After Mohamed Emam unveiled the poster for his upcoming film &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa,&rdquo; excitement began building among fans of two generations. While some audiences grew up watching Adel Emam&rsquo;s 1991 classic, younger viewers are curious to discover a new take on the iconic story.
The poster, which teases the film&rsquo;s arrival with the word &ldquo;Soon,&rdquo; has left fans wondering what the new installment will bring to the big screen. But why is the film generating so much interest? Here are five reasons why we&rsquo;re excited to watch Mohamed Emam&rsquo;s take on Shams El Zanati.
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1. Reviving Adel Emam&rsquo;s Cinematic Legacy
Released in 1991, &ldquo;Shams El Zanati&rdquo; is one of Adel Emam&rsquo;s memorable cinematic works. Set during the Second World War, the film follows a group of men hired to defend a remote desert oasis after it is attacked by armed men led by Marshal Barai.
Al-Shaikh Othman travels to Cairo to acquire weapons and recruits Shams El Zanati and his companions to fight back against the attackers. The original film featured a distinguished cast, including Mahmoud Hemida, Sawsan Badr, Mahmoud El Gendy, and Mostafa Metwally.
Bringing the story back to the big screen more than three decades later offers an opportunity to revisit a beloved piece of Egyptian cinema. With Mohamed Emam taking on the new project, audiences are eager to see how he will honor his father&rsquo;s legacy while giving the story a new identity.
2. Discovering Shams El Zanati&rsquo;s Origins
One of the most intriguing aspects of &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa&rdquo; is its prequel storyline.
Rather than retelling the events of the original film, the new installment explores the earlier stages of Shams El Zanati&rsquo;s life, tracing his upbringing, the experiences that shaped his character, and his relationships with his friends and companions.
This approach gives audiences the chance to discover what happened before the events of the 1991 film and gain a deeper understanding of the character. It also raises questions about how the new story will connect with the original and whether it will reveal details that change how viewers perceive the iconic hero.
3. A New Cast Bringing Fresh Energy
The film introduces a new lineup of actors, with Mohamed Emam joined by Bassem Samra, Yasmine Raeis, Ahmed Abdelhamid, Mahmoud Moghny, and Enjy Kiwan.
The new cast brings a different dynamic to a story familiar to longtime fans. Audiences will be eager to see how the actors portray the characters and relationships that shape Shams El Zanati&rsquo;s world.
For Mohamed Emam, the project also presents a unique opportunity to lead a film connected to his father&rsquo;s legacy while establishing his own interpretation of the central character.
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4. A Nostalgic Journey for Two Generations
Part of the excitement surrounding &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa&rdquo; comes from its potential to connect different generations of moviegoers.
For those who remember the original, the new film offers a chance to revisit a familiar cinematic world and rediscover the characters that made it memorable. For younger audiences who may not have seen Adel Emam&rsquo;s version, it provides an opportunity to explore a story that has remained part of Egyptian cinema.
The new installment may also encourage viewers to return to the 1991 film and compare the two versions, from their storytelling and characters to their different cinematic approaches.
5. What Will Be Different This Time?
Perhaps the biggest question is how the new film will distinguish itself from the original.
With a prequel storyline, a different cast, and a new creative team, &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa&rdquo; has the opportunity to explore familiar characters from a fresh perspective.
Will the film preserve the spirit of the original while introducing its own identity? How will the earlier events shape Shams El Zanati&rsquo;s character, and what new details will audiences discover about the people who influenced his journey?
These unanswered questions are part of what makes the film intriguing. Until more details are revealed, audiences will have to wait to see how the new installment balances nostalgia with a fresh cinematic experience.
Mohamed Emam Reunites With Ahmed Khaled Moussa for "Al-Asatza"
Meanwhile, Mohamed Emam is preparing for another cinematic project, &ldquo;Al-Asatza,&rdquo; in which he is set to star alongside Ahmed El Sakka.
Written by Mohamed El Dabbah, the film reunites Emam with director Ahmed Khaled Moussa following their collaboration on &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa.&rdquo;
The new project marks another collaboration between the actor and director, adding to the anticipation surrounding their upcoming work. With &ldquo;Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa&rdquo; and &ldquo;Al-Asatza&rdquo; on his slate, audiences will have more to look forward to from Mohamed Emam in Egyptian cinema.
Photo Credit: Mohamed Emam&rsquo;s FB official page.
&nbsp;

5 Reasons Why We’re Excited For Mohamed Emam’s “Shams El Zanati: Ayam El Shakawa”

After a four-year break from leading roles in cinema, Ahmed Helmy is finally returning to the big screen with his upcoming film &ldquo;Hadoota,&rdquo; set to hit cinemas on 11 November 2026.
The announcement has excited fans eager to see the Egyptian star take on another character and deliver the distinctive mix of comedy, emotion, and unexpected twists that has made his films memorable over the years.
As audiences prepare for &ldquo;Hadoota,&rdquo; here are 10 Ahmed Helmy movies worth revisiting before his highly anticipated comeback.
Wahed Tany (2022)
&ldquo;Wahed Tany&rdquo; marks Ahmed Helmy&rsquo;s most recent film as a leading actor before his upcoming return. Released in 2022, the film follows Mustafa, a social worker at the Prison Service who realizes he has lost his passion for life after reconnecting with former classmates.
Hoping to regain his enthusiasm, Mustafa turns to an invention designed to restore his passion. However, things take an unexpected turn, setting him on a journey that challenges his understanding of himself. With Ahmed Malek among the cast, the film combines comedy with questions about identity, ambition, and the search for happiness.
X Large (2011)
&ldquo;X Large&rdquo; is more than a comedy for many Ahmed Helmy fans. It is a film that combines black comedy, romance, and a surprisingly emotional look at loneliness and self-acceptance.
Helmy plays Magdy, an overweight man who has plenty of friends but struggles to find someone who sees him as a potential romantic partner. His life becomes more complicated when he reconnects with his childhood friend Dina, played by Donia Samir Ghanem. Hoping to win her heart, Magdy discovers that their relationship might not be what he imagined.
Through Magdy&rsquo;s experiences, the film explores insecurity, friendship, and the desire to be loved for who you are. Its memorable comedic moments and emotional undertones have helped it remain a fan favourite.
Assal Eswed (2010)
&ldquo;Assal Eswed&rdquo; is one of Helmy&rsquo;s most memorable films, blending comedy with a heartfelt exploration of belonging and national identity.
The story follows Masry, an Egyptian man who leaves his home country as a child and grows up in the United States. Years later, he returns to Egypt as a tourist, only to encounter situations that challenge his expectations and change his perspective on the country he left behind.
As he meets people and experiences the realities of everyday life in Egypt, Masry begins to reconsider what home truly means. The film balances humour with an emotional message about identity, connection, and the meaning of belonging.
Assef Ala Al Izaag (2008)
If you think Ahmed Helmy is only a comedy actor, &ldquo;Assef Ala Al Izaag&rdquo; is a film worth revisiting.
Helmy plays Hassan Salah El-Din, a dedicated aeronautical engineer whose life revolves around his work. When he falls in love with Farida, played by Menna Shalaby, he seeks advice from his father, while his mother disapproves of his approach to life.
As the story unfolds, Hassan&rsquo;s life takes a dramatic turn, revealing a more complex psychological struggle beneath his seemingly ordinary behaviour. The film stands out for Helmy&rsquo;s dramatic performance and its attention to the character&rsquo;s experiences, offering audiences a different side of the actor beyond his familiar comedic roles.
Keda Reda (2007)
What happens when three identical brothers fall in love with the same woman without her knowing they are three different people?
In &ldquo;Keda Reda,&rdquo; a mother gives birth to triplets named Prince, Bibo, and Semsem. After she dies, their father, played by Lotfy Labib, raises them in a way that allows them to pass themselves off as one person named Reda.
Years later, the brothers use their resemblance to deceive others, despite having very different personalities. Their carefully maintained secret becomes increasingly complicated when they all fall for the same woman, played by Menna Shalaby.
With Helmy taking on three distinct roles, the film showcases his versatility and comic timing, building its humour around mistaken identities, elaborate schemes, and the brothers&rsquo; contrasting personalities.
Zarf Tareq (2006)
&ldquo;Zarf Tareq&rdquo; follows Tareq, played by Ahmed Helmy, an employee at a telecommunications company who gets into trouble after obtaining a female subscriber&rsquo;s information at the request of a customer.
After falling in love with the woman, played by Nour, Tareq introduces himself under a different name, Omar, claiming to have known her during high school. His decision sets off a chain of complications as he struggles to maintain his invented identity.
The film combines romance and comedy while exploring how a seemingly small lie can spiral into a much bigger problem. It is another example of Helmy&rsquo;s ability to turn an ordinary situation into a series of entertaining misunderstandings.
Zaki Chan (2005)
In &ldquo;Zaki Chan,&rdquo; Helmy plays Zaki, a young man determined to make his father, played by Hassan Hosny, proud. He decides to become a bodyguard for the wealthy man his father works for, hoping to prove himself.
However, his plans become complicated when he falls in love with Sherine, the employer&rsquo;s daughter, played by Yasmin Abdelaziz. His feelings put him in a difficult position, leading to a series of comedic situations.
The film combines romance and physical comedy, with Helmy&rsquo;s character navigating the gap between his ambitions and the unexpected complications of love.
Saye' Bahr (2004)
&ldquo;Saye' Bahr&rdquo; introduced audiences to Hantira, one of Helmy&rsquo;s distinctive comedic characters. Set in Alexandria, the film follows Hantira and his two friends, who make a living singing at local weddings.
Their lives take a dramatic turn when Hantira is accused of murder. As his friends try to prove his innocence, the situation threatens his future and his plans to marry his fianc&eacute;e, played by Yasmin Abdelaziz.
The film stands out for its Alexandrian setting, local humour, and characters whose distinctive mannerisms give the story its own personality.
Mido Mashakel (2003)
&ldquo;Mido Mashakel&rdquo; follows Mido, a technical college student who works installing satellite dishes in his spare time. His tendency to get into trouble earns him the nickname &ldquo;Mido the Troublemaker.&rdquo;
However, his everyday problems take a more serious turn when a mysterious man, played by Khaled Saleh, approaches him with a secret mission.
The film combines comedy, romance, and adventure, with Helmy portraying a young man whose curiosity and impulsiveness repeatedly lead him into unexpected situations.
El Nazer (2000)
When looking back at Ahmed Helmy&rsquo;s career, it is difficult to leave out &ldquo;El Nazer&rdquo; and his beloved character Atef.
The film, starring the late Alaa Wali El Din alongside Helmy, Hisham Selim, Hassan Hosny, Basma, and Mohamed Saad, follows the struggles surrounding a school and its strict headmaster.
As Atef, Helmy plays a carefree character whose innocent outlook and cheerful attitude make him memorable. His performance helped establish his presence in Egyptian comedy and remains a nostalgic favourite for audiences who grew up watching the film.
With &ldquo;Hadoota&rdquo; approaching, revisiting these films offers a reminder of the different characters Ahmed Helmy has brought to the screen, from lovable comedic figures to emotionally complex protagonists.
What&rsquo;s next for Helmy?
Beyond his upcoming comeback, Helmy is also preparing for &ldquo;Ad&rsquo;af Khalqoh,&rdquo; another film featuring Hend Sabry. He also appeared in &ldquo;El Sett&rdquo; in 2025 as a guest of honour. His last film as a leading actor was &ldquo;Wahed Tany,&rdquo; released in 2022, making &ldquo;Hadoota&rdquo; a new chapter in his cinema career.
Photo Credit: Ahmed Helmy&rsquo;s official page

