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Hello,

We’d like to begin by thanking our wonderful readers for being part of this journey. This newsletter was created to inspire and bring you a sense of beauty and calm, and your continued support means the world to us. A heartfelt thank you also to those who’ve shared kind words and thoughtful feedback; we’re truly grateful and hope to always exceed your expectations.

This week, our cultural map takes a gentle detour, leading us into the leafy streets of Zamalek, a neighborhood that feels less like a place and more like a heartbeat. What flows through its veins often finds its way into the lifeblood of the entire city, and such is the magic of a neighborhood: it can shape a city's soul and find its way into the fabric of a nation.

Zamalek is where Cairo comes to catch its breath; to create, to remember, to dream. In a city that rarely sleeps, Zamalek is the place we return to when we need to feel something real.

Warm regards,

Egyptian Streets team

Meet Omar Monem, Founder and Creative Leader

As AI continues to evolve, the true differentiator among creatives today is taste; an instinctive ability to discern what clicks and what doesn’t. Taste is about more than aesthetics; it’s a deep understanding of cultural shifts, global consumption patterns, and the foresight to anticipate trends before they surface. Omar Monem, founder of 'em Marketing House, has built his career on this very principle. As a creative leader, he champions the idea that while AI can amplify creativity, it’s human taste that remains irreplaceable, and essential, in building meaningful brands. Discover his cultural picks below. Discover her work here.

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

What habits help you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from constantly being engaged with the world around me. I don’t wait for ideas to come; I seek them out. Whether it’s through high-end branding, design, architecture, or marketing case studies, I make sure to stay exposed to different industries and creative disciplines. Traveling plays a big role, but so does simply paying attention to the details in everyday life. I also believe that execution fuels inspiration. The more I work, the more ideas evolve. Creativity isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build.

How did you find your own personal style in your work?

It came with experience, trial, and a deep understanding of what I wanted to build. I’ve always believed that marketing should be a balance of strategy and art, where every campaign feels intentional, elevated, and impactful. With ‘em Marketing House, I set out to create a distinct approach that doesn’t just make brands visible but positions them at the top of their industries. Over time, my style became clear: sleek, premium, and bold marketing solutions that deliver measurable results. Every brand we work with must feel like it belongs among the best.

What are some of the top communities/platforms to meet and collaborate with other artists and creative?

The best collaborations happen when you surround yourself with the right people, whether online or offline. I stay active on LinkedIn to connect with marketing leaders, strategists, and creatives who bring fresh perspectives. Behance is great for design-driven projects, while Instagram and Pinterest provide insights into consumer behavior and emerging trends. We’ve built a strong creative network that allows us to work with top-tier talents across different industries, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

What project are you most proud of?

I’m proud of every brand we’ve worked with because each project represents a different success story. Whether it’s transforming CO-55 into Egypt’s top serviced offices provider, launching Belvedere School from the ground up, shaping the presence of the esteemed Wycombe Abbey, or leading the market with BÖWE, an international design and architectural firm, each one stands out for the impact it has made. We’ve also built strong partnerships with Tashteeb, Esnam, Sinan, Ixina, BLCK, Sedar, Noun, and more helping them redefine their industries.

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Chairs of Zamalek: A Photographic Meditation

In Chairs of Zamalek (2021), photographer Amer turns her lens toward the poetry of Cairo’s streets. Centered on the storied neighborhood of Zamalek, her work becomes a meditation on memory and place. Each chair, whether weathered, worn, or gently askew, tells a story of those who once lingered there.

There were quiet rituals our grandfathers and great-grandfathers once held dear, like simply sitting in a chair, breathing in the day, and letting time unfold without rush. A gentle pause, unburdened by distraction. Simple, yes, but perhaps more nourishing to the soul than the endless scroll we’ve come to know.

Read the article here.

