all-wheel drive offers enhanced driving pleasure. The stability of this car and precision even under harsh conditions is due to a reinforced bodyshell that increases the torsion and rigidity. In conclusion, driving the AMG A 35 through the “Serra de Tramuntana” was a lifetime experience, where the entire drive was safe and enjoyable throughout the picturesque villages of Banyalbufar and Estellencs. So long, Palma!

May 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS Inter viewing the CEO of PepsiCo Egypt Mr. Mohamed Shelbaya There is no argument that one of the global food and beverage leaders PepsiCo is a name known worldwide, which has reached a net revenue of over $63 billion. Mr. Mohamed Shelbaya, the CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo Egypt Commercial Unit, has been a PepsiCo veteran with over 25 years of experience across the MENA region. Fortunately, we were able to interview him to find out how he is addressing the market here in Egypt and what his future plans for the company are. belief. PepsiCo Egypt’s success is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We are honored to be part of the Egyptian market for 70 years. We invest in different areas in Egypt and above all we invest in our people in line with our strategy “Winning with Purpose” and Egypt’s 2030 vision. Today, we have 10 manufacturing facilities, 31 distribution centers, and more than 3,500 suppliers, which created 15,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. Our strategy focuses on five goals out of 17 UN SDGs: After 25 years in PepsiCo, how would you describe the Egyptian market and the CSR programs applied in Egypt? PepsiCo has always been dedicated to the Egyptian market with huge investments, diverse products and effective CSR programs that support Egyptians in education, nutrition, sports and entrepreneurship. Egypt’s 100 million population makes the country a strategic regional market for PepsiCo, representing 100 million opportunities. Egypt has been one of our global success stories, delivering consistent and sustainable growth for over seven decades. Following that huge success, we announced that we will expand our investments in Egypt to reach $515 million during four years from 2018 to 2021 focusing on three main pillars: production and technology, people who represent our core asset and finally the community in which we operate.

Zero Hunger (SDG # 2) and Quality Education (SDG #4): One of our programs that support education in Upper Egypt is the Tomooh program. Tomooh encourages youth to attend school and in return we provide their families with food supplies every month. Through this program, we tackle two main issues in Egypt: malnutrition and education. Our partner in this program is the UN World Food Program with around 200,000 beneficiary students in Upper Egypt (50% girls). Also, we are working hand in hand with 4,000 local farmers to cultivate 40,000 acres to proudly produce 100% of our potatoes locally, reaching 70% of local seed production. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG #8)

You are linking your global strategy “Winning With Purpose” to Egypt 2030 vision. Could you kindly elaborate on how this balance is going to be achieved through CSR initiatives?

PepsiCo has signed a new protocol with the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) to provide youth with employment opportunities in unprivileged governorates. This program is built-on training to help youth to become mini-distributors in 200 villages where PepsiCo operates.

PepsiCo’s corporate social responsibility is more than just a business trend; it is part of our business philosophy, a deeply-rooted fundamental

Also, Chipsy Innovation Challenge competition is one that we are grateful for. We launched it during RiseUp Summit 2017. The competition

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“

I am very happy to witness how Egyptian youth are involved in finding creative solutions addressing the society’s sustainability challenges. I would like to share our commitment to the Egyptian market. We call it creating ‘shared values’, which entails linking our strategy to the sustainability of the society around us. -says Shelbaya

helped provide mentorship, expertise, exposure and training to startups in Egypt, in addition to technical assistance and capacity building. Chipsy seeds program aims to train farmers on the latest international methods in agriculture, irrigation and harvesting, which in turn helps them to raise the quality of their crops and increase opportunities to work with international companies, in addition to the possibility of exporting. On the other hand, we as a company have become self-sufficient to resort to importing, providing 100% of our potato needs locally grown, matching the international standards. Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG #3) Another successful model is PepsiCo Schools League that aims to discover young Egyptian football talents across Egypt to join the biggest national and international clubs and it draws attention to their talents amongst their school peers. This program has been effective in Egypt for 16 years and we discovered hundreds of talents annually to join major international and Egyptian clubs, such as Mohamed Salah and El Niny. Gender Equality (SDG #5) We launched Egypt 2030 Hackathon competition in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, UN Egypt and RiseUp enabling youth to find creative solutions for Egypt’s most pressing challenges. We will also announce a huge project in the third quarter of 2019 that will empower women in Egypt immensely. PepsiCo will invest 515M USD in the coming four years (2018-2021). Can you give us an overview of these investments? We have reinforced our footprints in the Egyptian economy with $606 million in investments over the past four years, and we have announced our commitment to invest $515 million, focusing on

”

three main pillars topped with “Production and technology”. We are directing more than $16 million to improve our production lines, bringing a state-of-the-art production line to our 6th of October plant to increase the production capacity of our beverages. This production line will be the latest within PepsiCo global, and will be directly connected to the factory to ensure its abidance to the highest standards of quality and safety. Our second pillar is “People”, our core business asset. For the past three years, we provided our team with more than 33,000 training hours to be up-to-date in terms of technology and techniques. For “Community”, we are adopting a unique sustainability model based on “Creating Shared Values” to the communities in which we operate, focusing on the overall wellbeing of Egyptians. How does your participation in launching Egypt 2030 Hackathon help achieve Egypt’s sustainability goals? It is among our established values to support youth and especially entrepreneurs in numerous initiatives, in alignment with the Egyptian government’s strategy 2030 and UN SDGs. This contributes to achieving Egypt’s 2030 vision to eradicate hunger and attain gender equality in the labor market. PepsiCo has been the main sponsor of RiseUp for the past five years, and we are always keen on extending our sponsorship to adding value to the Egyptian youth through organizing competitions, technical training and above all mentorship. During Rise-Up Summit 2018, we launched the Egypt 2030 Hackathon competition enabling entrepreneurs to create solutions for the challenges impacting Egypt’s most pressing needs. The Hackathon competition was held over three consecutive days starting on the 18th of April. During the pitch event, the participating teams MaY 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS presented digital solutions tackling Egypt’s pressing sustainability needs and PepsiCo provided the winning team with a fund of up to EGP 500,000. Techie Squad, the winning team, came up with a social platform that aims to connect, mentor, and empower women in the sports sector in Egypt through an application. PepsiCo sponsored the 2nd Demo Day of Falak. What do youwant to achieve from the initiative? The Egyptian society’s perception of entrepreneurship is growing nowadays, thus, PepsiCo supports entrepreneurs in numerous initiatives, in alignment with the Egyptian government’s strategy to empower entrepreneurs. Our youth is the hope of this country and they are the ones who will develop our society as a whole. Falak is a startup accelerator designed by the Ministry of Investment and International Corporation that aims to support and empower the next generation of Egyptian entrepreneurs, and contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem in Egypt. As part of PepsiCo’s CSV initiatives, we sponsored Falak Demo Day and we would love to support youth by providing the technical and financial support to give the chance for every young individual to voice out his/her ideas.

