January 2020

JANUARY 2020

Fashion & Lifestyle

4 REASONS WE CHOOSE The Wrong Partner

Got the Blues?

Here’s Why HOUNDSTOOTH

This Winter’s Trendiest Pattern

SAY GOODBYE

To Winter Chapped Lips

MUST-TRY CHINESE DISHES

IT IS TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF

5 Abou El Nabeh | Zamalek 012 8073 4673 - 02 273 703 80

Tavolino Zamalek

Tavolino

CONTENTS N JANUARY 2020

FASHION 8 10 12 14 16 22

Ladybird Loves Dundas Pre-Fall 2020 Ladybird Loves Chanel Pre-Fall 2020 Ladybird Loves Sportmax Pre-Fall 2020 Ladybird Loves Altuzarra Pre-Fall 2020 Smooth in Houndstooth Dial in the Street Style

GLAMOUR 23

Treating Winter Chapped Lips

INTERIOR 28

In Between Black & White

MIND & BODY 30 32

Is Seasonal Depression a Real Thing?

3 Reasons Your Muscles Shake During Tough Workouts

COOKING 34

An Asian Fusion: MustTry Chinese Recipes

RELATIONSHIPS 36

4 Reasons We Choose The Wrong Partner

MOTHER & CHILD 38

Protecting Your Child against Sexual Assault

2 | JANUARY 2020

L A DY B I R D TEAM

Owner/Founder ZEYAD SOROUR Editor-in-Chief ISMAIL MARZOUK Managing Editor RANA HAMDY Senior Writer YASMIN MARGHANY, MIRANNE KHALED Sales & PR Director NAIRA EL LAMEI Marketing & Project Director SAMAR ZAKI Art Director EMAN SALAMA Senior Graphic Designer OMNIA RAFIE Financial Director HAITHAM HAMOUDA Distribution AHMED ABOU EL ELA, AHMED FAWZY, MOHAMED ABD EL NASSER & ALAA HUSSEIN

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28 Al Shahid Mohammed Qenaya St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 2415 6580 www.ladybirdmagazine.com

Ladybird Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine

Distributed by Al-Ahram Association

4 | JANUARY 2020

IN EVERY ISSUE: Editor’s Letter P.6 Egyptian-Made P.18 Fashion News P.20 For Her, For Him P.24 Travel the World P.26 Horoscope P.40 The Best, The Top, The Must Know!

P.42 Happenings P.48 On Spot P.50

Editor’s Letter

Becoming Comfortable

With Change

We find comfort in the known, the predictable, the familiar, the 100-time previously trodden path. We sometimes follow in the steps of others, do things the same way over and over again, and dwell in our comfort zones; all out of fear of change. Change, it is rather a dreadful word when we hear it. But change, it brings with it a fresh start and many unexplored opportunities.

Change isn’t always something we choose, and this is when it is most difficult. Change can be forced, unplanned, and unpredictable. It can happen to us when we are least prepared, when it is totally out of our hands and destiny decided to take its own turn of events. But change can also be our very own choice; it can be a rebellion on our current status quo, on our slumber mode, on the fact that life has been the same for far too long.

Chosen or not, forced or accepted, change isn’t easy and it never was. Change brings a lot of discomfort, insecurity, fear of the unknown, and you may even feel lost at times. You may not know it, but a whole new life can be waiting for you at that very other side of change. Your whole life, as you know it, can change in the most beautiful way once you decide to make use of your current circumstances and of all the things change bring along with it. Delve into that new experience, learn more about change, embrace it, get comfortable with it, and use it for your own good.

Accept it, live it, grow & evolve because change will always come your way.

Rana Hamdy 6 | JANUARY 2020

8 | JANUARY 2020

DUNDAS PRE-FALL 2020

LOVES

LADYBIRD

10 | JANUARY 2020

CHANEL PRE-FALL 2020

LOVES

LADYBIRD

JANUARY 2020 | 11

12 | JANUARY 2020

SPORTMAX PRE-FALL 2020

LOVES

LADYBIRD

JANUARY 2020 | 13

LADYBIRD

LOVES Altuzarra Pre-Fall 2020 14 | JANUARY 2020

JANUARY 2020 | 15

FASHION

SMOOTH IN HOUNDSTOOTH Houndstooth, one of our favorite winter motifs is back in every type of wear you can dream of. Add the pattern to your wardrobe in its famous black and white and be ready for some serious style feels.

PERFECT MOMENT SUPER STAR HOODED HOUNDSTOOTH QUILTED DOWN SKI JACKET

ALESSANDRA RICH HOUNDSTOOTH WOOLBLEND TWEED MINI SKIRT

BALENCIAGA HOUNDSTOOTH WOOL-TWEED KNEE BOOTS

ALESSANDRA RICH HOUNDSTOOTH WOOLBLEND TWEED JACKET 16 | JANUARY 2020

FASHION

MARIAM ASSEM

INSTAGRAM: bymariamassem

EGYPTIAN

MADE Shedding some light on Egyptian gems out there

HEBA HAZEM DESIGNS

INSTAGRAM: Designs_Heba_Hazem 18 | JANUARY 2020

EDITORIAL FEATURE

Why realme Became The Black Horse Of The

MOBILE INDUSTRY IN EGYPT

talents whom reflects the brand DNA and realme 3 tagline #PowerYourStyle the most powerful mobile in its price segment presenting the highest values VS. money. realme 3 achieves unprecedented online sales record +2000 units in the first 15 minutes. realme is an ardent advocate of activities that encourage social interaction and in promoting the development of youth related skills, realme Egypt organized in collaboration with Spring Mania festival one of the largest E-Sports tournaments in Egypt. The competition was held on the newly launched realme 3, an optimal platform due to the performance and powerful processor.