Houseboat Owners Forced to Bid Farewell to Iconic Homes

Egypt’s storied houseboats once floated as witnesses to time. But these floating homes, icons of a bygone era, now face erasure. The government issued orders for their evacuation, citing unpaid license fees and other violations. Yet for many, the Nile is where Egypt’s story first began, and to strip it of its houseboats is to sever a thread of living heritage. It is a tale of lives uprooted, of dreams dismantled, and of histories left undocumented and adrift.

Read the article here.

The Lady of Zamalek by Ashraf El-Ashmawi

In the spring of 1927, Cairo was shaken by the shocking murder of wealthy businessman Solomon Cicurel in his villa by the Nile, in the upscale Zamalek district. Based on this true event, the novel blends fact with fiction through the story of Abbas, a young man from a humble village whose hunger for wealth and power drives him into darkness. He joins a group of men who rob and kill Cicurel, but while the others are quickly caught and executed, Abbas escapes. With him, he carries a map that leads to a hidden safe said to contain Cicurel’s fortune.

Read more here.

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Basrah w Atoh by Cairokee

Basrah w Atoh by Cairokee plays like a winding walk through the alleys of memory. Much like Zamalek, the song is a collage of old rooftops, childhood corners, and the heartbreak of watching time slip through familiar streets. It wraps around you like an old photograph, reminding you of who you were before the world rushed in.

Listen here.

Gana El Bian El Taly - The Press Release Has Reached Us

Since the start of 2025, it has felt as though each day arrives with a new press release; a global shift, a headline, a turn of events that rewrites our plans and shakes the ground beneath our finances. In the midst of this constant flux, few films capture the absurdity and beautiful chaos of working in media quite like Gana El Bian El Taly (2001). With its sharp wit and perfectly timed comedy, it offers a rare and welcome moment of laughter, one that helps us make sense of the madness swirling all around.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

X Project

If you’re heading to the cinema this weekend, consider checking out the new Egyptian film X Project. The story follows a police officer on a high-stakes mission to take down an international antiquities smuggling ring operating across Europe. Along the way, he crosses paths with a young diver from El Gouna, whose life beneath the Red Sea pulls them both into a whirlwind of action, mystery, and unexpected adventure.

Watch it in Egypt here.

Beit Ward

Have you ever tried the Lebanese dessert maamoul stuffed with cheese? If not, now’s the perfect time to change that. This unique twist on the classic treat is rich, buttery, and filled with soft, gooey cheese. You can find it at Beit Ward, a charming spot known for its authentic Lebanese flavors.

Find out more here.

Made In Egypt Showcase Festival

Made in Egypt is going big with a Festival Edition this Saturday, May 31st! It’s an all-day vibe, packed with music that hits different, featuring boundary-pushing artists, heavy electronic beats, and deep local roots all coming together to celebrate the sound of Egypt’s underground scene. If you're into music that moves you (literally and figuratively), this one's for you.

Find out more here.

The Color Run

The Color Run Egypt is back on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at O West in 6th of October City. Dubbed "The Happiest 5K on the Planet," this year's run takes you on a nostalgic journey through the decades, from '70s disco to Gen Z vibes, with each kilometer bursting in a different color. The festivities kick off at 8:00 AM with a lively pre-race party featuring music, dancing, and warm-up sessions. After crossing the finish line, celebrate at the Finish Festival from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, where you'll receive a unicorn medal and enjoy music, giveaways, and more.

Find out more here.

The Saudi Influencer Making Beauty More Inclusive

Ali Majed is a Saudi beauty influencer who is reshaping the beauty landscape by promoting inclusivity and self-expression. With over 700,000 followers on TikTok, he stands out in a space predominantly occupied by women, offering makeup and skincare tutorials that cater to diverse audiences.

Majed draws inspiration from pioneering male beauty entrepreneurs like Bassam Fattouh, Fady Khataya, and Mohammed Hindash. He aspires to inspire others by demonstrating that beauty is a form of self-expression and healing, encouraging individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

Read more here.