Tell us about your participation in the 5th annual CSR conference? The Egyptian Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conference is one of the conferences that PepsiCo is keen to take part in, thus creating shared values among our society. Such conferences are important communication platforms to gather all involved parties from public, private sectors and NGOs. This conference discusses the future of social responsibility work in Egypt, and how it is linked to the overall national strategy, and we are looking forward to be present in the 6th annual CSR conference. We participated as a strategic partner and official sponsor for the second consecutive year. We utilized our participation and signed a cooperation protocol with FEI in cooperation with other partners to provide opportunities for youth in underprivileged areas, by helping them to be minidistributors in 200 villages through tricycles. The program will enable youth to receive trainings and generate income. PepsiCo Sales team will select the eligible youth for on-the-job training and offers them a “mini-distributor ” job for PepsiCo products as a start to be extended to other companies in the future. With this project, we will provide youth with technical trainings and a job opportunity where they can make a living out of and that’s what we aim to achieve.

Meet the HUAWEI P30 Lite Besides its notably trendy design, the phone’s camera functionality is one of the most attractive points. Although the HUAWEI P30 lite is the budget version of the HUAWEI P30 series, it sports a triple camera setup. The 24MP HD lens and 8MP wide-angle sensor altogether offer you a grand photography feast. Although people have gradually got rid of the concept that pixel is the only element that affects photography quality, pixel size is still an important indicator of a sensor ’s quality. The HUAWEI P30 lite features a large f/1.8, 24MP HD main camera with 6P’s 0.9 µm pixel size. Which means that every photo will be bright and crystal clear. With the HUAWEI P lite’s 8MP, 120-degree ultra wide-angle camera, all the details of your fantastic life can be locked down. Remembering everything from magnificent architecture to grand natural scenery is a little easier when a 120-degree ultra wide angle lens is handily recording them. This ultra wide-angle can record 2.4x the content that a 78-degree wide-angle lens can. Considering this device has a 24MP HD sensor on top of this 120-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, it’s obvious the HUAWEI P30 lite will provide a majorly powerful zoom performance.

Ct | MaY 2019

AdvertoriAl

Renault Duster... Look No Further! COMFORT WITH NO LIMITS The Renault Duster offers spacious interior that fits 5 passengers. When preparing for trips, you can easily fit all the luggage you want in its 445 liters trunk, while foldable rear bench seat allows you to arrange the cabin to suit your needs, for a bigger storage space of 1636 liters and up to 2.65 liters by folding the front seat. Renault added a variety of complementary features to answer our customers’ needs, including AC, power steering, central lock system. Renault Duster is also giving the customers the option to design some external features according to their taste including the sport wheels, chrome parts, and electric side-mirrors.

RENAULT DUSTER The brand Renault Duster comes with 115 HP engine, 1.6L (1600 CC) and a 6 speed automatic transmission. With minimum fuel consumption, and budget-friendly maintenance, the eco-friendly Renault Duster is the practical choice for those who seek comfortable driving experience. The all-terrain world Duster says a lot about its character. Renault Duster introduces a dynamic and powerful exterior design. It stands out with its C-shaped front LED lighting signature and chrome surroundings highlighting the car ’s elegant yet robust identity; designed especially for adventurers who appreciate beauty. The interior reflects a unique and modern design with exciting technology features, for comfortable driving experience, with modern instrument cluster and a new AC system as well as the Keyless entry for car ignition – Renault’s Smart Access Card.

DESIGNED FOR AN EASY DRIVE ON ALL KINDS OF ROADS Renault Duster displays a dynamic yet modern exterior design that fits perfectly with roads in Egypt; offering convenient and safe drive. Renault Duster fears no roads, thanks to its Sidesteps, Boot Spoiler, angles of approach and departure, its high ground clearance, and hill descent control, the Duster has all what it takes to tackle all kinds of roads including harsh rocky surfaces. Duster Automatic is a light car with 1.6L (1600 CC) and a torque of 156 / 4000 rpm, which gives a smooth and easy driving experience.

EQUIPMENT Safety is one of Renault’s top priorities and it was carefully integrated in the Duster design. The Renault Duster comes in three models: Model 1: Duster offers 2 air bags, Emergency braking assistance (EBS), BAS (Brake Assist System), 2 power windows, Radio/Bluetooth/USB, 16”Steel Full Wheel Rims with Caps, ABS - Roof bars and Side Steps, Fog Light, and automatic transmission. Model 2: Duster offers all model 1 features in addition to 4 power windows, Electric door & Side Mirrors, Parking Sensors, 16” Alloy Wheel, Cruise Control & Speed Limiter, and a 7” touch screen with GPS navigation system. Model 3: Duster offers Start Top Button, Key less system, Automatic Air Conditioning, Rear Camera, and 17” Alloy Wheel. MaY 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS Interview with the Colombian Ambassador to Egypt and former First Lady of Colombia: H.E. Ana Milena Muñoz De Gaviria By Rawan Abdel Latif While both Colombia and Egypt share various similarities such as their cultural richness and traditions, the diplomatic scene can at times differ. The recently appointed Colombian Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Ana Milena Muñoz de Gaviria former First Lady of the Republic of Colombia, holds several professional titles such as economist, architect and historian. She was also on the board of several organizations and a member of numerous councils since the 1990s. Such extensive experience will definitely play a role in her current position. We were fortunate to sit with Her Excellency and discuss future plans that will enhance and strengthen the relationship between Egypt and Colombia. What were some of your roles as the First Lady? How would you sum up your experience?

the purpose to promote values, responsibility, tolerance and teamwork.

I served as First Lady from 1990 to 1994. By law, the First Lady becomes President of the board of Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. Our main focus in the institution was childhood protection and nutrition programs.

One of the efforts made to enhance education and health was implementing training programs for teachers throughout the country to perform eye and hearing checkups on children at the schools. Results were then sent to specialist and those in need were provided with glasses or hearing aids. This program was then also applied for the elderly.

