APRIL 2021 - 20LE, IDENTITY-MAG.COM
FIFTY ONE SHADES OF
KEGHAM DJEGHALIAN 2021 SPRING FASHION TRENDS FOR HIM KEEP IT LEATHERY, KEEP IT CLASSY
A R A M ADAN WITH PAL ATIAL GR AN DEU R A ROYA L R A M A DA N FL A I R I S G UA R A NTE E D A M I DST TH E PA L ATI A L GA R D E N S O R AT TH E CO M FO RT O F YO U R H O M E FO R I F TA R A N D SO H O U R . Omar’s Café is ready with a scrumptious Iftar buffet featuring an array of Ramadan specials. Craving a more Royal ambiance, it is for sure with the delectable choices of Saraya Gallery for the most rewarding experience of mind, soul and appetite. Egyptian Nights is fully loaded with the most delicious dishes for Iftar and Sohour. Stop by The Bakery for mouthwatering oriental delicacies with a twist that will leave you craving for more. For a special grandeur, you can host your Iftar or Sohour at one of the Palatial outdoor venues or opt for an exclusive catering at the venue of your choice by the Cairo Marriott skillful experts to fill your Ramadan night with splendor. For more information please call 0227283000 16 S A R AY E L G E Z I R A S T. , P O B OX 33 Z A M A L E K , C A I R O 11211 , E GY P T. C A I R O M A R R I OT T H OT E L .C O M A R A B I C . M A R R I OT T.C O M /C A I EG
identity LETTER
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR Here, at Idendity Magazine, we’re always excited to work on the April issue dedicated to men and everything men related. From hair and fashion tips, relationship advice, recommendations for skincare products, travel guide, life saving easy prep meals, workout routine; our editorial team got it all covered. Since we’re initially a women’s magazine, it’s particularly appealing to step to the other side and focus on men and everything that interests them once a year. Also, highlight successful male figures and share their inspiring remarkable journeys with our readers. Hope you enjoy reading our April issue as we all get ready to welcome the holy month of Ramadan during the ferocious ‘third wave’ of Covid19. Stay safe & blessed; Ramadan kareem everyone!
Rola Kamel
Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s lifestyle, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities. Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus. The subscription rate is 240 L.E./year (12 issues) through Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Distribution by AL AHRAM, Website: QPIX SOLUTIONS Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 Email: sendus@identity-mag.com, identity-mag.com
IDENTITYMAGEG
4 IDENTITY • April 2021
Feel the magic of Ramadan on the Nile at our elegant in-door and out-door venue, Goz W Loz tent offers daily Iftar overlooking the Nile. Also you can enjoy a lavish à la carte Sohour menu and playing one of our oriental games while listening to our nightly oriental music.
For reservations please call: 01001604031
Terms & Conditions apply.
identity MASTHEAD
APRIL Founder & Managing Editor Rola Kamel Editor-in-Chief Nawal Ismail Senior Graphic Designer Sandy Saied Copy-Editor Amina El Fayoumy Senior Staff Writer Aya Aboshady Staff Writers Nanise Mohamed Nada Abd ElKader Relationship Expert Marwa Rakha Marketing & Advertising Manager Riham Yehia Digital Marketing Manager Youssef Ali Social Media Specialists Shady Hany Marawan Ahmed Video Editor Ahmed Mostafa Identity Magazine Distributor Ashraf Fouad
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identity CONTENTS
FIFTY ONE SHADES OF
ABOUT MEN
11
8 Editor’s Picks 10 The 7 Biggest Relationship Red Flags For Men 11 Four Signs You Have Found A Modern Gentleman
STYLE
12 Let’s Make Something Very Clear... his Skin 14 Top Mindblowing Perfumes for Men 16 Triendiest Hairstyles for Men 18 Spring 2021 Fashion Trends for Him 20 Suit Up! 22 Keep it Leathery, Keep it Classy 24 Watches & Sunglasses for Men, Elegance at its Best 26 Fifty One Shades of Kegham Djeghalian
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KEGHAM DJEGHALIAN MODERN GENTLEMAN 34 A Broken Man... A Broken Promise 36 How Toxic Masculinity Hurts Us All 38 The Truth on How Guys Deal with Heartbreak 40 The Difference Between Dating a Boy and Dating a Man 42 Easy Meals Anyone Can Cook 44 Travel Guide: Morocco 46 Eleven Secrets for An Effective Workout
PROMOTIONS 48 Advertorial 50 Press Releases 60 Horoscopes
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Trendiest
HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN!
LATEST ON YOUTUBE
MOST POPULAR ARTICLES
8 Things We Should Normalize In Relationships!
5 Reasons Why Aries Have Bad Tempers!
Check out identity-mag.com for more! IDENTITYMAGEG
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identity ABOUT MEN
Bershka T-shirt with Plush Hood This hooded t-Shirt from Bershka in black color is casual, comfy, trendy and incredibly eye catching; especially if paired with brown, beige or grey pants!
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ZARA Rubberised Backpack The two compartment black backpack with zipper closure is a life savior! You can take it anywhere and grab your 13/14 inch laptop with you whenever you have work to finish!
Daniel Wellington Watch With its interchangeable straps, the Daniel Wellington watch speaks for a classic and timeless design suitable for every occassion.
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Massimo Dutti Cotton Trousers Those outstanding pants from Massimo Dutti look all fancy and casual at the time! Whether it’s the scraped texture navy blue ones or the beige patterned extra slim fit, they will catch any woman’s eye! 10 IDENTITY • April 2021
EDITOR’S
Picks
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Beardoholic Premium Beard Balm Beard growth, style, health and care combined all in one. The only beard balm you will ever need. It also helps stop beard itching and eliminates beard dandruff!
SAK DEVELOPMENT INVESTS LE 700 MILLION IN “THE V”, NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL In light of strategic partnerships encompassing a bouquet of prominent brands
Ahmed Kadri: • Investing in the New Administrative Capital is a positive message in light of an investment friendly climate in the future city of Egypt. • SAK is in the execution phase of The V, aiming to deliver the soonest. • The V is witnessing rapid construction rates, delivery in 2022. SAK Developments has announced the details of EGP 700 million investment in developing “The V”, an integrated mixed-use administrative, commercial, touristic and medical futuristic devopment overlooking the skyline of The New Administrative Capital. The V is an 18,000 meter development, conveniently situated in the heart of the R7 zone surrounded by the New Capital’s groundbreaking landmarks. SAK developments has witnessed a partnership agreement celebration with a bouquet of long term partners and brands that have selected The V as their first location in the New Administrative Capital. The partnership agreement witnessed the signing of Amer Group – Chilis Brand, Seif Pharmacies, Casper & Gambini’s restaurant, BBQ Pro and Pottery Café. These brands are the first set of agreements that SAK developments have rolled out for this project. “Investing in the New Administrative Capital is a positive message to the market within an investment friendly climate in the future city of Egypt. The New Administrative capital is undergoing development with a strategic vision for smart cities, intended to offer a superior quality of life for Egyptians within its scheme,” said Ahmed Kadri, CEO of SAK Developments. Developed under the supervision of the President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, it will be registered in history
as a major turning point in Egypt’s development. We are proud to be part of this huge development that will change the face of Egypt forever with a series of design led developments, with overall investments of over 2 billion Egyptian pounds that will reflect positively towards the booming of the Egyptian economy,” he added. “At SAK Developments, we work to provide the best investment opportunities in the future city, the New Administrative Capital where return on investment of this project reaches 63%. We are always keen in our partnerships to form elements of strength and to create added value to our customers through long term relationships with prominent brands who have selected and trusted that The V should be their first branch in the New Capital,” said Kadri. SAK developments offers exclusive payment systems that are suitable for all customers which encompass 10% down-payment with 13 years installments for commercial units and 10 years installments for medical and administrative units. SAK developments has set the pace for a race in time to implement this project as fast as possible. The company has contracted the largest consulting offices to provide spot-on delivery. The V is divided into four floors: the ground floor is a commercial zone, first and second are divided into medical and administrative units respectively; while the hotel apartments are situated on the third floor; each zone with separate entrances. There is a wide range of finishing levels and a diversified payment system. April 2021 • IDENTITY 11
of you, then you aren’t straightforward with yourself, which makes you a flaky person who cannot be trusted. Even halftruths are lies so tell the full story and don’t leave out the bad parts, because they’re usually the most honest parts. BEING MATERIALISTIC “Money can’t buy me love,” sang the Beatles 53 years ago and it still rings true to this day. Don’t be in it or out of it for the money. Don’t glorify possessions more than people.
THE 7 BIGGEST RELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS FOR MEN by Farah Khedre We all have quirks and are super weirdos, but that doesn’t mean that everyone will like us in spite of that. Just like women are picky when it comes to men, there are certain things you can do/be that will make sure he will never pick you! We’ve asked around and their verdict’s out! These 7 relationship red flags were the most common answers! IF SHE’S A WANNABE BRIDE Men don’t like to be rushed into doing something. They want to take their time until they decide they want to do it on their own. If you’re rushing into your relationship forward too quickly and are immediately ready to settle down and have babies, think again. Why fast forward through first dates, anxiety of getting to know each other and all the other first timers? If you really are ready for a monogamous relationship, then you should be slowing down and savoring moments. DISHONESTY Dishonesty in all forms is unappealing to anyone. If you can’t be straightforward with the person in front
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ACTING MOTHERLY While Sigmund Freud once proposed the idea that men are looking for women who resemble their mothers, guys don’t like it when you actually become their mother. Don’t guilt trip them into doing things they don’t want to do or to spend more time with you. Worry, care and love but not in a motherly way, but rather in a partner-y way. DRAMA Swinging from one emotional extreme to another, and sometimes in less than minutes screams selfproclaimed drama queen. Nothing good will come out of creating something out of nothing. Constant drama in life is bad for the soul, so chill out. NOT GIVING THEM SPACE Solitude is healing and it brings peace to any relationship. If you are constantly at each other’s throats all the time, you will eventually feel trapped, especially if you do everything together. You should spend time with other people on your own different times and get to grow individually instead of standing still together. So don’t be the person who throws tantrums when he’d rather travel for the weekend or spend the night alone. IF YOU TREAT WAITERS LIKE CRAP J.K. Rowling once said, “If you want to know what a man’s like, look at how he treats his inferiors”, because that way you will glean important information about who this person really is. Eye rolling at the barista or yelling at the bank clerk because you were having “one-of-those-days” or they mistook your hot mocha for iced is not sexy.
4 SIGNS YOU HAVE FOUND A MODERN GENTLEMAN by Amina Moustapha What draws a line between a man and a gentleman? What magic lays within manners so that they make a regular man charming and attractive? Here goes your answer; manners, etiquette aren’t just a way of letting the world know how you behave; it’s also a way of letting people know that you respect them. For some odd reasons, the concept of good manners is a dying breed these days. The little gestures that make all the difference in any kind of relationship got buried under the fast rushing rhythm of our lives. But no matter what occurs around him, ladies, a gentleman will always follow the customary code of polite behaviour. Below are 4 sure signs you have found a modern gentleman. HE AVOIDS CRASS OR VULGAR HUMOUR This rule has recently been added to the rulebook of good manners; because while writing down the art of elegant dress and graceful conversation and how to act courteously, the need to mention that a man must boycott the use of curse words wouldn’t have crossed anyone’s mind! It seemed obvious back then. This rule doesn’t only apply when he is in your company, a gentleman would avoid crass and vulgar humour because no one likes a person who’s socially insensitive. His words define who he is, so if he picks them carefully, he is indeed a gentleman. HE ARRIVES ON TIME In the world of gentlemen, the concept of “fashionably late” doesn’t exist; in their world they still go by the good old rule that arriving late is just flat-out rudeness. They always honour the time agreed upon, because they believe doing the opposite, indicates that you do not value your time, nor the time of the other person involved. In a world where it’s deemed ‘okay’ to show up whenever you please, he sets himself apart and shows up when he said he would. He is a reliable and dependable man in the long run.
