By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
Thousands of people gather each year in Cairo&rsquo;s Matariya district on the 15th day of Ramadan for one of Egypt&rsquo;s largest communal iftar gatherings. Long tables stretch through the streets as residents, volunteers, and visitors from around the world come together to break their fast, creating a festive atmosphere filled with generosity and community spirit.
What began in 2013 as a small neighbourhood initiative has grown into one of the country&rsquo;s most anticipated Ramadan traditions, now attracting tens of thousands of attendees from across Egypt and abroad.
Marina, a Ukrainian resident who has been living in Egypt for about four years, attended this year&rsquo;s gathering, and spoke to NileFM about her experience. Having discovered Egyptian culture and life during her stay, she participated in the famous Matariya iftar preparations and shared her impressions of the strong sense of community she witnessed during Ramadan.
You came from Ukraine to Egypt. What inspired you to visit and stay to experience Ramadan?
I came to Egypt from Ukraine about four years ago. At first, I was curious about the culture and life here. Egypt is unlike any other place, and I found it fascinating. Over time, I began to love the people, the atmosphere, and the lifestyle. That is why I decided to stay longer and experience Ramadan in Egypt.
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How did you first hear about the famous Matariya iftar?
Honestly, I only learned about the Matariya iftar this year through social media. I saw videos and photos, and it looked very beautiful and special. I became curious and wanted to see it with my own eyes and be part of the moment.
When you saw tens of thousands of people gathering, what was your first reaction?
My first reaction was surprise and happiness. I was amazed to see so many people gathering in one place. The atmosphere felt very warm and friendly. It really felt like one big family.
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How did you experience the community spirit in Matariya?
What impressed me most was how people treat each other. Everyone is smiling, welcoming, and helping. Even if you are a stranger, people make you feel like part of the family. I think that is something very special in Egypt.
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Were you able to see or participate in the preparations?
I saw people preparing drinks and food for others in the street, and I even helped a little by handing out drinks. It was a very nice moment because everyone was working together to help others break their fast.&nbsp;
Did you learn to cook any Egyptian Ramadan dishes?
I haven&rsquo;t cooked any special Ramadan dishes yet. But a few months ago, I tried to cook molokhia for the first time. It was a very interesting experience.
What was the most unforgettable moment during the Matariya iftar?
For me, the most unforgettable moment was seeing thousands of people sitting together and sharing food. The feeling at that moment was very warm and emotional.
Which part of the decorations or street art impressed you the most?
I loved all the decorations in the streets. The lights, the colours and the murals on the walls were amazing. You can really see that people put a lot of love and effort into preparing for Ramadan.
You met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. What do you remember most about that moment?
It was a very special day for me. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi shook my hand and spoke about how Egypt is like one big family, without division between Muslims and Christians. I really liked that message about unity and people supporting each other.
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How would you describe Egypt to people in Ukraine?
Many tourists only visit places like Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. But I would really recommend visiting Cairo, especially during Ramadan. The atmosphere is incredible. You can truly feel the spirit of community and hospitality here.
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Photo Credit: Marina Ukrainian Girl's official page

Exclusive | From Ukraine to Cairo: Marina Shares Her Experience at Matariya’s Ramadan Iftar with NileFM