Ahmed Helmy Returns With “Hadoota”: 10 Movies To Revisit Before His Comeback

Brad Pitt stars alongside a German Shepherd in &lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo;, a survival thriller about the bond between a man and his loyal canine companion. The film, directed by David Ayer, reunites the actor with the filmmaker behind &lsquo;Fury&rsquo;.
Set in the Alaskan wilderness, the story follows a former Special Forces soldier and his combat dog as they fight to survive after a plane crash. But the film&rsquo;s appeal extends beyond its action sequences, exploring trust, companionship and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.
And while Pitt plays the lead human character, James Belmont, his canine co-star has a story of his own. Four German Shepherds share the role of Odin, with Uber taking the lead.
What Is Heart Of The Beast About?
Following a plane crash, retired US Army Special Forces veteran James Belmont, played by Pitt, and his combat dog, Odin, find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.
With harsh weather, dangerous terrain and other threats standing between them and safety, the pair must rely on one another to survive.
Directed by Ayer, whose previous films include &lsquo;Fury&rsquo;, &lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo; explores the relationship between a soldier and his working dog. The film presents them as partners whose shared experiences and mutual trust become essential to their survival.
The film is scheduled for release in US cinemas on 25 September 2026. In Egypt, VOX Cinemas lists its release date as 24 September 2026.
What Makes The Film So Special?
Rather than focusing on a conventional romantic relationship, 'Heart of the Beast&rsquo; explores a different kind of love story: the bond between a man and his dog.
James and Odin have a history of working together, and their relationship is put to the test when they are forced to navigate the wilderness without the support they once relied on.
Director Ayer has described the film as a story about two beings who have endured difficult experiences together and developed a deep connection. Their relationship is central to the narrative, with each character contributing to the other&rsquo;s chances of survival.
The film&rsquo;s emotional appeal lies in the idea that companionship is demonstrated through actions rather than words. As James and Odin confront the challenges ahead, their trust in one another becomes as important as their physical ability to endure the wilderness.
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Is 'Heart Of The Beast' Based On A True Story?
&lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo; is a fictional survival drama written by Cameron Alexander. However, its emotional themes draw on the real-life connection between people and their dogs.
The story follows James and Odin as they face life-threatening circumstances after their plane crashes in Alaska. Their shared struggle explores loyalty, grief and the importance of having someone to depend on when circumstances become overwhelming.
The film&rsquo;s premise also reflects the experiences of people who work alongside dogs in military, police and rescue operations, where trust and teamwork can be essential.
Although James and Odin&rsquo;s particular story is fictional, their relationship reflects the companionship that many people experience with their own animals.
How Many Dogs Play Odin In 'Heart Of The Beast'?
Four German Shepherds share the role of Odin, with Uber playing the principal character alongside his three offspring, Seeka, Ryker and Hondo.
According to &lsquo;GQ&rsquo;, the production team searched across New Zealand for dogs capable of performing the role. Uber stood out for his mature appearance and calm temperament, while his offspring were chosen as doubles for scenes requiring different physical abilities.
Animal trainer Andrew Simpson explained to &lsquo;GQ&rsquo; that the dogs&rsquo; similar appearances made them particularly suitable for the production.
Using four dogs allowed the filmmakers to capture a wider range of actions while maintaining consistency in Odin&rsquo;s appearance.
Uber Was A Rescue Dog Before Hollywood
Before landing his role in &lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo;, Uber had experience in mountain search and rescue in New Zealand.
According to &lsquo;GQ&rsquo;, Uber was a retired search-and-rescue dog whose background made him an unusual choice for a Hollywood production. His previous experience included working with a mountain rescue first responder.
Simpson, the animal trainer who selected Uber for the film, was impressed by the German Shepherd&rsquo;s temperament and maturity.
In an interview with RNZ, Simpson explained why he believed Uber was better suited to a different role than police work.
&ldquo;I think he was just too nice a dog to be a police dog,&rdquo; Simpson told RNZ.
Uber&rsquo;s background made him an especially interesting choice for a story about a working dog whose relationship with his human companion is central to the plot.
What Heart Of The Beast Reminds Us About Love
At its heart, &lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo; explores loyalty, trust and companionship through the relationship between James and Odin.
Their struggle for survival places their bond at the centre of the story, showing how two companions can rely on one another when faced with circumstances beyond their control.
While the film promises the tension of a wilderness survival thriller, its emotional focus is the connection between its human and canine characters.
For audiences who share their lives with dogs, the story may resonate as a reminder of the companionship animals offer, often without needing words.
Ultimately, &lsquo;Heart of the Beast&rsquo; explores the idea that some of our strongest relationships are built through trust, shared experiences and the willingness to stay by one another&rsquo;s side when life becomes difficult.
Photo Credit: Heart of the Beast&rsquo;s official page

Brad Pitt And Four Dogs In 'Heart Of The Beast': What Makes The Film So Special?

From AI-generated videos featuring Egyptian celebrities to freestyle performances recreating the original moment, the &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; trend has spread across social media. But how did it start, and why are so many people joining in? Here is what you need to know about the viral craze.
How Did The &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; Trend Start?
The trend began with an unexpected encounter outside a restaurant, where Dominican street artist Bulin 47 met content creator and freestyler Kevin Wai.
Kevin approached Bulin with a speaker playing a dembow beat and began freestyling. As Bulin was about to enter the restaurant, he stopped to respond with his own rhymes, adding a distinctive dance move that became one of the clip&rsquo;s most recognisable features.
The spontaneous exchange quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, attracting millions of views and inspiring users to recreate the moment.
Figures reported for the clip&rsquo;s reach have varied. Some early reports put its combined views across platforms at more than 50 million, while other media outlets reported that the original Instagram post had surpassed 94 million views.
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Egyptian Celebrities Join The &lsquo;Bulin 47&rsquo; Trend
The craze soon reached Egyptian social media, with celebrities putting their own spin on the viral clip. Some used artificial intelligence (AI) to replace Bulin 47&rsquo;s face with their own or with characters they had previously played on screen.
Actor Ahmed Helmy joined the trend with an AI-generated version featuring Maged, his character in the 2009 comedy film &lsquo;X-Large&rsquo;.
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Mohamed Saad also took part, using his iconic character Tetaḥ in an AI-generated recreation of the clip.
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Other Egyptian celebrities, including Mostafa Khater and Ramez Galal, joined in, adding to the trend&rsquo;s popularity on local social media.
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Mostafa Gharieb Takes A Different Approach
While several celebrities opted for AI-generated videos, actor Mostafa Gharieb took a different approach, recreating the trend through freestyle rather than relying on artificial intelligence.
Gharib used the viral format to promote his upcoming theatrical production, &lsquo;Layla Asal&rsquo;, demonstrating how a social media trend can also provide an opportunity to promote a creative project.
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Photo Credit: Screenshot from a Reel shared by Kevin Wai

What Is The ‘Bulin 47’ Trend? Egyptian Celebrities Join Viral Craze

Just days remain until John Legend welcomes a new chapter in his musical journey with the release of &lsquo;Muse,&rsquo; his upcoming 11th studio album.
Set to arrive on 23 October 2026, the 16-track project marks a major collaboration between Legend and longtime friend Pharrell Williams, who produced the entire album and co-wrote the songs. Recorded at Pharrell&rsquo;s studio in Paris, Muse brings together two artists whose friendship stretches back more than two decades.
When Will John Legend&rsquo;s &lsquo;Muse&rsquo; Be Released?
John Legend&rsquo;s 11th studio album, Muse, is scheduled for release on 23 October 2026.
The album features 16 tracks, with Pharrell Williams serving as its producer and co-writer throughout the project. Pharrell also appears as a featured artist on six songs.
What Inspired The Name &lsquo;Muse&rsquo;?
According to Billboard, the album&rsquo;s title is partly inspired by the nine Muses of ancient Greek mythology, the goddesses traditionally associated with inspiration in the arts and sciences.
The title also reflects the creative drive behind the project, as Legend has described the album as an opportunity to challenge himself rather than remain within the comfort zone of his established hits.
&ldquo;There are plenty of artists who get to a point in their career where they don&rsquo;t make anything new. We can just play the hits; we can stay in our comfort zone. But I believe it&rsquo;s important to keep the mindset that I have to continue to prove myself,&rdquo; Legend told Billboard.
&ldquo;I wanted this album to have that sense of urgency, to feel like something that needed to be made and is fully worthy of my audience&rsquo;s attention,&rdquo; he added.
John Legend And Pharrell Williams&rsquo; Longtime Friendship
While Muse marks their first full-length studio project together, Legend and Pharrell have known each other for more than 20 years.
Legend has previously reflected on their longtime friendship, writing on his official page: &ldquo;Pharrell and I have been friends for over 20 years. We finally made an album together.&rdquo;
Their long-standing relationship now takes a new form on Muse, with Pharrell playing a central role in shaping the album&rsquo;s sound from production and songwriting to featured appearances.
What Is The Lead Single From &lsquo;Muse&rsquo;?
The album&rsquo;s lead single, &ldquo;Daylight,&rdquo; is already available.
The track offers the first taste of the upcoming project ahead of its full release on October 23.
John Legend&rsquo;s &lsquo;Muse&rsquo; Tracklist
The 16-track album features a mix of solo performances and collaborations, with Pharrell Williams appearing on several tracks and Clipse joining Legend on &ldquo;Bodies on the Floor.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Muse&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Pray for Ya&rdquo; &ldquo;Her Introduction&rdquo; &ldquo;Her&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Daylight&rdquo; &ldquo;Get Back&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Are You Ok?&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Under the Bridge Introduction&rdquo; &ldquo;Under the Bridge&rdquo; &ldquo;Next Time&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Bodies on the Floor &ndash; Taps Introduction&rdquo; &ldquo;Bodies on the Floor&rdquo; (feat. Clipse) &ldquo;Doing Me&rdquo; &ldquo;Fireflies&rdquo; (feat. Pharrell Williams) &ldquo;Everything&rdquo; &ldquo;Sail Off&rdquo; With &lsquo;Muse&rsquo; only days away, John Legend is preparing to enter a new musical era, one shaped by longtime friendship, creative reinvention, and a collaboration with Pharrell Williams that has been more than two decades in the making.
Photo Credit: John Legend&rsquo;s official page

John Legend’s ‘Muse’: All You Need To Know About His New Album With Pharrell Williams

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Entertainment

By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Aly Fathalla's musical journey began at the age of four, when his father gave him his first keyboard. Inspired by watching his father play, he soon developed a passion for music that would shape his career as a producer, DJ and live performer.
More than two decades later, Fathalla has established himself across international trance, Egyptian pop, and film and television scoring. Alongside his childhood friend Fady, he has also built Aly &amp; Fila into a long-running electronic music project.
But his musical journey has continued to evolve. His latest project, &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;, combines original electronic music with live instrumentation, allowing him to explore a more personal approach to performing. The idea emerged following the birth of his first daughter, an experience that also influenced his creative outlook.
In this exclusive interview with NileFM, this week's &lsquo;DJ of the Week&rsquo; discusses his early musical influences, his partnership with Fady, the evolution of Aly &amp; Fila and the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on music. He also talks about fatherhood, his ambitions for &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; and the 12-track live set he has prepared for the show, airing tonight at 10pm.
Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to become a music producer and DJ, and how did your journey start?
My father had a love for music, and I used to watch him mesmerised as he played the keyboard. He worked as a doctor, yet music was always a big part of his life. He gave me my first keyboard when I was four, and I fell in love with music right then and there. As I grew older, my passion for music production and my curiosity about it also grew, eventually evolving into the music I play today. DJing is how I share my creations with the world, but my true passion is producing music and performing it live.
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After more than two decades in the music industry, what has remained at the heart of your identity as a musician?
I appreciate good music of all genres. Good music is simply good music. My identity is somewhat of a chameleon; it expands and changes with every new piece of music I produce. At its heart are my love of music and my curiosity to keep learning and creating something beautiful, whatever that may be. I always strive to produce good music, regardless of the genre.
You have been producing music since 2003. How do you think artificial intelligence will change music production and the creative process?
AI is definitely a double-edged sword; it depends on how artists choose to use it. If used creatively as a tool, it can have a very positive effect and be extremely helpful in the creative process. However, if it takes the lead in creating music, artists risk losing their identities and their sense of inspiration.
That's why I don't think AI can replace the human element. Music has a personality that makes every piece unique to the artist who created it.
You work across international trance and Egyptian pop. How do these two musical worlds influence each other in the studio?
It started the other way around. Initially, I brought part of my personality from the trance world into my Arabic pop productions, resulting in a distinctive sound that became recognisable in my music. Later, my love for our beautiful oriental sounds found its way into my dance tracks and helped elevate those productions as well. The two genres definitely influence each other in a very positive way, in my opinion.
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How do you continue to evolve creatively while maintaining the distinctive sound your fans recognise?
I am very grateful for the distinctive identity of my music, which I believe comes straight from the heart and reflects my personality. However, maintaining that identity is not something I consciously focus on.
I believe creative evolution comes from having the passion to keep learning, developing and exploring the new creative tools that emerge every day. At the same time, it is important to remain true to what I genuinely enjoy rather than blindly following trends.
I am humbled and ecstatic to have a sound that fans recognise. I have been blessed with that, and I am truly grateful.
How have social media and streaming platforms changed the way electronic music is produced, promoted and consumed?
Social media is a double-edged sword. It has helped artists reach wider audiences and appeal to the masses. However, it can also discourage talented artists from producing music simply because they haven't received enough likes or aren't particularly skilled at using social media.
Seeking validation online can be dangerous. You shouldn't let it make or break you.
In my case, my production process remains the same. I still strive to create music that I enjoy and believe in. However, social media has made me pay more attention to how I present my music and has made it easier to share what I have always done, even when no one was watching, with people who appreciate it.
It also encouraged me to take a videography course so I could shoot reels properly and motivated me to keep up with the times.
It is beneficial to watch and learn from other artists who share their work online, but it is important to maintain your own personality rather than blindly follow trends.
You and Fady have been making music together for more than two decades. What has kept your creative partnership going?
I believe it comes down to a long-standing childhood friendship, good communication and a shared creative vision, most of the time.
How has the Aly &amp; Fila sound evolved over the years, and what has defined its musical identity?
The Aly &amp; Fila sound has continuously evolved alongside the development of the tools available to us, including software and hardware, as well as our shared experiences and musical growth.
It has always reflected a shared personality between Fady and me, with our music carrying a distinctive flavour of collaboration and a common identity.
Our sound develops with every life event we share or experience separately, and with everything each of us learns. I believe this is what has created the uplifting and emotional nature of Aly &amp; Fila's music. When we first started, it was an emotionally meaningful project that uplifted both of us.
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You have launched &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;, a live concept featuring your original solo material and hardware instruments. What inspired you to explore this new creative direction?
Performance has always been something I truly enjoyed. In fact, it was part of how I first got into music. The equipment I used back then was much less sophisticated than what I have now, but I had been performing live since high school. Then life and the lack of technology had other plans.
After many years in the music business, spending most of my time in the studio or in front of a computer, I was inspired to make electronic dance music more personal, both for myself and for audiences.
Through a lot of trial and error, I eventually settled on the instruments I use today. They allow me to create and perform electronic music live, much like playing a conventional musical instrument. This makes the performance feel more human than simply playing a track through a computer.
I get to perform live and interact with the music I have produced, remixed or composed. It is a truly wonderful and exhilarating experience.
What does &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; allow you to explore musically that you might not be able to under the Aly &amp; Fila name?
It's not that this is music that couldn't be released under the Aly &amp; Fila name; it is simply a different direction in electronic dance music.
&lsquo;Alive&rsquo; has a different tempo and is aimed at a broader audience with a wider range of musical preferences. It is music that can be enjoyed by different age groups and is not limited to a particular genre.
There are no restrictions on genre or tempo with &lsquo;Alive&rsquo;. It is about whatever music comes from my soul or touches my heart. There are absolutely no limitations on what I can create or perform. I have even performed with an orchestra.
The project caters to a variety of audiences. It is a brand-new interpretation of electronic dance music.
How has fatherhood influenced you as an artist, and how do you balance family life with the demands of an international music career?
The idea for &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; actually came about with the birth of my first daughter.
I am a very hands-on father and am present in my daughters' lives in every way. Becoming a father has been an enriching emotional experience that has had a positive influence on my creativity. It has added more depth and emotion to everything I create.
As for the demands of an international music career, that side of things is only just beginning to develop, but so far, so good.
I stopped touring with Fady for a while following my ear injury in 2009. This allowed me to spend more time with my family, as most of my work was focused on production.
Since starting &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; and travelling again, my family has continued to come first. Sometimes they travel with me, and my partner makes sure the children are involved and know about the events I take part in.
I am blessed to have this time with my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Alongside your work in electronic music, you also compose for film and television. How does writing music for a story differ from producing your own tracks?
For me, music always tells a story, and I truly enjoy creating it in all its forms, whether acoustic or electronic. Writing music for a story means working within the boundaries of the narrative and the vision of its creators. However, I still enjoy the challenge of creating something beautiful that enhances the storyline and adds to it.
That's the difference. When I create my own tracks, I am limited only by my own vision, which is often limitless.
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What can visual storytelling bring out in you as a composer that you might not otherwise explore in your own productions?
Perhaps it is the challenge of communicating a story through music without lyrics and finding the best possible way for the music and the visuals to work together in a synchronised expression.
Having performed around the world, which experiences have had the greatest impact on you, both personally and professionally?
Watching how universal the language of music is has been particularly memorable. Interacting with audiences from all over the world and understanding one another through music is magical.
I love visiting places I wouldn't normally visit. I have performed in South Korea, for example.
On a personal level, it is wonderful to feel loved and valued for what you create. Having people appreciate you because of your music is a fulfilling experience.
Professionally, performing for different audiences and experiencing different cultures have been enriching. For example, performing in Saudi Arabia for two very different audiences at separate events was a lot of fun. Understanding how each crowd interacts with the music was a valuable learning experience.
Looking back at your career so far, what is the one ambition you have yet to fulfil?
Professionally, my ambition is definitely to take &lsquo;Alive&rsquo; to a much wider audience.
I also want to create a platform where I can teach music production and share my knowledge.
What can your fans look forward to next? Are there any new projects or musical directions you can tell us about?
There is always something new in the works, but I don't have anything specific to share at the moment. Hopefully, there will be more live shows and performances around the world.
Finally, what special surprise have you prepared for &lsquo;DJ of the Week&rsquo; on NileFM?
A live set of 12 original tracks performed live, which I hope you will enjoy.
Photo Credit: Aly Fathalla&rsquo;s official page