HE HOLDS THE DOOR OPEN Now, let’s forget all about the trendy notion that holding a door open for a woman is a gesture of ‘sexism’! We, women know very well that we are capable of opening the door for ourselves, don’t we ladies? A gentleman knows that too, but that doesn’t stop him from holding the door for you, for the elderly, and for anyone who is close behind him that could benefit from a door being held open. It’s a kind polite gesture, and a gentleman doesn’t do it to prove anything but his good manners. HE KNOWS HOW TO LISTEN Let’s talk numbers in order to elaborate on this. The scientific breakdown of human communication is 9 percent writing, 16 percent reading, 30 percent speaking, and 45 percent listening. Formal education covers the first three parts; but only a gentleman will practice to master the fourth. Hearing is different from listening. If he gives you his full attention when you speak, if he doesn’t interrupt you, if he doesn’t fidget, or show signs of impatience; you have found yourself one hell of a man. Not using unneeded words speak so highly of the person, and prove he is a gentleman.
And that’s how you figure if your guy meets the requirements of a modern gentleman or not. April 2021 • IDENTITY 13
identity BEAUTY
Let’s Make Something Very Clear... his Skin by Amira ElSayed
How to choose the right moisturizer for your loved one? You walk into a seemingly endless aisle with words like CREAM! LOTION! HYDRATION! ANTI-AGING! ENERGIZING! shouting at you from bottle after bottle and a certain paralysis sets in. Skincare is personal. It can be tailored to his skin’s specific needs. But that can take a lot of legwork, trial and error and, sometimes, a lot of money before you find him something that actually works.
PAULA’S CHOICE CALM REDNESS RELIEF MOISTURIZER Sensitive skin is an issue for most guys, even if you don’t think they have it. Redness, dryness, uneven texture and breakouts can all be signs of sensitivity. Barring a visit to a dermatologist, the best way to combat these issues is to change the products you’re buying to those tailored specifically for sensitive skin. They are formulated to keep irritation to a minimum. This moisturizer is a gamechanger for anyone with redness.
NIVEA MEN ENERGY REVITALIZING LOTION The quality of this is superb for a drugstore brand. It goes on light and gets absorbed all throughout the day. When you’re looking for a good all-around reasonably priced moisturizer, it’s important that it goes on smooth. Too often products have a lot of additives that can sit on his skin and impede absorption, which means they don’t work as long or as well as they should. This great multipurpose lotion is the exception.
REVIVE SENSITIF RENEWAL CREAM
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE AGE PREVENTION CREAM
This is the gold standard of moisturizer. He should put this on when his skin feels ravaged and needs some serious repair. It will feel like cells are knitting themselves back together and will give him a protective layer.
Natural ingredients are the biggest trend in skincare right now and with good reason. Just like a healthy diet, his skin benefits from natural vitamins and antioxidants found in things like essential oils, plants, vegetables and fruits. Think of this as a juice cleanse for his face. Youth to the People uses the same philosophy to deliver high-potency, cold-pressed benefits to the outside of his body.
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CLINIQUE FOR MEN
ROYAL FERN PHYTOACTIVE ANTI-AGING CREAM You can definitely tell when a skincare product has higher quality ingredients. The texture is better, there are typically fewer chemicals and additives, and the results are faster. Royal Fern is no exception. The active ingredients are evident and the results are almost instantaneous. With a few weeks of regular application, his skin will look completely different.
DR JACKSON’S Dr Jackson’s signature cream visibly helps nourish and repair dry or sun damaged skin by tightening the skin. This skin cream has been formulated using natural extracts of Kigelia, Baobab, Shea butter and Marula Oil. Compounds identified within these natural extracts have been shown to stop melanin production, allowing for a more even skin tone. Especially effective on sun damaged skin, sun spots, liver spots, Dr Jackson’s has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing redness and blemishes.
Multi-benefit lotion instantly improves skin and softens beard. Applies easily over facial hair, from one-day stubble to a light beard, to soothe the skin beneath. Over time, strengthens skin and conditions beard for easier grooming. The 2 in 1 Skin Hydrator & Beard Conditioner does exactly what its name suggests, and is oilfree to avoid breakouts.
KIEHL’S FACIAL FUEL Vitamin-enriched and energizing, non-oily moisturizer wakens and uplifts dull, tired-looking skin. Dynamic “facial recovery accelerator” helps skin resist the effects of environmental stress (we know it’s hard to resist) for a healthy appearance. The formula, with Vitamin C and E, Chestnut Extract and Soy, helps waken tired-looking skin and improve skin’s look and texture. With use, his skin will feel refuelled, reenergized and revitalized.
AVEDA MEN PUREFORMANCE NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES MEN This energising, gently foaming men’s face wash offers a deep cleanse for all skin types. An infusion of Fairtrade antioxidantrich rooibos and organic calendula washes away everyday impurities while keeping his skin clean and refreshed.
Moisturising formula preps skin for a close, comfortable shave. Contains exclusive phytoactive blend with naturally derived ingredients specifically created to treat men’s skin conditions with soothing, antioxidant power. Helps protect against razor burn as well as having a rich and refreshing aroma that combines organic lavender, Vetiver and lemon. April 2021 • IDENTITY 15
TOP MINDBLOWING
Perfumes for Men! by Aya Aboshady
There’s absolutely no doubt that the MOST important thing about a man, is the way he smells. Almost all women agree on that. Every now and then you hear a woman telling her friend “The perfume he was wearing is just DREAMY.” It’s not just women; men too usually regard their scent as a top priority, which is why you could see some of them LITERALLY showering with their perfume bottles until they’re finished up in no time. For this reason, we brought you the 9 most amazing, trendy and timeless fragrances for men!
VERSACE ‘DYLAN BLUE’ Did you get the aromatic vibes we just got? ‘With its fresh aquatic composition including the beautiful grapefruit and wooden fig leaves smell, Dylan Blue from VERSACE is just amazing. Its stunning Mediterranean dark blue bottle with the golden Medusa Seal got us SOLD!
COACH ‘PLATINUM’ JEAN PAUL LE MALE IN THE NAVY How outstanding is the packing, ladies? JEAN PAUL’S ‘Le Male in the Navy’ is very iconic, seductive and extremely stylish. This sexy bottle has a fresh beautiful smell resulting from the mixture of icy peppermint, vanilla and ambergris with salty oceanic notes. Definitely not to be missed!
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This strong silver packaging also contains a very strong and fresh smell! ‘Platinum’ from COACH is a mixture of classy and passionate scents! From the oriental sage and sandalwood to the fruity pineapple and vanilla leather, this fragrance is VERY unique!
MONTBLANC ‘INDIVIDUEL’ This fragrance honestly feels like a passion fruit basket inside a very soft and beautiful silver bottle! ‘Individuel’ from MONTBLANC with its rosemary, berries, cinnamon and pineapple ingredients, is just incredibly nose catching in so many good ways!
GUESS ‘SEDUCTIVE’ The outstanding mixture of sandalwood, musk, amber and patchouli with the vanilla orchid and violet leaves in this very classic packaging of GUESS ‘Seductive’ gives any man just the right amount of charisma and charm to steal hearts!
TOM FORD ‘OMBRÉ LEATHER’
DIOR ‘SAUVAGE’ EAU DE TOILETTE
Very beautiful and classy black leather packaging, right? The TOM FORD ‘Ombré Leather’ has a very dreamy smell that sends off the desert vibes. Feels like a fresh cold breeze accompanied with a very dusty feeling in the air, the good way of course.
GIORGIO ARMANI ‘CODE’ PROFUMO The oriental spicy smell of this fragrance is simply stunning! With its amazing composition of green mandarin, apples, orange blossoms, lavender and nutmeg mixed with the leather base, ‘Code’ by GIORGIO ARMANI makes a man SO hard to forget! Don’t you think?
This DIOR fragrance is just so INTENSE! ‘Sauvage’ in its beautiful light navy bottle, inspired by the blue skies and landscapes, is very fresh, woody and extremely juicy. THIS is a mixture anyone would want to try, right?
CHANEL ‘BLEU DE CHANEL’ This sophisticated dark blue packaging contains some woody and aromatic composition. The CHANEL ‘Bleu de Chanel’ has oriental amber, fresh wood and velvet among its ingredients which literally makes the smell to die for on any man! April 2021 • IDENTITY 17
Trendiest HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN! by Aya Aboshady It’s 2021 and men’s hairstyles are evolving, BIG TIME! One of the main qualities about a guy is his hair. Don’t lie women, it’s indeed one of the first things we are dawn to! However, evolving hairstyles still don’t mean that the hot classic ones are done for. Classic and old will always stay gold! Don’t you think? For that reason, we’ve decided to bring you a number of awesome traditional hairstyles mixed with the new trendy ones that would suit all the men and boys out there!
THE MEDIUM LENGTH BLEACH Why not branch out and take risks with their hairstyles? Many guys have already taken the direction of bleaching their hair and inserting highlights and whatnot. This is actually very trendy and most of the time, it looks fabulous and gets people talking! Like Zac Efron over here!
THE CLASSIC/ELEGANT ONE Classic hairstyles are basically the Go-To, especially for a date night or a major event. Guys with this elegant look always catch the eye, isn’t that right ladies? From the forever handsome David Beckham to the Hemsworth brothers, this short classic style is so dreamy on any man!
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Dolce & Gabbana
THE SOFT SHORT CROPPED FRINGE Who said short haired guys aren’t sexy? Well, look at that! So many guys usually stick to the short haircut but it doesn’t have to be boring anymore. If it’s done in the cropped fringe style, it would steal hearts!
THE TEXTURED TRENDY FRONT CURLS
THE TINY MESSY NATURAL CURLS Girls are ALL about natural curls! Aren’t they? Especially the Rami Malek tiny ones! They look so natural yet trendy on top of his head, quiffed at the front giving off a really nice overall style.
Or may we call it the “Noah Centineo” look? The Textured Front Curls are just so trendy this year! Ever since we saw this fella in Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, we couldn’t look anywhere else but his messy hair. Guys are actually copying it and it’s NICE!
THE LONG AND MESSY (DOWN/BUN) MEDIUM LENGTH SLICK BACK When in doubt, just push your hair back! Have you ever seen a man who looks bad with his hair slicked and styled that way? Definitely not, just look at Kit Harington! And as a bonus, it’s sending all the hot classic man vibes!
Okay, don’t fight us but boys with long hair are absolute ANGELS! The best thing is that they could style it in many different ways, from letting the waves flow down to putting them up in a messy bun! April 2021 • IDENTITY 19
identity STYLE
Spring 2021
FASHION TRENDS FOR HIM by Omnia Essawy Spring is nearing and we’re excited to finally welcome the cool April breeze. However, when it comes to spring outfits, it could be a bit of a challenge to find the perfect one. And when it comes to men’s outfits, the challenge is even bigger. But fear not, we got your back. Here are the 2021 fashion trends that will take his look from basic to BOOM!
Plaid Pants It is no surprise that plaid has been sneaking its way back into our wardrobes for quite some time now. But word has it that it’s taking over men’s fashion this spring. We have to say, seeing some men rocking edgy plaid pants will be quite refreshing compared to the tired old khakis they seem to feel too comfortable in.
Neck Scarves Neck scarves are the perfect accessory for the cool spring weather. It keeps you warm and sprout up your entire outfit without too much work. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Thank God it is back in, ha!
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Mismatched Prints It is not the norm for most men to take big fashion risks. But one of this year’s main trends will probably force them to. Combining between more than one print in the same outfit is taking over this spring. He will need your help with this one, so try to ease him in one print at a time until he is ready to go full out.
Corduroy Pants Corduroy pants are considered one of the cool weather basics. However, they are far from basic. Corduroy pants are quite powerful when it comes to men’s outfits. Match it with any plain old sweater and a flashy pair of shoes and voila, a runway look!
Light-wash Jeans Jeans are probably the one constant in men’s fashion since we can remember. This year, instead of the tired dark shades men lean towards, lighter shades are highly trending and what a fresh change on the eyes that is!
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Lanvin Drake’s
Double Breasting
Hermes
This suit jacket style is for all men out there. Let him skip all the bench presses and take a trompe l’oeil shortcut to a built physique. The double breasted jacket will give his shoulders just the right structure and form they need.
Kingsman
Suit UP!
Officine Creative
by Nahed Kazziha
Swimming through a sea of suits, it can be difficult to gather inspiration. The dull blacks and greys take over; single breasted, white shirt pairings stunt your man’s creativity and lead him to surrender to monotony. It does not have to be this way! Consider a fresh take on suiting this spring, by infusing some colour and cut risks that will reward his senses.