Policies for youth, women, family and the elderly were coordinated by the First Lady´s Office through an Advisory Office in the Presidency. At that time, we dealt with many troublesome issues that surfaced among the younger generations related to violence and narcotraffic, and felt the need to work towards encouraging young people to use their time positively. With this in mind, different programs were developed such as training, micro-enterprise, establishing youth orchestras, promoting sports, arts and much more. In music, for example, we created the “Batuta” foundation, which is still running. Youth symphonic orchestras and educational music centers were generated all over the country with

Ct | MaY 2019

I believe in the empowerment of women if you give them the instruments and channels to act. We grounded our work with the wives of the governors and city mayors to entitle women in their communities and to develop these programs. I consider that if you are in a position of power, you also gain the responsibility to serve and act for the people. At the time when I served as First Lady, I held indirect political power so I used it to promote and coordinate programs with the ministers and to encourage the private sector to work alongside the government or implementing their own initiatives assuming their social responsibility. I consider that the social

prepared you for your role as an ambassador and why Egypt? This is my first experience as a diplomat. When I was First Lady, I dealt with international affairs, but never quite like this. I believe that all the experiences you have gone through prepare you to be capable to achieve and assume new roles and positions. I am always up for new challenges and consider myself open to learn from others and ask for help if needed.

and economic development of our countries is a responsibility of all the members of its society. For example, the private sector was invited to participate in COLFUTURO (Colombia Future) foundation, that enabled exceptional students to study abroad. The initial endowment was 20 million and has since then increased to 60 million, which for Colombia is a considerable amount. 1,300 new students are sent to study every year. It functions as a credit and scholarship where if students fulfill some of the requirements the debt is reduced. We believe that nothing should be handed totally for free and that people have to invest equal effort in order to value it. One interesting experience was attending the Latin-American and the Caribbean First Ladies Meeting which takes place every year. There, experiences were shared and cooperation was promoted. We also presented projects to International Organizations and Development Banks. With the leadership of Queen Fabiola of Belgium, we organized a World Summit for the Advancement of Rural Women and created a steering committee and regional groups to work for rural women. If you asked me if I was prepared to be a First Lady, I would have to say no. At the time my career was as an economist and it all came suddenly. However, life is a learning process and I have never abstained to request for guidance. You have taken on several professions, from being an economist and a historian to an architect. How would you say these, along with the fact that you were the First Lady, have

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I chose Egypt because of its cultural richness and traditions and exceptional civilization. Here, people are open, enjoyable and always ready to help and so it has been very welcoming and has made all the difference in adjusting to a new country. What are some of the issues that you will tackle here in Egypt? Diplomacy has different roles, and in this sense, culture, tourism, political relations, and trade will be some of the main focuses. In times when the Orange Economy is becoming so important globally, the use of culture is fundamental to diplomacy. Music, literature, art, design, theater, cinema, and the academic world have no borders, and it is the best way to get to know the country and its inhabitants. The indicators of tourism between Egypt and Colombia are very low, and this represents a real opportunity in the short and medium term, not disregarding the challenges to face mainly in terms of connectivity and the knowledge of the key drivers that motivate travelers of both countries. Through the exchange of experiences, knowledge and history, the promotion of tourism has an important role. It allows the creation of growth and development in the regions that it impacts. In the political sense, although we are far, I would like to have some of the Ministers visit Egypt and establish a closer relationship aiming to identify programs and cooperation in different areas. Also, a parliamentary association would be promoted.

I believe that all the experiences you have gone through prepare you to be capable to achieve and assume new roles and positions.

â&#x20AC;?

MaY 2019 | Ct

BUSINESS Talking about trade, Colombia and Egypt both have a lot more to offer, and we want to enhance the exchange between the countries. So what would be for you the top products that could be exported and imported between the two countries? Coal, coffee and livestock are the main products being imported from Colombia. Cotton, textiles, medicaments and spices are the most relevant products consumed in our country from Egypt. We would like to increase our exports in electrical machinery, swimming and shape wear, frozen meat, fresh fruits such as bananas and avocados, sugar, cacao, and flowers. As Egyptian cotton is the most valued in the world, for example, Colombian roses are the most demanded in terms of their quality and beauty. We strongly believe in fairness and legality of business, and we will always seek that all parties win. That is why we are working hard to create strategic alliances between Colombian and Egyptian businessmen with the support of regional Chambers of Commerce and government institutions. The Embassy of Colombia with the support of the Commercial Promotion Office of the Government

Ct | MaY 2019

of Colombia / ProColombia, recently organized the visit of a delegation of Colombian meat and livestock companies, with high level meetings with the Ministry of Agriculture of Egypt and some of the most important importers in the country. Likewise, last month a seminar was held on Trade Opportunities between Egypt and Colombia at the premises of the Chamber of Commerce of Alexandria. Other than trade, what other goals do you have as the ambassador of Colombia in Egypt? There are good prospects in commercial matters, which could eventually lead to both governments evaluating the application of cooperation mechanisms to increase trade, tourism and investment. I want the Egyptians to get to know more about Colombia and to develop a better understanding of who we are. Many people know Colombia through TV series which show the violent side of my country. But we are more than that and we have come a long way since then. Colombia is about hopeful and joyous people, social change, high quality work force, great football players, abundant water resources, different music rhythms, coffee tradition, colorful flowers, contemporary art, festivals and traditions, beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity, among

“

Education is much more than academic programs and to travel and to be exposed to other customs and cultures help to development other useful skills in life. We will seek to increase the offer of scholarships between Colombia and Egypt.

others. Colombia, for example, has more bird species than any other country and is becoming one of the main bird watching destinations in the world. It will certainly be a challenge but we are ready to do it! What types of cultural activities are expected to happen between Egypt and Colombia in the foreseeable future? Music, literature and art exhibitions are mainly what we are looking to introduce. Colombian singers – Shakira, DJ Balvin, Maluma, Carlos Vives and Fonseca are very well known and we would like to invite some of them. In literature we would seek to do exchange programs between writers and poets through different events like book fairs and conferences. In art we would like to see more exchanges between our artists. There are many things that I dream of doing and we will pursue as much as we can. Actually, we are working to bring an exhibition of the Gold Museum which is unique in the world. Education and mobility programs through exchange students and teachers across universities are a good way to create bridges between cultures. Education is much more than academic programs and to travel and to be exposed to other customs and cultures help to development other useful skills in life. We will seek to increase the offer of scholarships between Colombia and Egypt. What other activities are you doing? Through the initiative of the Ambassadors of Portugal and Belgium, a Global Lady Ambassadors Group was formed in Egypt, GLAM, which

”

includes Belgium, Portugal, Congo, Malawi, Latvia, Slovenia, Cuba, Colombia and Finland with the aim to share experiences and create a support network. We want to create relationships with different female audiences in these countries and acknowledge the role of women in society. We are beginning to do small gatherings and meeting with key figures. Also, we will be closely monitoring the ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt, and the leadership it is having in the North African region. We believe that both countries can benefit from the exchange of experiences and technologies. Is what is happening in Venezuela politically and economically affecting Colombia? Yes, Venezuelans are leaving the country and the main door is Colombia. About one and a half million are registered but I think there are more than three million. This creates health and social issues as well as employment problems as Venezuelans work, for example, below the minimum wage. Colombia is the best route for Venezuelans and many end up staying. Colombia decided to accept everyone for humanitarian reasons, but we are not a rich a country, creating a struggle to attend to all new people coming in while still having many Colombians in poverty. So, all this has become a burden that affects us negatively. What are some of the differences in the diplomatic scene between South America and the Middle East? It is quite different. The advantage here is that people are very welcoming and they are always ready to help you to accomplish what you need and that it is very important and appreciated for our job. I am very happy here. Ana mabsuta hena.

MaY 2019 | Ct

FEATURE

How Childhood Tales Help in Children’s Psychology By Zeinab Abul Gheit Children are the backbone of society, and so bringing them up on sublime values and principles helps to create a strong community. Believing in this, writer and journalist May Abdel Hadi established an initiative for amending the behavior of children through old tales.