Exclusive | Aly Fathalla On His Musical Journey, Aly & Fila And The Story Behind ‘Alive’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nile FM Exclusive  

What happens when a music video becomes so visually recognizable that people start recreating its choreography with AI? That is exactly what happened with GENER8ION and Yung Lean's &ldquo;STORM.&rdquo;
After taking over social media with its hypnotic synchronized choreography, the visual returned to the spotlight at the 2026 Video Music Awards, where Yung Lean and GENER8ION recreated the viral sequence from &ldquo;STORM II.&rdquo; Surrounded by a high-energy dance crew, Yung Lean brought the strange, chaotic world of &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; from the screen to the VMA stage, reminding viewers why the choreography had become such an internet phenomenon in the first place.
But the performance was more than a viral dance moment. The choreography had already inspired countless recreations and, more recently, AI-generated versions featuring completely different characters, settings, and stories.
What Is &ldquo;STORM&rdquo;?
&ldquo;STORM&rdquo; is a two-part audiovisual project by GENER8ION, featuring Swedish rapper Yung Lean and directed by French filmmaker Romain Gavras. The project consists of &ldquo;STORM I&rdquo; and &ldquo;STORM II,&rdquo; bringing together music, choreography and cinematic visuals.
The distinction matters because while &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; refers to the overall project, &ldquo;STORM II&rdquo; contains the synchronized choreography that became its most recognizable and widely shared visual sequence. Dozens of suited students move in precise formations around Yung Lean, creating the hypnotic scene that later spread across social media and inspired countless recreations and AI-generated versions.
It is this sequence that eventually became the visual signature of &ldquo;STORM II.&rdquo;
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Why Did the Choreography Go Viral?
The mystique of &ldquo;STORM II&rdquo; lies in its choreography. Dozens of suited students move in sharp, synchronized formations while Yung Lean remains almost completely still at the center. The contrast immediately catches the eye: one person barely moving while an entire group moves around him almost as if they were one body.
The camera allows viewers to see the full formation, making every movement feel deliberate. Sudden changes in direction, repeated motions, and the precision of the dancers create an intense and almost hypnotic effect.
The choreography involved 66 dancers arranged across seven rows, adding to the scale and precision of the sequence. Rather than depending on complicated visual effects, the scene gets much of its impact from human movement and synchronization.
That is also what made it so easy to recognize. Once viewers saw the formation, they could immediately identify &ldquo;STORM II,&rdquo; even when the people, characters, or setting around it changed.
More Than Just a Dance
The choreography can be interpreted in different ways, from a representation of collective pressure and identity to a contrast between an individual and the world moving around them.
The stillness of Yung Lean at the center against the constant movement surrounding him creates a strange sense of tension. The viewer knows something is happening, but the choreography leaves enough room for interpretation.
Combined with the music's themes of love, pain, and letting go of darkness, the sequence feels less like a traditional dance performance and more like a visual representation of an emotional state.
And that ambiguity may be one of the reasons people keep coming back to it.
From Viral Dance to AI Trend
Once the choreography became recognizable, the internet took it a step further. Creators began using AI to recreate the famous formation with different characters, worlds, and stories while keeping the same basic visual language of the original.
The result is a trend where the choreography itself becomes a template. Instead of simply copying a dance, users can place almost anyone inside the &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; universe. The central figure can be replaced, the surrounding dancers can become fictional characters, and the entire setting can be transformed while the recognizable synchronized movement remains.
This is what helped the trend travel beyond music fans and reach people who may not even have heard the original song.
Egypt Put Its Own Spin on the Trend
As the AI trend spread, Egyptian social media users quickly gave it a local identity. One of the most recognizable examples has been recreations featuring characters from &ldquo;Al-Kabeer Awy,&rdquo; with the show's familiar cast placed into the &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; formation.
But Egyptians did not stop at entertainment. As the trend reached Egypt around the time of the country's 6 October commemorations, users also adapted the format to historical and national moments, including AI-generated scenes featuring former Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat alongside Egyptian soldiers.
The trend also crossed into international pop culture, with creators using familiar characters and scenes from major films and franchises, including &ldquo;The Godfather&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Odyssey.&rdquo;
Each recreation changes the story, but the choreography remains instantly recognizable.
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Why People Can't Stop Watching It
The appeal of &ldquo;STORM II&rdquo; is not simply that the dancers move in perfect synchronization. It is the combination of several elements: the unusual formation, the contrast between movement and stillness, the cinematic framing, and the sheer precision of the choreography.
There is also something satisfying about watching dozens of people move as if they are controlled by the same force. Then AI added another layer.
The choreography became a visual language that anyone could reinterpret. A viewer no longer needed to be a dancer to participate in the trend. They could simply imagine a new group of characters, a new setting, or an entirely different story and use AI to bring it to life.
That is what transformed &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; from a viral music video into a wider internet phenomenon.
From &ldquo;STORM&rdquo; to a Global Visual Language
GENER8ION and Yung Lean may have started with a music video built around music, movement, and cinematic storytelling, but the internet gave the choreography a life of its own.
First came the viral dance sequence. Then came the recreations. Now, AI has allowed people around the world to place their own characters, cultures, and stories inside the same visual world.
Photo Credit: VMA's official page

Why Everyone Is Talking About GENER8ION And Yung Lean’s “STORM II” VMA Performance

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

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

Egypt’s #1 destination for ALL THINGS MUSIC. Nile FM brings you News, Music Reviews, Music Videos, Celebrity Gossip, Live Music sessions and Egyptian Musicians.

Beats

Egyptian-American comedian and actor Ahmed Ahmed joined NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Watchlist&rdquo; for a conversation about his career, his Egyptian roots and the relationship between his identity and his work in comedy.
Born in Cairo and raised in California, Ahmed has built an international career spanning stand-up comedy and acting. His credits include films such as &ldquo;Iron Man&rdquo; and &ldquo;You Don&rsquo;t Mess with the Zohan&rdquo;, as well as the sitcom &ldquo;Sullivan &amp; Son&rdquo;. He also featured in the documentary &ldquo;Just Like Us&rdquo;, which followed the &ldquo;Axis of Evil Comedy Tour&rdquo; across the Middle East.
During the interview, Ahmed spoke about growing up between cultures, finding his voice through comedy and the ways his Egyptian and Muslim background have shaped his experiences in Hollywood and on the international comedy circuit.
Ahmed said his connection to Egypt remains closely linked to his family.
&ldquo;I feel most Egyptian when I am with my mom because she&rsquo;s yelling at me in Arabic and making Egyptian food,&rdquo; he said.
He also described the experience of returning to Egypt as seeing a familiar place through a different perspective.
&ldquo;I like coming to Egypt because it&rsquo;s like another planet. It&rsquo;s like &lsquo;A Whole New World&rsquo;.&rdquo;
Finding A Voice Through Comedy
Ahmed said comedy gave him a way to address stereotypes and challenge perceptions of Arabs and Muslims.
&ldquo;I think stand-up comedy helps stereotypes disappear because we make fun of ourselves, but no one could make fun of you,&rdquo; he said.
He recalled his experience working as an actor in Hollywood, where he was often offered roles based on stereotypes associated with Arab characters.
&ldquo;I was doing stand-up comedy for 30 years. When I go to Hollywood as an actor, I play every stereotype for Arab people, as what people perceive us. Then I quit and moved to stand-up comedy because I wanted to be a voice for us.&rdquo;
Ahmed said the landscape has changed since he began his career, pointing to comedians including Ramy Youssef and Hasan Minhaj as part of a newer generation of Arab and Muslim voices in American comedy.
&ldquo;Now we&rsquo;ve got Ramy Youssef and Hasan Minhaj. A lot of people were afraid, but I wasn&rsquo;t because I came from an Arab and Muslim background.&rdquo;
Comedy Across Cultures
Having performed for audiences around the world, Ahmed said comedy can cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, although what works for one audience may not necessarily work for another.
He recalled performing a joke at the Sydney Opera House after Canadian comedian Russell Peters encouraged him to try it during their time touring Australia.
&ldquo;I said, &lsquo;No, it&rsquo;s not going to work.&rsquo;
The experience proved otherwise and became an example of how humour can connect audiences from different backgrounds.
The Common Language Of Laughter
Ahmed sees laughter as a way of creating connections between people from different cultures.
&ldquo;Laughter is like one of the top five things in life that bridges gaps, like music, love, food. So comedy can divide; it&rsquo;s a double-edged sword. It depends on how you use it.&rdquo;
He recalled encounters with audiences in the United States who were surprised to discover that Arab comedians could perform in English.
For Ahmed, the response highlighted the ability of comedy to create a sense of familiarity beyond language and cultural differences.
&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t speak English and you laugh, it&rsquo;s about the energy.&rdquo;
For a comedian whose career has taken him between Egypt, the United States and audiences around the world, Ahmed&rsquo;s conversation on &ldquo;The Watchlist&rdquo; reflected the role of comedy not only as entertainment, but also as a way of exploring identity, challenging assumptions and finding common ground across cultures.