Prada Deakin & Francis
Textured Tuxes
Classic black will never go out of style, especially when it takes the form of a tuxedo. Dark as the shade may be, the bright side is that he will not need a belt. So, channel his inner James Bond with some satin accents and a bowtie.
Alexander McQueen
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SALLE PRIVêE
Zenith Hugo Boss
Etro
Charvet
Begg & Co
Vibrant Variation
Bunney
Tod’s
For those semi-formal and casual occasions that require an extra oomph, pick out a pastel or vibrant colour from this year’s spring palette and commit. Complete the look with laid back kicks and a light scarf for good measure.
Moscot
Mulberry
Hugo Boss Thom Browne
Fresh Linens
Daytime wedding? No problem. Beat the heat in cool linen menswear that will have him looking dapper rather than damp on a hot April afternoon. The best part is that his tie is optional; however his sunglasses are a must.
George Cleverly
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KEEP IT LEATHERY, KEEP IT CLASSY! by Omnia Essawy & Mahmoud Aboudeif There is no doubt that women have it easier than men when it comes to accessorizing. However, a little touch goes a long way with men’s outfits. And if this touch is one of leather, the entire outfit is guaranteed to be elevated to a whole new level of CLASSY. So here is your guide to all the leather accessories, more like necessities you need to class up your outfit:
Bags: Bags are not just for women anymore. Whether a man, a woman or a child; you need a bag, it is not just an accessory, it’s a necessity! These Zara bags are as practical as they are handsome. They will make it easier for any busy working man on the go to maintain his classy look all day long.
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Belts: Whether a belt or a pair of corky suspenders –which are, in fact, back in fashion- a good belt can spruce up your entire outfit and take it from boring to downright fun! The colour, the style and the contrast between the belt and the rest of the outfit have what can almost be called a superpower over a man’s overall look. As proven by these trendy looking H&M belts and suspenders.
Wallets: While wallets are not exactly considered accessories, most men disregard the fact that wallets do make a difference in their overall look. Therefore, they only care about the size of the wallet, and completely ignore its look. Big mistake! Because even though the wallet is mostly kept inside the pocket, a man’s wallet does say a lot about him. So if you want it to send the right message about your personality, go with a trendy unique looking wallet like these wallets from Pull&Bear.
Shoes: Fun fact: classic shoes can still be edgy and different, as beautifully proven here by this pair from Massimo Dutti. If you are giving up the sneakers, you can still keep your edge with a pair of classy yet sexy leather shoes. Yes, it makes a difference. No, classic doesn’t have to be boring.
A man might not like to accessorize, but there is no reason why the items he is going to wear anyway can’t be stylish and trendy. This could just make his final look even better than it would have been if he had actually accessorized. April 2021 • IDENTITY 25
Watches & Sunglasses for Men ELEGANCE AT ITS BEST! by Aya Aboshady We all know that women have an endless variety of accessories for various occasions. However, as much as men don’t have the same variety, they still have some very stylish and eye-catching accessories to go with their attire. Watches and sunglasses are almost essentials in men’s everyday life but the styles vary greatly, that’s why we made you a list of the most unique watches and sunglasses for men.
Watches 1. ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL
What’s better than a beautiful classic watch? This Rolex Oyster Perpetual is already spreading some on point elegant vibes just from the picture! Any man would look very attractive with this polished essential piece on his wrist, and a bonus: IT’S SHINY!
2. CARTIER TANK AMERICAINE
With its blue alligator strap, Cartier’s iconic Tank watch will look awesome on formal and semi formal occasions and even casual events. It’s really fascinating and delicate; it could literally go with anything!
3. GUCCI DIVE
This amazing casual Gucci Dive watch will definitely be a man’s best friend on a casual outing with friends! It has a very contemporary appeal with the green and red web nylon strap!
4. EMPORIO ARMANI
This trendy and edgy marble watch from Armani is the coolest thing you could get your hands on! The beautiful silver-black stainless steel three chain strap can hardly make any woman look away, for real!
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5. PIAGET ALTIPLANO
This really pretty vintage watch does not just look super elegant with its black strap and rose gold round metal, it’s also a stunning interpretation of vintage classic Piaget watches. Who wouldn’t want to rock that?
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6. RAY BAN CLUB MASTER CLASSIC Would a sunglasses’ list ever be complete without a Ray Ban? The answer is no! Those Ray Bans are simply retro, classic (like the name), trendy yet timeless! They are basically an essential! Someone tell men to never think twice about getting these, please!
7. BURBERRY MILTON SUNGLASSES
Look at those Milton aviators from Burberry! The black tinted lenses are giving off Burberry’s signature eyewear mark. They are simple yet super cool and could suit any outfit for any man!
8. PERSOL
Want something that would look super cool at parties and really casual occasions? Those sunglasses are a mixture of Persol’s iconic retro look and the contemporary adventure added to it with the awesome colors coming in a super thin and light profile!
9. VERSACE
Um, do we have a winner? Talk about super awesome! This iconic black tinted light weight frame is definitely beautiful, but what’s really completely eyecatching and stunning is the striking gold vintage design. Hardly any man would wear this Versace heaven and look bad, if you ask us!
10. CARTIER EYEWEAR
How absolutely vintage-y beautiful is this? Cartier has really taken it to the next level with those Retro tortoiseshell sunglasses! The classic aviator and brown colour already sold the deal to be honest!
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FIFTY ONE SHADES OF
KEGHAM DJEGHALIAN Written by Aya Aboshady
Photographer: MOHAMED MUSTAFA MUSHU Art Director & Stylist: SOLYMA DARWISH Production: NADINE KETCHEDJIAN & AHMED HICHAM Hair Stylist: FARES EL HAWARY Location: PHOTOPIA Jewelry: AZZA FAHMY Headdress & Scarf: HERMES Sunglasses: MYKITA X DAMIR DOMA
W
hy be one thing when you can be the best at everything all at once? Kegham Djeghalian is a living example of how it’s perfectly possible to follow your dreams and pursue every single passion you have and still be the best at what you do! Djeghalian is an art director, image maker and visual artist whose unique background is unlike any other in his field. Being an Armenian Palestinian born and raised in Egypt and having lived in the capital of fashion Paris, France; Djeghalian’s unique persona has a very special edge to it that instantly draws you in and leaves you with the eagerness to know more about everything from his background story to his flourishing career and future plans. The exceptional artist has both studied and taught in several institutions, such as L’Institut Français de la Mode, the American University in Cairo, Goldsmiths College University of London, London College of Fashion and Paris College of Art. His work was internationally exhibited in group and solo shows with four of his shoots winning international awards. His collaborators include Kenzo, Louboutin, Hermès, Okhtein, MajaS and more! We had the opportunity to chat with him about his world and get inside the mind that created all the artistic wonders that are Kegham Djeghalian’s works.
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KEGHAM: THE ARTIST AND CURATOR PHOTO KEGHAM OF GAZA: UNBOXING Being the grandson of the first photographer in Gaza, the name isn’t the only thing Kegham inherited. Needless to say, the passion for art and image-making is on top of the list. Kegham of Gaza was a toddler survivor of the 1915 Armenian genocide, years after moving between Syria, Palestine, and several different jobs; he got married and settled in Gaza where he established the first photography studio in the city “Photo Kegham” in 1944.
In said process, Kegham deliberately decided not to include any captions or dates to the exhibited photos as he aimed for a “raw and human confrontation” with the photographs. He wanted to imbue the work with his own subjectivity and mark his agency as an artist and a grandson instead of presenting the archive formally or academically. “For me, the notion of disrupted histories was extremely present and it really hit me: the disrupted history of the Armenians, Palestine, Gaza, and my grandfather’s legacy which I’m denied access to, as well as the decades-old negatives decaying.”
It’s safe to say that the majority of Gaza residents at that time were photographed by him in different contexts and events, not to mention how he supported and mentored aspiring photographers as well.
He believes this disruption gave so much ambiguity to his project and decided to celebrate it and find his artistic voice through it because as much as this ambiguity is disruptive, it’s also fruitful and productive just as was evident in the exhibition.
All of that and more inspired his grandson Kegham Djeghalian to achieve the dream of making his grandfather’s photographic legacy truly live on through an outstanding exhibition in Downtown Cairo as part of the Cairo Photo Week, 2021.
Kegham mapped out the narrative of the exhibition through four thematics: The Studio, Gaza Memento, Family Album, and Zoom Call, with the three red boxes being the heroes of the exhibition for obvious reasons.
Kegham embarked on an exploration journey as he engaged in a wide archival research of his late grandfather, the person and the photographer, and through both he explored the visual history of Gaza.
KEGHAM: THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER BRAVE NEW WORLD
However, since the greater majority of his photographic archive in Gaza was unattainable to Kegham, he had to count on the three red boxes of negatives his father found forgotten in his closet in 2018, along with some family-owned photo memorabilia, as well as some scattered stories. Not only this, but Kegham was also so determined to gather every last bit of photographic piece he could get his hands on even if it was a series of screenshots taken from zoom meetings about his grandfather. Which is exactly what happened. “I had never actually known my grand-father’s real work and I was very eager and curious to explore how he touched the lives and souls of many people and why he stayed engraved in the collective memory of the city of Gaza.” The process of curating and archiving such a heavy and detailed project was extremely laborious for Kegham and it goes without saying, he really gave it his all; especially that it was too personal and intimate already.
Being the passionate artist he is; no pandemic lockdown could stop Kegham from creating. That’s why in 2020, when he was approached by the footwear brand Zee with the offer to be the brand’s creative director, he took it and immediately started revamping Zee from a summer footwear brand to an actual brand. “I wanted to turn Zee into a full-fledged Egyptian brand with its own persona; a brand that has something specific to say rather than just products to offer. In retrospect, I can say that I quite enjoyed the whole process of being the creative director of a commercial brand and handling its whole creative spectrum; from reimagining the brand, setting the narrative, designing, prototyping, creating the campaigns, all the way to communication and strategy…’ Although his job description didn’t involve designing the shoes, Kegham decided to use the lockdown time experimenting and indulging in online tutorials around footwear technical design and patternmaking in order to create Zee’s ‘Brave New World’ collection, definitely upping their summer game. April 2021 • IDENTITY 31
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Both designing the collection and revamping the brand happened in the span of three months - talk about productivity! “Brave New World is inspired by a world where one dares to move forward. I borrowed the name from Huxley’s dystopian book but I took its literal optimistic connotation. It somehow felt representative of the circumstances we were living in at the beginning of the pandemic and the urge to challenge it all by daring to move forward, embark on new journeys and take risks at times of uncertainty…all of which I’d like to believe I did myself.”
KEGHAM: THE PROFESSOR Kegham is not only an art director, image maker or visual artist. He’s also a professor and has taught in different universities and institutions.
of Image Design in Fashion and held the position for two years. Kegham doesn’t only teach image making and art direction, he also teaches a course titled “Paris Fashion Culture” where he explores the sociology and history behind Paris becoming the capital of Fashion. Currently, Kegham is about to take on a new job at the German International University (GIU) which is the new entity affiliated with GUC (the German University in Cairo) at the New Capital. He will be teaching a course on the theory of design in the Fashion and Industrial Design department, only he will be tackling the subject from an Egyptian perspective with a focus on the Egyptian design context instead of relying on Western canons of theory.
KEGHAM: THROUGH THE EYES OF HIS STUDENTS Ever since he was an AUC student at the age of THE SHOOT 19, he’s always been fascinated by the pathway of academia and the role of a creative arts professor in passing on the knowledge and nurturing the artistic skills of students.