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May Abdel Hadi

In my tales, I present psychological support to the children and insert in them sublime morals and values. Spending a lot of time in front of screens can destroy social values

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Three years ago, Abdel Hadi started her initiative when her children asked her questions which she couldn't answer, often regarding the existence of God, why certain diseases exist, and so on. By attending sessions with child psychology specialists, Abdel Hadi was able to gain experience on the upbringing of youth and on how to address them with the right answers. On that basis, Abdel Hadi ventured to write a book titled "What Can I Say?" to help parents with difficult questions. Forming 23 groups including 6,000 mothers, parents started to depend on the old folk tales to amend incorrect behavior in their children. Mothers and children from Arab and foreign countries asked for translations of her book. Fulfilling their demand, the book is now published on WhatsApp four days a week in Arabic and one day only in English, French and German. "Through the translated tales, our Arabic culture is maintained. In the tales, I present psychological support to the children and insert in them sublime morals and values. Spending a lot of time in front of screens can destroy social values," explains Abdel Hadi.

Ct | May 2019

Examples of How Tales Change Behaviors An example of successful behavioral change is the story of Melika who suffered bullying, where her colleagues would always make fun of her for wearing eyeglasses. Helping her get rid of feeling ashamed, Abdel Hadi wrote a tale in which eyeglasses were personified, and crying when Melika left them alone at home. Feeling their suffering, Melika felt compassion towards the eyeglasses, and neglecting the unsound remarks of her colleagues, she regained her self-confidence. Another example is the tale of Ramy whose mother told Abdel Hadi he became depressed since he broke his leg after falling from the fourth floor. Since the accident, he would always ask his mother why this happened to him. Abdel Hadi then wrote a tale about a prince who fell from the back of his horse and broke his legs, later discovering that God caused this accident in order to prevent him from passing through a road in which he would have died. After hearing this story, Ramy was convinced that his leg was broken because God wanted him to escape a dangerous event that would have happened otherwise.

The Positive Effect According to Abdel Hadi, tales can have a more positive effect with children than technology if they are presented to them in an attractive way. This can be fulfilled by making the child the main character and letting the child play a part. Specialists in child psychology spoke to us about childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aggression towards their colleagues or teachers and the effect of the tales. Parents should choose the suitable cartoons and stories that teach children how to solve problems without using violence and which include alternative solutions. According to Dr. Hala Hammad, child psychologist and consultant, the tales are a good indirect means to teach the children correct behavior, sound morals and our Arabic culture. Dr. Hammad blames the play "Madraset El Moushaebeen" (The Troublemakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; School) and other films for encouraging inappropriate behavior between students and teachers.

May Abdel Hadi with children

Hagar Osama, expert in pedagogy and the Montessori method, agreed that the tales are an effective means, but if the child suffers inhumane treatment, the tale will not change his or her character. Also, the tales should not include unrealistic aspects that could not be fulfilled in reality, to avoid children believing they can do impossible things, like fly, for example. Abdel Hadiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative was granted a $10,000 prize by the App Swoo institution for her efforts in the field, and as a result, some private schools and the Fikra Institution implemented her initiative.

May Abdel Hadi

She aspires for the tales to become an acknowledged means in raising children in schools around Egypt, wanting to establish a program to encourage them to rely more on their imagination and less on technology.

May 2019 | Ct

FEATURE

Furnwish Revolutionizes the Interior Design World By Hadeel Hegazi

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the most innovative technology trends that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only disrupt our utilization of technology for our service, but also offers a perceptually enriched physical experience. Furnwish is an Egyptian startup that capitalizes upon the AR technology to revolutionize the whole interior design experience. They help homeowners and interior specialists to visualize their spaces with furniture pieces before taking the final decision.

Ct | May 2019

Envision this: A couple about to get married enters a furniture store to choose between multiple options to furnish their apartment where measurements exist only in their memory. It can take time and effort to agree on an option and overall style. The recurrent situation is a reality and represents a real problem between homeowners or couples furnishing their homes from scratch. That’s when Furnwish steps in with their disruptive app. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR blends layers of the virtual elements to our real world, thus enhancing how we see and feel the space around us.

The Story Furnwish’s incredible journey started off as a business by friends Reham El-Masry and Ingi Naguib. “Ingi and I started our business dealing with the same audience segment we target now – the homeowners – but instead, we helped them with their wedding and gift registry through a mobile application,” Reham recounts. “The more we experimented the more we realized that a main problem they faced was furnishing their homes. Communication problems would occur between the couple as they try to visualize the overall look of the home,” she adds. Reham and Ingi’s response to the problem defines what smart entrepreneurship really is, and that is when they pivoted the entire business and turned it into Furnwish. During the trip organized by Injaz Egypt and the USA embassy for 14 startups representing Egypt in Silicon Valley, Reham met with Ahmed Amin who represented another startup. She is the CEO, Ingi is the CFO and they were looking for a CTO to carry on the technical side of the company. “I talked with Ahmed during the trip and he agreed to help us. We stayed all night in the hotel lobby and created the demo of the app and showcased our presentation in San Francisco. Before we came back to Egypt, Ahmed had joined us as a co-founder and CTO,” Reham adds.

How the App Works It is an application that empowers and helps homeowners and interior specialists. Users can view the furniture products at their homes in a 3D model using real measurements, colors, and materials without the need to visit the store in person. This helps them envision the products in their places before purchasing them. “We deal with both the homeowners and the stores, and using this app saves individuals their time, money and effort. In the meantime, we agreed to upload the store-owners’ products and have them showcased on the app so people can even purchase them online through it,” Reham explains. Furnwish generates revenue from a multiple of streams. “The application is completely downloadable for free for customers who can buy the pieces with their real prices. However, with the stores, we share a commission from the online purchases done through the app. We also provide B2B solutions if a store wants to build an app under their own branding so we can license the technology as well,” Reham says.

The Experience with “Womena” Accelerator Throughout their one-year journey, Furnwish didn’t only win the trip to Silicon Valley, but has also gone through the exceptional regional accelerator program with Womena. “Womentum” is a four-month accelerator program that brings female-led startups together from the Middle East in two major global startup hubs: Berlin and Dubai. “It was one of the best experiences we had so far, in terms of exposure and education as we learned a lot about branding, marketing, and the company legal structure,” Reham shares. “One of the advantages was when we got to meet some high-profile mentors, CEOs and experts who work in the AR field. During our period in Berlin, we were shown the potential of what we do and how far we can go, and so we started to see the company from an international rather than a local point of view and saw that we can compete globally,” Reham adds. Womena Company has already invested in Furnwish and they are in talks with another. May 2019 | Ct

FEATURE

“

I always say don’t get attached to the solution, but to the problem itself and hence adjust the solution according to customer demands. Local Competition

Introducing a new technology between the masses in the Egyptian market won’t be easy, however, AR is the future that is already adopted and widely used in the international community. “We picked a specific segment for that reason; people who are young and tech-savvy are more inclined to try the app that will save them time, money and effort,” Reham explains.