Ahmed Ahmed Talks Comedy, Identity And His Egyptian Roots

Egyptian-American Stand-up Comedian and actor Ahmed Ahmed is set to join Hisham on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Watchlist&rdquo; tonight, Sunday, 4 October 2026, from 9 pm to 11 pm. Born in Cairo and raised in California, Ahmed Ahmed&rsquo;s journey has taken him from Egypt to becoming an internationally recognized comedian and actor. For more than two decades, he has been making audiences laugh around the world through his stand-up comedy, film and television work.
Ahmed has appeared in films including &ldquo;Iron Man&rdquo; and &ldquo;You Don&rsquo;t Mess with the Zohan,&rdquo; as well as the hit sitcom &ldquo;Sullivan &amp; Son.&rdquo; He is also one of the original members of the legendary &ldquo;Axis of Evil Comedy Tour,&rdquo; which brought Middle Eastern-American comedy to audiences around the world.
Now, Ahmed is bringing his humor, energy, and plenty of laughs to &ldquo;The Watchlist,&rdquo; joining Hisham tonight for an entertaining evening on NileFM.
Listeners can tune in to NileFM tonight from 9 pm to 11 pm to catch Ahmed Ahmed on &ldquo;The Watchlist.&rdquo;

Ahmed Ahmed To Join Hisham On NileFM’s “The Watchlist” Tonight

Stefano Douaihy, founder and president of Miss Elite World, discussed the pageant&rsquo;s international vision, cultural mission, judging process and future plans during his appearance on NileFM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; with Zeinab and Sami on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Bringing Different Cultures Together Douaihy highlighted the importance of bringing women from different countries and cultural backgrounds together through Miss Elite, describing cultural exchange as one of the pageant&rsquo;s most important elements. &ldquo;One of the most important parts of Miss Elite&rdquo; is bringing women from different cultures together to create &ldquo;friendship, understanding, and connections that go far beyond the competition,&rdquo; he said. More Than a Beauty Crown For Douaihy, the Miss Elite crown represents more than a traditional beauty pageant title. He described the platform as a global stage where presence and culture can become powerful sources of inspiration. A Growing International Vision Looking ahead, Douaihy said he wants Miss Elite to develop into a lasting international symbol of beauty, culture and connection, adding that the pageant is expected to continue growing every year. The 2026 edition, he noted, marked another significant step in the pageant&rsquo;s development. He described the event as &ldquo;quite big&rdquo; and said Miss Elite has evolved into &ldquo;a small family getting bigger and bigger year by year,&rdquo; with increasing trust from those involved. How Miss Elite Judges Its Contestants Douaihy explained that judging goes beyond physical appearance. Contestants are evaluated throughout the experience based on factors including their attitude, ability to interact with others, punctuality, choreography, adaptability, social media presence, public voting and how they conduct themselves throughout the competition. He explained that judges receive information about the contestants&rsquo; experiences during the 12-day journey, while their impressions can also change as they get to know the women better. Egyptian Roots, Global Ambitions Beyond the competition itself, Douaihy emphasized Miss Elite&rsquo;s multicultural identity. Although the pageant has Egyptian roots, he said there is no contradiction between being Egyptian and having an international outlook, describing the organization as a multicultural platform with people from different nationalities working together. The Details Behind Miss Elite&rsquo;s Growth Douaihy attributed Miss Elite&rsquo;s development to persistence, dedication to quality and attention to detail across areas including production, technology, voting and the overall contestant experience. During the NileFM conversation, the hosts also reflected on their long-standing connection with Miss Elite and how much the pageant has grown since its early days. Douaihy agreed with the comparison, describing its development as being &ldquo;like a baby growing.&rdquo; Looking Ahead to the Next Edition With plans already underway for the next edition, Douaihy indicated that Miss Elite will continue expanding its international presence while maintaining its focus on culture, connection and the experiences of its contestants.

Stefano Douaihy Discusses Miss Elite’s Global Vision, Growth And Cultural Mission On NileFM

Nile FM's Guests

The US dollar is trading at EGP 53.17 for buying and EGP 53.27 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 70.09 for buying and EGP 70.63 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.29 for buying and EGP 59.87 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.94 for buying and EGP 7.96 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.46 for buying and EGP 14.50 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
&nbsp;<a href="https://ibb.co/NgmHsmNt"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wZwxRwQB/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-15-T102844-404.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-15-T102844-404" border="0" /></a>
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates: Today’s Exchange Rates In Egypt On 14 October 2026

Egypt is expected to experience autumnal weather on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with warm temperatures during the day across northern Egypt, including Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, while southern Upper Egypt will experience hot conditions. Temperatures will drop at night and during the early morning, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the northern coastal governorates and northern Lower Egypt, with a 30% to 40% chance of heavier rainfall at times in some areas.
Parts of Halaib and Shalateen may also experience light to moderate rain, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Meanwhile, there is a 20% chance of light rain in scattered areas of southern Lower Egypt and the Suez Canal cities, which may occasionally extend to parts of Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt.
Winds are expected to be active across most of the country, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. These winds may stir up sand and dust in parts of the northwestern coast, the Western Desert, and exposed areas of Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, and the Suez Canal cities. They may also reduce horizontal visibility at intervals in parts of northern and southern Upper Egypt.
Maritime navigation is expected to be disrupted along parts of the coasts of Matrouh, El Alamein, Alexandria, Baltim, Gamasa, Damietta, and Port Said. Wind speeds in these areas are forecast to range from 40 to 70 km/h, while wave heights are expected to reach 2 to 3.5 meters.
<a href="https://ibb.co/pBZLy5tH"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/DHkRpTxB/Egypt-Weather-100.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-100" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Flickr

Egypt Weather Forecast: Rainfall And Strong Winds Expected On 15 October 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.98 for buying and EGP 53.08 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 70.17 for buying and EGP 70.46 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 59.31 for buying and EGP 59.50 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.91 for buying and EGP 7.93 for selling. The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.41 for buying and EGP 14.45 for selling. Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/DDRFV3Jz"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/d05vWnTj/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-14-T105744-572.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-14-T105744-572" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar Trades At EGP 52.98 Against The Egyptian Pound On 14 October 2026

Egypt is expected to experience a slight and temporary rise in temperatures across most parts of the country on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
Hot weather is expected during the day across northern Egypt, including Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, while conditions will be very hot in southern Egypt. Temperatures are expected to become cooler at night.
Winds are expected to reach speeds of 30 to 40 km/h across most areas, potentially stirring up sand and dust in parts of the Western Desert, Greater Cairo, the Nile Delta, and the Canal cities.
The resulting dust may reduce horizontal visibility in some areas to less than 1,000 meters, particularly in parts of the Matrouh Desert, the northwestern coast, and northern Upper Egypt. Wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 km/h at intervals.
Maritime navigation is expected to be disrupted in some areas along the coast stretching from Salloum to Marsa Matrouh, El Alamein, Alexandria, and Baltim. Winds in these areas are expected to reach speeds of 50 to 70 km/h, with wave heights ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 meters.
Light to moderate rainfall is possible along parts of the northern coast and northern Lower Egypt. Rain may become heavy and thundery at times, with a 20% chance of rainfall in areas stretching from Salloum to Marsa Matrouh, intermittently.
Clouds are also expected to form over scattered areas of Greater Cairo, southern Lower Egypt, and the Suez Canal cities. There is a slight chance of light rainfall in some areas, estimated at around 10%.
<a href="https://ibb.co/LdmgM8Qc"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/nM91Tb3Y/Egypt-Weather-99.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-99" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit:&nbsp;Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Egypt Weather Forecast: Slight Rise In Temperatures Across The Country On 14 October 2026

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.7 for buying and EGP 52.8 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 69.59 for buying and EGP 69.86 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.78 for buying and EGP 59.07 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.86 for buying and EGP 7.88 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.33 for buying and EGP 14.37 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/ycLSgJg7"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/TxzLP5Pd/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-13-T104641-890.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-13-T104641-890" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates | US Dollar, Euro And British Pound Today – 13 October 2026

Egypt is set to experience autumnal weather on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with warm to hot conditions expected during the day across northern Egypt, including Greater Cairo and northern Upper Egypt, while southern Upper Egypt will experience very hot weather. Temperatures will be moderate at the beginning of the night before turning cooler towards the end, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). Cairo is expected to record a high of 30&deg;C.
There is a 30% chance of light to moderate rain, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms, in parts of Halayeb, Shalateen, Marsa Alam, the far south of Upper Egypt, parts of South Sinai, and the Gulf of Aqaba at intervals.
Clouds are also expected to form over scattered areas of northern Egypt, extending to Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt. Some areas may experience light rain, with a 10% chance of precipitation.
Wind activity is expected in parts of Greater Cairo and South Sinai, helping to moderate temperatures in shaded areas and during the night.
The EMA has cautioned about a 30% chance of thunderstorms in some areas. These may be accompanied by strong downdraft winds and lightning strikes, posing potential risks in affected areas.
<a href="https://ibb.co/PvdztSPK"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Mxm59Xtr/Egypt-Weather-98.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-98" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit:&nbsp;Freepik (Magnific)

Egypt Weather Forecast: Cairo Records 30°C As Rain And Thunderstorms Are Expected On 13 October 2026

Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris have paid tribute to actor RJ Mitte, who has died aged 34.
Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr in the Emmy-winning television drama, was also a disability rights advocate who used his experience of living with cerebral palsy to promote awareness and inclusion.
His death was announced by his representatives on Monday, 12 October. He died in Brownsville, Texas. The cause of death was not immediately established in initial reports.
Mitte played Walter White Jr, the son of Cranston&rsquo;s character, Walter White, throughout the series&rsquo; five-season run from 2008 to 2013.
The series won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including two for outstanding drama series. Mitte was also part of the cast that won the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series in 2014.
Following news of his death, Mitte&rsquo;s former co-stars remembered his talent, kindness and contribution to the series.
Bryan Cranston Remembers His On-Screen Son
Cranston, who played Mitte&rsquo;s on-screen father, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing himself as being in &ldquo;deep despair&rdquo;.
&ldquo;I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr, a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm,&rdquo; Cranston wrote.
He recalled watching the young actor develop during the filming of the series&rsquo; pilot in 2007.
&ldquo;That kid was pretty raw when we started shooting the pilot in February of 2007, but little by little we watched him grow into a really fine actor,&rdquo; he wrote.
Cranston also praised Mitte&rsquo;s advocacy for performers with disabilities, saying he had used his experience on the show to champion greater representation.
He reflected on their relationship beyond the series, revealing that they had exchanged messages in recent weeks while trying to arrange a lunch.
&ldquo;All that promise and potential now is such a loss,&rdquo; Cranston wrote.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll miss you, son,&rdquo; he added.
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&nbsp;
Aaron Paul Shares a Heartfelt Message
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman in &lsquo;Breaking Bad&rsquo;, also paid tribute to his co-star in a statement shared with &lsquo;The Hollywood Reporter&rsquo;.
&ldquo;I am at a loss. I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed,&rdquo; Paul said.
He also urged readers to remember that they are loved and are not alone, ending his message with an appeal for people to support one another.
Dean Norris Remembers Mitte&rsquo;s Kindness
Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, Mitte&rsquo;s on-screen uncle, also expressed his grief.
&ldquo;Though RJ didn&rsquo;t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set,&rdquo; Norris wrote.
&ldquo;He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed,&rdquo; he added.
Norris also described the news as heartbreaking and said he was thinking of Mitte and his family.
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&nbsp;
RJ Mitte&rsquo;s Acting Career and Disability Advocacy
Born on 21 August 1992 in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. He moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue an acting career, initially appearing in small television roles before landing his breakthrough part in "Breaking Bad."
His subsequent television credits included; Switched at Birth&rsquo;, Now Apocalypse, and The Guardians of Justice. He also appeared in films including; The Recall, The Oak Room, and Triumph, the 2021 drama in which he played a high school student with cerebral palsy who aspired to become a wrestler.
Beyond acting, Mitte became an outspoken advocate for disability rights and representation in entertainment. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children&rsquo;s, and as president of the Mitte Foundation, which supported charitable and community initiatives.
In 2013, he received the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the Media Access Awards, recognising his contribution to disability representation in the entertainment industry.
Through his performances and advocacy, Mitte challenged stereotypes surrounding cerebral palsy and helped highlight the importance of creating opportunities for performers with disabilities.
His work on and off screen leaves a legacy of greater awareness and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Photo Credit: Bryan Cranston&rsquo;s official page

Breaking Bad Stars Pay Tribute to RJ Mitte After Actor Dies Aged 34

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.54 for buying and EGP 52.64 for selling, according to the latest exchange rates published by the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Monday, 12 October 2026. Among other major currencies, the British pound is trading at EGP 69.49 for buying and EGP 69.80 for selling, while the euro is trading at EGP 58.79 for buying and EGP 59.04 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.84 for buying and EGP 7.86 for selling. The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.29 for buying and EGP 14.33 for selling. Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/HfgPLmgC"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/cST8KzTw/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-12-T102843-630.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-12-T102843-630" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Freepik (Magnific)
&nbsp;