His first teaching experience was in 2013 with a styling workshop in Darb 1718 and then in 2014, he began teaching an image making and art direction workshop in Photopia that he still teaches on a yearly basis due to its great success and the sense of creative community it created through the years. “The art direction workshop at Photopia is an intense creative boot camp that aims to teach methods rather than skills. It is a week of complete immersion; it separates you from reality, opens up channels in your head. We become so close that most of us, including myself, tend to suffer from some sort of ‘withdrawal symptoms’ after the workshop ends. It is the teaching experience that is dearest to my heart.” In 2016, Kegham was offered a teaching position at the Paris College of Art (PCA) in Paris where he and 6 other faculty members premiered the MA degree in Fashion Film and Photography. And until this day, Kegham is faculty member at PCA. In 2017, the reputable French Institute of Fashion (l’Institut Francais de la Mode) where Kegham completed his last degree, asked him to be a guest lecturer which he is until now and in 2018, he was asked to be the pedagogic director of the Master
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For this Identity feature, Kegham was styled up and photographed by none other than his own former students, now full-fledged professionals, Mohamed Mustafa (Mushu) and Solyma Darwish as part of a project where they attempted to interpret and portray Kegham the way they see him and to say the least, it was quite accurate. The result was this orientalist partly-nostalgic partly-witty photographic tableaux. They combined the different layers of Kegham’s very unique and multidimensional persona - from being an Armenian Palestinian yet very Egyptian at heart to being a Parisian to a fashion art director and more through using pieces that perfectly fit the “orientalist” approach, such as the gorgeous jewelry from Azza Fahmy’s Mamluk collection, Kegham’s very own Saeidi galabeya, and of course, the French Hermès carrés worn as headdress and scarf. “I find that sometimes the way to address and fight the cliché is to overexaggerate it and treat it with excess! They made me embody the very ‘colonial’ and orientalist depiction I try to go against…and I indulged in every bit of it! It’s also interesting because it is relevant to what I will be teaching in the introductory course at GIU, a ‘decolonized’ view of design theory.” We wonder what comes next in Kegham’s multidisciplinary practice.
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identity MODERN GENTLEMAN
A BROKEN MAN... A BROKEN PROMISE by Marwa Rakha Dear Marwa,
Dear Shocked,
I was in a relationship with a guy for 8 months. His personality was a bit difficult as he has a lot of problems in his life, especially with his parents. He is not on good terms with his dad, and they have a lot of family drama. As a consequence, it made him a negative person with a pessimistic perception of life. Despite that, he was very nice to me and kept telling me that I was the only ‘good’ thing in his life. I happily shared his problems and tried to lift the weight off his shoulders, and always tried to cheer him up and offer him all the emotional support he needed.
I just finished reading an amazing book by Dr. Mohamed Taha. The book is titled “Dangerous Relationships” and it certainly is. We, human beings, live in an intricate web of relationships that impact our emotional and mental well-being; your relationship with your mother starts in the womb and continues into adulthood, your relationship with your father, your relationship with your teachers from nursery until graduation, your relationship with peers –friends or passers-by – from early childhood into adulthood, your relationships with men, or women, or both, your relationship with your body, and your relationship with yourself – the many parts of the self.
His parents already had a brief idea about us, but when he told his dad, and based on their not so harmonious relation, he totally refused the idea of him taking an official step with me. We were so hopeless and since he is still relatively young, he would need his father to support him financially. Despite all that, he always assured me that we will never leave each other and that he will do whatever it takes to make “us” happen. And despite all the obstacles, I was willing to wait for as long as it takes him to convince his dad and solve all of his problems.
Any human being is defined by these relationships. You are defined by the messages you have received from birth until adulthood by people who formed your core. Your boyfriend is also defined by such relationships. Based on how each person defines himself/herself, consciously or subconsciously, that person chooses his/her partners, plays certain roles, and drives his/her relationships. Dr. Taha called it a “prophecy”; I will call it a spell! You cast a spell on your relationships.
But the day prior to my birthday, we had a ridiculous fight over something really silly. And though we had many fights before over some serious issues, this time he decided to end everything. He didn’t call me on my birthday, and I never heard anything from him since. You cannot imagine how depressed and heartbroken I am over his sudden change of heart and broken promises. After all what we’ve been through and all the struggles I was ready to face for him, everything ended and not even because of his father, it was a meaningless breakup. I’m still in a state of shock and cannot find any reasonable explanation for what he did; he didn’t even have the courage to face me with the reasons of our breakup. 36 IDENTITY • April 2021
In your case, you derive your value and self-worth from being needed. You feel secure in a relationship when the other party is too weak to think and act without you. You enjoy playing the role of the saviour; hence, you choose someone who views himself as a victim. This is a very unhealthy relationship. Healthy relationships are not built around victims, saviours and aggressors. These are all sick and twisted relationships. Your “victim”, wants to stay a victim forever, or until he gets professional help, and you cannot play the role of the “saviour” forever, because it is so exhausting and draining. It is also unhealthy because you invest so much into saving someone who might not want to be saved, and you expect total and utter loyalty and gratitude – the kind of gratitude you would expect from a dog you rescued off the streets.
Relationships do not work that way and, in your case, your boyfriend believes that he does not deserve to be happy. He thinks he does not deserve respect. He is so broken from inside that his shattered pieces will cut the skin of anyone who tries to hold him and soothe him. He has no faith in life or in himself – and there is nothing you could do about that. Be grateful that he walked away, and if he ever comes back, direct him towards psychotherapy. Do not get involved with someone who is a victim of abuse; be his friend not his lover. As for you, why do you need someone to depend on you emotionally that much? Why do you feel that you do not deserve, or will not keep, someone who is stable, strong and happy?
On a different note, history has a way of repeating itself, and if you get married to a broken person who has been emotionally abused by his parents, without professional help, that person is most likely going to repeat the abusive behaviour with his kids. If his father denied him the feeling of self-worth, and selfrespect, then he will do the exact same thing with his wife and kids. The worst outcome of abuse is that the abused person identifies with the abuser to the extent of becoming just like him.
Consider this a learning experience, food for thought, and something to sleep over. Allow this experience to help you grow into a person who is more aware of her needs and roles. Hopefully next time you will choose someone who loves you for who you are not for what you do for him – someone who sees you as a woman not a shock-absorber. April 2021 • IDENTITY 37
HOW TOXIC MASCULINITY
Hurts Us All by Amina Moustapha
O
ne of the most complex and serious toxicities known to man is Thallium. It is colourless, odorless and tasteless; its slow-acting, painful and wideranging symptoms are often suggestive of a host of other illnesses and conditions. The person wouldn’t know they are being poisoned until it is too late, and sometimes they wouldn’t even understand what killed them. In the 1980s, when psychologist Shepherd Bliss sought to separate the negative traits of men from the positive traits, he used the term “toxic masculinity” as a means of making the distinction. That was the first time the world ever heard this term. Bliss defined toxic masculinity as what can come of teaching boys that they can’t express emotions openly; that they have to be “tough
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all the time”; that anything other than that makes them “feminine” or weak. Once these notions get into a boy’s head, without him knowing, they will intoxicate his mind, his thoughts and his attitude. He wouldn’t even know his life is being plagued, just like the effect of Thallium. With the #MeToo movement putting a crossindustry spotlight on toxic masculinity, the term toxic masculinity has well and truly taken root in the public consciousness and got people talking in 2018, and until now. WHAT IS TOXIC MASCULINITY? It is quite crucial to understand here that this term is designed to describe not masculinity itself, but a form of gendered behavior that results when expectations of “what it means to be a man” go wrong. Discussing toxic masculinity is not saying men are bad or evil, and the term is NOT an assertion that men are naturally violent.
were the victim, and now they are simply trapped in their own beliefs. They are caught in a cycle of depression. It is also important to know that it is never too late to unlearn such behaviors once a person can identify them, once he knows better. So, yes. Toxic masculinity can be cured, but in order for that to happen men should start to take action, they must revolt against it. They must admit they have a problem. That’s the hardest step, acknowledging the existence of a problem. The antidote to toxic masculinity is within men; this toxicity is a social conditioning. It is not just ‘the way men are’, admitting the problem is the first step into curing it. It may challenge their own sense of identity and social acceptance, but it will bring them the opportunity for deeper, healthier relationships with themselves, their partners and their communities. They must learn the effect of toxic masculinity.
The traits that Shepherd Bliss defined as being “toxic” to masculinity are “avoidance of emotional expression”, the “over-aspiration for physical, sexual and intellectual dominance”, “extreme self-reliance” and the “systematic devaluation of women’s opinions, body and sense of self.” HOW TOXIC MASCULINITY HURTS MEN Imagine being a young boy, crying over a painful injury or an emotional heartbreak that feels like the end of the world, and then being told to “man up,” and asked “are you a girl or what?” instead of being gently asked what’s making you cry, how you feel about it, and what you think you can do about it. When feelings and emotions are dismissed and gender-defining thinking is heard repeatedly, a young person learns to avoid expressing their real feelings and begins to bottle up sadness. Over time, such behavior can lead to a dysfunctional emotional expression and ultimately, depression. CAN TOXIC MASCULINITY BE CURED? It is important to not see men intoxicated with this notion as the enemy, because at some point they
It is crucial for them to learn about what toxic masculinity is and how our culture reinforces it. To listen to women on how this behavior has harmed them. To be open to change and to know that while all that may make them feel bad or defensive, the problem originates in our culture broadly, and now they have the power to fix the problem. They must encourage positive manhood. Everyone, men and women should encourage men to be their true selves, instead of being confined to stereotypes. We must encourage men to demonstrate nurturing, compassion, and caring behavior toward themselves and others. Create openings for men to share their experiences and feelings, especially if you sense there’s a problem. Positive masculinity means being able to let out and embrace all aspects of masculinity in a balanced way.
By giving up harmful notions of masculinity, we stand to gain something deeply human and profound, far better than any superficial privilege. Let’s all increase intimacy, community, and healthier relationships with our loved ones and ourselves. April 2021 • IDENTITY 39
THE TRUTH ON HOW GUYS DEAL WITH
Heartbreak by Rana Ramez
It’s no secret that men deal with pain, especially emotional pain, in the opposite way of how women do. This leads women to think that men are incapable of feeling pain, but this is just far from the truth. The difference is mainly linked to the “Holding the Steering Wheel Myth”; men have the urge to be always in control. And since emotions are an uncontrollable field, showing pain is perceived as an act of weakness. Needless to say, that this perception disparity is translated into different reactions while dealing with emotional pain. So here are 8 ways men deal with heartbreak that don’t deny their ability of feeling pain: Guys would rather not talk about it at all Unlike women, men don’t spill out every single detail about a painful situation to their mates, no matter how close they are. Guys will just skip the “awkward emotional part” talk and they will focus on maintaining their strong image in front of their guy friends. This stems from the fact that women are better than guys at expressing their feelings; they are willing to spend hours and hours talking through things, analysing them and digging deep to actually figure something out. And not to mention the social stereotypes that men never cry, whatsoever! The obligation to get over it Due to never talking about their emotions and pushing bad feelings in the background, men feel the obligation that they need to move on way too fast, without taking the convenient amount of time to heal. This is interpreted in having rebound relationships after breakups. It’s a normal inclination to try to find someone else to replace the loss, even if they’re sure they are not over their exes. It’s a “fake it till you make it” strategy. Moreover, the feeling of being desired does good to a man’s ego, especially if he was not the one ending the relationship. The emotional lag thing You know how after a breakup, the female partner breaks down right away whereas the guy holds it
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together and seems great dealing with it, that’s probably due to the emotional lag. According to a study by Binghamton University of New York, guys don’t feel as devastated as women in the first stages of breakups; it takes them more time to realize the loss. So after women go through all the stages of being miserable and managing to process it, guys experience the downs when women are finally about to move on. That explains why men try to contact their exes just in time they are over them. They feel anger instead of depression Due to the holding back, never admitting and faking being normal, men feel anger instead of depression and anxiety after heartbreaks. That’s why in order to tease their exes, they sometimes tend to do something stupid that their ex-partners didn’t approve. It’s like paying them back for how they made them feel. We can say that the childish side takes over in that stage; you hurt me, I hurt you. And cry it all out when no one is looking Not talking about it doesn’t mean that they don’t experience emotional breakdowns! Believe it or not, many guys lose it and burst into tears after breakups, but only behind closed doors when they are alone and nobody’s watching. Nothing wrong in tearing up over a lost love, that’s the most painful feeling anyone can experience. But unfortunately, most men feel that they have to wear a strong face and act as if they don’t care enough to shed a tear. Men’s heads always win the battle The main difference between men and women is that women are mostly emotional creatures, while men are more rational. So in the post-breakup stages, the more emotional partner always tends to overthink and overanalyze the situation with all the “What ifs” and “What could’ve happened”, while the rational partner starts to wonder “What’s next?” This doesn’t mean that men do not care enough, or weren’t really in love. It only means that
their heads always win the battle against their hearts; they start to search for logical reasonable ways to minimize their loss. Burning bridges After ending a romantic relationship, a guy would cut off every channel of contact with his ex. Yes they will delete, if not block, their exes from every social media account they have, delete their chats, messages, pictures and everything that can remind them of the pain they are experiencing. As cold as it sounds, this is their technique to get over it and regain their emotional sanity. They don’t want to be reminded of their loss, not even through social media. It’s going to be like the relationship never existed. A burst of productivity In order to keep their minds off the breakup, guys will use their energy to be as productive as ever. Maybe going to the gym, working a second job or going to that Spanish class he always wanted to take; this will make them feel good about themselves by redirecting their energy to the tasks they’ve been procrastinating about. That’s a good way to cope in the short run, but swamping themselves with activities only to cover the pain can lead to disaster later on.