Over 1500 contestants of Spring Mania were competing in the PUBG and Clash Royale mobile game series with realme Egypt provided the grand prizes for first place winners.

realme has achieved several milestones during 2019, marking its position as one of the fastest growing smartphone brand in Egypt. When realme made its first debut in the Egyptian market launching realme 2 Pro & C1, it made a breakthrough in the industry witnessing a great sales volume through the exclusive online distributor, Jumia, and retail outlets. During the 1st month of its launch, total sales volumes of realme C1 and 2 Pro reached 13,000 units, positioning realme as one of the leading smartphone companies in the market in addition to the new online sales record which reached more than 9M EGP in 80 minutes only.

Following the big buzz of realme launch in the Egyptian market, realme Egypt was invited to share its successful launch tactics and the breaking online sales records we have achieved on E-commerce platforms in Creative Industry Summit. realme Egypt dazzled the market once more with realme 3 but this time with a special collaboration with one of the most popular photographers and a bunch of young

After Acquiring a Staggering 3.3% Market Share and +220,000 Users in Egypt, the annual E-Commerce Summit has praised realme as the fastest growing smartphone brand in Egypt. Partnering with the e-commerce platform Jumia.com, realme has successfully launched five models through the website and achieved record-breaking sales figures; more notably during the realme 3 Pro launch which sold +1,000 units in the first 5 minutes.

Later in 2019, disrupted the industry and revolutionized the user experience using realme 5, the first quad camera phone at EGP 2k price segment and realme 5 Pro, The 1st Qualcomm smartphone with 48MP quad camera in 3K EGP. realme 5 series contributed significantly in realme acquisition of 4.6% of Egypt’s smartphones market share ranked N’6 in 9 months in addition to realme 5 Pro recognized as the sales champion in 3k price range on Souq.com realme had its own strong impact intriguing aspiring photographers to explore the professional mobile photography for realme XT’s Photo Gallery. Allowing users to create art wherever and whenever, the realme XT 64 megapixels quad camera Xpert takes mobile photography to a new level. Seif Amr, one of the main artists behind the photo gallery and a popular travel photographer, is known to capture all the beauties of Egypt while shedding light on the world’s different cultures, traditions and people through art.

JANUARY 2020 | 19

FASHION NEWS H&M Drops Billie Eilish Merch Collection H&M is thrilled to announce their merch collection for Billie Eilish, one of the biggest stars in music right now. The merch features official logos of the 17-year old singer and songwriter in oversized silhouettes and all the clothing has been made from materials sourced in a more sustainable way. The accompanying campaign includes work by the trailblazing 3D makeup artist Ines Alpha, from the main visuals to an exclusive Snapchat filter. The Billie Eilish merch collection is available not at all sotres carrying the Divided concept.

HUWA X Karim Najjar Tis the season! This year, the Egyptian fine men’s accessories brand, HUWA, collaborates with style icon and business man Mr. Karim Najjar on a very special collection, bringing the ultimate festive vibes. Chief Executive and Managing director of one of the leading automotive service providers in the Egyptian market, Karim Najjar, symbolizes the ideal HUWA gentleman; successful, bold and stylish. Known for his daring yet elegant fashion taste, he loves experimenting new trends and supporting emerging designers locally and internationally making the perfect match for this merry collaboration. Inspired by the joyful vibes of Christmas and Karim’s fondness for everything that sparkles and glows, HUWA x Karim Najjar channels the cheerful and elegant vibes of the festive season featuring pieces that glams up every gentleman’s look by having them covered in style this winter. beige, yellow, white and a soft blue hue, reflecting the different colors found within and around the desert from dawn to dusk.

20 | JANUARY 2020

Menna Khalil Launches Her Latest Collection Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe

Get Cozy In Jazzy It’s the season for cozy sweaters, aviator jackets, wool coats, lazy mornings and coffee; it’s finally winter in beautiful sunny Cairo and Jazzy is gearing up this season to offer the best shades to flaunt in the frosty winter breeze. Jazzy eyewear introduced a small campaign to show all the ways Jazzy can be worn this winter, whether it’s casual winter mornings or a fancy brunch. The campaign shows how Jazzy can be worn on a posh all leather look or a simple knitted pullover. The sunglasses come in square and round shapes, with high quality polarized and mirrored lenses. The eyewear includes top notch frame technology, providing light weight sunglasses that are durable yet fashionable and trendy. Jazzy Eyewear is available in a selection of Baraka and C&Co stores around Cairo and Alexandria, in numerous hot spots and malls with the likes of Cairo Festival City, City Stars, Mall of Arabia and more or shop all Jazzy eyewear on the brand’s just launched website: http://jazzyonline.com/.

Menna Khalil strikes with her darkest collection inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. “I wanted to make a collection inspired by him since Summer, but it was too dark as a collection and color palette, so I postponed it for this fall.” she says. What intrigued her to create a collection inspired by him was how dark yet fragile, how full of pain, yet yielding for love. His short journey was full of pain and loss he tried running away from his reality by opium, getting drunk and poetry In this collection, Menna is tackling his palette, his words, his pain and his depression trying to raise awareness that we all are prone to it. This is her sixteenth collection and second to tackle psychological disorder.

Photography: Kholoud el Mahdy Videographer: Mahmoud Moustafa Model: Esraa Ghandour Pianist Tasnimplaysthepiano

Sami Amin’s Pharaonic Collection for year 2020 Sami Amin launches his latest collection inspired by the Pharaonic era. The col-lection is a direct expression of our Egyptian civilization which is deeply em-bedded in the human history. The pharaonic spirit has appeared in all Sami Amin’s designs and it painted the features and characteristics of the brand since its appearance 30 years ago, and it was a great challenge for any de-signer to emulate the pharaonic designs with their perfection. The collection tells a small part of the myth of Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Each motif is hand-carved in wax and cast in brass with the traditional crafting methods. The leather used is selected from the finest Egyptian leather and tanned with special specifications to fit the pattern and dyed in the same colors spread in the Pharaonic inscrip-tions, and fabricated by the hands of skilled workers. The colors of the leather varied from turquoise blue, red, black, reddish brown, Camel and beige, and we used copper metal with its oxidized yellow color or silver plated.

