Hey there,

How are you all doing, or should we say, kifak inta? If you didn’t catch that this is a nod to the iconic song by Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani, then let’s just say this newsletter was made especially for you, to help you discover the incredible beauty of Arabic music.

There’s the music itself, of course, but then there’s the story behind it, and even more than that, the way a song makes you feel and the way it resonates with so many people. What sets Arabic music apart is that it is deeply tied to our own experiences, our language, and our way of seeing the world.

No matter the distance or the realities we face in different regions, Arabs have always found a way to connect through the beauty of song and poetry. And in the current political climate, there’s no better time to come together, to see past our differences, and to build unity and understanding above all else.

We hope you enjoy the read, and have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Mirna Abdulaal

The time and effort behind this newsletter come from the Egyptian Streets team of independent, grassroots journalists. By subscribing for just USD 1.66 per month (EGP 80), or as little as USD 0.84 per month (EGP 40) for students (paid annually), you’re directly supporting the creation of content like this and helping sustain independent media in Egypt.

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Spotlight

^{Meet Gehad Abdalla}

Remembering home comes softly, like the way Katayef is gently folded between your mother’s and grandmother’s hands. Those same hands that once buttoned your coat, wiped your tears, passed you warm bread. The same hands that hold your childhood, gently and tenderly. No matter how far you go or how long you’ve been gone, their hands still remember, shaping memories like dough, folding them into sweetness, just so you can taste home again.

The way we understand our homeland and our culture often lives in the imagination, tucked away in the mind’s eye. We remember the small details that define us, the way the streets looked, the feeling of a passing conversation with a stranger, the quiet familiarity of stepping inside a building. These memories are usually kept safe within us, but for Gehad Abdalla, founder of Gehad Studio Illustrations, they are brought to life as stunning paintings and collages, each one carrying the warmth of stepping into someone’s home. From the architecture to tender moments like a mother cradling her child, these fragments of memory weave together to form a person’s identity, their way of life, and above all, the landscape of their heart. Discover her work here.

Speaking to Egyptian Streets, Gehad shared more about her cultural picks and work below:

What routines or rituals help spark your creativity?

Tea with mint is a daily ritual, not just for the taste, but for the pause it brings while I work. I walk a lot. Urban streets are my playground; I love watching people, overhearing little conversations, and imagining the stories behind every face. It’s honestly my favourite hobby.

I talk to my family and friends often when I am stuck, our chats always refresh my mind and make me see things differently. When I’m not walking or talking, I’m usually watching historical dramas, reading classical Arabic novels or cooking traditional Egyptian meals (my favourite is Sidi Orka ). Those activities fill me with visual inspiration and emotional layers I try to carry into my work.

I always carry a small sketchbook, and if I don’t sketch on the spot, I’ll at least throw raw ideas into my phone notes like breadcrumbs or take reference photos for future projects.

How did you come to develop your unique artistic style?

I’ve been drawing for over 15 years through my work in architecture and urban design, but I never stopped experimenting. I’ve explored collage, painting, ink, mixed media, and recently shifted from traditional to digital. My style has always been rooted in culture, heritage, and storytelling . During my time at University of Western Australia (UWA)’s design school, I developed more experimental techniques, such as layering textures, playing with bold compositions, and always starting with raw sketches.

They’re my first contact with any idea, and I try to keep that energy alive in the final work. Last year, I launched Gehad Studio, a space where I continue exploring styles and ideas freely. Letting go of perfection was key. I began to feel my way through the work, rather than just “master” it. I’m constantly inspired by other creatives, especially photographers and sculptors, and the way they capture emotion and movement pushes me to see differently. My style is rooted in history, memory, and narrative culture, and I try to gather all of that into each piece, so it tells a story or speaks to the viewer.

Are there particular emotions that guide or influence you while painting?