In the end, it is important to admit that men and women have very distinctive natures, physically and emotionally. When it comes to heartbreaks, there is no question that both parties experience severe pain, but it’s every man on his own. So never underestimate someone else’s pain and know how to respect the strategies they adopt to overcome it. April 2021 • IDENTITY 41
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DATING A BOY AND DATING A MAN by Amina Moustapha In one of the cheesiest romantic comedy movies of all times, “Valentine’s Day”, Jennifer Garner’s character said one of the most significant lines of all times. “He is not just a guy, he is a man.” Let’s ignore the fact that she was talking about Patrick Dempsey who is drop-dead gorgeous, and pause to reflect on what distinguishes a boy from a man. Maturity is mistakenly associated with age, but that’s nowhere near the truth. It’s not measured by age; it’s much deeper than that. Maturity is the
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way you see and understand things. The way you consider things. The way you communicate. The way you react. The things you value. In a nutshell, age has nothing to do with being a mature man, it’s merely a number—actions define who he really is. Everyone grows old, but not everyone grows up. To all the ladies out there, if you seek a man, you have to stop chasing the boy. So to draw the line in the sand and outline differences between how boys act when dating, and how men act when dating, here are a few distinct contrasts.
1. A boy makes promises he knows he cannot keep. A man has integrity. A real man knows that there are three things you should never break; promises, trust and someone’s heart. People with good intention make promises, but people with good characters keep them. And that’s what tells the differences between a man and a boy. If you’re dating a boy, it’s only a question of time until he breaks a promise. Eventually, this will shake the trust between you. And broken promises are worse than lies because he gave you hope for something he wasn’t sure he could give you, so you will end up with a broken heart. On the other side, a real man is the person who has integrity. His words aren’t cheap, because they are always backed up with action, with fulfilled promises. 2. A boy bottles up his emotions. A man admits when he needs you. One of the biggest misconceptions about the characteristics of a real man is that he should have no weaknesses, and could handle everything that comes his way without needing help. If so, you better start looking for this guy in the Marvel world, between the superheroes and the Avengers! We all need each other; that’s what makes us human. A real man knows this as a fact; a boy considers it weakness and hides his emotions from you. A man admits when he needs you and when he needs to talk, even if it makes him uncomfortable, because he believes you two are team players who can’t do without each other. That’s the person you will turn to when you need help; you won’t shy away from leaning on him when needed because you know he will be there.
3. A boy will want you to change for him. A man loves you the way you are. When you’re involved with someone, you change a bit, but simply because now you’re functioning as two persons not one, that’s the first level of adjusting yourself to a relationship. The second level is changing things about yourself in order to compromise in the relationship. It’s like taking a step further for the person you’re in love with. The motivation to change should come from within you, and not because of some pressure from somebody else. A real man knows that he loves you as you are; he doesn’t want you to change for him, but for you. He will do the same thing for you because he wants to make it work; that’s the kind of change a man will want in a relationship. A boy will simply want to change you to the best version that suits him; he doesn’t get your imperfection. 4. A boy cares too much about looks. A man cares about character. Physical attraction plays a major role in a relationship, but if it’s all there is to a relationship, then let me break it for you, your relationship is a house of cards that will collapse sooner or later. A real man understands that he is not involved with a Barbie doll. He knows that everyone has good and bad days as far as looks go, and won’t hurt your feelings or love you less if your weight fluctuates or you have a bad hair day or didn’t put on some make-up. He could see through your imperfection and find the woman he loves. A boy will tease you for looking sloppy until you fix yourself back up to his standards. 5. A boy brings out the worst version in you. A man makes you a better version of yourself. Some people inspire us and some people drain us; that’s what life is all about. It’s a must that your love life be edifying. It should help you be better, and achieve more than what you would on your own. Because love is not selfish. When you truly love somebody, you want to help them be greater; even if that means that they might overshadow you one day. When your partner feels insecure about your success, he is a boy. When he doesn’t inspire you to do better, he is a boy. A real man isn’t afraid to let you outshine him. Because to him, you’re already his biggest trophy in life, you are meant to shine.
You will meet lots of boys in your life, but when you do find a man, a man who completes you, who doesn’t just tell you that he loves you but backs it up with his actions, he is to keep, ladies. April 2021 • IDENTITY 43
EASY MEALS ANYONE CAN COOK by Amira ElSayed Don’t have an hour to spend cooking a stove- top dinner or waiting for it to roast in the oven? Our ideas for quick and easy suppers are wholesome, entirely homemade, and affordable, too—no chicken nuggets, fish sticks, or expensive takeout here. These speedy recipes all require just 30 minutes or less of hands-on work.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
STEPS: Make crosswise cuts in each potato, about 1/8-inch apart, add butter slices between the cuts; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until the outsides are browned and crisp, about 1 hour. Top with cheese and bake until melted, an additional 5 minutes. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced potatoes (depending how many you want) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 slices bacon (turkey/beef) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons chopped chives
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Roast Chicken with Baby Brussels Sprouts STEPS: Toss the baby Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to a baking dish. Coat the chicken with mustard and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Add the chicken to another lightly oiled baking dish. Bake both dishes for 25 minutes, turning the chicken once and tossing the Brussels once halfway. INGREDIENTS Chicken (either whole or drumsticks) Baby Brussels sprouts Mustard Olive oil Salt/Pepper Breadcrumbs
One Pot Wonder Chicken INGREDIENTS 1 pack of linguini or fettuccini pasta broken in half 1/2 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks 4 medium carrots peeled and cut in thin 3 inch long strips 1 medium red bell pepper cut in thin 3 inch long strips 1 bunch green onions white part sliced and green part cut in 3 inch long strips 4 cloves garlic minced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon corn starch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
STEPS: Why it’s impossible to screw up: Literally everything is cooked at the same time in the same pot.
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identity TRAVEL
TRAVEL GUIDE
Morocco by Rana Ramez
VISA It takes up to 15 business days for a one month single entry visa to be issued. • An online application is filled-in with your travel details, copy of the passport and other required documents. • A return ticket is required to get accepted for the visa.
TRANSPORTATION In general, public transportation in Morocco is pretty good. The rail network links the main towns of the north, Marrakech and the coast with plenty of collective taxis and buses. • Trains are the best option for traveling between major cities. They cover a limited network of routes though. • Buses are cheaper than shared taxis. Even
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though they are slower, they are safer and more comfortable. Note that buses run by the national company are more reliable and faster than private services. • With a wide variety of routes and the speed factor, shared taxis are one of the features of the country’s transportation system. The fares are more expensive than buses.
Morocco has a closed currency, which means you can’t get Dirhams from outside the country. You’ll have to wait until you actually get there to get any. • Currency exchange bureaus are available at the airport, in addition to the banks in major cities. • It’s so important to keep cash with you, preferably in small bills, for cabs/services and tipping. • Learn how to bargain while shopping. Due to how touristy Morocco is, prices aren’t cheap, and haggling is just a part of the shopping process there. • You can get at least 25 to 50% discount on the starting prices of the items. • The best souvenirs to bring home are rugs, carpets, leathers, spices, oils, lanterns, fragrances, pottery, Babouches and, artisanal soaps and Berber baskets. BEST CITIES WITH UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS 1. Marrakech Medina represents a colorful experience where you enter a world of maze-like alleyways full of random acrobats, traditional musicians, stall vendors and snake charmers.
6. Essaouira is the most charming seaside town of Morocco. It’s an authentic hippie place with colorful fishing boats, old shore-side fortress walls and twisty alleyways.
2. Hassan II Mosque is the major landmark of Casablanca city. It’s a precious symbol of Morocco, with carved marble pieces and marble mosaic representing the traditional Islamic architecture and greatness of the Moroccan craftsmanship.
7. Oudaias Kasbah in Rabat is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods located in the city’s core. A lost in time atmosphere is felt right away within this old fortress with white and blue houses, rimmed by colorful flowerpots.
3. Volubilis is a day trip from Fes or Meknes, where Roman ruin with a clutch of mesmerizing mosaics, tumbled columns and temple remnants are found.
8. Erg Chebbi in the eastern Sahara is where the grand sand dunes are located. It’s a main destination for four-wheel-drive dune-bashing, dune surfing and camel trekking.
4. Chefchaoun, located in the Rif mountains, is the incredibly glow town with the blue on blue labyrinth of buildings. Wandering the alleys of the town is very soothing and peaceful; it’s also one of the country’s main hiking and trekking destinations. 5. Fes El Bali is the country’s other cultural destination besides Marrakech. The old city is an authentic beautifully chaotic place, not filled with tourists, unlike its sister imperial city of the south.
9. Legzira Beach at Sidi Ifni along the Atlantic coast is known for its natural stone arch and red cliffs. It’s a striking rugged coastline and one of the main destinations for surfing and paragliding. 10. Hercules Cave in Tangier is located above the waves of the Atlantic Ocean with an entrance displaying traditional artifacts and items.
MOROCCAN CUISINE For highly affordable rates, you can guarantee you will be well fed, maybe even like royalty. • Tagine is one of the most famous foods of this country. There are a lot of different kinds, mostly with meat, that are slow cooked in ceramic or clay pots. • Couscous is the highlight of Moroccan cuisine. Beef or chicken is stewed along with diverse vegetables then arranged on steamed couscous grains. • Beef with Prunes is a great combination of sweet and savory. The prunes are poached in syrup with cinnamon and honey, and added to the meat then cooked until buttery tender with ginger, saffron and onions. • Harira is the tomato soup loaded with chickpeas, lentils and rice or fine noodles. It’s usually made with beef or lamb.
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identity HEALTH
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SECRETS FOR AN EFFECTIVE WORKOUT by Rana Ramez
G
etting fit is not an easy task and staying fit is a challenge for both you and your man. But believe it when they say that once you see the results, it becomes an addiction. Identity is offering you a list of 11 tricks and tips that will help you start a healthier lifestyle, maintain it and get the most out of your exercising routine.
1. Set realistic goals “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” — Denis Waitley Do not be fooled with the enthusiasm of the first week or two; take it slow with baby steps and aim at increasing your healthy behaviours. Setting idealist goals will only leave you frustrated when you’re unable to meet them. This one thing at a time strategy will take you further than you’ve ever expected. 2. Build a habit According to S.J. Scott’s book ‘Habit Stacking’, 40% of our daily performed actions are habits and not decisions. Start with some 15 to 30 minutes of working out almost every day of the week. Try to exercise at the same time every day so that it becomes a regular part of your routine while choosing a suitable time and place. And always remain flexible; like if you miss your 20 minute walk one day, take the stairs instead of the escalator.
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3. Find your own motivation But on the other hand, try to find a motivation to get you started. Prepare a playlist of motivational music and with your favourite songs, use audio books or even talk to your fitness buddy for encouragement; anything that will make you move your bottom off the couch and start working out again.