”

global companies. “This was alongside winning the MIT Forum in Beirut, which is considered to be the World Cup for Arab entrepreneurs. We competed against more than 50 companies with more than 4,000 apps from 20 countries and all of them were far ahead of us in their achievements,” he adds.

Raising awareness around this technology will take time for adoption, which is why they came up with providing B2B solutions. When technology is distributed to other companies, they will also market and raise awareness from their side. “The stores we collaborated with are very excited to apply the technology. Regionally, there is not a lot of competition, which gives us the chance to grow,” she adds.

Upcoming Goals

Accomplishments Since their kick-off in 2018, Furnwish made a name for themselves in the entrepreneurial space as a rising tech-startup when they won two major competitions and took part in the “Womentum” program. “Joining Womena was one of the most important steps in our journey and has greatly affected our learning curve along with the positive exposure we received to the network of investors, mentors and global audience,” says Ahmed Amin. Furnwish also won the global Betapitch competition in Berlin where they were the only startup representing the Middle East between 12

Ct | May 2019

Firstly, Furnwish is launching the app soon, and secondly, they target closing deals with more than 100 stores by the end of the year. “We went to an event where people got to try out the app at our booth and we got more than 2,000 sign-ups,” Reham says. In addition to that, the team is negotiating to open in new markets with collaborations in the UAE.

Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs “I always say don’t get attached to the solution, but to the problem itself and hence adjust the solution according to customer demands. We changed our business when we found our customers’ problem lied somewhere else,” Reham concludes. Contacts Facebook: /Furnwish.net/ Instagram: @furnwish Website: furnwish.net

!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.

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COMMUNITY Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial Activity in Upper Egypt By Hadeel Hegazi

well as their upcoming plan to structure a more anchored entrepreneurship ecosystem. “Generally, when we enter any city we look for the fulfillment of certain factors, for example, if there is a good university that nurtures competent students. We also examine the market itself; if it functions well, and if there is a large segment of customers or not,” Sharara says. They first make sure that there is entrepreneurial activity going on in the city, “we found all the elements in Upper Egypt, especially in Assuit, alongside Sohag, Minya, and Qena,” he adds. Sharara believes that, like any startup ecosystem, there is great potential and many strong companies that can emerge from there with a big focus on technology talent, adding that “If the majority of calibers travel abroad, why not just invest in them in their country?” Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem has been paving the way for up and coming youth with fresh, innovative and practical business ideas to voice out their creations and lead the future. Chances are, if there is a popping startup idea that wants to set itself out in the world, Cairo will catch the attention of not only the entrepreneurs but also the investors. It implicitly reinforces a well-prepared ecosystem in the capital, leaving little room for founding an ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the Delta and Upper Egypt regions. Despite its underdeveloped infrastructure, southern cities in Egypt are still laden with massive potential for investment and growth. From industrial to agricultural sectors, Egypt’s southern region is a wellspring for opportunities as well as challenges which makes it more worthy of necessary attention. While positioning itself as one of the Middle East’s pivotal summits and a go-to for entrepreneurs and resources alike, Riseup decided to capitalize upon its experience in helping the ecosystem thrive to steer the attention to invest more effort in Upper Egypt. We met with Abdel Hameed Sharara, Riseup co-founder, to tell us more about their ongoing activities in Upper Egypt’s cities as

Ct | May 2019

Riseup posseses a vision for the Egyptian ecosystem growth at large. Their new strategy is to carry on their events all year long, with the aim to support any entrepreneur on the lookout for a touch-point with any of the resources. “We will launch our digital platform very soon, starting from Upper Egypt, then we will penetrate other cities such as Hurghada, Alexandria and Delta cities, then to the world,” Sharara elaborates. So far, Riseup doesn’t face real challenges. “Maybe at the beginning, we needed to educate the people more about entrepreneurship, however, the people were very accepting and in search for such initiatives. We also took some time to look for sponsors,” he says, adding that this region is full of opportunities and that is why they have held five events so far, four hackathons, a meetup manifesto as well as the Riseup Week. On the other hand, the region there leverages great opportunities such as strong technology talent, along with a handful of people who have knowledge in technology and look for opportunities to upgrade their experience and work in the tech field. Meanwhile, there have been parallel endeavors carried out by either budding organizations or established ones to map the path for the entrepreneurial activity in Upper Egypt, and here is a list of the most prominent and active ones.

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If the majority of calibers travel abroad, why not just invest in them in their country? 1- The Greek Campus New Assuit

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Powered by Flat6Labs and funded by the British Embassy in Cairo, StartEgypt is a three-month incubation program that aims to support from 30 to 40 social startups every year. It offers budding Egyptian entrepreneurs in the region of Delta and Upper Egypt with a wide variety of engaging workshops, training and mentorships in the phase of pre-acceleration to qualify them to become market-ready businesses. The first cycle concluded with a big forum that was held in The Greek Campus, AUC with a pitching competition between startups from across different industries with a prize worth EGP100k. Website: startegypt.com Facebook: /startegyptcom

Since its establishment in 2013 as Egypt’s technology park and the optimal platform for entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators, the Greek Campus in Tahrir square has been a fastgrowing community that helped nurture the startup ecosystem through connecting enthusiasts and investors to network, showcase their projects and exchange knowledge. As a repercussion for this successful experience, its founder, Mohamed Al-Alfi, launched The Greek Campus New Assuit as a hub for tech-driven startups and youth with the entrepreneurship supporter all over Upper Egypt.

3- Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)

Facebook: /TheGrEEKCampusNewAssiut/

2- StartEgypt Program TIEC is from the first and leading regional hubs that started in Egypt in 2010 and aims to catalyze entrepreneurship and innovations by ICT based startups. TIEC covers Egyptian governorates with their multiple programs and activities to help entrepreneurs with the latest know-how and resources in the tech field. They operate in Beni Suif, Ismailia, Fayoum, Tanta, Benha, Red Sea, Qena, Assuit, Luxor and Aswan. Website: tiec.gov.eg/en-us/Pages/default.aspx Facebook: /tiec.egypt/

May 2019 | Ct

Entrepreneur 4- Techne Drifts

Authority (NUCA) was established in 2016 with the aim to provide the essential elements necessary for the dissemination of technology in businesses. They work closely with the stakeholders to establish a competitive and attractive environment for innovators, local businesses and entrepreneurs. Silicon Waha technology parks can be found in Aswan, Beni Suif, 10th of Ramadan City, New Assuit, and Borg Al Arab. It offers flexible, energetic office space for startups and IT services companies in all sizes. Website:siliconwaha.net Facebook: /SiliconWaha/