Yes, always. Nostalgia is probably the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes I draw with longing, other times with joy, confusion, or love. Often it’s all of them mixed together. Some days I paint like I’m writing a letter to home, other days it feels like a protest or a conversation with my younger self. I just let the emotion lead the work, even if it ends up messy, especially if it ends up messy.

How do you express Egypt through your artwork?

I draw Egypt as I know it, not the postcard version. It’s always personal, always tied to my roots. Being based in Australia now, I carry my identity with me everywhere I go, and that shows up in my work. I’m constantly thinking about home; the smell of streets in Alexandria, the texture of Sohag homes, the rituals, the noise, the quiet. I try to capture those everyday moments that are full of emotion and meaning. My work is a kind of storytelling about Egyptian people, their humour, their resilience, and the beauty in their ordinary.

Is there a project that holds special meaning for you, and why does it stand out?

Yes, my latest project is an ongoing journey of documenting my identity and roots. It’s not just about Sohag, but also Alexandria, Cairo, and years of exploring what it means to belong to many places at once. Through this work, I reflect on memories, places, and people; it’s a way for me to preserve and honor all the pieces that shaped me as both an artist and a person. Another project I’m proud of is my Fatimid Cairo series, where I documented stories about the Fatimid era through illustration in celebration of the birth of Cairo city.

Opportunities

^{2025 Writing Competition}

If you've got a tale to tell about exploring historical sites, attending a performance, or even discovering hidden artisan crafts, we’re all ears! The top three winners will get vouchers from FairTrade Egypt, which can be used to pick out some truly beautiful handcrafted pieces, such as embroidered shawls, unique jewelry, and gorgeous pottery. These items not only showcase the talent of Egyptian artisans, but also FairTrade Egypt’s commitment to ethical, eco-friendly craftsmanship.

The top 10 submissions will be featured on Egyptian Streets, giving writers the chance to showcase their stories to a broad audience. To enter, just send your submission to: [email protected]
Deadline: August 20, 2025

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected].

Find out more here.

^{CineGouna Emerge}

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is pleased to announce the open call for its CineGouna Emerge programs as part of its 8th edition, supported by GFF’s Impact Partner, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), and the European Union in Egypt. This initiative is dedicated to empowering young and emerging talents in the film industry. The flagship CineGouna Emerge Program welcomes aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals, including, but not limited to, directors, screenwriters, producers, actors, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers to fully immerse themselves in the Festival experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, and specially curated networking sessions. Selected candidates will receive full festival accreditation, granting access to all screenings, the CineGouna Forum, and Market activities. In addition, they will enjoy exclusive networking and learning opportunities, with domestic travel, accommodation, and meal vouchers provided.

Learn more here. 

^{Art D’Egypte Art Guide}

Art D'Égypte is looking for art lovers to join their team of Art Guides for this year's exhibitions. The guides are a key part of our community, and they provide them with mentorship and training to prepare them for their role. As a guide, you will receive an accredited participation certificate from Art D’Égypte and UNESCO, along with financial incentives. You'll also get to attend special workshops with renowned Egyptian artists, receive transportation to and from the exhibition sites, and have the chance to engage with both the local and international art scene.

Find out more here.

Feature

^{Kifak Inta}

Many of us now live most of our lives through our phone screens. The strongest among us manage to stay rooted in their surroundings, in the texture of their homes and the rhythm of the world outside, but for so many, life unfolds almost entirely within a curated digital reality, one that may or may not resemble the truth of our days. The line between what’s real and what’s not has grown thin, blurred by constant noise, until it becomes easy to forget what actually feels human.

Ziad Rahbani, the legendary Lebanese composer and playwright, never knew the hyper-connected, hyper-distracted world we inhabit today. Yet his iconic song Kifak Inta, sung by his mother, Fairuz, speaks directly to it without ever trying. Its story on its own already feels like a poem: years of separation from his mother, who had no idea where he was or whether he had children, until one day they finally met again. Then she looked at him and simply said, “Kifak inta?” which means, how are you? It’s so short, so unadorned, yet in today’s world, to ask kifak inta with no agenda beyond truly checking on someone’s well-being feels like a rare act.