Exchange Rates | Today’s Exchange Rates In Egypt – 12 October 2026

Egypt is expected to experience autumn weather on Monday, 12 October 2026, with warm conditions along the northern coasts, warm to hot weather in Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, and northern Upper Egypt, and very hot conditions in southern Upper Egypt. Temperatures are expected to be mild at the beginning of the night before becoming cooler towards dawn, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).
Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Halaib, Shalateen, Marsa Alam, South Sinai, and the Gulf of Aqaba, with a 30% chance of rainfall that may be accompanied by thunderstorms. Rain may also extend intermittently to parts of Upper Egypt.
There is also a 20% chance of light rain in parts of the North Coast governorates and northern Lower Egypt. This may extend to parts of southern Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt, where the chance of rainfall is around 10%.
Winds are expected to pick up in parts of Greater Cairo, South Sinai, and southern Egypt, helping to moderate the perceived temperatures in shaded areas and at night.
The EMA has also warned of potential thunderstorms, with a 30% chance of strong winds caused by downdrafts beneath thunderstorm clouds, as well as lightning strikes in some areas.
<a href="https://ibb.co/z3VHtgg"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xnq8rbb/Egypt-Weather-97.png" alt="Egypt-Weather-97" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Flickr
&nbsp;

Egypt Weather Forecast: Rain And Thunderstorms Expected In Several Areas On 12 October

The US dollar is trading at EGP 52.51 for buying and EGP 52.61 for selling, according to exchange-rate listings for the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The British pound is trading at EGP 69.35 for buying and EGP 69.70 for selling, while the euro is quoted at EGP 58.74 for buying and EGP 59.14 for selling.
The UAE dirham is trading at EGP 14.28 for buying and EGP 14.32 for selling. The Chinese yuan is trading at EGP 7.83 for buying and EGP 7.84 for selling.
Exchange rates are closely monitored by businesses, investors and consumers, as fluctuations in the Egyptian pound can affect import costs, investment decisions and the wider economy.
<a href="https://ibb.co/YFzmWjNS"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/LXLmPp0y/Exchange-Rates-2026-10-11-T111827-545.png" alt="Exchange-Rates-2026-10-11-T111827-545" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit:&nbsp;Freepik (Magnific)

Exchange Rates In Egypt Today: US Dollar, Euro And British Pound – 11 October 2026

Top News 
Current Affairs 
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News

After a 24-day break, the Egyptian Premier League returns with one of Egyptian football&rsquo;s most anticipated fixtures: the Cairo derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek.
The two rivals are set to meet at Cairo International Stadium at 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 11, in the sixth round of the 2026/2027 Egyptian Premier League season. The league&rsquo;s schedule was interrupted by national team commitments during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Why Is This Match Important for Both Teams?
Pyramids FC currently lead the Egyptian Premier League standings with 15 points from five wins. Zamalek sit second with 13 points from four wins and one draw, while Al Ahly occupy third place with the same number of points and an identical record.
With both Cairo rivals chasing the league leaders, Sunday's derby presents an important opportunity to strengthen their positions in the standings.
The Cairo Derby in Numbers
According to Al Ahly's official page, the two teams had faced each other 132 times in the Cairo derby before this match. Al Ahly recorded 52 victories, while Zamalek won 29 times. The remaining 51 encounters ended in draws.
Sunday's fixture will therefore mark the 133rd Cairo derby. Check out the infographic below for a closer look at the numbers behind this historic rivalry.
<a href="https://ibb.co/3mf0wBNQ"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/hFXKkDWw/Poster-Team-A-vs-Team-B-3.png" alt="Poster-Team-A-vs-Team-B-3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Head-to-Head Record Across All Competitions
According to Al Ahly&rsquo;s official website, the two clubs had met 243 times across all competitions as of May 1, 2026. Al Ahly recorded 107 wins, compared with 56 victories for Zamalek, while 80 matches ended in draws. Al Ahly had scored 366 goals, while Zamalek had netted 254.
Biggest Wins in Egyptian Premier League History
According to Al Ahly&rsquo;s official website, Al Ahly&rsquo;s biggest league victory over Zamalek came in the 2001&ndash;2002 season, when the Red Devils won 6&ndash;1. Other notable victories include a 5&ndash;3 win in the 2021&ndash;2022 season, 4&ndash;1 victories in the 1960&ndash;1961 and 2022&ndash;2023 seasons, and 4&ndash;2 wins in the 1953&ndash;1954 and 2004&ndash;2005 seasons.
Al Ahly also recorded several 3&ndash;0 victories over their rivals. Zamalek&rsquo;s biggest league win over Al Ahly came by a 3&ndash;1 scoreline, a result the White Knights achieved four times.
Photo credit: Al Ahly's official page

Infographic | Ahly vs. Zamalek: Head-to-Head Stats Ahead Of Derby 133

A few days after Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure from Portugal's national team camp raised questions about his international future, the 41-year-old captain has broken his silence and explained what led to his decision.
Ronaldo left Portugal's Nations League camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the team's match against Denmark, after being left on the bench during the 2-1 win over Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark.
In a lengthy statement shared on his official account, Ronaldo said his decision was driven by what he described as two broken promises from Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, while also taking responsibility for leaving the camp.
Ronaldo Had Already Prepared to Leave After the 2026 World Cup
Ronaldo revealed that he had already prepared a letter to the Portuguese people following the 2026 World Cup, containing the words he intended to share when he eventually left the national team.
However, he said Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a asked him to reconsider his decision and continue representing Portugal.
Ronaldo also revealed that he supported the eventual appointment of the current head coach, saying he believed Jesus was the right choice for the national team.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCristiano%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02xL7ZAmGPbiCGJCK5EEagQC66U8vKnBmUjHdopanHjK26aZPJrZMggHKjpbCgYAAfl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="562" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Ronaldo Says Coach Broke His Word
According to Ronaldo, he and Jesus had initially agreed on a plan to manage his fitness, under which he would play Portugal's first match of the camp before staying in Portugal for the games against Norway and Denmark.
However, Ronaldo said Jesus later told him he could be used for 30 minutes against Norway. Ronaldo agreed despite the change to his recovery plan, but said he warmed up from halftime and was never brought onto the pitch.
Ronaldo described the situation as the first time Jesus had failed to keep his word to him.
The two later met with Sim&atilde;o Coutinho, Al-Nassr's sporting director, present. Ronaldo said they agreed that Jesus would publicly clarify that Ronaldo had never asked to play and that the decision to have him warm up without bringing him on was the coach's mistake.
Ronaldo said the coach's subsequent press conference did not reflect what had been agreed privately, which he described as the second time Jesus had failed to keep his word.
Why Ronaldo Decided to Leave Portugal's Camp
Ronaldo said he ultimately decided to leave the camp because he felt that remaining would only harm the group after the breakdown in trust.
&ldquo;For me, the truth is still the most important thing in the relationship between people,&rdquo; Ronaldo said, explaining that he would have accepted the situation if the coach and federation had simply been honest with him about whether they wanted him in the squad.
He also stressed that he has never interfered with the technical or tactical decisions of Portugal's coaches during his international career.
Ronaldo Apologizes to Fans and Teammates
Despite defending the reasons behind his decision, Ronaldo accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologized to Portugal's supporters and his teammates.
He also apologized for not greeting the fans following the Norway match, acknowledging that it was a mistake that should not have happened.
&ldquo;At the end of the match, I just wanted everything to be over with a victory and to be left alone,&rdquo; Ronaldo said. &ldquo;I did not go to greet the fans. That is a failing that is solely my responsibility and should not have happened.&rdquo;
He added that he apologized to the Portuguese people, the fans, and those who had traveled to see him.
Ronaldo acknowledged that, as Portugal's captain, his actions carry greater responsibility and said he accepts that the Portuguese Football Federation should assess and punish his conduct if necessary.
Ronaldo Is Not Retiring From Portugal
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo made clear that he is not announcing his retirement from international football.
Addressing reports that he could receive a farewell match, Ronaldo said there would be time for that, but stressed that his focus remains on competing for Portugal.
&ldquo;I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all the Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that,&rdquo; he said.
However, he added that when he thinks about the national team, he thinks about competing.
Ronaldo said that if he remains physically fit, continues performing for Al-Nassr, and serves any suspension imposed on him, he will remain available to compete for Portugal.
His statement leaves the door open for a return to the national team, while the circumstances surrounding his departure remain a major talking point.
Ronaldo's Pursuit of 1,000 Career Goals Continues
Away from the national team controversy, Ronaldo has returned to training with Al-Nassr as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo has scored 979 goals for Portugal and his clubs, leaving him 21 goals away from reaching the historic milestone.
Photo Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s official page

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence: Why He Walked Away From Portugal Camp

The moment Cristiano Ronaldo fans have always feared may be getting closer. The Portugal captain has left the national team&rsquo;s training camp in Copenhagen following the press conference held by head coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a, according to a statement Ronaldo shared on his official Instagram account.
Ronaldo also said that he would reveal the reasons behind his decision &ldquo;in due course,&rdquo; leaving questions over whether his latest departure could mark the end of his international career.
&ldquo;In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, which I always dedicated myself to,&rdquo; Ronaldo said in his statement.
What Happened?
Ronaldo started Portugal&rsquo;s Nations League opener against Wales before being left out of the starting lineup for the team&rsquo;s next match against Norway. He remained an unused substitute as Portugal secured a 2-1 victory. According to Reuters, Jesus had told Ronaldo that he would come on as a substitute but ultimately decided not to bring him onto the pitch.
Following the match, Ronaldo worked in the gym rather than training with the rest of the squad on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters reported that he was not injured during that period.
Speaking to the media ahead of Portugal&rsquo;s Nations League match against Denmark, head coach Jorge Jesus denied that Ronaldo had refused to train and said there had been no incident between them. According to Reuters, Jesus said Ronaldo was upset after being left on the bench against Norway but considered the matter resolved.
&ldquo;There was nothing to talk about,&rdquo; Jesus said, according to Reuters, while explaining that Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever decision the coach made, whether that meant playing or being left out of the squad.
Jesus also rejected the suggestion that Ronaldo had refused to train, saying: &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t refuse. He&rsquo;s going to train today.&rdquo; He explained that it was the fourth day after the match and said Ronaldo would return to training with the team.
However, Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal&rsquo;s final training session before the Denmark match. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his absence, while Reuters reported that Ronaldo subsequently left the training camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo later confirmed that he had decided to leave the national team&rsquo;s training camp following Jesus&rsquo; press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proen&ccedil;a. The FPF confirmed his departure and said the remaining 24 players would continue preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
Ronaldo&rsquo;s Own Explanation
Ronaldo has not yet provided the full explanation behind his decision.
In his statement, he said that he decided to leave following the national team manager&rsquo;s press conference and his conversation with the FPF president. He also promised to explain his reasons to the Portuguese people &ldquo;in due course.&rdquo;
For now, his statement leaves more questions than answers about what happened behind the scenes.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo Retired From Portugal?
Not officially. Ronaldo confirmed that he had decided to leave Portugal&rsquo;s training camp, but he did not announce his retirement from international football. The Portuguese Football Federation likewise confirmed his departure from the camp rather than announcing an end to his international career.
That distinction is important. While his sudden departure has raised questions about his future with Portugal, there has been no official announcement from Ronaldo confirming that he has permanently retired from international football.
Ronaldo&rsquo;s Portugal Legacy
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and has since become the country&rsquo;s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
According to Reuters, he has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 international goals. His international career has also included Portugal&rsquo;s historic Euro 2016 triumph and two Nations League titles.
From his first appearance as a teenager to becoming Portugal&rsquo;s captain and record-holder, Ronaldo has spent more than two decades at the heart of the national team.
Will This Be His Last Dance?
Ronaldo started Portugal&rsquo;s 1-0 victory over Wales before being left on the bench for the entire match against Norway. If he does not return to the national team, the Wales game could ultimately become his final international appearance.
However, it is too early to describe it as his final game because Ronaldo has not confirmed his retirement from international football.
For now, the question remains open.
Reaching the Saddest Moment
For more than two decades, Ronaldo&rsquo;s Portugal story has been defined by records, trophies, heartbreak and an enduring commitment to the national team.
Now, after leaving the training camp and promising to reveal the reasons behind his decision later, a new chapter may be approaching.
The biggest question is no longer what Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved for Portugal. It is whether he will wear the national shirt again.
Photo Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp: Is This The End Of His International Career?