JANUARY 2020 | 21

FASHION

1

DIAL IN THE STREET STYLE

5

3

2

3

4

6 7 22 | JANUARY 2020

1. NORMA KAMALI Sleeping Bag oversized snake-print shell coat 15,360 EGP 2. ALEXANDERWANG twisted cutout stretch-cotton jersey mini dress 4,745 EGP 3. STELLA MCCARTNEY The Falabella tiny faux brushed-leather shoulder bag 17,712 EGP 4. JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN ribbed cashmere beanie 1,623 EGP 5. WANDLER Isa leather ankle boots 16,130 EGP 6. LIPSTICK QUEEN lipdulgence Velvet Lip Powder - Brown Sugar 635 EGP 7. ZIMMERMANN Cipher square-frame acetate sunglasses 5,432 EGP

GLAMOUR

TREATING WINTER CHAPPED LIPS The harsh weather conditions of winter can be really brutal to our skin and in specific our lips, especially unlike the rest of the body, lips are mostly exposed and uncovered with layers of clothes. The excessively cold and harsh weather can dry out the lips. The lips tend to dry out faster than the rest of the face, hence, they get chapped and if excessively dry, the tissues get torn and bleed.

Here’s what to do to keep your lips soft during winter.

• Don’t lick your lips. When the lips are dry, running your tongue over your lips may sound to you like a good idea. This doesn’t make the lips moist; on the contrary this can dry the lips out.

• Avoid rubbing or peeling your lips when flaky or chapped. In doing so, and other things like pulling the skin with your teeth, your lips will get cracked and soar.

• Use lip treatments overnight. This is an effective way to keep your lips moist and soft during winter. You can find a plenty of lip masks and butters that can lock the moisture in your lips and keep them hydrated.

• Keep a lip balm at reach. In your bag, at your nightstand, on your desk; always keep a lipbalm around and apply regularly to keep your lips moisturized. If your lips are excessively dry, lip butters will significantly moisturize your lips being thicker in formula and texture and are rich in shea butter.

• Opt for natural oils and remedies. Coconut water, aloe vera, and rose water mixed with honey will help nourish your skin and protect it from chapping.

THE BODY SHOP LIP BALM KIEHL’S BUTTER STICK LIP TREATMENT

YVES ROCHER LIP BALM

EOS LIP BALM

EOS LIP BALM JANUARY 2020 | 23

GLAMOUR

FOR HER GUCCI ROUGE A LEVRES IN PENNY BEIGE

SMITH & CULT NAIL POLISH IN SHATTERED SOULS

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY IN PLACE FOUNDATION

NUXE NUXURIANCE REPLUMPING ROLL-ON MASK TATA HARPER ELIXIR VITAE EYE SERUM

ARMANI PRIVE VERT MALACHITE KINETICS SOLAR GEL IN RAW ME GREEN COPY

24 | JANUARY 2020

MARC JACOBS DECADENCE

CLARINS BE LONG MASCARA

FOR HIM ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA CLUB DEODRANT STICK

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK

COMME DES GARCONS AMAZINGREEN

HERMES EAU D’ORANGE VERT DEODRANT

VIKTOR & ROLF SPICEBOMB NIGHT VISION

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER LE MALE

TOM FORD NEROLI PORTOFINO DEODRANT STICK

BRICKELL MEN’S DAILY STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO

HERMES CONCENTRE D’ORANGE VERTE

JANUARY 2020 | 25

TRAVEL

TRAVEL THE WORLD

WINTER BREAK

DESTINATION: Morroco AGENCY: Travista DURATION: 8 Days/ 7 Nights PRICE: Starting from EGP 18,300 PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Round-trip flight ticket, Economy Class • Meet & Assist in Marrakech Airport • Round-trip Airport Transfers • 3 Nights Accommodation in Marrakech Hotel, HB • 2 Nights Accommodation in Fes Hotel, HB • 2 Nights Accommodation in Tangier Hotel, HB • Lunch in Marrakech / Rabat / Fes / Chefchaouen & Tangier • English / Arabic Speaking Guide • Entrance Fees to Sights Included in The Package PACKAGE EXCLUDES: • Any Extras not Mentioned in The Package • Beverages, Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, etc.

• More Optional Tours • Visa Fees, EGP 700

26 | JANUARY 2020

DESTINATION: Dubai AGENCY: Travco Holidays DURATION: 5 Days/ 4 Nights (New Year) PRICE: Starting from EGP 14,600 PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Round trip economy airfare on EgyptAir regular flights, including taxes.

• 4 - nights accommodation including breakfast and hotel taxes.

• Round trip airport transfers in Dubai.

• Tour leader with the group.

• PACKAGE EXCLUDES: • Any item not mentioned in the “Package Includes” section.

• UAE VISA for LE 1,850 per person.

• All personal expenses such as; beverages, room service, etc....

• City tax to be paid directly by the client AED 15 per room per night.

JANUARY 2020 | 27

INTERIOR

SHOP THE LOOK AT ZARA HOME

In Between Black & White 28 | JANUARY 2020

BLEND FURNITURE SOFA

ZARA HOME EXTRA SOFT TOWEL WITH DOUBLE BORDER ZARA HOME COTTON COVER WITH FRINGE

H&M HOME SHOWER CURTAIN

HOME CENTRE PLANTER

H&M HOME GLASS VASE

H&M HOME GLASS VASE

SALONI MOBILYA ARMCHAIR SALONI MOBILYA POUFFE JANUARY 2020 | 29

MIND & BODY

IS SEASONAL DEPRESSION A REAL THING?