4. Have a fitness buddy Choose someone you like, whether it’s a friend, a relative or even a work colleague, with the same purpose of building a healthier lifestyle. Encourage each other and work out together. The emotional support and encouragement are as important as the actual exercising. And chances are higher to stick to your routine if you have company. 5. The choice of activity is key Make sure to choose an activity you really enjoy doing. There are unlimited ways to get fit, so if you hate the gym, it’s fine. You just need to know what you enjoy doing the most and start from there. Make it fun and avoid exhausting and boring activities. That way exercising will be something you look forward to, not something that you just have to get over with. 6. Save time and build muscles Your weight workout should be under 60 minutes, since after one hour your body starts to produce more of the stress hormone which can have a blocking effect to your muscles building. So if you want to grow muscles, you need to keep it fast. Muscle growth is reduced by too much heavy training. Additionally, you may want to save cardio after your weight routine or even do it on a different day. 7. Prepare your meals ahead, always Exercising never starts the minute you start to actually work out, but the minute you wake up. To increase your body’s productivity prepare your meals with the right food at the right times. Eating slow-digesting carbs before your workouts like whole grains, oatmeal and sweet potatoes make you burn more fat not only during your workout but also during the day. For 4 hours before workout, avoid higher-fat meals such as fast food
and include a green salad in your last meal before the workout. 8. Never force it Yes, you’ve read it right. If you are not in the mood for working out, just don’t. Try to be active in other ways during your day. But forcing yourself to work out while you’re too tired or don’t feel like it will create an inner feeling that this is something you MUST do. And this feeling will only leave you discouraged. 9. Caffeine is a great booster Working out is a stressor that increases your cortisol levels. Drinking tea can largely help in keeping this catabolic hormone lower after workouts. Thus, it clears the path to greater growth. Moreover, to have caffeine one or two hours before working out increases the fat-burning and boosts the endurance of muscle pain. 10. Follow post-workout tips After the workout, you need not only to enhance the ability of your body to grow but also to get ready for your next workout. Stretch after your workout since muscles are best stretched when they are warm. With your body trying to replenish glycogen stores and rebuild muscle, you have to re-fuel with nutrition full of protein and carbohydrates. 11. Celebrate your achievements In order to do so, you need to track your progress. Write down your activities on a calendar, document the distance and time your workout took, and describe how you felt after every exercising session. Set some milestones and reward yourself for achieving each one of them.
Last but not least, you need to be patient. To be fit is a state of mind; it’s rather a way of living, not a temporary way to have the perfect body or to build muscles. Embrace its ups and downs and never give up. Your hard work will pay off sooner or later. By putting these tricks into action, you’re guaranteed to witness stronger faster results. April 2021 • IDENTITY 49
identity OUT&ABOUT
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt The Real Gate Exhibition and Conference sets a record with thousands of visitors, 38 major developers and 180 projects The Real Gate Exhibition and Conference wrapped up its first edition achieving a huge success. The exhibition was attended by thousands of visitors both in-person and virtually, VIP guests, celebrities, and home seekers with the participation of 38 leading developers that showcased their projects with attractive offers. Dr. Assem El Gazzar, the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, inaugurated the exhibition. The Investment Club from The Real Gate succeeded to gather local developers with regional and international investors to discuss potential cooperation. The Investment Club hosted several sessions and panel discussions that were attended by many investors and developers who came from different countries such as Lebanon, Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Italy, as they sealed promising business deals and signed several MOUs.
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“We are proud of the remarkable outcome The Real Gate has achieved. The great team effort of ACG and Coldwell banker is a key factor in the success of this event,” said Ahmed Ghozzi, ACGITF Chairman. “The participation of Egypt’s leading developers and the turnaround of visitors both physically and virtually is a testament to the market need of mega industry events to fill in the gap between supply and demand,” he concluded. The exhibition hosted more than 38 exhibitors representing the major real estate companies in Egypt such as SODIC, Emaar Misr, Palm Hills, Mountain View, Misr Italia Properties, Sorouh Developments, Landmark Real Estate Development, Akam Developments, Al Tameer Arabian, Al Ahly Sabbour for Real Estate Development, Inertia Real Estate, Ora Developers, Pre Developments, Tatweer Misr, Khuzam Real Estate Development, The Waterway Real Estate Developments, Founders, Al Burouj, Khozam Developments, Living Yards Development, Marakez for Real Estate Investment, New City Real Estate Development, and others. The exhibition included more than 180 new projects with different offers and payment plans that were exclusively available for the Real Gate visitors, 40 of which were launched for the first time in the Egyptian market.
The Pain of Real Estate Investment Cured. How Minka is transforming real estate investment simply and safely. Across history real estate has proven to be the investment vehicle of choice and comfort for the majority of people, and people have solid reasons to keep believing so. At the core of it, human population is expected to keep growing at a pace faster than what real estate makers can supply and hence there is always some kind of a winning formula for real estate investment. Yet, given the complexities, uncertainties and challenges of the world we live in today, there has risen so many pain points associated with managing successful investments and owning property. Minka Real Estate Investment, a forward thinking property innovator based in Cairo, Egypt is taking the lead to courageously tackle the major pain points of real estate eager investors. Not only is Minka venturing with innovations on the property level but lately with it’s latest innovation SAFE, Minka is pushing the needle of how people buy, own and sell real estate. SAFE (Secure Assets for Fixed Earnings) is not only a safe haven for savvy investors but also an asset backed depository for almost everyone to start investing in income properties early enough, grow their fortune at their own pace, and according to their budget. All this is designed in a simple and safe proposition that is revolutionary to the market.
“When Art Meets Design” … O West and Art D’Egypte bring together Uncommon Art and Design to West Cairo First Time in Egypt Design, Photography, and Graffiti Are United Under One Innovative Activation A Photography Exhibition by Alchemy at O West’s First One Story Villa O West, the fully integrated town by Orascom Development Egypt, situated in the heart of 6th of October, in collaboration with Art D’Egypte hosted the first-of-itskind exhibition “When Art Meets Design”. The exhibition brought together an amalgamation of exceptional Egyptian designers, who brought O West alive by creating huge sized installations and interactive artworks.
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High-End Technologies by realme & their Dare to Leap philosophy realme, a global trendsetting smartphone brand, has been breaking records since 2018. The company strives to provide practical and cost-efficient smart solutions for young smartphone users everywhere. realme’s position has grown exponentially to reach 61 markets and 50 million users worldwide. It has quickly become a preferred option for young Egyptian smartphone users, as they aim to diversify its range of products, target wider market segments and become the number one choice for youth. Starting with the entry-level C series, striking the balance between high-quality and affordable prices, the more advanced X series with its quadcamera Xpert, in addition to other mesmerizing features such as the Flash charge and the FHD+ Amoled Display. Moving onto the number series, this aforementioned category has caused quite the stir in the Egyptian
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment: PepsiCo Egypt launches “Recycle for Tomorrow” platform for Waste Management PepsiCo Egypt has successfully launched its waste management platform; “Recycle for tomorrow” under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, and in collaboration with Dorna initiative “Reverse credit system” designed and implemented by CID Consulting, with investments of EGP 10 million, to collect and recycle the equivalent of 8 million Kgs of our plastic production in 2021 as a first step.
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market, with the latest addition, the realme 7 and 7 pro, achieving remarkable selling records on online stores. Driven by a ‘Dare to Leap’ philosophy, realme excels at pulling off extra miles to produce pioneering smartphones and products. The company has taken camera innovation to novel levels. It has recently admitted 108MP cameras for the first time ever in the mid-range price category. Formerly, realme’s camera journey started with its 5 series quad-camera populizer, then onto a quadcamera later in 2019, and XT’s ground-breaking 64MP camera phone released in the same year as well.
shopping destination located at the heart of Sheikh Zayed and 6th of October, is the first mall to host key government service offices in the area: the Civil Registry Office and Notary Public Office at Mall of Arabia. LANCÔME Egypt brings Makeup Master Fady Kataya for a 3 Day Live Online Masterclass! For the very first time in Egypt, Lancôme brings Lebanese celebrity makeup artist Fady Kataya for a 3 day live online masterclass! During the 3 days that took place on March 29th,30th,31st, makeup lovers got to learn Fady’s flawless natural look, his ultimate bridal look, & his signature dark skin look! Once they purchased the ticket, they received a complementary Lancôme kit that included 4 full size products including the famous Genifique serum, 2 Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundations, and the one and only Monsieur Big mascara.
A New Method of Treatment Through Pain Management Elaraby Hospital in Menoufia signed a cooperation protocol with the American Columbia Clinic Group for physical medicine. The protocol introduces pain management strategies besides physical medicine based on the physical diagnosis of Columbia Clinic in order to treat patients suffering from spinal and joint pain and neuritis. The aim is to enable patients to resume a normal lifestyle without surgical intervention. The treatment focuses on proper diagnosis in treating particular diseases, including musculoskeletal disorders, herniated disc, osteoarthritis, and sciatica.
Master Maserati Driving Experiences 2021: The new edition of Maserati driving courses. Now also with MC20 There are many new elements for the 22nd season of the Master Maserati driving courses: the full range of the Brand’s most powerful models and “MC20 Master”, the first exclusive driving experience for new owners of the MC20 supercar. Master Maserati courses offer a rich, customised, unconventional array of driving experiences: four different formats (Engine Start, GT, Sport and MC20 Master) and 10 dates (depending on the course) from May 27 to October 14 at the Varano de’ Melegari circuit (Parma, Italy).
MARAKEZ Opens First In-mall Notary Public and Civil Registry Offices in 6th of October at Mall of Arabia and another Civil Registry Office at Mall of Tanta • The Notary Public Office is now open at Mall of Arabia, MARAKEZ’s flagship mall and West Cairo’s favorite shopping destination, provides hassle-free In-mall Governmental Services for Mall of Arabia visitors • The Civil Registry office opened recently in Mall of Tanta operates 7 days a week • Wide range of important governmental services are now available to visitors in an efficient and accessible environment. Mall of Arabia, MARAKEZ’s flagship
Huawei releases its 2020 Annual Report Huawei reaffirms commitment to creating greater value for customers and society in the face of adversity. Huawei released its 2020 Annual Report today. Growth slowed, but the company’s business performance was largely in line with forecast. Huawei’s sales revenue in 2020 rounded off at approximately US$136.7 billion, up 3.8% year-on-year, and its net profit reached US$9.9 billion, up 3.2% year-on-year.
Recognizing its contributions in transition towards digital economy despite the challenges of the pandemic, NBK-Egypt Wins the BT100 Award for 2020 National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK- Egypt) received the BT100 Award as “Best bank providing digital Ecosystem” for 2020, during the ceremony hosted, for the fourth year in a row, by Business Today Magazine, one of the powerful media arms of Egyptian Media Group (EMG) in cooperation with POD Egypt, the leading public relations and media company as well as Youm7 media institution, to honor the 100 key influential entities and individuals in Egypt for 2020 under the patronage of HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly – the Prime Minister. April 2021 • IDENTITY 53
including Producer Hesham Suleiman, journalist Amani Dergham, media figure Abeer Al Sheikh, tennis player captain Anwar Al Kamouni, blogger Mohamed Hesham, and Chef Sarah Abdel Salam. vivo announces the launch of vivo Y51 for the Egyptian market
ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 (UX363) is now available in Egyptian stores!
New phone features exciting specifications and comes at a great price. vivo announced the launch of its new addition to the successful Y-Series in Egypt, vivo Y51, that combines innovative technology and amazing design, and is available at a competitive price. The new device comes with massive battery, triple rear cameras and runs on Funtouch OS 11. “The midrange phones witnesses a fierce competition in the Egyptian market, that is why we at vivo always care to go beyond the expectations of Egyptian users especially the young generation who always look for the best,” said Alex Zhan, CEO of vivo Egypt.
ZenBook Flip 13 is the world’s thinnest 13.3” convertible with full I/O ports. ASUS announces the launch of the ZenBook Flip 13 (UX363) in Egyptian stores, it is now available for purchase. The new ZenBook 13 is designed with portability in mind, while offering a comprehensive and versatile connectivity. The distinctively elegant ZenBook Flip 13 has an all-new design that combines ultimate portability with supreme versatility. It’s surprisingly light at just 1.3 kg, and it’s a mere 13.9 mm thin, making it perfect for on-the-go productivity and creativity. Featuring full-size HDMI and USB Type-A ports, plus two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C® ports, ZenBook Flip 13 is the world’s thinnest 13.3-inch convertible laptop with such an impressive list of full-size ports.