Following Egypt&rsquo;s 5&ndash;0 victory over South Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim made history by scoring his first international goal for Egypt in the 92nd minute.
The goal marked a major milestone in the 18-year-old forward&rsquo;s international career, as Abdelkarim became the third-youngest player to score his first goal for the Egyptian national team. His late strike also helped seal Egypt&rsquo;s convincing victory in the AFCON qualifiers.
The result also strengthened Egypt&rsquo;s position in Group B of the AFCON qualifiers, while Abdelkarim&rsquo;s goal added another milestone to his rapid rise at both club and international level.
Third-Youngest Egyptian Scorer
According to Transfermarkt, Hamza Abdelkarim scored his first goal for Egypt at the age of 18 years, 8 months, and 28 days, placing him third among the youngest players to score their first goal for the national team.
Abdelkarim Sakr remains the youngest, having scored at the 1936 Olympic Games at the age of 17 years, 8 months, and 28 days. Ahmed Hossam Mido ranks second, having scored his first international goal at the age of 17 years, 10 months, and 14 days during a friendly against the United Arab Emirates in 2001.
With his goal against South Sudan, Abdelkarim entered the list at 18 years, 8 months, and 28 days old.
Hamza Abdelkarim and Barcelona
Abdelkarim began his Barcelona journey after joining the club from Al Ahly on loan in February 2026. He made an immediate impact with Barcelona&rsquo;s U-19 side, scoring six goals in nine league appearances, including a hat-trick.
In June, Barcelona exercised its purchase option to sign the Egyptian forward permanently, initially agreeing to a contract until June 2029.
However, in September 2026, Barcelona reached a new agreement with Abdelkarim to extend his contract until 30 June 2030. He also made his competitive first-team debut on 31 August against Rayo Vallecano after scoring four goals during pre-season.
Photo Credit: Egypt National Team&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Hamza Abdelkarim Becomes Third-Youngest Egypt Scorer With First International Goal

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The United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund (UNICEF) has praised Egypt&rsquo;s National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills, highlighting significant improvements in students&rsquo; reading and writing abilities following the completion of the program&rsquo;s first three phases.
According to a statement shared on the official page of the Egyptian Cabinet, more than 1.38 million students across Egypt&rsquo;s 27 governorates were assessed as part of the program.
UNICEF noted that the most significant improvements were recorded among children who initially demonstrated lower levels of reading and writing skills. The results, according to the organization, reflect the program&rsquo;s impact in helping children catch up on missed learning and strengthen their foundational skills.
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Building on the results of the first three phases, the fourth phase of the National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills is now set to begin.
The fourth phase will run alongside the launch of the National Program for Developing Mathematics Skills, expanding efforts to support children&rsquo;s foundational learning skills across Egypt.
UNICEF emphasized that reading, writing, and numeracy are essential foundations for children&rsquo;s learning and development, reaffirming its commitment to supporting children in Egypt in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education and other program partners.
Photo Credit: UNICEF&rsquo;s official page

UNICEF Praises Egypt’s National Arabic Language Skills Development Program

Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, has chaired the second meeting of the Supreme Committee overseeing preparations for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair, scheduled for 2027.
The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming edition, including digital transformation, infrastructure development and proposals to improve visitor services, according to a statement published on the Egyptian Cabinet's official page.
Digital Transformation And Organisational Development
Konsowa described the 58th edition as an important milestone in the digital transformation and organisational development of the region's largest cultural event.
He said preparations would go beyond addressing logistical challenges, focusing instead on establishing sustainable digital and investment infrastructure. The plans include the use of artificial intelligence and smart technologies to serve millions of visitors and improve access to cultural content.
He also reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting the publishing industry and preserving Egypt's cultural influence.
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Reviewing The 57th Edition
The committee reviewed statistical data from the 57th edition to identify areas for improvement and draw on previous experience in planning the next fair.
It also discussed the structure and responsibilities of the executive committees and ways to improve coordination between them.
The committees oversee various aspects of the event, including the main exhibition hall, intellectual and artistic activities, poetry, novels, book discussions and signings, international participation, and the Guest of Honour programme. Other areas include children's activities, professional events, conferences and media coverage.
The committee also discussed the criteria for selecting the central figure and slogan of the 58th edition, as well as the intellectual and cultural themes to be explored during the fair.
Smart Visitor Services
Plans for a unified digital system and mobile application were also discussed, with the platform scheduled to be ready by 1 December 2026.
The proposed system will offer visitors smart search tools for books and publishers, interactive maps and electronic ticketing. The committee also considered introducing an artificial intelligence assistant and providing access to selected services without an internet connection.
The meeting addressed the infrastructure and network requirements at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center. A joint team from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working on the technical requirements.
The committee also discussed expanding advertising opportunities for sponsors and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fair's digital services.
Developing The Exhibition Layout
The Capital University Consulting Center presented its architectural and engineering plans for redesigning the exhibition layout.
The proposals include improving visitor circulation, expanding exhibition spaces, widening main corridors and redistributing areas to ensure fair opportunities for publishers of different sizes.
The committee highlighted the importance of building on previous editions while upgrading the fair's infrastructure and services to accommodate its growing scale and international profile.
Coordination With Publishers
The committee also discussed plans for a coordination meeting with publishers represented by the Egyptian and Arab Publishers' Unions, in cooperation with e-finance.
The meeting will focus on technical proposals for the digital system and incorporating publishers' requirements into the mobile application ahead of its launch.
Konsowa thanked the Supreme Committee's members for their efforts and said further coordination meetings would be held to monitor progress, address challenges and ensure preparations were completed well in advance of the fair.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the Cairo International Book Fair's international standing.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Cabinet&rsquo;s official page

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

From ancient Egyptian artefacts displayed in China to ballet performances, exhibitions, cinema, language exchange and cultural festivals, Egypt and China have built extensive cultural ties reflecting the shared heritage of two of the world's oldest civilisations.
The relationship is set to receive further attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to visit Egypt in the coming days, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
Presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said Xi will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss ways of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues.
Beyond political and economic cooperation, culture, heritage and people-to-people exchanges have remained important elements of Egypt-China relations.
A new documentary book, &ldquo;Egyptian-Chinese Relations Over 70 Years&rdquo;, has also been issued by Egypt's State Information Service, documenting the development of ties since diplomatic relations were established on 30 May 1956. Published in Arabic and Chinese, the book covers major milestones in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological relationship between the two countries.
Egypt-China Cultural Year
One of the most significant milestones in cultural cooperation came in 2016, when Egypt and China designated the year as the Egyptian-Chinese Cultural Year.
The year was launched by El-Sisi and Xi during a joint celebration at Luxor Temple in January 2016, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The opening ceremony featured more than 200 performers from Egypt and China in a programme bringing together music, dance, ballet and other art forms.
The wider cultural year included around 200 events, including visual arts exhibitions and performances by Chinese and Cairo Opera Ballet artists.
Egypt continued to expand its cultural presence in China, taking part in the Shanghai Tourism Festival in September 2017, where it received the Most Popular Tourist Destination award.
In September 2020, Egypt also participated in the International Tourism and Culture Exhibition in Guangzhou, showcasing Egyptian cultural and heritage products alongside tourism programmes.
Ancient Egyptian Heritage On Display In China
Archaeology has become another important area of Egypt-China cultural cooperation, giving Chinese audiences opportunities to explore Egypt's ancient civilisation through major exhibitions.
In February 2024, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Shanghai Museum signed a cooperation protocol for a temporary archaeological exhibition in China.
&ldquo;On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt&rdquo; opened at the Shanghai Museum in July 2024, featuring 787 artefacts from different periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation. The exhibition included statues, jewellery, coffins and other objects illustrating aspects of kingship, daily life, religion, writing and beliefs about the afterlife.
The exhibition attracted significant interest in China, with tickets for its opening day selling out and hundreds of thousands of tickets sold before and shortly after its opening.
The exhibition was also described by Egyptian officials as an important platform for promoting cultural tourism and strengthening people-to-people understanding between the two countries.
Education And Language As Cultural Bridges
Education and language have also played an important role in Egypt-China cultural exchange.
The two countries have cooperated on introducing Chinese as an optional second foreign language in Egyptian schools, while educational initiatives have also encouraged exchanges between students and institutions. Around 24,000 Chinese students study Arabic in Egypt, while 16 Egyptian universities have established Chinese language departments or teach Chinese as part of their curricula.
Egypt is home to Confucius Institutes at Suez Canal University, Cairo University and Ain Shams University, supporting Chinese-language and cultural education.
Chinese-language programmes have also expanded at Egyptian universities, while Egyptian students have opportunities to study in China.
The Egyptian Luban Workshop has added another dimension to educational cooperation, providing technical and vocational training for young Egyptians.
Cinema, Visual Arts And Cultural Activities
The Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo has become another platform for cultural exchange, hosting activities covering cinema, traditional arts, visual arts and Chinese culture, as well as joint exhibitions and cultural events.
Such programmes give audiences in Egypt opportunities to learn more about Chinese culture while providing opportunities for artists from both countries to meet and collaborate.
Media And Cultural Exchange
Media cooperation has also contributed to greater cultural understanding.
Chinese media organisations have established a presence in Egypt, while cooperation between Egyptian and Chinese media institutions has expanded over the years.
Joint and bilateral media activities have helped increase coverage of each country's culture, heritage, arts and society, supporting wider people-to-people exchanges.
More recently, cultural and media cooperation has continued through joint projects. In 2025, Egypt and China held the &ldquo;Yangtze Meets the Nile&rdquo; cross-civilisation dialogue, which included cultural exhibitions, media cooperation and the premiere of a jointly produced documentary exploring connections between the two ancient civilisations.
A Cultural Relationship Built Over Decades
From the 2016 Egyptian-Chinese Cultural Year and joint artistic performances to archaeological exhibitions, language programmes, cinema and cultural events, Egypt-China relations extend beyond diplomacy and trade.
The two countries have increasingly used culture and heritage as a way to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding.
As Xi prepares to return to Egypt a decade after his 2016 visit, the cultural relationship between the two countries remains an important part of their broader partnership.
Photo Credit: Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency&rsquo;s official page

Egypt-China Cultural Relations: All You Need To Know About Arts And Heritage

Days after Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor, the Turkish club has continued to celebrate his arrival with a warm welcome that goes beyond football.
Trabzonspor&rsquo;s promotional video featuring Salah quickly spread across social media, attracting attention not only for the way the club welcomed its new star but also for its celebration of the culture and hospitality of the Black Sea region.
The official Trabzonspor page shared the video with the caption: &ldquo;Those who say &lsquo;you will see in a dream&rsquo;... Dreams come true for us.&rdquo;
A Warm Turkish Welcome
The video presents Salah as a new member of a traditional Turkish family, highlighting the region&rsquo;s famous hospitality.
A grandmother prepares a variety of traditional dishes as the family waits to welcome Salah into his new home. The concept reflects the idea of treating him like a member of the family, with the grandmother making sure he is well-fed before he heads to training with his new club.
The setting and food choices also highlight Trabzon&rsquo;s Black Sea identity, connecting Salah&rsquo;s arrival with the culture of the region where Trabzonspor is based.
What Traditional Turkish Food Did Mohamed Salah Eat?
The promotional video puts the spotlight on several traditional Turkish dishes, particularly those associated with the Black Sea region.
Kuymak is one of the most recognisable dishes featured in the video. A speciality of the Black Sea region, this rich and stretchy dish is made with cornmeal, butter, water and melting cheese. The ingredients are cooked gently until the cheese reaches its signature stretchy consistency, while the butter rises to the surface.
Stuffed collard greens, known as kara lahana sarması or dolması, are another traditional dish strongly associated with the Black Sea region. Collard leaves are filled with a savoury mixture that can include rice or bulgur, minced meat, onions and herbs before being slowly cooked in a flavourful tomato-based sauce.
The video also shows blueberries, with Salah enjoying them before heading off to training, adding a playful touch to the traditional family-style welcome.
Stuffed vine leaves, known as sarma or dolma, are another classic of Turkish cuisine. Tender grape leaves are wrapped around a flavourful filling typically made with rice, herbs and spices.
The breakfast table also features honey and kaymak, a traditional Turkish pairing that combines thick, creamy clotted cream with sweet local honey.
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Reflecting Traditions And Promoting Tourism
The promotional video does more than announce Mohamed Salah&rsquo;s arrival at Trabzonspor. It uses food, family and hospitality to introduce the Egyptian football star to the culture of his new home, while showcasing traditions that make Trabzon and the wider Black Sea region distinctive.
The campaign also demonstrates how football can become a platform for cultural exchange and tourism promotion. By featuring traditional dishes and local customs, Trabzonspor gives its international audience a glimpse of the region beyond the football pitch, potentially encouraging greater interest in its food, traditions and local identity.
This is particularly significant for Trabzonspor, which is closely connected to the Black Sea region and is nicknamed the &ldquo;Black Sea Storm&rdquo;. The appearance of well-known local dishes in the advertisement reinforces the club&rsquo;s regional identity while introducing these traditions to Salah&rsquo;s global fanbase.
The video also creates an intercultural connection between Salah&rsquo;s Egyptian background and his new Turkish home. By portraying him as a welcomed guest being treated like part of the family, the campaign presents his transfer as more than a sporting move. It becomes a cultural exchange bringing together football, hospitality, local identity and tourism.
About Trabzonspor
Founded in 1967, Trabzonspor is one of Turkey&rsquo;s most successful football clubs and was the first team from outside Istanbul to win the Turkish top-flight title, achieving that milestone in 1976.
The club won six league titles during its dominant period between 1975 and 1985 before claiming another S&uuml;per Lig championship in the 2021-22 season. Trabzonspor has also enjoyed memorable European victories over clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Barcelona.
Today, the club remains one of the biggest symbols of football in Turkey&rsquo;s Black Sea region, with Salah now the latest star to wear its famous burgundy and blue colours.
Photo Credit: Trabzonspor&rsquo;s official page