And for many Arabs in the diaspora, where distance makes even simple connection harder, those words carry an even deeper weight.

Read the article here.

^{A Musical Bridge}

For Fairuz, singing was a deeper yearning — a human quest — to grasp the very essence of being. As she sings in her famously known song, Aateny El Nay We Ghanny (Give me the Flute and Sing), “singing is the secret of existence, and the sound of the flute remains after the end of existence.“

Her voice envelops you, forming a gentle sanctuary where all else fades away. For Arab immigrants, particularly the younger generations far from their ancestral homes, Fairuz is a living archive of heritage and emotion. In a world where connection to the past can feel tenuous, her voice becomes the only thread of connection to their heritage and sense of belonging.

She is a healer. A dreamer. A poet. An icon.

Read the article here.

What to Read

_{Minor Detail}

Minor Detail opens in the summer of 1949, a year after the war Palestinians call the Nakba—when around 700,000 people were displaced—and Israelis call the War of Independence. In the Negev desert, Israeli soldiers attack a Bedouin camp, killing its inhabitants.

Among the victims is a Palestinian teenager whom they capture, rape, kill, and bury in the sand. Decades later, in present-day Ramallah, a young woman becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this crime. Her fascination deepens when she realizes it happened exactly twenty-five years before the day she was born. In the novel, Adania Shibli bridges these two parallel stories—equal in length—to show how the present remains haunted by the past.

Her search is complicated by the travel restrictions imposed on Palestinians. In the end, after breaking those restrictions, she’s executed by the IDF in the very same place where the Bedouin girl was killed. Maybe the details in both stories echo each other because the past never really goes away.

Read more here.

What to Listen

_{Frank Ocean’s Pyramids}

We’re not just about Arabic music, we love diving into what’s happening around the world, especially when we spot subtle nods to Egypt in global tracks, like Frank Ocean’s Pyramids. There’s no question that Frank Ocean has a sound entirely his own, and if you’re feeling a little worn out from the typical Egyptian summer hits, this one will feel like a breath of fresh air. Pyramids runs for nearly 10 minutes, and it is a tale of the Black woman’s journey, from being a Queen in her homeland to her diminished, exploited role in the Western world.

Once revered and fiercely protected, she is now reduced to someone men take advantage of, a heartbreaking contrast to centuries past. The track is a layered reflection on the Black man and woman’s fall from grace in America, and while it’s rich in meaning, we especially love how it all circles back to a simple yet potent symbol.

Listen here.

What to Watch

^{Beek Na'eesh}

If you're looking for a film that will move you to tears, make you think, and help you grasp the intricate lives of people after the Arab Spring, you should watch Mehdi Barsaoui's Tunisian film A Son (BeeK Na’eesh).

The film is set in late 2011, following the Tunisian Revolution and the turmoil and chaos that came after it. It begins with a road trip taken by a married couple, Fares and Meriem, and their only son, Aziz.

But then, everything changes, and the family is thrust into a whirlwind of betrayal, from confronting family secrets to getting entangled in the dark world of organ trafficking. It leaves you questioning: who deserves our trust, who should we walk away from, and, most importantly, who do we stand by until the very end?

Life moves through seasons, full of highs and lows, but it’s the people who remain beside us through it all who ultimately shape who we are.

Without hope, the film suggests, we could not continue living or overcome the challenges we face. This is perhaps the film’s deeper message, beautifully reflected in its title A Son ((BeeK Na’eesh)—“With you, we live.”

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

_{To a Land Unknown}

Stuck in Athens after fleeing a refugee camp in Lebanon, two Palestinian cousins, Chatila and Reda, are trying to earn enough money to get fake passports and continue their journey to Germany, where they hope to build a new life.

