Hey there,

We hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the shift as the weather finally cools down. We may not get the red and brown leaves other countries boast, but the air feels crisper, the breeze softer, and honestly, we’re just excited that hot chocolate season is around the corner (expect a special edition on that soon).

We’re also excited to share an upcoming event this Friday: Egyptian-Belgian singer Tamino will be performing live in Cairo, bringing his hauntingly beautiful voice, often described as a “gentle lullaby”, to the city’s stage.

This week isn’t about hot chocolate just yet. It’s about a drink making a major pop culture comeback. If you haven’t seen it yet, GAP’s new commercial featuring girl group Katseye dancing to a remix of the iconic 2003 track “Milkshake” has been stirring up a wave of nostalgia for many twentysomethings. 

And as we grab on to these last days of warm weather, what better excuse to indulge in a frozen treat while throwing it back to the early 2000s when that song was absolutely everywhere?

We hope you enjoy reading!

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.

Support our work and subscribe by clicking here.

Spotlight

^{Meet Mahmoud Khattab}

Rooted deeply in Egypt, Mahmoud Khattab is a Cairo-based visual artist who brings the lives of ordinary Egyptians to the canvas through a blend of surrealism and expressionism, creating a world that hovers between reality and dream. His figures often appear distorted or otherworldly, not quite natural, yet irresistibly captivating, capturing something more emotional than literal. Beginning his journey in stark black and white, Khattab has gradually expanded his palette through years of exploration, arriving at a visual language that subtly recalls the dreamscapes of Dalí and the fractured forms of Picasso, while remaining entirely his own. Discover his work here.

Speaking to Egyptian Streets, Khattab shared more about his cultural picks and work below:

What routines or rituals help spark your creativity?

The rituals that help spark my creativity include listening to music, reading, exploring different ideas and inspirations, and also the genuine and kind emotions exchanged between people.

How did you come to develop your unique artistic style?

I began developing my artistic style from a natural talent that I wanted to refine through formal study. I joined the Faculty of Fine Arts in Zamalek and graduated in 2010, then earned my Master's degree in 2017. Since graduating, I’ve been building my personal artistic path by participating in exhibitions and exploring various art movements. But what truly shaped my journey is consistent hard work, ongoing experimentation, and the search for my own unique voice and style.

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

There are indeed certain feelings that guide and influence me while painting, especially emotions of love, peace, and the desire to let go of all kinds of wars, whether internal or external. I try to express this through my paintings, often using themes of human connection, music, and play, in an attempt to reach a world free of negativity, always striving toward something better.

How is Egypt reflected in your work?

The influence of Egypt is clearly present in my work. It appears in the postures and scenes of musicians inspired by ancient Egyptian art, as well as in the backgrounds, such as lush green landscapes that reflect the purity and richness of rural Egyptian nature.

Feature

^{Yaya Shakes}

So it may seem like milkshakes aren’t exactly Egypt’s go-to drink, but one young entrepreneur is definitely bringing milkshakes to Egypt’s yard. Meet Yahia Zaky, the mind (and sweet tooth) behind Yaya Shakes. After years of experimenting with flavors and side hustles in London, Yahia turned his sweet tooth and simple passion for milkshakes into a business. 

And because no good story is complete without a homecoming, Yahia brought Yaya Shakes back to Cairo in 2022. The brand’s playful spirit crossed borders and includes unique toppings, and a whole lot of early 2000s energy. But beyond the sugar rush, Yaya Shakes is giving young Egyptians their first job experience and proving that you don’t have to leave home to dream big. Milkshakes may have started as a pop hit in 2003, but in Egypt, they’ve found a whole new beat.

Read the article here.

^{2000s Nostalgia}

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the early 2000s in Egypt, and Khaled Al Kammar, an Egyptian composer, felt it too. He started collecting ordinary snapshots, such as faces on the street, people in cafés, and daily life moments, from photo albums, magazines, social media, archives. From kids on bikes to neighbors chatting, it was a moment in time when conversations were still more common than texting. 

What struck him most was how that simplicity can’t quite be put into words, and how life was changing, yet looked so much quieter, more grounded. There were fewer distractions, and somehow people seemed more present, even if also serious; in many old photos, “no one was smiling,” Al Kammar notes, which doesn’t necessarily mean they were unhappy, maybe just weighed by the times. But there’s a longing in the way those images cling to something simpler, something familiar, and something that seems harder to find today.

Read the article here.