30 | JANUARY 2020

Some people commonly complain during the cold months of the year about feeling gloomy and drained out of energy. According to psychology, depression during seasons transitions is actually a real thing. It is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder – commonly abbreviated to SAD, ironically. Most people who suffer from this disorder start witnessing symptoms starting from fall and all the way through the winter months.

If you are not sure whether you fall in this category or not, take a look on the symptoms associated with it:

SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: SAD is feeling depressed during the cold months of the year, no wonder some regions in part of the world call them the dark half of the year. While the symptoms usually start showing up during fall/winter time, a minor group of people experience it during spring/ summer seasons. There are some different symptoms between both of them, they both share most of the associated signs.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SAD: • • • • • •

Feeling down most of the time Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed Feeling sluggish and out of energy Having difficulty concentrating and sleeping Having frequent suicidal thoughts

SYMPTOMS SPECIFIC TO HOT OR COLD SEASONS: • Insomnia may occur during summer while oversleeping occurs during winter.

• Cold seasons may call for cravings while the hot seasons cause appetite loss.

• Sluggishness occurs in winter and anxiety may increase in summer.

SIMPLE WAYS TO CURE SAD: Unfortunately, SAD has a predictable pattern of recurrence. Taking some preventative measures during the onset of your respective season can help ease the symptoms.

Light Therapy: One way to ensure you’re giving a wide berth to seasonal depression is to start light therapy a bit early in the beginning of the season.

Exercising More: It’s a proven fact that there are many benefits to reap from exercising.

One of those benefits is reducing the occurrence of SAD symptoms.

Control Light at Home: The light at your place actually has a role in intensifying your symptoms or deflating them. If cold seasons are your enemy increase the amount of light and if hot ones are then do the other way around.

Practice Self-Care: Try meditating, spend more time outside, pamper yourself, and keep doing the things you always enjoy.

JANUARY 2020 | 31

MIND & BODY

32 | JANUARY 2020

Just to find their muscles starting to tremble. Should you be concerned when this happens? Not at all.

Muscles shaking is not a great cause for concern. Here are some reasons behind your muscles trembling: NOT HAVING ENOUGH SLEEP Sleeping is quite significant in order for your body to perform efficiently. If you head into your training session without having a good night’s rest, you may experience muscles shaking at some point in your exercise routine. It is a sign of fatigue and while it is not a bad sign, it’s recommended to skip the gym on days when you haven’t slept tight throught the night.

TOO MUCH, TOO SOON

3

Reasons Your Muscles Shake During Tough Workouts Exercise plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy and active. People always say pushing yourself to the limit is important when it comes to reaping the benefits of a workout. But, many of us have pushed themselves so hard during a workout

Challenging yourself to push harder is great, but you need to know when to stop.

Listening to your body is important or else you may end up injuring yourself. If you’re working on a new exercise routine or attempting a new pose that your body is not used to, your muscles may tremble.

This is because you may be working muscles that have been dorment for so long. To avoid this from happening, build your body’s strength gradually and take it easy on yourself.

YOUR BODY IS DEHYDRATED There are many signs for dehydration that you can look out for, but little do people know that your workout can be the best indicator. When your body is low on water, your muscles and connective tissues have difficulty performing what they are meant to do. Because thirst is not always an occurring sign of dehydration, you need to make sure you drink enough liquids through out the day for your body to function properly.

JANUARY 2020 | 33

Cooking

AN ASIAN FUSION Must-try Chinese Recipes

CHICKEN FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb.)

Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp. sesame oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. freshly minced ginger 4 c. cooked white rice (preferably leftover) 3/4 c. frozen peas 3 large eggs, beaten 3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce 2 green onions, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS: 1.In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then add to skillet, and cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

2.To the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add onion and carrots and cook until soft, 5 minutes, Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Stir in rice and peas and cook until warmed through, 2 minutes.

3.Push rice to one side of skillet and add remaining tablespoon sesame oil to other side. Add egg and stir until almost fully cooked, then fold eggs into rice. Add chicken back to skillet with soy sauce and green onions and stir to combine.

34 | JANUARY 2020

Honey Walnut Shrimp INGREDIENTS: 1 c. water 1 c. granulated sugar 1 c. walnuts 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs, beaten 1 c. cornstarch Vegetable oil for frying 1/4 c. mayonnaise 2 tbsp. honey 2 tbsp. heavy cream Cooked white rice, for serving Thinly sliced green onions for garnish DIRECTIONS: 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil. Add walnuts and let boil for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove walnuts and let cool on a small baking sheet.

2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place eggs in a shallow bowl and cornstarch in another shallow bowl. Dip shrimp in eggs, then in cornstarch coating well.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1� of oil. Add shrimp in batches and fry until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and heavy cream. Toss shrimp in sauce. Serve over rice with candied walnuts and garnish with green onions.

Source: www.delish.com

JANUARY 2020 | 35

RELATIONSHIPS

4 REASONS WE CHOOSE THE WRONG PARTNER The need to love and to be loved is a basic human instinct; and to fulfill this need, sometimes we haste into starting a new relationship. Filled with hopes and very high expectations, single people tend to dedicate a lot of their time and effort in finding a potential partner for a long-term relationship. Surprisingly, many can point out an unsuccessful relationship before it gets started. They even may be fully aware that their partner isn’t the right one; however, they choose to stay in the relationship despite the dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Questions remain the same for many people who are dissatisfied with their partners and their relationships: “Why do I keep on choosing the wrong partner?” “Why do I stay in relationships that make me unhappy?” “Who is the right one for me?” Without thorough self-awareness and a closer look at our inner selves, these complex questions will remain a mystery. No one in their right mind willingly and intentionally chooses to stay in an unhappy relationship, or one that is doomed to end. There are various reasons why we get into relationships that are not right for us, consciously and unconsciously.

Here are some factors why we choose partners that are not right for us.