By: Yomna Walid
The Cairo International Book Fair is one of the Middle East&rsquo;s largest cultural events, drawing families, readers and writers from across generations. More than a commercial marketplace, the fair has long served as a space for cultural exchange and storytelling.
The 57th edition, which opened last Thursday, attracted more than 2 million visitors in its first five days, according to Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Culture.
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From Reader to Debut Author
NileFM joined debut novelist Amr Elhossiny during an exclusive tour of the fair, where he is presenting his first novel, Malabes Gadida (New Clothes).
For Elhossiny, this year marks a personal milestone. Having attended the fair since childhood, he is now taking part as an author, a transition he describes as deeply meaningful.
His interest in literature began early, shaped by popular Arabic series such as Samir and Ragol Al-Mustahil, as well as works by writers including Naguib Mahfouz, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Charles Dickens. He says writing became a way to process life and translate his experiences into fiction.
Writing without pause
Elhossiny describes his writing process as instinctive and continuous.
&ldquo;I wrote at any time and in any place,&rdquo; he says, explaining that he rarely allowed ideas to fade before committing them to paper.
Place plays a central role in "New Clothes.' Elhossiny says he personally visited every location featured in the novel to ensure accuracy and atmosphere, from Luxor&rsquo;s West Bank to the markets of Banha, and Cairo&rsquo;s Tawfiqia district.
The novel&rsquo;s primary setting, a psychiatric hospital in England, draws on his frequent travels to London. While some events are based on real experiences, he says names and details were altered to serve the narrative.
&nbsp;Fact, research and humility
The characters in the novel combine observation with research, particularly around themes of dissociative amnesia and childhood trauma. Elhossiny is cautious about overstating his achievement.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not a professional writer yet,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;But I tried honestly and worked very hard.&rdquo;
He is already working on two future projects, one aimed at children, and another focused on the October War. Adaptations of "New Clothes" for film or television, he says, will depend first on readers&rsquo; responses.
His advice to aspiring writers is direct: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t despair. Don&rsquo;t stop. Read a lot, learn from your mistakes, and trust your knowledge.&rdquo;
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Illustrating emotions before words
Children&rsquo;s literature also features prominently at this year&rsquo;s fair, supported by workshops and activities organised by the Center for Documentation and Research in Children&rsquo;s Literature.
NileFM also met Esraa Karam, an illustrator and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Applied Arts, who contributed illustrations to the children&rsquo;s book Wahdi Amam El Bab (Alone at the Door), written by Hagar Mohamed.
Karam says illustration offers a unique way to communicate emotional depth to young readers.
&ldquo;Children feel the image before they understand the words,&rdquo; she explains.
Visual storytelling for young readers
In Alone at the Door, illustrations take a leading role. Karam says she focused on emotional balance, using colour, facial expression and body language to guide the child&rsquo;s response to each scene.
She worked closely with the author to ensure emotional consistency while maintaining her artistic independence.
One scene stands out for her, when the child character finally hugs her mother.
&ldquo;There was warmth and safety,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It felt like reassurance for the character and for me.&rdquo;
A record-breaking edition
The Cairo International Book Fair runs from 21 January to 3 February at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center. It is the largest edition in the fair&rsquo;s history, featuring 1,457 publishers from 83 countries and more than 6,600 exhibitors.
The programme includes hundreds of cultural events, book signings and artistic activities. Held under the slogan &ldquo;He who stops reading for an hour falls centuries behind,&rdquo; the fair welcomes Romania as guest of honour and celebrates Naguib Mahfouz as its featured literary figure.
For emerging writers and illustrators alike, the fair remains a vital platform showcasing new voices and reaffirming the enduring role of storytelling in Egyptian cultural life.
Photo Credit: Cairo International Book Fair&rsquo;s official page.

Exclusive | Inside The 57th Cairo International Book Fair: Debut Author Amr Elhossiny and Illustrator Esraa Karam

Egypt has been named &ldquo;Most Promising Destination 2026&rdquo; by global tourism platform Tongcheng, marking a milestone in its international promotion efforts. The award was presented in Shanghai during a tourism roadshow, with the Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority (ETPA) accepting the honour on behalf of the country.
The recognition reflects growing confidence in Egypt&rsquo;s appeal to Chinese travellers and signals expectations of increased visitor numbers in the near future.
As part of its strategy to expand Egypt&rsquo;s share of global tourism, particularly from China, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, through the ETPA, staged a roadshow in three major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. These cities are among China&rsquo;s most significant economic and tourism hubs.
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The programme included professional meetings with key Chinese tourism partners to explore collaboration opportunities and boost inbound travel. Discussions focused on joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips, and tailored tourism programmes designed to appeal to Chinese visitors. The efforts coincide with a notable expansion of direct flights between Egypt and China.
The roadshow also highlighted the diversity of Egypt&rsquo;s tourism offerings, from cultural heritage sites and beach resorts to leisure and eco-tourism experiences. The aim is to cater to a wide range of tourist preferences, with a particular focus on the Chinese market.
<div>Photo Credit: Freepik</div>

Egypt Strengthens Tourism Promotion in China, Wins “Most Promising Destination 2026” Award

Many people struggle to access their favorite books at no cost. In response to this challenge, the Ministry of Culture has launched a promotional campaign for its &ldquo;Ketab&rdquo; application. Informational videos are now being broadcast on screens aboard Line 3 of the Cairo Metro and the high-speed train, as well as on digital screens located on station platforms. The campaign comes as part of the Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s broader efforts to encourage reading among different segments of society, coinciding with the opening of the 57th Cairo International Book Fair. It also aims to leverage modern digital tools to spread cultural awareness and expand access to cultural content without geographical or time constraints. The &ldquo;Ketab&rdquo; app was previously launched by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to provide a large collection of books free of charge to Egyptian citizens, for which the Ministry of Culture owns the publishing rights. The app allows users to browse and read a wide range of books anytime and anywhere at no cost, contributing to the promotion of digital reading culture and encouraging younger generations to engage with knowledge through modern and accessible tools. The application also represents an important step toward achieving cultural equity by making reliable sources of knowledge available to all segments of society. This initiative reinforces culture&rsquo;s role as a form of soft power that supports national awareness, creativity, and the preservation of Egyptian identity in an increasingly digital world.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEgyptianMOC%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02dt9Z266YzjbPzt6gkjxRqxaF7aUzFrKFb6cp54EDnZ8cXGZzJLU9sJth65UTtcUpl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> In this context, Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno extended his thanks to Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, for supporting this cooperation. He emphasized that this step builds on a series of joint cultural initiatives, beginning with the &ldquo;Naguib Mahfouz in the Heart&rdquo; celebration last April, followed by initiatives honoring &ldquo;Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyya&rdquo; and renowned poet Abdel Rahman El-Abnoudy (&ldquo;El-Khal&rdquo;) during Eid Al-Adha, celebrations marking the Wafaa Al-Nil anniversary, the October Victory commemorations, and the campaign &ldquo;We&rsquo;re Happy with the Grand Egyptian Museum&hellip; and There Are Still Many Egyptian Museums to Discover.&rdquo; These efforts aim to raise awareness of Egypt&rsquo;s cultural heritage and deliver refined cultural content that reflects Egyptian identity during citizens&rsquo; daily commutes. The Minister also expressed appreciation for the sincere cooperation and facilities provided by the National Authority for Tunnels, headed by Dr. Tarek Hamed, as well as the company operating Metro Line 3 and the Electric Capital Train, headed by Wadih Bouchiha. He noted that this initiative aligns with the Ministry&rsquo;s vision of integrating culture into public spaces and introducing new generations to the symbols and values of Egyptian identity, strengthening their sense of national belonging. In his concluding remarks, the Minister of Culture invited citizens to follow the new titles that the Ministry continues to add to the &ldquo;Ketab&rdquo; app and to take advantage of the free internet services available at several stations to download the app and explore its collection of cultural publications and releases. Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s official page