What to Read

^{My Friends}

Khaled and Mustafa first cross paths as eighteen-year-olds at a university in Edinburgh, both carrying the simple expectation that their studies would end with a return to Libya. But history has a way of reshaping even the most ordinary plans.

In the decades that follow, Khaled, Mustafa, and their friend Hosam, a writer, remain tethered by the invisible threads of exile: shared memory, loss, and the burden of a revolution that forces them to navigate who they are in a country not their own. Khaled, now living in the same West London flat for thirty-two years, reflects on these friendships. Exile, he reflects, is not only about the distance from home but about the transformations demanded by language and culture.

As he describes, “doing a degree in a language that is not your own means you have to find the spirit of another culture inside you, and to do that, a part of you has to die.”

Read more here.

What to Listen to

^{Wala Meen}

Ziad Zaza isn’t just copying what’s been done before. Though he works mostly in underground rap, a genre that has been rapidly rising and dominating Egypt’s streets, he brings something distinctly his own. What makes him stand out is his delivery, which is a deliberately sloppy, off-beat vocal style that can catch listeners off guard, letting his words fall where they feel right. While it may sound messy to some, it gives his music rawness and a strong sense of character.

He’s not chasing instant mass appeal either. In his own words, people sometimes reject or fail to understand his unusual flow at first, only to return to it later with newfound appreciation.

Listen here.

What to Watch

^Daye

At just 14, Daye is already used to standing out. Living with albinism in a Nubian community, his pale skin and light hair set him apart, and not always in ways that feel kind. Bullied at school and even rejected by his own father, Daye seems destined to live on the margins. But he also dreams of singing, and his hero is none other than Mohamed Mounir, the “King” who turned Nubian rhythms into an Egyptian sound loved by all.

From audition rooms where judges don’t even look at him, to a chance encounter that goes viral, Daye’s voice finally finds its stage. And in the process, he proves to everyone, and to himself, that being different isn’t a weakness; it’s the very thing that makes your dreams worth chasing.

Find out more.

^{Wesh x Wesh}

Put two families in the same room and chances are, a clash of some kind will unfold—whether over religion, politics, or even just personal quirks. It’s such a simple setup, but one that feels universally relatable, which is why we love how the film ‘Wesh x Wesh’ takes this idea and runs with it. The story kicks off with an argument between a husband and wife, only for the apartment door lock to break, trapping all the family members inside. From there, cultural and social tensions rise quickly, spiraling into chaos.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

What to Drink

^Swirkies

We understand that milkshakes can be a bit of a gamble, because one off ingredient and the whole thing is ruined. So keeping it simple is always the safest (and tastiest) bet. One simple option is the classic creamy vanilla milkshake at Swirkies. No frills, no fuss, just the kind of shake that reminds you why vanilla is timeless.

There are plenty of ways to measure a good milkshake, but the real test is in the consistency and the balance between milk and ice cream. Too thin? Add a little less milk. Too thick? Ask for more. And if you’re the kind of person who likes a bit of crunch, toss in a cookie or a handful of nuts for that extra bite. Simple, customizable, and always satisfying.

Find out more here.

What to Visit

^{Fashion Pop-Up}

Maison Pyramide is back with a four-day pop-up event at the Eklego showroom in Zamalek, from September 30 to October 3, open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s bringing together an exciting mix of regional and international designers, giving people a chance to see limited-edition pieces and connect with a wider level of creative craft.

Stand-outs include Lebanon’s heritage jeweller L’Atelier Nawbar (est. 1891) whose designs have been worn by Dua Lipa; Jordanian designer Nafsika Skourti, known for bold, globally appealing silhouettes; and Cleopatra’s Bling, an Australian-born jewellery brand making its Egypt debut, with handcrafted designs rooted in symbolism and storytelling.

Find out more here.

Saudi Spotlight

^{Saudi Arabia Freezes Rent Hikes}

Saudi Arabia has announced a five-year freeze on rent increases in Riyadh, effective from September 25, 2025, as part of a royal decree by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at stabilizing the housing market amid rapid population growth. The freeze applies to both residential and commercial properties, prohibiting landlords from raising rents on new or existing leases, with vacant properties to be re-leased at their most recent rent. All leases must be registered through the government’s “Ejar” platform and will automatically renew unless 60 days' notice is given, with limited grounds for eviction. Violations can incur fines of up to 12 months’ rent, and whistleblowers may receive 20% of collected penalties.

Read more here.