36 | JANUARY 2020

FEAR OF LONELINESS Many people fear growing old alone, or ending up single. They fear being the last to get married or the last to have kids, or to be that forsaken single friend among their busy married ones. When you are moved by fear, you settle for less and you choose to stay in an unhappy relationship, with a partner that is not right, out of fear of ending up alone. In such, you delude your mind with false narratives that you will be able to cope and work on your happiness, or that you will try to change the things you don’t like about your partner. In this being said, your choice was driven by fear of loneliness or seeking romance and not because you actually like your partner.

LACK OF SELF-WORTH Being in a problematic relationship can affect our self-worth, especially when it’s a series of unsuccessful relationships and wrong partners. In a way or another, each one of us may have had an encounter with an emotionally abusive partner who has smashed our self-worth with their negative talk and the projection of their own insecurities on us. We walk out of such relationships wounded and hurt thinking we are unworthy of love and that we are the reason why the relationship has failed. If you are not fully aware of your value and your self-worth, you accept less than you deserve and settle for less thinking this is the best you can get. You begin to doubt yourself and make believe that if you walk out now, chances are no one else would accept you the way you are.

THE CHECKLIST Our Middle Eastern society has built us a flawed checklist for what a good husband/wife should be like.

The potentiality of a good wife is measured based on her housework capabilities, breeding capabilities, social standard and maintaining the proper social image. As for the potentiality of a good husband, it is measured based on his bank account status, all means of providing, the fancy house, the good car, the prestigious job, and again of course, the social standard and maintaining the proper social image.

When marriage is sought after as the main target or the objective of the relationship rather than a progressive stage in a happy relationship, the criteria of the partner ones chooses completely changes and leans towards a materialistic and a solely pragmatic approach. In such scenario, people are after ticking all the boxes in this checklist thinking this will create a happy and a successful marriage.

EMPTINESS AND LONGING FOR LOVE For some people, they can’t tolerate being single, it makes them feel empty. Their longing for love and romance makes them fall for the wrong partner because they seek living a certain state. They miss being loved, supported and cared for. When encountering someone who fills these certain voids, they jump in heads first, unaware they chose this person as a partner, not for who they are, but rather for how they make them feel, what they provide, or the way they mistakenly believe they complete them.

Before you choose someone as a lifetime partner, bear in mind there’s a lot you are choosing. Your partner is going to be the one you share your life with, the one you go on holiday trips with, the one you’ll share your daily meals with, the one who will influence how your kids grow, and the one who shares your journey. Your partner should be someone you know you will choose today, tomorrow and every single day if you had the chance to choose again and again.

JANUARY 2020 | 37

MOTHER & CHILD

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD

Recently, we read a lot of news about sexual abuse and rape, and as shocking as it may sound, such a traumatic incident is no longer restricted to adults, but kids too.

News of that sort is sure to strike fear in the hearts of parents in every house.

Parents talk their kids through almost every matter, from not to touch the hot stove and electricity sockets, to how to cross the streets and body hygiene. However, they find talking about body safety against sexual assault uncomfortable.

Instead of avoiding the talk, here are precautious steps and points to discuss to protect your child. • Build a strong, warm, and a friendly bond with your child.

By showing interest in their daily life and being actively involved, your child will get comfortable talking to you about anything and everything. Get to know their friends and colleagues and ask them about the types of activities they do on breaks. • Talk to them about their private body parts. In an age-appropriate manner, teach your child about their private body parts. Explain to them that private body parts are called private because they are not for anyone to see, with exception to mothers and fathers and doctors in accompany of the parents.

Teach them that no one is allowed to touch or to take pictures of their body parts and that they as well

38 | JANUARY 2020

AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT are not allowed to do so. This includes not only adults, but even other kids whether friends or classmates.

• Teach them about boundaries and saying no. Let your child understand that when and if they feel uncomfortable around someone’s physical contact, they have the right to express it. Not only strangers, but also people they know if a tickle or a hug makes them uncomfortable. It is important that the child understands that their body is their own and that no one has the right to touch their body in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

• Encourage your child to speak up.

Children sometimes don’t feel comfortable enough to share details with their parents and tend to become more secretive.

The reason is usually driven by fear of punishment, berate, or scolding. Always remind your child that they won’t get in trouble for talking to you, no matter what they will come saying. Keep this as a promise and don’t let your child ever regret speaking up.

• Be available. No matter how busy and cramped your schedule might get with this age’s fast pace, always spare some free time for your children to communicate and strengthen your bond together.

Besides sparing the time to sit and learn more about their updates through the day, let your child know it is ok to ask question.

Also, make them feel free to share their thoughts with you about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

JANUARY 2020 | 39

HOROSCOPE

BY MANISH KUMAR ARORA

LIFE This is an especially reflective cycle during which you have the chance to truly uncover your personal strengths and talents.You are planting seeds for the future, dreaming up plans that you might begin to develop two to three months down the road, if they still seem viable then. You are more aware of the benefits of networking, and you might find some great ideas through others now. You are more attracted to that which is progressive or unconventional during this cycle. The tendency to do things in excess is strong, but it can put unnecessary strain on you. You are in a good position for moderate but disciplined physical fitness and healthier lifestyle practices.

LOVE There is strength in your feelings of love and the power of attraction, which may open the door to new romantic relationships.Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this month.

However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. For singles, this is a good time for “eyes wide open” or experimental dating. Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. In the last week, you take a step back, focus on intimacy with a partner, or simply retreat a little from the hectic pace of life.

CAREER This month is powerful for identifying your priorities and for connecting to people and projects you love. You have energy at your disposal to move your plans forward, and you are more enterprising. You want to leave your mark on the world in some way-however big or small--and you are more able to make an impression than usual. Creative endeavors could prosper now, particularly those that draw upon the emotions or that require creative visualization skills, such as poetry, art, acting, and other such activities. You’d be wise to seek out a better, more satisfying work-life balance.

You’re driven to have better financial security, and the more money you have, the more secure you feel.

COMPATIBILITY You would find good compatibility with friends, colleagues, bosses, lovers who are Taurus in sign.

