Hey there,

In 2026, the calendar is throwing the ultimate cultural crossover episode: Ramadan, Chinese New Year, and Lent are all sharing the spotlight at once.

Muslims observing Ramadan are fasting from dawn to sunset, Christians beginning Lent are giving something up for 40 days of reflection, and families celebrating the Chinese New Year are gathering for feasts, fireworks, and lucky red envelopes.

While one group greets the year with “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” another says “Ramadan Mubarak,” and others prepare for Easter through Lenten devotion.

Different traditions, different histories, yet all centered on renewal, discipline, gratitude, and hope.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Warm regards,

Mirna Abdulaal

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If you walked into Lotfy Mohamed Lotfy’s studio, you probably wouldn’t hear a “song” in the traditional sense. You’d hear layers of piano colliding with static, buzzing textures, off-beat rhythms, and sounds that feel like they’re slightly unraveling on purpose. And that’s exactly the point.

Lotfy kind of wrestles with it. His 2024 album SWLD feels less like a playlist and more like stepping inside someone’s emotional brain during a storm. There are moments that feel chaotic, even uncomfortable, but then something clicks, and the noise starts to make sense. It’s like finding calm in the middle of mayhem.

What makes him interesting is that he leans into the mess. He improvises, follows instinct, and lets feelings guide the structure instead of chasing catchy hooks.

Discover his work here.

Early access for Egyptian Streets’ first ever limited edition merch drop is ending soon! The merch was created in collaboration with four independent Egyptian artists whose work brings everyday Egypt to life in original, meaningful ways. You can now secure a tote, tee, art print or sweater featuring designs by Amira Tanany, Toka El Sayed, Nada Abouelmaati and Seham Sultan.

The Early Access window is currently available for global audiences only. A dedicated Egypt-based launch will follow soon, with local pricing and production being finalized to ensure affordability and availability inside Egypt.

Check out the collection and learn more about the artists here.

It’s a typical weekday evening in Cairo. The traffic’s nuts, everyone’s rushing home or squeezing in one last coffee. But tucked inside a cozy café, something refreshingly calm is happening: people sitting with open books, quietly reading… with strangers.
That is the kind of vibe of Reading After Work, a laid-back community where folks gather, read for 20-minute chunks, chat, then dive back in.

Repeat the ritual three times and you’ve got a couple of hours that feel way more relaxing than scrolling your phone. Created by a young professional who missed having reading in her life, this isn’t a book club with assigned chapters or must-finish lists. Everyone brings whatever they actually want to read, whether that’s a novel, a memoir, or something totally random.

After each reading burst, conversations naturally come up, sometimes about the books, sometimes about life, stress, relationships, and everything in between. The group has popped up in spots across Cairo like New Cairo, Heliopolis, and Maadi, and draws readers of all kinds who share one thing in common: they love books, but struggle to find the time to read.

Read the article here.

You Must Live is a stunning bilingual anthology of poems written by contemporary Palestinian poets living in Gaza and the West Bank, most of whom have never left home despite unimaginable challenges.

It’s poetry from the midst of life itself. Some pieces are fierce and raw, others are tender love letters to land and family, and some even surprise with humor and theatrical flair.
These voices refuse to be seen as mere victims; they claim life, memory, and identity with every line.

Read more here.

Fans of LEGE-CY are calling him one of the most sentimental voices of his generation because he’s not afraid to be vulnerable, blending mellow, emotional production with honest lyrics that linger long after the song ends. Whether you’re in that mood for reflection or just want a track that actually feels something, this one hits.

Listen here.

What many people don’t realize about Okhtein’s story isn’t just the journey of the sisters, but the powerful influence of their mother. Even before Okhtein existed, she had her own brand — one that never fully took off, yet her experiences, even the setbacks, have come full circle to fuel her daughters’ dreams. It shows us that no path is ever truly over; sometimes roads pause, only to reconnect and lead us somewhere even greater. Always pushing boundaries, this brand continues to innovate and try something new. Earlier today, Okhtein brought that spirit of reinvention to life by hosting Egypt’s first-ever Dressage Performance to celebrate the launch of its new Equestrian Collection. Often called “horse ballet,” dressage is all about precision, discipline, and centuries of tradition, and in a region where horses carry deep cultural meaning, Okhtein is rewriting the story.

Watch it here.

If you’re looking for a fresh culinary destination that’s already buzzing across social media, Chubby Lee in New Cairo should be at the top of your list. Since opening its doors with a carefully crafted Asian-inspired menu, the restaurant has captured the attention of food lovers and TikTok creators alike, with clips of its standout ramen bowls, donburis, and indulgent sandos circulating across feeds and sparking conversation.

Find out more here.

This Ramadan in Cairo, make a point to stroll along Mamsha Ahl Misr, the stunning modern promenade that hugs the Nile and offers a totally different way to experience the city after sunset. Whether you’re breaking your fast or enjoying a late-night walk, you can take in river views, browse shops, sip coffee at cafés, or grab a sweet treat while the lights reflect off the water. With open spaces, lively energy, and plenty of restaurants and seating spots to relax with friends or family, it’s the perfect place to soak up the warm Ramadan atmosphere and make evenings feel a little more magical by the Nile.

Find out more here.

The ADHD Interactive Comedy Show feels less like sitting in an audience and more like being inside someone’s brilliantly busy brain in the best way possible. It’s quick, chaotic, unexpectedly heartfelt, and absolutely hilarious. One minute you’re watching stand-up, the next you’re part of the joke, and somehow it all makes perfect sense in its own wonderfully scattered way. The show turns real ADHD experiences — the distractions, the overthinking, the hyperfocus, the emotional highs and lows — into something we can all laugh about together.

Find out more here.

Through her podcast, Rateel Alpha Talk, public speaking engagements, and youth-led initiatives, Rateel has built spaces where young people are encouraged to speak openly, ask questions, and see their voices as tools for change. Her work does not position youth as an audience but as participants in shaping conversations about purpose, empathy, and leadership.

What distinguishes her approach is a focus on listening first. Conversations are framed around curiosity rather than instruction, and dialogue rather than performance.

“I’ve learned that even at a young age, you can create impact if you listen first and lead with purpose,” she added. “I hope this inspires other young people to believe that their ideas can bring good things to more people too.”

Read more here.