This initiative released by Techne revolves around the cities of Egypt once a year with the aim of empowering entrepreneurs in the startup community. It is a startup roadshow dedicated to helping to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Delta and Upper Egypt by exploring the startups and connecting them with investors and mentors. The Techne Drifts 2019 happened for the third year across the cities of Delta, Canal and Upper Egypt from March 19th with a closing ceremony that ended with a pitching competition between the startups on the 6th of April in Cairo. Website: technedrifts.com Facebook: /techne.me/

6- Nile Angels This is the first angel investors network with the goal of investing in creative, innovative, and early-stage startups in Upper Egypt. The investment group announced itself last year during the Techne Drifts roadshow in 2018, touring the cities of Delta, Canal and Upper Egypt. Nile Angels, in partnership with GIZ, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only provide investors with the local entrepreneurs but also offers consulting, mentorship and networking. Website: nileangels.com/en Facebook: /Nileangels/

7- Egypt Entrepreneurship Summit

5- Silicon Waha

This joint company between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), and New Urban Communities

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EES has run for four years so far, taking place in Luxor and bringing together practitioners from various fields, policymakers, academics, corporations, and entrepreneurs to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in Egypt. The last edition was carried out in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Week. Website: egyptinnovember.com/

Real People

A Chat With Dr. Zeinab Khalil The Success and Struggles of Being an Immigrant By Noha Kandil

Dr. Zeinab Khalil - an Egyptian who has been living in Australia since 1981, has been recognized for her pioneering medical research in diabetes, Alzheimer ’s disease, chronic pain and ageing; all the while raising a family and fulfilling her duties as a mother. You would think 38 years would be enough to turn any place into a home, but Dr. Khalil begs to differ. Despite being a perfect representation for success as an immigrant, in both her career and personal life, Dr. Khalil’s story shows that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

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We had a talk with Dr. Khalil who told us why, after all those years, there is still no home like Egypt. Can you tell us about your life in Egypt before moving to Australia?

Can you recall your feelings from the first day you landed in Australia?

I grew up in a caring family and I simply loved to study even during my holidays. I was on the top of my class at high school and studied Medicine at Cairo University, supported all throughout my university years by government scholarships.

They were mainly sad moments because of leaving my family behind, and on top of that, I heard the news on the plane of the assassination of our president Anwar El Sadat. The sadness overcame my happiness to see my husband after three months, as he came to Australia earlier.

After graduation, I undertook my master â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in physiology to understand more about the physiological mechanisms underlying diseases. I also got married and gave birth to my son, one week prior to my master â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exam, while my daughter was born in Australia and I started my PhD at the University of Melbourne, three months after her birth. For as long as I remember, my life has revolved around studying, and I loved it. I also loved dancing, particularly folk. Most of my teachers at high school predicted that I will be a doctor and a dancer. Their predictions came very close as I managed to formulate the first group of folk dancers at the medical school at Cairo University and I managed to get members from Team Reda to train the group.

To add onto this, I found out that the job my husband was promised had not been eventuated, and he was only offered jobs that did not equate to his level of expertise. He eventually accepted one of them, which had a negative psychological impact on him, but we needed to start somewhere in this new place. How did you kick off your career there? I decided to apply for my PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology at Melbourne University. My husband was then offered a good job and I was asked to work at the only ageing research institute in Melbourne, an area of research that was of great interest to me. I became a Senior Principal Clinical Research Fellow, then Deputy Director and finally the Director of the National Ageing Research Institute.

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Real People

“

It was the first case in Australia to be trialed according to new anti-racial laws, and the judge stated clearly that these racial comments were unacceptable.

Were there certain events in Egypt, personal or not, that you regret missing? I regret missing all the happy, as well as the sad moments, that my family went through after my departure. I specifically regret not being there when my mom and dad passed away. I regret that the outcomes of my research are not yet available to help Egyptian patients suffering from diabetes, chronic pain or Alzheimer disease, but I am trying to initiate contact with some colleagues from Egypt to facilitate this process. You mentioned that the subject of “aging” was of great interest to you; why is that? As my medical and research career revolved around treating older people, and as an Egyptian bred with traditions that respect the elderly, I realized that in a Western society like Australia, there is always a negative perception of ageing. Hence, my community work here was to give public lectures to the general public and school children to change these perceptions by providing them with scientific evidence to support the positive aspects of ageing. What are your top achievement/s throughout your career? My research into diabetes, Alzheimer ’s disease, chronic pain and ageing has been published in over 100 articles, 150 abstracts and three international patents. I have supervised over 60 MSc and PhD students worldwide, and have had continuous support from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) throughout my research years. My achievements have been recognized by the NHMRC in appointing me as an R.D. Wright Fellow, and by the University of Melbourne Dept. of Medicine, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for Neuroscience, Neuroscience Victoria, Endocrine Centre of Excellence, Austin Health, with appointments as a Principal Research Fellow. I was also appointed as Professor of Medicine at Oceania University of Medicine.

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How was raising a family in Australia?

”

We made few friendships with colleagues from work and encouraged our kids to have friends from school who always visited us. Indeed, Australian parents loved me as their kids always wanted to visit to enjoy their favorite Egyptian food. We decided that our kids needed to be brought up having the best of the Egyptian and Australian cultures. We insisted that they will not join an Islamic school as the teaching in these schools was more fanatic. This refusal by us to enroll them in such schools cost us some of our friends, which we later found out was for the best as we discovered that most of them belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood. Do you think you would have raised your children differently if you stayed in Egypt? We raised them as our parents raised us: moderation in everything and respecting themselves and others, regardless of their religion or background. One difference may have been to keep my husband and my son’s initial names (Mohamed and Ahmed). The decision we took to formally change their names here was necessary as their names created obstacles, reducing their chances of getting good jobs or being treated fairly at school, which is a hint to the degree of racism we tried to overcome over the years in Australia. Racism is a phenomenon that many Australians refuse to acknowledge exists, yet you definitely face a number of Australians, mainly the uneducated, who believe that we came to take over their jobs. However, I am proud of my children and their achievements despite being faced with comments like “go back to your country.” Was there a certain situation involving racism that you felt went too far? Once, we were fed up with the continuous racist comments and actions by a neighbor, so we took him to court. It was the first case in Australia to

be trialed according to new anti-racial laws, and the judge stated clearly that these racial comments were unacceptable. We won the case and although he did not incur a penalty, it was a great psychological win for us and for our children. Have you ever considered going back to Egypt for good? Yes, many times, but the circumstances did not allow it to happen. The older the kids became, the more difficult it was to make the move. After a holiday in Egypt, I asked my kids whether they wanted to stay close to their cousins in Egypt. Unfortunately, they said they were used to living in Australia but would love all our cousins to come with us. Does Australia now feel like your home, given the number of years you spent there, or do you still feel like an immigrant? For me personally, the answer is never, but it may be for my kids. I love Egypt and I want to live there for the remaining years of my life, but it is too difficult to leave my children and grandchildren behind. How did living in a foreign country change you as a person? I am still the Egyptian woman who left Egypt 38 years ago. On the contrary, both my husband and I worked very hard to maintain our culture to be able to pass it onto the children.