Both Taurus and Capricorn are down to earth persons, value the friendship, have admiration for each other and appreciate how both of them value friendship very sincerely. Capricorn is modest and wants stern discipline and a structured approach to life.. Both are introvert and do not enjoy much socializing and so find each other as compatible to share feelings. These traits will draw both of you towards each other during this month. Apart from Taurus, you would vibe well with Libra and Pisces too.

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HILTON AND THE GROOVE TO WELCOME NEW DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL TO EGYPT BY 2024.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP CAIRO CITYSTARS VISITS 57357 CHILDREN’S CANCER HOSPITAL. FOR THE FIRST TIME TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BAHEYA HAS MADE AN EARLY DETECTION FOR 20 WOMEN “DEAF AND HEARING IMPAIRED”.

HAITHAM NASSAR, GENERAL MANAGER OF HILTON PYRAMIDS GOLF, WAS RECENTLY NAMED THE “BEST GM TALENT DEVELOPER” ACROSS EGYPT AND NORTH AFRICA HOTELS BY HILTON. ATTRACTING THE WORLD’S LARGEST CORPORATIONS, CAIRO FESTIVAL CITY WELCOMES THE NEW HEADQUARTERS OF EXXONMOBIL EGYPT. ENG. AMGAD HASSANEIN APPOINTED CEO OF CITY EDGE DEVELOPMENTS. DEEZER-COMMISSIONED SURVEY: NEW SCIENTIFIC STUDY REVEALS ‘RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE’ FOR A BALANCED MUSICAL DIET

IKEA HOSTS SUSTAINABILITY COMPETITION IN THE EGYPTIAN SCHOOLS. NESTLE WATERS THE FIRST EGYPTIAN FACILITY TO RECEIVE THE AWS CERTIFICATION. OPPO AND IHS MARKIT UNVEIL INTELLIGENT CONNECTIVITY WHITEPAPER AT OPPO INNO DAY 2019 DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM FOR A CONNECTED FUTURE

THE EGYPTIAN COMPETITION AUTHORITY APPROVES UBER’S PENDING ACQUISITION OF CAREEM.

OPPO PLANS $7BN R&D PUSH TO BUILD A MULTIPLE-ACCESS SMART DEVICE ECOSYSTEM FOR THE ERA OF INTELLIGENT CONNECTIVITY. 42 | JANUARY 2020

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EGYPT, ZED PARK PRESENTS THE FAMOUS WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE IN CAIRO AND LAUNCHES THE FIRST EDITION OF THE MIDDLE EAST MUSIC EVENT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE EGYPTIAN REAL ESTATE MARKET SOMABAY LAUNCHES ITS CITY APP DIGITIZING ALL FACILITY MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES.

RAMSES HILTON CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING UP CEREMONY WITH CHILDREN CANCER HOSPITAL 57357.

HASSAN GHANEM APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF CITY EDGE DEVELOPMENTS. PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SONGS OF THE YEAR PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY.

STEIGENBERGER ALCAZAR SHARM EL SHEIKH HOSTS THE WORLD YOUTH FORUM 2019 MEDIA CELEBRITIES. SODIC’S “VYE” SELLS OUT ACHIEVING EGP 1 BILLION OF SALES IN 48 HOURS SODIC’S NEW ZAYED PROJECT BRINGS IN NEW GENERATION OF HOME BUYERS. SPOTIFY TAKES OVER CAIRO’S BILLBOARDS WITH 2019’S LOCAL STREAMING TRENDS.

STEIGENBERGER ALDAU RESORT IS AIMING TO LEAD IN SUSTAINABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. TWITTER HIGHLIGHTS THE TOP ENTERTAINMENTRELATED CONVERSATIONS IN THE COUNTRY THROUGH #THISHAPPENED IN EGYPT.

WITH EGP 200K, HENKEL & HELM FOUNDATION REVIVED INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES DAYS.

LE MERIDIEN PYRAMIDS HOTEL AND SPA ARRANGED A SPECIAL EGYPTIAN NIGHT WITH EGYPT’S INDIANA JONES FOR THE MARRIOTT BONVOY LOYAL MEMBERS. IN THE PRESENCE OF DR. MUSTAFA MADBOULY, PRIME MINISTER, CITY EDGE DEVELOPMENTS SIGNS THREE MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES FOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT , RETAIL MARKETING AND OPERATIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES IN THE NEW ALAMEIN CITY PALM HILLS DEVELOPMENTS ANNOUNCES PALM HILLS ALEXANDRIA PHASE 2 LAUNCH.

MAKADI HEIGHTS RALLY 2019 COMES TO AN END AND HONORS RAHHALA TOTAL RACING TEAM FOR WINNING THE MODIFIED DESERT RALLY AND AMR YOUNIS FROM ALPHA RALLY TEAM FOR WINNING THE UNMODIFIED SUV TOUR’S FIRST PLACE.

GROHE IS ONE OF GERMANY’S TOP THREE MOST SUSTAINABLE BIG COMPANIES.

PEPSI BLACK MIGHT ARGUABLY BE THE MOST GLAMOROUS LAUNCH PARTY OF THE YEAR.

RAMSES HILTON KICKED OFF ITS HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS WITH A CHRISTMAS COOKING CLASS, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT “OPIA” LOUNGE & BAR. JANUARY 2020 | 43

THE BEST THE TOP HOTELS

NOSTALGIC WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AT THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON CAIRO

Cairo, Egypt, January 2020: The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is bringing the good old nostalgic days back to Cairo’s favorite ballroom Alf Leila We Leila. Since founded in June 1959, the legendary property has been a symbol of elegance, history, and understated luxury. Bringing to Egypt the taste of modern international hospitality standards, the property holds fond memories for the greats of the Arab elites, royalty, artists, celebrities and the world’s most powerful and famous, first among them Nelson Rockefeller, Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.