Mohamed Salah Gets A Taste Of Trabzon In Warm Trabzonspor Welcome

Entrepreneur and content creator Matthew Kerolos joined Basmah on Brain Busters on NileFM, where he opened up about building meaningful relationships, creating content with purpose, and why persistence, not talent, is often the biggest factor behind success.
Known for traveling across Egypt to spotlight entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners, Kerolos has used storytelling to showcase the people behind emerging businesses while giving them a platform to share their journeys.
Throughout the interview, he explored the episode's central theme, "persisting until it hardens into fact," sharing the mindset that has helped him build meaningful connections, overcome rejection, and create opportunities through consistent effort.
Persistence Without Burning Bridges For Kerolos, persistence is one of the most valuable qualities anyone can develop, but only when it's done with respect. "I never try to be pushy in a negative way because the world is small," he explained. Whether he's trying to secure a guest or build a new business relationship, he believes persistence should never damage future opportunities. "If it's somebody I really admire and want to work with, I'll find another way to reach them. If someone is ignoring you, get to the point where they can't avoid you, but do it respectfully." Why Sending the First Message Doesn't Scare Him Unlike many people who hesitate before reaching out to someone successful, Kerolos says fear has never stopped him. "I never get scared of reaching out to anybody because there will always be another person." To him, rejection is simply part of the process rather than something to avoid. The Biggest Mistake Young People Make According to Kerolos, one of the biggest mistakes he sees is approaching opportunities with a sense of entitlement. "A lot of people ask for opportunities expecting to get something immediately," he said. While he's happy to help others, he believes opportunities must be matched by effort. "People who feel entitled rarely put in the work. Entitlement at a young age is a recipe for disaster." He added that many experienced entrepreneurs avoid working with people who believe success should simply be handed to them. Convincing High-Profile Guests to Say Yes One of the questions Kerolos receives most often is how he convinces influential entrepreneurs to appear in his videos. His answer is surprisingly simple. Many of the successful people he interviews aren't interested in publicity at all. "I actually love interviewing people who don't like publicity." Instead of focusing on exposure, he approaches them by explaining how their stories can provide value to others, support charitable initiatives, or inspire future entrepreneurs. "It's never about making them famous. They don't need that." Confidence Comes From Repetition For Kerolos, confidence isn't something people are born with, it develops through repetition. "I believe in reps." Before creating content, he spent years working with hospitality business owners in the United States, an experience that taught him how to deal with rejection. "They were probably the most ruthless when it came to saying no." By the time he began filming content in South Africa, approaching strangers felt far less intimidating. However, he believes confidence and repetition work together. "You have to believe in yourself enough to start, and then the reps build the confidence." The Biggest Myths About Successful People Kerolos believes people often misunderstand what success looks like. Many assume successful people possess extraordinary abilities, when in reality they're often ordinary people who have simply spent years mastering their craft. "They just have more experience than you." He also challenged another common misconception, that wealthy people are inherently selfish. "A lot of successful people genuinely want to provide value because they're passionate about what they do." Whether building businesses, creating television, or developing real estate, he believes many successful entrepreneurs simply turned the passions they had as children into lifelong careers. The Craziest Way He Landed a Collaboration Persistence paid off in one unforgettable experience while filming in South Africa. After being rejected five separate times by a potential guest, Kerolos came up with an unconventional solution. He convinced people around the executive to schedule what appeared to be a professional meeting, giving him the opportunity to finally speak with the businessman face-to-face. After a 30-minute conversation, the executive agreed to meet him again the following morning. The experience reinforced Kerolos' belief that persistence often succeeds when paired with creativity and respect. The One Person He'd Love to Meet If given the opportunity to interview anyone, Kerolos doesn't hesitate. "The Lebanese singer Fairuz." Calling her a legend, he says she's someone he's admired for years. Advice to His Younger Self Looking back, Kerolos wishes he had started even earlier. "Make the mistakes early." He believes the teenage years are the perfect time to experiment, fail, and gain experience before adulthood brings greater responsibilities. "Don't wait until you graduate. Start while you're still in school." He also encourages young people to surround themselves with individuals from different generations rather than only looking at people who have already achieved success. "The people who have already made it are living a completely different life from the people who are still building theirs." For Kerolos, success isn't built overnight. It's the result of taking action early, learning from failure, putting in countless repetitions, and remaining persistent long after most people would have given up.
&nbsp;

Matthew Kerolos Opens Up About Persistence, Entrepreneurship, And Chasing Big Opportunities

The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) is celebrating its 128th anniversary on 25 June 2026, marking more than a century of growth since its establishment in 1898 and reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of Egypt&rsquo;s banking sector. From becoming the first bank to issue banknotes in Egypt and serving as the country&rsquo;s central bank until 1960, to leading major national development projects and embracing digital transformation, NBE&rsquo;s journey mirrors the evolution of Egypt&rsquo;s modern economy. Today, the bank remains Egypt&rsquo;s oldest commercial bank and one of its most influential financial institutions, serving millions of customers while continuing to expand its digital capabilities and international reach. A Banking Giant at the Heart of Egypt&rsquo;s Economy Over the past 128 years, NBE has grown into the largest bank in Egypt by assets, deposits, loans, branch network, and number of employees. As of 2024, the bank operates 679 branches, offices and banking units nationwide, supported by a wide network of ATMs and point-of-sale terminals, making it one of the most accessible financial institutions in the country. NBE accounts for 74% of the credit card market and 40% of debit cards in Egypt, and has financed about 24% of Egypt&rsquo;s foreign trade. Digital Transformation Driving the Future While NBE&rsquo;s history stretches back more than a century, its focus is firmly on the future. Digital innovation has become a central pillar of the bank&rsquo;s strategy as it seeks to meet changing customer expectations and accelerate financial inclusion. Through platforms such as Al Ahly Net and NBE PhoneCash, customers can now complete a wide range of banking transactions remotely, reducing the need to visit branches and enhancing convenience. The bank has also introduced mobile branches equipped with modern digital solutions, extending banking services to communities across Egypt and supporting efforts to broaden access to financial services. As digital banking continues to grow, NBE has invested heavily in cybersecurity, data protection, and accessibility. Initiatives include Touch Cards and ATMs designed for visually impaired customers, reflecting its commitment to inclusive banking in line with international standards. Expanding Beyond Egypt&rsquo;s Borders Alongside its digital transformation efforts, NBE has continued to strengthen its international footprint, connecting Egyptian businesses and customers to global markets.
The bank operates subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Sudan, including NBE Juba in South Sudan, as well as a branch in New York. This year, NBE marked 28 years as the only Egyptian bank operating in the United States. A major milestone came in October 2025 when NBE announced the soft opening of its first branch in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first Egyptian bank to establish a branch in the Kingdom on Feburary 2026. The move marked another step in the bank&rsquo;s regional expansion strategy and reinforced its growing presence in key international markets.&nbsp;
The bank&rsquo;s global operations are further supported by an extensive network of correspondent banks spanning Europe, North America, Africa, the Far East and the Gulf region. Connecting Egyptians Around the World NBE continues to play a leading role in facilitating remittances from Egyptians living abroad through its international banking network and partnerships with money transfer companies, fintech firms and financial institutions worldwide. The bank&rsquo;s global connectivity has helped strengthen financial links between Egypt and its expatriate communities while supporting foreign currency inflows and cross-border financial services. Looking Ahead As the National Bank of Egypt marks 128 years since its founding, the institution is celebrating not only a rich history but also a future shaped by innovation, digital transformation and international expansion. By combining its long-standing banking heritage with continued investment in technology, security and global connectivity, NBE is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of Egypt&rsquo;s financial sector for decades to come.&nbsp;
Photo Credit: The National Bank of Egypt's official page&nbsp;

National Bank Of Egypt Celebrates 128 Years Of Growth, Innovation And Global Expansion

Content creator and AI systems architect Farah Khaled stepped into the studio with Basmah on &ldquo;Brain Busters&rdquo; today, sharing her insights on mindset, opportunities and what it really takes to &ldquo;get a seat at the table&rdquo;.
Farah opened the conversation by explaining her perspective on earning a place in any professional space, noting that being in the room means wanting to be heard, to inspire and be inspired, and to learn from people while offering something valuable in return.
Finding opportunities
Reflecting on her own journey, she highlighted that opportunities often arrive unexpectedly, requiring constant awareness and readiness. She revealed that she landed her current role through Instagram, emphasizing the importance of actively seeking out paths, working hard and staying creative to recognize moments of luck when they appear.
To build that luck, she encouraged optimism and openness, explaining that stepping out of one's comfort zone is essential for growth. She urged listeners not to be afraid of taking risks or trying new things, stressing that creating your own luck stems directly from action and courage. According to Farah, curiosity remains one of the most vital traits for success, and she underscored the value of listening, learning from others and continuously developing oneself, even when starting out without strong industry connections.
Building confidence
Addressing the secret to confidence, Farah explained that feeling nervous in new environments is entirely natural. However, she advised adopting a &ldquo;fake it till you make it&rdquo; mindset until that confidence becomes genuine and self-assuredness develops over time.
This goes hand-in-hand with staying proactive; she spoke about the importance of initiative, explaining that being observant and solving problems without being asked is key to standing out in any workplace or creative environment.
AI and human intelligence
Turning her attention to artificial intelligence, the systems architect noted that while AI can perform a vast array of tasks, it cannot replace human emotional intelligence. She added that AI is a powerful tool, but human insight remains essential to how it is deployed.
She concluded by explaining that her parallel work in content creation is driven by self-expression, engagement and a desire to connect authentically with audiences, stressing that consistency is ultimately the most critical factor for success in any field.
Farah&rsquo;s insights highlight a central message; success is not defined by where you start, but by how consistently you show up, stay curious and create opportunities through action, mindset and persistence.

Farah Khaled On “Brain Busters” | How To Get A Seat At The Table And Build Success

Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Health and Population has approved a policy providing free first-time natural childbirth for women in public hospitals across all governorates, according to an official statement.
The decision, endorsed by Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, applies to hospitals operating within the ministry&rsquo;s therapeutic institution hospitals and is aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare services while easing financial pressure on families.
Officials say the move is part of a wider strategy to encourage natural childbirth in uncomplicated cases, citing its medical benefits for both mothers and newborns. The ministry also highlighted concerns over unnecessary caesarean sections and their associated risks, saying the policy supports safer and more appropriate delivery methods.
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The ministry added that hospitals involved are equipped to handle deliveries in line with national quality and safety standards, with trained medical teams and necessary medical equipment in place.
The programme will be implemented nationwide, ensuring equal access across all Egyptian governorates. Authorities described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare provision, particularly in women&rsquo;s health services, and to reinforce the role of preventive and safe maternal care in the public health system.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population&rsquo;s official page
&nbsp;

Egypt Health Ministry Announces Free First-time Natural Births In Public Hospitals

Egyptians continue to hold senior positions across key international institutions, reinforcing their presence in global decision-making bodies.
Most recently, UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres appointed Egypt&rsquo;s Rania Al-Mashat as Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), marking another milestone in Egypt&rsquo;s representation within the UN system.
The appointment reflects a broader trend of Egyptian leadership across United Nations agencies and related international organisations.
Below are some of the most prominent Egyptians serving, or who have served, in senior UN roles:
<a href="https://ibb.co/Pn4fjbm"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/gpwB9Xj/Clean-and-Minimal-Blue-and-White-Beach-Album-Release-Social-Feed-Static-Ad-4.png" alt="Clean-and-Minimal-Blue-and-White-Beach-Album-Release-Social-Feed-Static-Ad-4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Rania Al-Mashat &ndash; Executive Secretary of ESCWA
Yasmine Fouad &ndash; Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Khaled El-Enany &ndash; Director-General of UNESCO
Ghada Waly &ndash; Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV); the first woman to lead UNODC
Mahmoud Mohieldin &ndash; UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
Majed Abdel Fattah &ndash; Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Arab League to the United Nations
Photo Credit: Rania Al-Mashat&rsquo;s official page

Infographic | Egyptians in Key Leadership Roles At The United Nations

AI exploded into the mainstream, and now everyone&rsquo;s stuck on one question; is it here to kill creativity, or just give it a serious boost?
The Tools Are Already Here
ChatGPT from OpenAI, Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, they&rsquo;re no longer &ldquo;coming soon.&rdquo; Writers, designers, and musicians are using them daily. Briefs that used to take hours get knocked out in minutes. A track idea you&rsquo;d sit on for days can be mocked up before your coffee gets cold. The tech is fast. The debate is faster.
From Threat to Teammate
A lot of creatives are changing the game; AI isn&rsquo;t the enemy, it&rsquo;s the new collaborator. Producers are using it to test weird sounds they&rsquo;d never try otherwise. Content creators lean on it to beat blank-page panic or tighten a messy first draft.
Grimes basically set the tone for this mindset. She told fans to go ahead and use AI versions of her voice in their music, just split the royalties if it makes money. No lawsuits, no drama. Just, &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s see what happens.&rdquo;
&nbsp;But then there&rsquo;s the other side. Those viral AI tracks with &ldquo;Drake&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Weeknd&rdquo; last year? Neither artist stepped in a booth. It blew up the whole conversation around consent, identity, and who actually owns a sound.
The Copyright Mess
This is where it gets tense. AI models train on massive amounts of existing work; songs, scripts, paintings, and photos. A lot of it is copyrighted. Most of it was used without permission.
That&rsquo;s why the lawsuits keep coming. The Writers Guild of America drew a hard line during the strikes: AI can&rsquo;t write your screenplay. Human writers stay in control.
Illustrators and photographers are saying the same thing. If your art was used to teach a machine that now generates images in your style, and you weren&rsquo;t asked or paid, that&rsquo;s a problem.&nbsp;
So What&rsquo;s Happening in Egypt?
&nbsp;Cairo&rsquo;s creative scene is already testing the waters. Open TikTok or Instagram and you&rsquo;ll find young Egyptian producers dropping AI-assisted beats, designers using it for quick edits, and digital artists experimenting with new styles.
&nbsp;For a lot of them, AI isn&rsquo;t scary. It&rsquo;s leverage. In a digital economy where speed and volume matter, being able to pitch three solid concepts before noon instead of one by Thursday is a game-changer.
The questions we&rsquo;re still figuring out: Who&rsquo;s teaching people how to use these tools well? Are agencies, labels, and studios ready for how fast this is moving? And if access isn&rsquo;t equal, who gets left behind?
We&rsquo;ve Been Here Before
Every major creative tool started with panic. Photoshop was going to kill photography. Auto-Tune was going to kill real singers. Drum machines were going to kill drummers.
One analyst told the BBC: &ldquo;Every innovation in creative tools starts with fear. Then we realize it just expands what&rsquo;s possible. The human part doesn&rsquo;t disappear, it just moves.&rdquo;
AI can generate, remix, and suggest all day. But it doesn&rsquo;t get obsessed with a weird idea at 2 am. It doesn&rsquo;t have taste. It doesn&rsquo;t have a point of view or a story it needs to tell.
Bottom Line
So maybe the question isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;Can AI be creative?&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s &ldquo;Can we stay creative enough to use it right and make sure it doesn&rsquo;t use us?&rdquo;
The balance between human imagination and machine help? That&rsquo;s where the real story is right now. And it&rsquo;s moving fast.
Photo Credit:&nbsp;Freepik&nbsp;