VOX Cinemas launches Sensory Friendly Screenings VOX Cinemas in Egypt has introduced Sensory Friendly Screenings, a unique cinema experience which has been designed to make moviegoing more inclusive and accessible. The weekly screenings, which were launched across the United Arab Emirates in January, are adapted in a variety of ways so children with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the latest releases with their family and friends in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
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Baheya Foundation honors Ideal Mothers to the tunes of Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra at the Cairo Opera House As part of its celebrations of International Women Month, Baheya Foundation for Early Detection and Treatment of Women’s Breast Cancer organized a ceremony to honour ideal mothers of the year. At the Egyptian Opera House, the ceremony was attended by celebrities and public figures
Hisham Mahdy Unveils His Latest Art Creation at Art D’Egypte Exhibition Hisham Mahdy, one of Egypt’s top art directors and founder of Mental Flame Interiors & architecture, has showcased his latest art creation “The Welcome Swallow” as part of the “When Art Meets Design” Exhibition organized by Art D’Egypte at the O West compound. The exhibition is the first of its kind in Egypt combining design, photography and graffiti in one activation as the creative art scene is rapidly evolving.
Flat6Labs and DisruptAD launch EGP 500m ‘Ignite’ accelerator program to further entrepreneurship opportunities in Abu Dhabi Flat6Labs, MENA’s leading seed investor and the largest manager of startup programs in the region, has partnered with DisruptAD, one of the region’s largest venture platforms, to launch Ignite, a new start-up accelerator in Abu Dhabi that will support early stage companies with EGP 500 million in funding and other benefits including office space and mentorship.
Popular Chinese Video Streaming Platform, iQiyi Launches in the Middle East Region iQiyi International is excited to announce its launch in the Middle East, offering its streaming services to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Headquartered in Singapore, iQiyi International is an on-demand video streaming service providing beloved pan-Asian entertainment to international viewers. Offering subscription services from just AED 17.99, SAR 17.99 and EGP 64.99, offering 1-month free iQiyi International delivers premium drama series, movies, variety shows and anime with up to 12 localised interfaces and 10 subtitles to select from, including Arabic and English. iQiyi is currently one of the largest online video sites in the world, with over 100 million active paying subscribers worldwide.
OPPO Reno5 series named the official designated smartphone of PUBG MOBILE Esports in the MEA region 2021 Global technology brand, OPPO today announced that its Reno5 Series, OPPO Reno5 5G and OPPO Reno5 smartphones have been selected as the designated smartphones for PUBG MOBILE Middle East and Africa Esports 2021. The latest variants of OPPO’s Reno5 series were selected for their extraordinary gaming hardware and software that deliver an exceptionally immersive and fluid gaming experience.
beIN launches new packages and TV channels ahead of Ramadan and 2021’s scintillating summer of sport BEBA and the Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce holds a virtual conference discussing Egypt as an Intra-African Trade & Investment Gateway The British Egyptian Business Association and the Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce held a virtual conference in 2021 which contained a series of sessions, discussing several ways to enhance regional trade through new trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the new UK-Egypt Association Agreement.
In a milestone moment for the global sports and entertainment broadcaster, beIN MEDIA GROUP has announced a host of upgraded packages for its millions of subscribers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); combining brand new content and family favourites to suit every viewer’s needs – as well as an exciting facelift to the User Interface (UI) on its set-top-box (STB). Egypt’s unrivalled passion to football and sports in general is inspiring to see – as beIN MEDIA
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Data Analytics Forum Returns for Second Edition The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Data Analytics Forum taking place as a virtual event. Established in 2019, the forum is a gathering for the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi to exchange data and insights on the latest trends impacting travel and tourism, presenting a unique opportunity for industry experts, analysts, and researchers to share key data, findings, and developments with tourism industry stakeholders in a bid to create industry-specific initiatives.
CorporateStack Launches New Design House CorporateStack, a fast-growing software company that digitally transforms businesses through its diverse solutions, announced today that the company has diversified its business with the launch of a new creative design house: Pixels Tree. With the world moving towards a digital economy and various companies embracing digitalization, Pixels Tree marks the first step of pushing CorporateStack to be part of the digital economy, as the company identifies itself with a mission to create a refined digital world by offering unique and innovative solutions in the digital world. April 2021 • IDENTITY 55
Sky Abu Dhabi inaugurates “Residence Eight” project in the New Administrative Capital Sky Abu Dhabi Real Estate Development, a subsidiary of the UAE-based Emirati Diamond Group, has announced the inauguration of its first project “Residence Eight” in the New Administrative Capital, with investment worth EGP 4 billion. Sky Abu Dhabi aims at supporting Egypt’s urban development to accommodate the rapid increase in population, which falls in line with the state’s sustainable development strategy - Egypt’s Vision 2030 as well as establishing integrated communities that provide quality of life for Egyptians.
Steigenberger Egypt Reveals Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma, a New Level of Opulence by the Red Sea Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brings the German hospitality this time to Ras Soma with its latest masterpiece due to open 1 April 2021, Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma, a resort unveiling new level of opulence to Red Sea travellers. Nestled amid pristine environs on the East shores of Egypt, the resort promises its guests an extravagant accommodation with 409 elegantly appointed guestrooms varying between Superior, Family Deluxe, Swim-up Suites and prestigious Villas with pools. 56 IDENTITY • April 2021
Capitalizing on its Success: Tatweer Misr launches its latest D-Bay project in the North Coast with EGP 7 Billion worth of investments Ahmed Shalaby: Following the success of Fouka Bay, a second destination for Tatweer Misr in the North Coast was necessary to build on our unique value proposition. As part of its strategy to increase its geographical footprint across the country, “Tatweer Misr”, the leading Egyptian Real Estate company, announced its expansions in the North Coast, following its success in the area. The company aims to develop a 200-acres land in partnership with “Kayan for Real Estate Development”, under the name of “D-Bay”, on the Mediterranean with initial investments exceeding EGP 7 Billion.
The St. Regis Cairo Introduces A New Benchmark Of Luxury Overlooking The Nile River The hotel brings iconic designs and the signature butler service to the best address at the bustling metropolis. This year, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, marked its Egyptian debut by the opening of The St. Regis Cairo in the most coveted address overlooking the Nile River in Cairo. The hotel is set to elevate the benchmark of luxury hospitality.
How Uber Bus is navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic Uber shared for the first time how its mass transport product - Bus - responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, having to temporarily alter its business strategies to scale down its operations during the outbreak. The company revealed that, despite the challenges, it was able to grow its routes network 4x in one year by connecting central Cairo with outskirts like Helwan, Al Shorouk, Sheikh Zayed, and Hadayek El Ahram, and by optimizing existing routes to become less deviating.
Viu debuts new Arabic original series Wadi Al Jinn The mythical series boasts a leading Pan Arab cast from across the region. Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, has aired its latest Arabic Viu Original, Wadi Al Jinn. An original concept by the Viu production team executed by iProductions, the fictional series follows the story of four college students who explore the mysterious caves of Wadi Al Jinn and find themselves in a hidden underworld dominated by evil forces. Boasting a leading cast from Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria, the series features rising stars Youssef Othman, Layla Ahmed Zaher, Roa Channouha and Mohsen Mansour supported by prominent actors including Khaled Kamal, Firas Sa’id, Cynthia Khalifeh, and special appearances for Bushra Rozza and Reham Saeed.
GoDaddy to participate in SHE CAN 2021 Supporting Women Entrepreneurship in Egypt and MENA GoDaddy Inc., (NYSE: GDDY), the company that empowers everyday entrepreneurs, announces that the company will be participating in SHE CAN 2021 event that will be held on March 5th, in honor of International Women’s Day. The participation is derived from the alignment of both entities’ visions, which strive to inspire and empower women entrepreneurs in Egypt and the MENA region into discovering their capabilities and establishing their own businesses, as Egyptian women play a pivotal role in various social and economic levels.
Novo Nordisk announces EGP 50 bn annually to treat comorbidities caused by obesity An unprecedented study on the economic and epidemiological burdens in Egypt Novo Nordisk Egypt announced a new study on the economic burden & cost of obesity in Egypt, through a unique collaboration with Ministry of Health & “100 Million Healthy lives” campaign,
as well as the diabetes and obesity associations in Egypt. A press conference was held to announce the results of the study in participation of members of diabetes and obesity associations, international research firms, and prominent professors from medical associations and university hospitals with a goal to quantify the epidemiological and financial burden of obesity in Egypt.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton Celebrates Travel & Leisure, World’s Best Awards The Nile Ritz-Carlton iconic hotel on the shores of the Nile, celebrates being honored for World’s Best Awards as one of the top ten city hotels in the Middle East and North Africa by the renowned Travel and Leisure magazine. The results reflect guests’ experiences before the pandemic, in the hope that honorees will inspire traveler’s trips to come. The property was rated on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. It is no wonder, that the landmark property has made it to the top ten of such a prestigious magazine; the hotel offers a gateway to Egyptian luxury lifestyle in a legendary setting, which reopened under the stewardship of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. The hotel offers leisure and business travelers an opulent retreat in the heart of Cairo that is rich in history and intuitive in service.
Enhanced Labs, Premium Sports Supplement Brand, Signs Mr. Olympia 2020 “Big Ramy” And His Trainer Dennis James Enhanced Labs aims to position Egypt as a top bodybuilding hub and is in search of new local talents to further support and grow the local bodybuilding community International high-end sports supplements manufacturer, Enhanced Labs, chose Egypt to host the signing ceremony of a three-year partnership deal with their newest brand ambassadors Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, Mr. Olympia 2020 champion, and bodybuilding legend Dennis “The Menace” James.
Lake’s Restaurant Opening Dinner In a sparkling night Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria held on the 24th of February, a marvelous opening dinner for the “Lake’s restaurant”. “Lake’s Restaurant” is the all-day dining outlet offering daily open buffet breakfast & dinner and a la carte lunch. The restaurant is 700 m² with seating capacity up to 350 persons. Moreover, it is overlooking Mariout lake and the fanar garden. The opening dinner program featured fantastic colorful fireworks display, violin show and enormous dinner buffet presenting a wide variety of culinary delights. April 2021 • IDENTITY 57
Netflix Announces Start Of Production For “Finding Ola” Hend Sabry’s Upcoming Series Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, announced the start of production for its new Arabic original series “Finding Ola” (Working title). Joining Hend Sabry’s confirmed cast includes Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel, Nada Mousa, Mahmoud El Leithy, and Dalia Shawky. The series features special appearances of Arab talents such as iconic actor Khaled El Nabawy, and others. The series portrays the beloved character “Ola Abd ElSabour’’, and her adventures after her first appearance in the groundbreaking social drama series “I want to get married Ayza Atgawez” ten years ago.
OPPO Eyes Android Top Spot as New Smartphone Stakes Claim on High-End Market The world-leading smart device brand OPPO, launches its latest smartphone in China, the Find X3 Pro, as it continues its expansion into the high-end Android market. The new addition to the Find X Series includes a futuristic high-end design, industryleading display and excellent allround camera system, all aimed at providing the best possible user experience. 58 IDENTITY • April 2021
The Find X3 Pro is the world’s first Android phone to capture, process and display one-billion color images, thanks to OPPO’s Full-path Color Management System. This innovation highlights the brand’s commitment to becoming the top Android phone manufacturer in the world.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports “O West” hosts the world’s leading obstacle course challenge “Tough Mudder” organized by “The TriFactory” O West, a fully integrated town by Orascom Development Egypt, situated in the heart of 6th of October, will host the leading obstacle course challenge “Tough Mudder” on the 5th & 6th of March. Tough Mudder is organized by “The TriFactory”under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Hundreds of participants will take part in Tough Mudder that will include two obstacle course challenges. TM5K course featuring 13 obstacles over 5 kilometres long that should take 1-2 hours to complete. The Tough Mudder Classic course, which will be organised for the very first time at O West. The Classic version is the longer and tougher version of Tough Mudder, featuring 25 industry-leading obstacles spread across 12 kilometres, and is typically more challenging than the TM5K course. Tough Mudder 5K is suitable from ages 14+, while Tough Mudder Classic welcomes participants ages 16 and older.