The 1950s, 60s and 70s generations embrace treasured memories of world-class events at Cairo’s most historical wedding ballroom. For vintage elegance and opulence, Alf Leila We Leila is without par Cairo’s most popular ballroom. Hosting hundreds of glamorous high-profile weddings; its exquisite chandeliers and sumptuously upholstered walls adds a touch of class and luxury that time cannot fade.

Always loyal to Egyptian traditions, the hotels’ historical staircase celebrates cultural roots with authentic entertainment witnessing more than 50,000 Egyptian zaffa performances that highly contributes to the mystique of this timeless venue. Gliding down the sweeping staircase while the zaffa music notes rise up, remains the most sentimental and nostalgic wedding entrance of all time.

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THE MUST KNOW! Every wedding has a unique story and The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo has created bespoke moments for decades that showcase the distinct story of each couple. The Ladies and Gentlemen of the hotel are happy to assist couples in finding an opulent setting that suits their refined taste, be it lavish or intimate, traditional or themed. Whether the wedding is an intimate reception or a grand affair, spanning 924 square meters; Alf Leila We Leila can welcome up to 600 guests. For smaller, more intimate affairs or pre-wedding functions, the ballroom can be divided into three smaller venues.

It comes as no surprise that vintage inspired wedding themes is making a big comeback, and Alf Leila We Leila is no exception. The property’s experienced and professional team of event managers will turn wedding dreams into reality by applying their know-hows at service and transforming the ballroom’s exceptional settings into a one-of-akind celebration.

Executive Chef Bugra Keles and Pastry Chef Jean Francois Lavialle along with their culinary team work with passion to harmonize all special occasions with the refined culinary world.

The hotel celebrates all milestone events under one roof with exceptional dinner spaces, wedding venues and more.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton’s stunning ambiance and impeccable service will ensure wedding celebrations, anniversaries, and birthdays are unforgettable.

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HOTELS

WARM UP THIS WINTER OVER BRUNCH AT THE PALACE!

A warm winter welcome to the Palace for guests, family and friends to enjoy the cozy weather over brunch at the Cairo Marriott Hotel’s Omar’s Café and Garden Promenade. Enjoy the most scrumptious dishes at Omar’s Café brunch buffet from savory to sweet exquisitely prepared by Cairo Marriott’s specialized chefs. Multiple mouthwatering stations are available for guests to pick their favorite dishes, from grilled oriental food to a fresh fish station for those who love to choose their favorite catch. Also, a sushi station is available to delight in the Japanese seafood rolls. For an Italian taste nothing beats the pasta station with the different types and tempting sauces cooked right in front of you. Don’t forget to indulge in the most delicious desserts with a special mix of oriental and French pastries. Chocolate lovers can enjoy the chocolate fountain, homemade bars with roasted nuts, chocolate cake pops and many more fulfilling chocolate offerings. And for a signature warm dish have an Om Ali, to seal the day.

For booking call 27283000

GRAND NILE TOWER, VENUE FOR MATCHLESS EVENTS

Located in the heart of Cairo, Grand Nile Tower is beloved by all for both its stellar location and wide array of banquet halls and restaurants, ensuring a memorable event for any gathering, large or small. Grand Nile Tower banqueting facilities include three grand ballrooms that can accommodate up to 1,750 conference delegates in total. The landmark hotel also features several state-of-the-art board rooms to facilitate any number of meetings and functions, with full business amenities and WIFI to ensure that conferences and teleconferences flow smoothly, and uninterrupted. For those seeking the grandeur of high art and music, Grand Nile Tower also features an exclusive and lavishly outfitted 885-seat multi-purpose auditorium which offers a perfect venue for conferences, lectures, theatricals performances, concerts, and special film showings. Moreover, Grand Nile Tower hosts over seven restaurants on site, offering selections from across the globe for those not looking for spicy debate, but for savoury culinary delights instead. With breathtaking views, spacious, flexible exquisitely appointed facilities, and superb support services, Grand Nile Tower is the ideal venue for any event

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HOTELS

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FLAVORS AND EXTRAORDINARY AMBIANCE IS WHAT ALFREDO RESTAURANT IS ALL ABOUT AT MARRIOTT MENA HOUSE, CAIRO Set within elegant, intimate seating arrangements, and breathtaking views of the landscaped gardens, Alfredo restaurant where all Italian goodies are mastered, offers a unique dining experience of Italian authentic cuisine. Guests can enjoy the delicious dishes while being entertained with live guitarist performance during evening time. Whether it is a pizza or a more elaborated dish that you are craving for, any occasion at Alfredo restaurant is meant to be an exquisite gastronomic experience embraced by an elegant atmosphere.

TECHNOLOGY

HUAWEI LAUNCHES THE ICONIC NEW NOVA 5T

Huawei has recently unveiled its newest Huawei Nova 5T, which is considered a continuation to the company’s success. The aim is to provide a series, which combines technological advances and state of the art smartphones in terms of the external design and affordability. The new Nova 5T surely comes with astronomical value and is available in the Egyptian market. The new Huawei Nova 5T features dazzling colors, amazing textures and reflective design, which creates an immersive feeling of boundless space with 3 colors crush blue, black and midsummer purple respectively.

ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ITS LAUNCH IN THE EGYPTIAN MARKET. AN INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR FOR REALME FOR YOUTH AT CAIRO UNIVERSITY

Cairo University. realme held an introductory seminar at Cairo University, to celebrate the overwhelming success that the young brand achieved in its first year in the Egyptian market, and to emphasize its slogan ‘’ Dare To Leap ‘’ and values that embrace, that youth is the future. realme announced, that the number of its users in the Egyptian market has exceeded half a million users, and this is in less than a year since the launch of the brand in Egypt, as it ranked sixth with a market share of 4.6% in the reports of September 2019. This seminar took place as a part of the campaign “Creativity ... Your Way to Success”, in which realme is participating, and it was not the first, as the campaign was launched at Ain Shams University last October, and its objective is to spread the culture of creativity in the field of information and communication technology.