Free Books on The Move: Ministry of Culture Promotes “Ketab” App Across Metro and Trains

The Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) have announced the end of the temporary exemption for mobile phones brought from abroad by travelers, effective 12:00 PM on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. This follows the implementation of Egypt&rsquo;s mobile device governance system, launched in January 2025, which initially allowed a customs exemption for one mobile phone per traveler until locally manufactured phones became widely available. The exemption will continue for Egyptians residing abroad and tourists for up to 90 days. The initiative has already attracted 15 global mobile phone manufacturers to the Egyptian market, providing a production capacity of 20 million devices annually, exceeding domestic market needs. In 2025, Egypt&rsquo;s mobile phone industry underwent a significant transformation, resulting in the availability of locally manufactured models with the latest global specifications at competitive prices. These devices are produced either by the original international manufacturers or under their direct technical supervision, ensuring the same quality standards as devices produced abroad.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEgyptianCabinet%2Fposts%2Fpfbid07LkxndMfEjTpqjkYCAL2t1v73i57b7tCAxMV1pmKsSfuAtiJ9z6aWRPxeru4vSc1l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> This progress has not only boosted the local economy but also created approximately 10,000 job opportunities for Egyptian youth, while meeting domestic demand and eliminating the need for continued exemptions on imported devices. To facilitate compliance, citizens can pay taxes and fees on imported mobile phones through the &ldquo;telephony&rdquo; app or via digital payment methods available through banks and e-wallets. A 90-day grace period from the first activation is provided to regularize imported devices, with the option to make installment payments for these taxes and fees. The Customs Authority and NTRA confirmed that taxes and fees will not be applied retroactively to devices previously exempted and informed travelers that registration of personal mobile devices at customs offices has been canceled, as payment and compliance can now be handled entirely through the approved digital channels. Why This Is Important: This milestone reflects the success of Egypt&rsquo;s policy to develop a local mobile phone industry, making high-quality devices accessible to all citizens at competitive prices, reducing reliance on imports, creating thousands of jobs, and modernizing regulatory processes for smoother customs compliance. Photo Credit: Freepik

Local Mobile Phone Manufacturing Succeeds as Temporary Import Exemption Ends on 21 January 2026

NileFM has launched 2026 with exciting additions to its programming, expanding its electronic music lineup with two internationally acclaimed radio shows. The new offerings bring world-class DJs and cutting-edge sounds to listeners across Egypt.
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The station has added the &ldquo;Stereo Productions Podcast with DJ Chus&rdquo;, airing every Thursday from 1:00 am to 2:00 am. Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, DJ Chus is a pioneering electronic music DJ and producer, known for creating the influential Iberican Sound. As founder of Stereo Productions and Redolent Music, he has developed a distinctive style blending Organic House with Soul, Disco, Latin, and World Music influences.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, DJ Chus is internationally recognized for his productions and remixes for artists including Madonna, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. He has earned multiple accolades, including DJ of the Year and Best House DJ, cementing his status as one of the genre&rsquo;s most respected figures.
&nbsp;
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Joining the lineup is also &ldquo;Days Like Nights with Eelke Kleijn&rdquo;, airing every Friday from 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Founded in 2017 by Dutch DJ and producer Eelke Kleijn, &ldquo;Days Like Nights&rdquo; began as an innovative record label presenting forward-thinking electronic music from both established and emerging artists.
Renowned for its melodic sound and immersive approach, the platform has grown into a global artistic movement, hosting exclusive live events in cities including New York, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and Toronto. The radio show highlights affiliated artists, emerging talent, and close collaborators, offering listeners a curated journey through modern electronic music.
With these two additions, NileFM strengthens its commitment to delivering premium global electronic music, connecting Egyptian audiences with some of the most influential sounds shaping the international dance music scene.
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