How would you describe your journey as an Egyptian immigrant? It is very hard to summarize my journey and to talk about the trials and tribulations of being an immigrant. Life in Australia was full of sad moments and some happy ones. Yes, I am proud of my academic achievements and my international patents and proud of my husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and my childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements, but such achievements do not mask my feeling of sadness for living away from home. What would be your advice to an Egyptian currently considering immigration? Ask yourself: is it worth it? Does the receiving country need your experience or your line of work? You need to know that it takes years to be able to stand on your feet and you need to start from zero. You have to check whether there will be a community of Egyptians who can support and share your views in life. You need to bring up your kids to know their Egyptian culture that will protect and guide them for life but you also need to bring them up to be part of their new home and to belong to the country they are living in. obstacles. Living in Western countries requires a strong commitment to hard work, and if you believe you can do that, Egypt would be the best place nowadays to devote this commitment to, particularly with all these ambitious projects that are being undertaken everywhere in Egypt.

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DESTINATIONS Travel

Six Countries Egyptians Can Visit Without a Visa By Rawan Abdel Latif Occasionally during our hectic schedules, we feel the need to spontaneously plan a trip. However, the visa process can be both time consuming and costly, usually forcing people to resort to travelling locally. For Egyptians, especially, finding a country that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a visa or at least offers one upon arrival can be a little daunting, and that is why we are providing you with a list of picturesque and adventurous countries that can fulfill your thrill-seeking needs.

MaldiVES

This scenic destination usually appeals to most honeymooners, who could also benefit from the lack of hassle when it comes to travelling. Receiving a visa upon arrival, visitors can stay up to 30 days in the country. Located on the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India, this archipelago is home to clear blue waters, exotic hotels and a beautiful marine ecosystem. Whether you are a couple celebrating your marriage, or are a group of friends who want to relax under the sun while you take in the

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beautiful sights and the entertaining activities, it is an ideal location that exists in most peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bucket lists. You can organize a hike, go diving or participate in many of the water sports they offer, sail on one of the glass bottom boats or take a walk through their colorful souvenir shops. During the nighttime, you can enjoy dancing and karaoke at several of the available nightclubs, lounge back and stargaze or have a private dinner right by the water.

Hong Kong

If you are more of a city person, Hong Kong can be a perfect choice with its impressive skyline and buzzing nightlife. No visa is required, and you can enjoy a stay for up to three months. If you want to delve into the country’s history and culture, you can travel to some of its impressive monuments, like the Big Buddha – a serene monastery – found in the Lantau Island, or head to Temple Street’s night market that offers souvenirs, local snacks and fortune tellers.

Other popular attractions include Hong Kong Disneyland where you get to visit your favorite rides and characters, the Ocean Park Hong Kong with its thrilling rides and world-class aquarium and Lan Kwai Fong, a wine and dine district with a large variety of bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a more laid back experience, you can travel to the seaside village Stanley, with its colorful buildings and popular markets.

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Travel Madagascar

An island country in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a hotspot for biodiversity, where 90% of the species there are not found anywhere else around the world. For all the wildlife lovers out there that love a scenic location, visiting Madagascar is highly recommended. Visitors can get their visa upon arrival, and can stay in the country for up to 90 days. Other than its beautiful beaches that are made for people to enjoy the blue waters while sunbathing, visitors can also take guided tours through the

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Ranomafana National Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a rainforest that is home to diverse wildlife and flora â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or visit the Isalo National Park to view the incredible rock formations. Another popular attraction is the AndasibeMantadia National Park, a rain forest that includes the Analamazaotra Reserve, native species and the Sacred Waterfall. You can also enjoy whale watching and diving, as well as many other water sports in surrounding areas.

Jordan

Truly a well-rounded destination, Jordan offers everything from ancient monuments and colorful markets to nature reserves and resorts, and so when anyone hears that you can stay up to one month without having to apply for a visa, it becomes that much more appealing, even for a weekend getaway. Home to the mesmerizing ancient city of Petra, this 2,000 year old “Rose City” has been carved from stone and offers some of the most incredible royal tombs, temples and mausoleums that really give you a glimpse into history. Also a popular place in Jordan is the Dead Sea, a vast salt lake

that attracts people from all around the world. Marked as the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is surrounded by resorts, desert beaches and mineral spas. Speaking of picturesque landscapes, Wadi Rum – a national park – is a great place to hike the vast desert plains and mountains, enjoy a picnic in a Bedouin tent and watch the diverse wildlife. Jordan is also known to have a vibrant nightlife, where you can indulge in their delicious oriental food and walk around their colorful markets.

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Travel Mauritius

Another island on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a great destination for couples and groups a like, with plenty of relaxation options, adventurous activities and picturesque views. With no visa required, visitors can stay for up to three months. Popular for its beaches and crystal blue waters, lagoons and reefs, it also houses a wide range of rainforests, hiking trails and rare wildlife. Mauritius Island is a must-visit, where it offers dolphin watching and water sports like kitesurfing. There is also Le Morne Brabant, a landmark summit with incredible views of the peninsula, offering sand, sea and greenery. If

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you are looking for a more upbeat morning, you can head to Ile aux Cerfs, a popular beach for parasailing, snorkeling and a wide array of water sports. Black River Gorges National Park is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to hike amongst the tall trees, waterfalls and wildlife. You can also find a cozy spot for a picnic amongst nature. If you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush, head to Casela World of Adventures, a huge amusement park with safari tours, zip-lines and camel rides. During the nighttime, you can head to many of the resortsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beach clubs and restaurants.

IndonesIa

A popular bucket list destination, Indonesia is definitely one of the highly sought after countries in terms of tourism, as it offers everything from rich culture and history to a vibrant nightlife and relaxing beach spots. Visitors do not need a visa and can stay for up to 30 days. Where Bali is a go-to for those looking for a more spiritual retreat, people can also enjoy iconic temples like Borobudur, a vast Buddhist temple, as well as Tanah Lot, an Island temple right by the water and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a scenic Hindu temple on a lake surrounded by gardens. Seminyak is a popular beach resort area located

in Bali for people looking for a more luxurious experience, with a large variety of hotels, villas and spas along with restaurants for a local dining experience and high-end shopping venues. Komodo National Park also offers a unique experience where guests can witness the endangered Komodo dragons among other wildlife in a protected area. An attraction for the kids is Waterbom Bali Indonesia, a lively water park with rides for all ages. Indonesia is not short of nightlife as well, with a wide array of clubs, restaurants and bars, which offer both local and international experiences.