OPPO launches its latest additions to the Reno family: Reno5 5G and Reno5 The Reno5 series offers an advanced portrait video experience with AI Highlight Video and Portrait Beautification Video. OPPO announced the launch of the latest handsets in its Reno series, Reno5 5G and Reno5, in Egypt. With its industry-leading video performance, Reno5 5G is the AI portrait expert that enables you to express your best self and inspires you to “Picture Life Together.” Also, it is an icon for trendsetters with its ultra-sleek, ultra-light design and bold colors that will make you stand out. Moreover, its ultra-fast charging and 5G connectivity allows you to enjoy what you love with ease and speed.
BEBA’s 4th Webinar Analyses Economic Benefits of Sukuk The British-Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) held its 4th webinar discussing the role of Sukuk in supporting investments in Egypt, which was the case around the world including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Malaysia. Sukuk serves as a tool to attract various types of investors seeking to conduct investments, and preserve their finances in line with the Islamic Sharia Law. In light of this, the Ministry of Finance is currently looking to apply the principle to government projects through offering sovereign Sukuks.
Second large format IKEA Store in Egypt now open at Mall of Arabia IKEA, the region’s leading Swedish home furnishing retailer, and a member of Al-Futtaim Group of companies, has successfully opened doors to its second large format store in Egypt at Mall of Arabia expecting to receive up to three million visitors in the first year. Spread across 19,500 square meters and located in 6th of October city, the store targets the communities of West Cairo and its nearby neighborhood such as Sheikh Zayed, Dokki, Mohandesin, Zamalek, Haram, Giza, and more.
Jardin Prive A 3-day star-studded event sponsored by a lot of fashion scene in Egypt main of them was Iram Jewelry was held at Garden 8 last week Lavish decorations and floral arrangements surrounded over 80 regional designers from haute couture to homeware; the event was nothing short of a lifestyle heaven. Among the visitors were mega stars like Amr Diab and Maya Diab, who gave an empowering speech to women. Audience were all A-lists, socialites and of course, more celebrities like Jihan Allama, Cedric Haddad, Dr. Roy Moutran, to name just a few. All of which enjoyed shopping and supporting arab designers. They also had fun with live entertainment by the country’s best singers and musicians and workshops by top designers and artists like Farida Temraz and Shariff Tanyous.
NBK-Egypt Launches Smart Membership Card for Heliopolis Sporting Club As part of the strategic partnership and close cooperation between National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBKEgypt) and Heliopolis Sporting Club (HSC), and to give effect to the cooperation protocol and the framework agreement signed between them for supporting and optimizing “Heliopolis Smart Digital Club”, the bank launched a smart membership card for HSC members of both branches in Heliopolis and El Shorouk City. The new card will enable members to benefit from many features and services inside and outside the club, as the HSC Membership Card has become a smart payment card, offering a unique experience locally, using cutting-edge technology to integrate more than one application in one card.
A Breathtaking Getaway in the Heart of Abu Soma Bay: Solymar Soma Beach Hotel Reopens Jaz Hotel Group is delighted to announce the reopening of Solymar Soma Beach Hotel and welcomes the guests to enjoy an unrivalled experience of pleasure and hospitality. The four-star hotel is a marvelous gem in the heart of Abu Soma Bay, stretching over the pristine shores of the Red Sea. With its prime location and wide array of facilities, the magnificent hotel marks an ideal destination to unwind and relish spellbinding scenery. The hotel provides its guests with an exceptional experience of indulgence wrapped up with warm hospitality and world-class services.
Savour the Ramadan Culture at Le Meridien Cairo Airport Ramadan Kareem with Marriott Mena House, Cairo There is no place you would rather be this Ramadan than by the Pyramids. Experience a legendary month at the inspiring grounds of Marriott Mena House, Cairo. With Ramadan being the time of tranquility and reflection, escape from the hustle and bustle of Cairo into our mesmerizing views of the great Pyramids, reflecting as well on the clear waters of 139 restaurant.
An enchanting experience awaits this Ramadan at EVOO Experience the bliss of the holy month with family and friends at EVOO while breaking your fast on an extensive Iftar buffet featuring a lavish selection of culinary choices and traditional Ramadan favorites in addition to a delightful variety of oriental desserts for 399 ++ EGP. April 2021 • IDENTITY 59
Allianz Egypt Partnered with IGNITE to Equip Brand Ambassadors for 2021 Olympics Allianz; the Official exclusive Insurance Partner of the Olympics & Paralympics committees worldwide and in Egypt, announced its partnership with the nation’s fitness experts; IGNITE EGYPT. The partnership aims at equipping Allianz Egypt’s Olympic & Paralympic brand ambassadors with a tailored program that features everything from recovery sessions to nutrition consultation and mental coaching to competently win top ranks at Tokyo Olympics & Paralympics 2021.
Bora turns 50: Maserati’s most rock-and-roll model, by the hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro The Golden Year of rock, dominated by artists such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, was also the year the Maserati Bora was born. The car, characterized by sleek, tapered lines with a futuristic and profoundly “rock and roll” soul, debuted 50 years ago today at the Geneva Motor Show.
Castle Development and Fawry Sign A Protocol Castle Development continues to support its customers through employing Fawry’s services to serve their needs. Bel Foundation, Bel Group’s philanthropic arm, Launches A New Call for Projects Concerning Egyptian Children’s Health and Welfare Bel Foundation, Bel Group’s philanthropic arm - the owner of La Vache Qui Rit, Kiri, Abu El Walad, and Mini Babybel announces in its global yearly call for Egyptian NGOs to participate to bring concrete and durable solutions for better nutrition for children. The global Call engages small, and big local NGOs, where NGOs submit their projects and the winner will be granted a financial award.
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Castle Development, a company that focuses on developing highvalue real estate, and Fawry, the leading digital transformation & E-payment platform in Egypt signed a protocol where the latter is projected to help in collecting customer payments through their service. Eng. Ahmed Mansour, CEO of Castle Development, and Eng. Hossam Ezz El-Din, CCO of Fawry, along a lineup of representatives from both entities were present during the signing. The agreement allows for customers to pay installments through two different methods; heading to any of Fawry’s locations or paying online.
“ Strategic Location... Integrated Services ... Modern Designs” New City Launches ECO West, Signaling New Era for Egyptian Real Estate Sector New City Developments, one of the leading real estate companies in Egypt, launched their latest groundbreaking project “ECO West” to be the first real estate project in Egypt that aims to inspire contemporary lives of generations in fully integrated communities. The launch event took place on Monday at the Pyramids, with the attendance of Dr. Raouf Ghabbour, a main investor and member of the Board of Directors of New City Developments, Dr. Manal Hussein, Chairman of New City Developments, Mr. Rami Youssef, CEO of New City Developments and Mr. Nour Othman, Head of Sales Department at New City Developments.
Emirates NBD – Egypt Ends its Mega Liabilities Campaign 2020 With the 2020 Liabilities Campaign’s final draws, Emirates NBD - Egypt announced that Mr. Maged Abdallah Ammar wins the grand prize worth EGP 2 million. The bank also announced Ms. Farida Khamis as the last winner of the monthly draw contest with a total prize of EGP 500,000. Ms. Farida Khamis announced that she will donate the full amount to Khair Zad charity organization.
Egytrans Board conditionally accepts HA Utilities bid Egytrans, a leading provider of transport and logistics solutions, announced that the board of directors, in an extraordinary meeting, unanimously voted to proceed with the conditional acceptance of the non-binding offer for business integration presented by HA Utilities Holding BV, a leading Dutch utilities company jointly owned by Hassan Allam Holding and Tanmiya Energy BV. According to Abir Leheta, Chairman and CEO of Egytrans, the board “carefully reviewed the proposal and unanimously concluded that the proposal merits further review.”
The exhibition comes as part of Emaar Misr’s framework in hosting and sponsoring cultural and artistic events, in order to support the art scene and in particular to promote Egyptian artists. The exhibition, held over four days through to March 7th, will be attended by 62 artists. The works of Egyptian artists such as Salah Taher, Youssef Francis, Abdel Aziz Darwish, and Kamel Mostafa will be exhibited.
Ford and Ford Fund Donate EGP600,000 For Vital Education and Healthcare Supplies for SWVL Captains’ Children as They Return to School for The Second Academic Period Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford Motor Company has dedicated considerable resources to assist global communities and humanitarian organisations involved in helping the most vulnerable members of our society.
Emaar Misr hosts Art and Deco exhibition for art and furniture at Uptown Cairo in the heart of Cairo In the presence of a number of Ambassadors and celebrities, Emaar Misr has organized Art and Deco exhibition for art and furniture, in cooperation with Cleg Art Gallery and Madar Furniture and Decoration, at the Uptown Cairo Sales Center in the heart of Cairo.
As part of its partnership with Cairo-based ridesharing service SWVL, Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford – has extended its community support by donating EGP600,000 to the Egyptian Association for Educational Resources (E-ERA) – an organisation that promotes children’s education and provides a variety of programs and activities to develop the students’ characters and leadership skills.
Huawei launches all-new neckband, the HUAWEI FreeLace Pro in Egypt Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) continued its strong start in the Egyptian market in 2021, as it recently launched its new noise cancelling neckband earphones, the HUAWEI FreeLace Pro. The HUAWEI FreeLace Pro is available on Huawei’s official website, HUAWEI Experience stores and across select retailers priced at EGP 2,299 in colour variants of Graphite Black and Spruce Green.
With “Imagine What Unfolds” as its slogan, Huawei announces HUAWEI Mate X2 as the new generation of its flagship foldable smartphones Huawei Consumer Business Group today announced HUAWEI Mate X2, the new-generation foldable flagship smartphone that unfolds new and exciting experiences with a brand new Falcon Wing Design opening up new possibilities in the realm of mobile technology. Featuring an all-new compact design with a deliberately shifted point of balance, HUAWEI Mate X2 handles exceptionally whether folded or not. The unfolded display is one of the industry’s largest, offering a consistent user experience across the two forms. Engineered with precision, HUAWEI Mate X2 folds perfectly into a compact form factor, and unfolds beautifully into a flat display. April 2021 • IDENTITY 61
identity SIGNS
Aries
March 21 - April 19
STRENGTHS: Audacious, Optimistic, Kind-hearted, Passionate WEAKNESSES: Jealous, Impatient, Aggressive LOVE LIFE: In order to attract an Aries you need to challenge them and always be up for fun adventures. You also need to be quick on your feet and in your decisions, as they tend to appreciate fast decisions and actions. MOST COMPATIBLE WITH: Leo, Libra, Gemini, Scorpio
Relationship Compatibility ARIES: This relationship is doomed from the very start. They both care about pleasing one another that it comes in the way of their own personal happiness.
LIBRA: They may be great in the bedroom, but outside in the real world there can be conflict. They both like to be in charge and both come from sexual zodiac signs.
TAURUS: When it comes to sexual pleasure between the two, the sheets literally get tangled. While Taurus cares about intimacy and romance, Aries likes being rough and getting to the point straight away.
SCORPIO: Unlike when two Aries’ clash, Scorpio possesses just the perfect traits to be similar yet different from an Aries. When they come together, they form an unbreakable bond.
GEMINI: Both zodiacs have a wild imagination when it comes to their pleasure. The good thing is that neither is too sensitive so this can be exciting for both of them. CANCER: It will never happen between both. Cancers are considered asexual; they will only give in if they feel they are loved and respected enough and are shown enough compassion. LEO: This is such a passionate connection, in which sparks fly around all the time. They have similar sexual preferences and they take each other seriously. VIRGO: When Virgo and Aries clash, it’s easy to say they would be the worst couple ever in bed. Virgo needs a lot of foreplay beforehand, while Aries likes to jump the sheets first chance they get!
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SAGITTARIUS: With their cheerful personality, they like to make a joke out of everything. But when Aries takes their sexual pleasure too seriously, that may cause a bit of tension between the two signs. CAPRICORN: When this sort of relationship happens, it is in most cases triggered by some deep unconscious need to be held back and restricted when it comes to sexuality. Capricorn will hold back an Aries and put too much pressure on them. AQUARIUS: Sexual contact between them can be either stressful or extremely exciting. Sometimes both. Their signs go well together in general and they support each other easily. PISCES: The two signs have trouble connecting. When they end up together, it can be torture for both. They just don’t understand each other’s needs.