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RETAIL MANSOUR MOBILIZES TO PHASE OUT ONE-USE PLASTIC BAGS

The Mansour Group is proud to continue its environmentally friendly efforts by selling reusable, locally produced shopping bags at its Fresh Food Market stores. The new waterproof eco-friendly bags are large, durable, and produced in partnership with the Degla Community Development Foundation, an organization that employs and empowers over 65 skilled female bread earners.

Fresh Food Market is a premium retail gourmet chain and is part of the Metro Markets company owned by Mansour.

These efforts are a result of roundtable discussions between Mansour, the Ministry of the Environment, and The Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe. The aim is to reduce Egypt’s reliance on plastic bags and move to safer alternatives.

Mansour’s environmental initiative aims to reduce reliance on plastic bags. We encourage our shoppers to buy our locally produced bags instead of using plastic bags. We are also planning to implement these changes at all of our Metro and Kheir Zaman stores.

In 2015, we were able to reduce our overall annual electrical consumption by a third after converting all existing retail, factory, and building lights to efficient L.E.D. lighting. Such initiatives are part of Mansour’s broader environmental policies.

ENTERTAINMENT THE FIRST EDITION OF THE THREE-DAY MIDDLE EAST MUSIC EVENT “M.E.M.E” TAKES PLACE ZED PARK

ZED Park is introducing the first edition of Middle East Music Event (MEME), the greatest music event the Middle East has to offer, as part of its entertainment platform “ZED Park Presents”. The three-day music event is scheduled to take place from 9-11 January and will showcase a series of alternative music performances for renowned and underground bands, such as: Massar Egbari, Sharmoofers, Cairokee, Wust El Balad and Marwan Pablo. M.E.M.E.’s unique set list will bring together the best collection of sound that Egypt has to offer. The lineup for the first day will include Egyptian bands Hawass and Massar Egbari, Jordanian bands, Akher Zapheer and Autostrad and Egyptian singer, Balqeis. On the second day, the lineup will include Egyptian bands, Do’souqa, Wust El Balad, Sharmoofers and Lekhfa, Jordanian bands, Jadal and Ayloul, in addition to, the Egyptian singer Marwan Pablo. Third and final day, the lineup will include the following bands, High Dam, Almena, Shabjdeed and Al Nather, Kahareb, the artists Dina El Wedidi and Aziz Maraka and the famous Cairokee.

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5, Abou El Feda Street, Om Kolthoom Hotel, Zamalek: 0101 222 8815 / 02 2737 2552 WESTOWN HUB, SODIC: 0102 004 0984 Alexandria L’PASSAGE MALL ALEXANDRIA-DOWNTOWN: 0100 002 7232 JANUARY 2020 | 49

ON SPOT EXPLORE THE WORLD OF VOX CINEMAS AT CITY CENTRE ALMAZA The region’s leading cinema entertainment brand made its official debut at City Centre Almaza, with an exclusive event that allowed viewers to truly explore the universe of VOX Cinemas. Rolling out the first IMAX screen on the East of Cairo, VOX Cinemas at City Centre Almaza will feature 16 new screens including Gold, Kids and 4DX, offering a range of exclusive screening experiences to meet every movie goer’s needs.

FLAVORS REINVENTED; MELT BISTRO AND CAFÉ, OPENS IN MALL OF EGYPT MELT Bistro and Café has officially opened its doors! Located inside Mall of Egypt overlooking Ski Egypt, this unique bistro and café is set to reshape the culinary scene in Egypt. With a fusion of flavors from around the world, MELT Bistro and Café introduces delightful new twists to all our favorite dishes.

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ON SPOT EMPORIO ARMANI OPENING AT MALL OF EGYPT Emporio Armani opens its doors to Egypt’s fashion trendsetters at its latest luxury branch in Mall of Egypt, in a chic evening attended by some of the country’s notable names in cinema, fashion and the lifestyle industry.

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ON SPOT EGYPT’S BIGGEST FASHION PLATFORM; CAIRO FASHION FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH SEASON 11 In partnership with The First Mall - Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, Cairo Fashion Festival (CFF) rolled out its 11th season. CFF brought a unique show to the runway with their Pharaonic themed line-up. The exclusive VIP saw some 1,000 guests from high society including Fashion designers, buyers, celebrities, social influencers and businessmen come together to support burgeoning Egyptian fashion designers as well as capturing a sneak peak of hot trends etched for the Fall/Winter 2019/2020 collections.

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ON SPOT MARRIOTT EGYPT GLOBAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK GCAW is a globally celebrated week among Marriott hotels worldwide showing appreciation for our top customers in unique ways, this week has become a cultural pillar of our global sales team and hotels from all brands across the world. During this week, executives from all levels of leadership partner with associates from all sales channels to engage in thanking our customer for their business.

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ON SPOT SIP, SWAY, AND SAVOUR THE WINTER SEASON WITH THE DEBUT OF LA FÊTE

BY LE MÉRIDIEN Le Meridien Cairo Airport welcomed the holiday season in style with the launch of La Fête by Le Méridien. Media, bloggers and influencers were invited to enjoy matchless moments and experience a chic holiday gathering over festive cookies, cocktails and music followed by gift wrapping workshop where guests wrapped their freshly baked box of cookies with La Fête gift-wrapping paper and customize La Fête post cards with their personalized handwritten notes

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ON SPOT STEIGENBERGER ALCAZAR SHARM EL SHEIKH HOSTS THE WORLD YOUTH FORUM 2019 MEDIA CELEBRITIES The luxurious Steigenberger Alcazar Hotel was honoured to host, and for the third time, the Egyptian media delegate and a number of celebrities, VIPs and public figures who arrived at Sharm El Sheikh to attend the 3rd World Youth Forum from 14 to 17 December, 2019.

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