MAY 2019 | Ct

CUISINE

The Perfect Innovativ e Sohour Recipes Thanksgiving Sides

SHAKSHUKA Ingredients

Directions

Olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 green peppers, chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon sweet paprika ½ teaspoon ground cumin Pinch red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped ½ cup tomato sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 6 eggs ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast iron skillet. Add the onions, green peppers, garlic, spices, pinch salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar. Simmer until the tomato mixture begins to reduce, about 10 to 12 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, make 6 indentations in the tomato mixture. Gently crack an egg into each indention. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and cook on low until the egg whites are set. Uncover and add the fresh parsley and mint. You can add more black pepper or crushed red pepper, if you like.

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SMOKED SALMON AND CREAM CHEESE FRITTATA Ingredients 6 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped chives 60 grams cream cheese, softened 60 grams smoked salmon, chopped 2 teaspoons olive oil Directions Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 190C. Whisk the eggs, milk, dill, salt, pepper, and chives together in a bowl. Using two spoons or your fingers, separate the cream cheese into small clumps. Fold the cream cheese and salmon into the egg mixture. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, and stir lightly to make sure the fillings are evenly arranged in the pan. Cook until the bottom is set, but not brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the top is set, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover, and set aside for 5 minutes. Invert the frittata onto a large plate. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

RASPBERRY OATMEAL CRUMBLE BARS Ingredients ½ cup unsalted butter, melted ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup whole-rolled oats Pinch of salt (optional) 340 grams raspberry preserves Directions Preheat oven to 175C. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Add the sugars, vanilla, and butter together and whisk to combine. Add the flour, oats, optional salt, and stir to combine. Mixture will have some larger, wellformed crumble pieces as well as some sandier drier ones. Set 1 heaping cup mixture aside to be sprinkled on later as a crumble topping. Transfer remaining mixture to prepared pan, and using a spatula or your fingers, hardpack the mixture to create an even, smooth, flat crust. Evenly spread the raspberry preserves over the crust making sure there’s complete coverage. Preserves should be about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick. Evenly sprinkle with the reserved heaping 1 cup crumble topping mixture. Bake for about 30 to 32 minutes, or until edges are set and center has just set and is lightly golden browned.

May 2019 | Ct

CUISINE

The Perfect Thanksgiving Sides

CAPRESE QUICHE Ingredients

5 eggs 5 egg whites 1 cup milk 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil 1 teaspoon garlic salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1-2 fresh tomatoes thinly sliced Directions

Preheat oven to 175C. Combine all ingredients except tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Whisk well. Pour into greased 9-inch pie plate or 8-inch square baking pan. Top with thinly slice tomatoes and extra basil as desired. Bake for 45 minutes.

LEMON PUDDING CAKE Ingredients 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ½ cup superfine sugar, plus more for dusting 2 eggs, separated ¾ cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt Garnish 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup fresh blackberries Directions Preheat oven to 160C. Butter and lightly sugar 4 ramekins (about 1-cup size). In a mixer, add egg yolks, buttermilk, lemon juice and lemon zest and beat until well combined. Reduce the speed to low and sift in flour, sugar and salt. Continue to mix until combined. Beat egg whites until you get stiff peaks then combine the 2 mixtures by gently folding them together, a little at a time. Divide evenly amongst ramekins then bake in a water bath - set ramekins in a roasting tray and fill with water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 45 minutes until the top springs back when gently pressed and the cakes have a nice golden brown color. Allow to cool slightly, then carefully invert onto a plate. Serve with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar.

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SPICY PEACH AND AVOCADO SALAD Ingredients 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons pure honey 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 ripe but firm peaches, cut into wedges 2 avocados, pitted and cut into wedges ½ cup fresh mint, plus more for garnish ¼ cup roasted pistachios, chopped Directions Whisk together lemon juice, oil, honey, shallot, and chili in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add peaches and toss to coat. Let sit at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour. Just before serving, add avocado and mint and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Top with pistachios and garnish with mint.

CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST BITES Ingredients 4 thick slices of slightly stale white bread 2 eggs ¼ cup milk Pinch of salt ¼ cup white sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder 3 tablespoons butter, separated Maple syrup to serve Directions Cut the crust off the bread, then cut each piece into 9 equal cubes. Whisk the eggs, milk and salt in a medium bowl. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt 1½ tablespoons of butter in a fry pan over medium high heat. Quickly toss half the bread cubes in the egg mixture and use your hands to shake off excess egg mixture. Place the bread cubes in the fry pan and use a wooden spoon to “sauté” them until browned on all sides - about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bread cubes from the fry pan straight into the sugar mixture. Toss to coat, then remove onto a plate. Repeat with remaining bread cubes. Serve immediately, with maple syrup for dipping. May 2019 | Ct

SOCIETY The Good Life Culinar y Festival at Nile Ritz-Carlton The five-day Good Life culinary festival was officially launched during a cocktail reception last at Nox by the Rooftop. The event hosted Cairoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite, key public figures, businessmen and food enthusiasts and introduced the culinary prowess of six great chefs from Marriott International luxury properties from around the world, showcasing diverse skills and originality in taste sensations that surprised and delighted guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; palate. Many of the dishes were internationally inspired and enjoyed organic local produce, carefully selected by the chefs themselves, when visiting local farms, a day before the launch of the festival launches.

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Sofitel Clubs Championship Golf Tournament Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah held for the fifth consecutive year the “Sofitel Clubs Championship” golf tournament at Katameya Dunes Golf Course, where participants joined from several golf courses in Egypt. The participants included top golf clubs, like Katameya Dunes, Palm Hills, Katameya Heights, Allegria, Mirage Golf course, Al Gezirah Sporting Club and Alexandria Golf Club. The award ceremony was held at Sofitel El Gezirah’s Le Duplex Asian Restaurant and Bar where they crowned the winners and the club champion as well as a weekend stay and restaurant vouchers from Accor hotels in the region for the 20 birdies drew.

May 2019 | Ct

SOCIETY Toyota Egypt Launches the 12th Generation of Toyota Corolla

Toyota Egypt launches the all new 12th generation of Toyota Corolla for the first time in Egypt; the car that has been sold in more than 150 countries for the past 50 years. Corolla is considered the bestselling car model in history with more than 46 million cars sold until now. In Egypt, Toyota Corolla succeeded to acquire the appreciation and trust of Egyptians through the last 11 generations.

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The 12th generation Corolla is featured with its distinctive design supported with the quality of materials used and the unique powerful body. The new Corolla was designed and manufactured according to Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Global Architecture (TNGA). This characterizes the exterior design with futuristic outlines and better response to air dynamics.

Delightful and Delicious Experiences This Ramadan Experience the holy month in graceful elegance with our variety of Ramadan specials. Enjoy a delectable Iftar buﬀet and Sohour set menus at Mirage Café. For a more casual outdoor experience Plateau oﬀers family-style Iftar and a la carte Sohour amidst a beautiful backdrop, enlivening entertainment and shisha. La Patisserie will be serving up the very best of oriental pastries. Guests in need of unwinding get 30 minutes free for every one hour massage booked at Mandara Spa. Reserve your Ramadan experience on (02) 2411 5588.

JW Marriott Hotel® Cairo jwmarriottcairo.com