What makes the film so important and relevant is its unflinching, humanistic portrayal of the refugee experience. Instead of presenting its characters as one-dimensional symbols of victimhood or resistance, the film shows them as complex, flawed, and deeply human. Chatila and Reda are desperate people resorting to petty crime and morally compromising schemes to survive. Reda struggles with a heroin addiction, and Chatila is willing to manipulate others to get the money they need.

The film strips away the political headlines and put a face to the human cost of displacement. It begins with a poignant quote from Edward Said: “In a way, it’s sort of the fate of Palestinians, not to end up where they started, but somewhere unexpected and far away.”

At a time where conversations about refugees and migration are often reduced to politics and statistics, To a Land Unknown forces you to see the individual struggle, the erosion of hope, and the painful choices people are forced to make when they have lost everything.

Watch it here.

What to Eat

_{What the Crust}

It’s always, always a good time for pizza, but not just any pizza. We’re talking about one baked in a true Neapolitan oven, made with Egyptian ingredients where possible and Italian where needed, from classic marinara and margherita to fiery diavolo and hearty romana. If this pizza gem hasn’t been on your radar yet, take this as your divine sign to treat yourself to authentic Italian pizza, so authentic, in fact, it’s the only pizzeria in all of Africa certified by the AVPN, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.

The Margherita Verace, for example, is an iconic pizza and was created to honor the Queen of Italy. Its toppings, which include tomato, mozzarella, and basil, were chosen to reflect the colours of the Italian flag. Each pizza here carries a piece of history, a slice of culture. And if you haven’t yet discovered this hidden gem, consider this your sign: indulge in the most authentic Italian pizza on the continent.

Find out more here. 

What to Visit

^{Hassan El Shafei & Pandhora}

Summer might seem like it’s slowing to an end, but anyone who knows the North Coast knows this is when the magic slips in. These are the nights you don’t see coming, the ones that end up defining the season. On Friday, August 15th, Nobu North Coast at Ogami is set to host exactly that kind of night.

Hassan El Shafei will be making his long-awaited return to the stage, performing live for the first time in ages, bringing with him that signature sound we’ve all been missing. Sharing the bill is Pandhora, whose set will weave through the evening, keeping the energy alive long after the sun dips below the horizon. It’s the kind of unexpected August night you’ll still be talking about long after summer’s gone.

Find out more here.

^{Comedy Therapy}

If you haven’t experienced just how healing comedy can be, you’ve been missing out on one of life’s simplest yet most powerful forms of therapy. Laughter has a way of loosening the tightest knots in our chests. It breaks tension, shifts perspective, and reminds us that even in the chaos, joy still exists.

Science has even shown that laughter lowers stress hormones, boosts mood, and creates a sense of connection with those around us. And that’s exactly what Comedy Therapy is all about. On Tuesday, August 12th, 610 will host an evening dedicated to that emotional release, with Paula Rizk, Engy Hashem, Hatem Elsokkary, and Ezzat Essam taking the mic.

Find out more here.

Saudi Spotlight

^{Saudi Music Beyond Khaleeji}

Tamtam, a singer-songwriter who divides her time between Riyadh and Los Angeles, is carving her own musical path. Drawing deeply from Saudi Arabia’s poetic heritage, she fuses ancient storytelling with modern sounds, crafting a style that is an emotional bridge between worlds.

In her track Ismak (2021), for instance, she breathes new life into the traditional Ardah folk melody while weaving in fresh, contemporary lyrics. Her visuals affirm this blend too, featuring Saudi women in traditional attire, poised against mountain backdrops, brandishing the jambiya (a ceremonial dagger) as a symbol of cultural pride.

She acknowledges the diversity of Saudi artists and pushes back against being pigeonholed into Khaleeji (Gulf region) sounds. Her work also brings listeners into intimate Saudi life, such as everyday rituals, cultural symbols, and social expectations around romance and marriage. The video for RISE (2018), for example, uses subtle imagery like a rose-adorned incense burner and a mannequin fiancé to explore themes of choice, pressure, and the agency of women.

Read more here.