Is AI Replacing Creativity or Supercharging It? How AI Tools Are Changing Music, Art, and Everyday Life

Check out the most important Business, Tech, Startups, Gaming &amp; Entrepreneurship on Nile FM website

Geekdom

Transmissions with Boris is a weekly 60-minute journey into the world of techno and tech-house, featuring expertly crafted DJ sets and immersive soundscapes. Hosted by Boris, an acclaimed resident at top U.S. clubs like Pacha NY and Space Miami. The show showcases his signature sound alongside sets from outstanding guest DJs. With award-nominated talent and a global club feel, Transmissions delivers cutting-edge dance music every week.
&nbsp;

Transmissions 



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

The Sound of the Stork 



Music in the Air is an incredible travel into house, deep house and nu-disco sound selected by Villahangar' s Djs and the best house Djs.

MITA – Music In The Air



DAYS like NIGHTS is a devoted artistic platform founded by renowned Dutch DJ and producer Eelke Kleijn. Since its launch in 2017 as a record label, DAYS like NIGHTS has been dedicated to presenting innovative, organic music from both established artists and emerging talent around the world.
Known for its signature melodic sound and deep passion for music, the label has expanded into live experiences through its exclusive event series, held in major cities including New York, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and Toronto. Complementing these events is the label&rsquo;s globally recognized radio show, which continues to showcase affiliated artists, fresh talent, and close collaborators, offering listeners a curated journey through the best of modern electronic music.

Days Like Nights With Eelke Kleijn 

Voyager House Music DJ/Producer Tony Kay takes you on a tour of the planet with his weekly hour of the very finest new and upcoming dancefloor bangers from some of the most exciting Producers and Labels in the scene. With Tony Kay on the wheels of steel you can be sure of nothing but the very best rhythmic and grooving electronic music from his extensive armoury of music. Expect 3 deck live mixing and an organic flow that makes &lsquo;In The Mix&rsquo; a special weekly listen, wherever you may be. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In The Mix 



Let&rsquo;s Dance with Nancy brings the energy of the club straight into everyday life on Nile FM. Packed with high-energy beats, chart-toppers, classics, and fresh releases, Nancy keeps listeners motivated, uplifted, and connected to both the global and Cairo dance scenes. It&rsquo;s your daily dose of feel-good dance music proving that dancing doesn&rsquo;t wait for the night.
&nbsp;

Let’s Dance 




Gazlan will be taking listeners on a two-hour journey around different parts of Egypt and the world. Exploring what each place has to offer, from outdoor activities to watersports to simply relaxing and enjoying mother nature.

Gaz Guides

Electronic Music DJ and Producer, born and raised in Madrid, Spain. Creator of the pioneering Iberican Sound, founder of Stereo Productions and Redolent Music.&nbsp;Influenced by Portuguese and American underground sounds, Chus&rsquo;s musical evolution led him to craft house music infused with Soul, Disco, Latin, and World Music elements. he blends Organic House with Soul, Disco, Latin, and World Music influences. With a career spanning over 30 years, Chus is celebrated worldwide for his productions and remixes for artists like Madonna, Rihanna, and JLO, earning accolades such as DJ of the Year and Best House DJ..

Stereo Productions Podcast With DJ Chus 

Some say &ldquo;They don't make them like they used to", and we certainly agree. For one hour we spin out all your favorite classic hits from the 60s through the 90s that bring back those good oldies. Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 11 am, it's the time for some serious nostalgia.

Flashback

Hisham takes you on a journey through today&rsquo;s crowded entertainment world, from cinema releases to top picks with honest reviews, curated recommendations, and the latest entertainment news, he helps you quickly decide what&rsquo;s worth watching next.&nbsp;

The Watchlist 



Join Zeinab &amp; Sami every weekday afternoon for &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo;! Your best companion on your journey home from work or school. The best music, the funniest games and lots more as they help you shake off your Cairo traffic blues! Zeinab and Samy will keep you entertained every day from 5 to 7 PM.
&nbsp;

The Big Drive

Your morning commute has never been this fun! An endlessly entertaining blend of games, news tidbits, and the latest hits, "The Morning Show" is the best place to kick-start your morning. What you listen to in the morning can really set the tone of your whole day, and Sally is here to make sure you are fresh and ready to conquer the day!

The Morning Show

Hip-Hop &amp; RnB &ldquo;FLAVAS!&rdquo; from the one and only DJ Feedo! With a master&rsquo;s degree in swag, Feedo will give your Friday the kick it needs to. Your weekly dose of all the newest hip-hop releases, the best old-school jams, East Coast/West Coast, Shack Town, the dirty South &amp; the Middle East just got a whole lot more flavorful with DJ Feedo!

Friday Night Flavas

Every Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm, Nadine will be counting down the week&rsquo;s biggest 30 songs on the only official chart countdown in the nation &ldquo;Hit 30 Egypt&rdquo;
Find out whether your favorite song will make it to the #1 spot each week and how long it will stay there!

Hit 30 Egypt

Unlike any other show, Basmah will give you a variety of different segments throughout the weekdays for one hour! Basmah will keep you company with plenty of chat, fun, music &amp; games, along with all the latest entertainment news and much more!

Brain Busters

Every Monday and Wednesday from 3-4 pm, Feedo delivers the hottest chart-topping hit music, mixed back to back, nonstop! All the latest tracks for one hour straight, no interruptions! You know you&rsquo;re in good hands with Feedo and his stellar music taste!
&nbsp;

Mixalicious

AT40 gives you the inside scoop on everything &ldquo;Hollywood&rdquo; as well as counts down through the &ldquo;top 40&rdquo; songs on US charts! Hosted by the one and only Ryan Seacrest, this one is a can&rsquo;t-miss for our pop-culture-obsessed listeners who can&rsquo;t get enough of celebrity shenanigans!

American Top 40

DJ of the Week&nbsp;&ndash; Where Egypt&rsquo;s future DJs break through!
It&rsquo;s time to put the spotlight on Egypt&rsquo;s finest local talent with DJ of the Week&nbsp;on Nile FM! 60 minutes of handpicked sets, mixed by rising stars, spinning the sounds you should&nbsp;be hearing.
Think you&rsquo;ve got what it takes? Send us your best mix!&nbsp;
Submission Rules &amp; Guidelines for Guest DJ Sets:
&middot;&nbsp; Contains no explicit words
&middot; Mixed&nbsp;to professional standards
&middot;&nbsp;English language&nbsp;or instrumental music only
&middot; Duration between 55 minutes and 60 minutes
&middot;&nbsp;Exclusive unreleased sets only
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;MP3 or WAV format
We also need
&middot;Your&nbsp;DJ name, along with its pronunciation
&middot;&nbsp;Any social media links (Instagram, Facebook)
&middot; Any streaming platform links (SoundCloud, Mixcloud)
Email: djoftheweek@nrp.net.eg, and you could be next playing to Egypt&rsquo;s millions!

DJ of the Week

A curated playlist of the best tunes from the 90s &amp; the 2000s! Join veteran music man Simon Ramsden as he helps you bring your busy work week to a close and prepares you for the weekend&rsquo;s parties! Every Thursday, Simon&rsquo;s power hour aims to kickstart your weekend with an hour full of the best of all time and new tracks to make you feel good!

Feel Good Thursday

Step into a world of calm and culture with Nile Bazar with Safi. Featuring oriental-inspired music and thoughtfully curated lifestyle content, the show offers a serene backdrop for reflection, discovery, and an immersive taste of local flavor. Every Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM, with a chance to catch it on Saturday later from 10 PM to 12 AM.
&nbsp;

Nile Bazaar

A him and her show where Mickey &amp; Nadine will talk about topics that interest us, that are trending, and that everyone can relate to. Two perspectives &amp; two preferences. Simply this show will be a place where people can listen to funny, interesting, and relatable&nbsp;topics, with his two cents and her takes. Music, movies, habits, career talk, pop culture, how-to, why, and why-not, did you know? and the list goes on and on which is what makes this show powerful. It&rsquo;s all about the now, the current, and the relevant with interesting talks about everything for everyone.

Real Talk

Tom Cruise is back in cinemas, but this time, he looks almost unrecognizable. In &ldquo;Digger,&rdquo; Cruise undergoes a dramatic transformation, appearing with a heavier body, thinning white hair, and prosthetic makeup to portray an aging oil tycoon.
From the film&rsquo;s plot and star-studded cast to Cruise&rsquo;s transformation and the movie&rsquo;s early reception, here is everything you need to know before watching &ldquo;Digger.&rdquo;
Plot
According to the film&rsquo;s official synopsis, the story follows the most powerful man in the world as he embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity&rsquo;s savior before the disaster he has unleashed destroys everything. Academy Award winner Tom Cruise stars in Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. I&ntilde;&aacute;rritu&rsquo;s original film &ldquo;Digger,&rdquo; from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.
Reviews
&ldquo;Digger&rdquo; has received a mixed reception from critics and audiences.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 51% Tomatometer score based on critics&rsquo; reviews, while its audience score stands at 71%. Meanwhile, &ldquo;Digger&rdquo; currently holds a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb, based on thousands of user ratings.
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4nxLG_PFlFo" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Cast
The film marks the first collaboration between Tom Cruise and Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. I&ntilde;&aacute;rritu. Cruise stars in the title role alongside Oscar winner Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Oscar nominee Sandra H&uuml;ller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons.
Tom Cruise&rsquo;s Transformation
Cruise takes on a very different appearance for the role of Digger Rockwell, an aging and powerful oil tycoon.
The actor disappears beneath prosthetic makeup, a heavier body suit, and thinning, disheveled white hair to portray the character, marking a major departure from the action-hero image audiences are accustomed to seeing from Cruise.
Digger is not simply a wealthy businessman. He is an influential oil magnate whose power extends far beyond his company, placing him at the center of the film&rsquo;s environmental and political satire.
Shot Entirely in VistaVision
One of the film&rsquo;s biggest technical features is its use of VistaVision. &ldquo;Digger&rdquo; was shot entirely in VistaVision, a high-resolution widescreen filmmaking process introduced by Paramount in the 1950s. The technique captures images on 35mm film horizontally, allowing filmmakers to achieve a larger image area and greater detail.
The film was shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, one of I&ntilde;&aacute;rritu&rsquo;s frequent collaborators.
One of Cruise&rsquo;s Lowest Openings
Despite the film&rsquo;s high-profile cast and director, &ldquo;Digger&rdquo; has struggled at the box office.
According to The Guardian, the film opened to $20 million globally, including $8 million in North America and $12 million internationally. The performance makes it one of the weakest opening weekends of Cruise&rsquo;s career and his lowest domestic opening since 2007&rsquo;s &ldquo;Lions for Lambs.&rdquo;
The result is particularly notable given the film&rsquo;s reported production budget of around $150 million, alongside substantial marketing costs.
&ldquo;So Proud of What We Created&rdquo;
Despite the film&rsquo;s challenging box-office performance, Cruise has remained positive about the project.
In a post shared on his social media accounts, Cruise wrote that &ldquo;DIGGER is officially in theaters&rdquo; and said he was honored to have created the film alongside its cast and crew. He thanked the team for their dedication and described the experience as unforgettable, adding that he was &ldquo;so proud of what we created.&rdquo;
Tom Cruise&rsquo;s Upcoming Projects
Cruise already has another major project on the horizon.
In August 2026, Cruise and Anne Hathaway announced that they will star together in a sequel to the 1990 racing film &ldquo;Days of Thunder.&rdquo; Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, while Hathaway will play a team owner and engineer.
The sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on 2 June 2028, with Jonathan Levine directing.
The project marks another major franchise return for Cruise, following his work on the &ldquo;Mission: Impossible&rdquo; series. A third &ldquo;Top Gun&rdquo; film is also in development.
Photo Credit: Tom Crusie&rsquo;s official page

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