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Hey there,

We hope you're enjoying a well-deserved holiday surrounded by friends and family, and that your boss isn’t one of those who messages you during your time off. With school officially out and the sun blazing, we can confidently say: summer is here.

But truly, for Egyptians, summer is more of a state of mind that stretches far beyond a few months. It’s the time when weddings fill our weekends, but also when breakups unfold. It’s when someone you haven’t spoken to in years suddenly wants to “catch up.” Because that’s what Egyptian summers do: they suddenly stir things up.

There’s something about the long drives to the coast, the family chalets packed with cousins, the late-night beachside laughs, and the deep heart-to-hearts under the stars. It might sound like a universal experience, but when you experience it here, you’ll understand why it's different. What we can say for sure is that summer in Egypt has its own kind of drama and, quite honestly, its own kind of magic.

Warm regards,

Egyptian Streets team

Meet Omar Fathy, Designer and Illustrator

There’s been a growing global appreciation for folkloric culture and culturally rooted design, and Omar Fathy, a brand designer and illustrator, is right at the heart of it. We love how intentional he is with every detail, from the expressions on his characters' faces to their body language, fashion choices, Arabic calligraphy, and even the color palettes. It all comes together to capture the essence of what truly makes a design feel Egyptian. Discover his work here.

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

What routines or rituals help spark your creativity?

I’m someone who’s obsessed with late-night walks through the streets. I see that part of the day as my personal retreat—my time alone with my thoughts. There’s something about walking through Egypt’s streets at night, especially the beautifully chaotic order they hold. I call it “organized chaos” because, despite the randomness—like the foul carts, the taxis, and the layered type everywhere on the walls—there’s a visual harmony in the colors and compositions that transforms it all into a living piece of art. It’s a kind of raw inspiration we should be drawing from in the modern era. So yes, if there’s one ritual that sparks my creativity every day, it’s wandering through the streets and breathing in their atmosphere.

How did you come to develop your unique artistic style?

The key factor that helps any artist develop a meaningful and convincing style is, first and foremost, believing in what they’re doing. That belief is the foundation. When you truly believe in your work and feel confident about it, you’ll pour your full energy and soul into it—and people will feel that authenticity.

Secondly, it’s about constantly improving your technical skills. For me, that means comparing my work with international standards, studying global art, and analyzing different techniques—mainly through an extensive amount of sketching. Because as I said, when you truly believe in your vision, experimenting and sketching become a meaningful journey. Eventually, one of those sketches will click—and you’ll know, “this is it.”

Last but not least, getting feedback from professionals in the field is essential. Their perspective can shift everything. That kind of honest dialogue refines your style and helps it grow into something truly inspiring

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

Absolutely. Especially when I’m creating art that carries a message or reflects the spirit of Egypt’s often-overlooked beauty, I feel truly alive. That kind of work gives me a deep sense of purpose—it’s my way of escaping the fast-paced rhythm of modern life. It grounds me, helps me slow down, and reminds me to appreciate the blessings that are already within our reach, just waiting to be noticed and embraced. For me, art is a form of meditation. It’s spiritual, emotional strength. It’s life itself.

How do you express the essence of Egypt through your art?

As I mentioned before, to me, Egypt—with its streets and culture—can be summed up in one phrase: “organized chaos.” My approach to capturing Egypt’s essence lies in balancing the structured, intentional design language of our ancient heritage—like that of the Pharaohs—with the raw, spontaneous energy of everyday street life. In almost every poster I create, you’ll notice the composition often centers around an unexpected “hero”—like the parking guy, a foul cart, or a liver sandwich stand. That’s intentional.

I feel a personal responsibility to spotlight these overlooked elements of our daily life and present them in a way that’s both respectful and playfully ironic. Ultimately, my goal is to highlight the soul of these moments and characters through colors and compositions that reflect their true spirit and beauty.

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

Each of my pieces holds deep meaning and adds something to my journey, but if I were to choose one that truly resonates with me, it would be ‘Beauty Belongs to Those Who Contemplate’. This piece feels like a distilled reflection of who I am—it brings me a sense of inner peace and reminds me of my purpose in life. I paid special attention to the composition, abstraction, and especially the Arabic calligraphy, making sure it feels both authentic and powerful to convey the core message of the poster.

Remembering Egypt’s Forgotten Summer Gem

Once a hotspot in the 1950s and 60s, Al‑Agami was known for its turquoise waters, golden sands, and laid-back family atmosphere. It drew a diverse crowd—from Egyptian families and international diplomats to cultural icons like Abdel Halim Hafez. The area also holds historical significance, named after Sheikh Mohamed bin Agami and reportedly the first sight Napoleon’s troops saw upon arriving in Egypt.

Over the years, however, Al‑Agami fell into neglect as newer, more polished coastal developments like Marina and Ras Al‑Hekma began to dominate the North Coast scene. Many of the original villas were abandoned, and the area now suffers from broken infrastructure and poor maintenance.

Read the article here.

The Story of Alexandria’s Maamoura Beach

In the late 1990s, Al‑Maamoura Beach in Alexandria was a beloved summer retreat, one packed with sun‑soaked mornings, seaside corniche strolls, bike rides, grilled corn, an amusement park, and open‑air cinema, that drew everyone from families escaping Cairo’s heat to celebrities and political figures. Steeped in nostalgia for its simple pleasures and communal atmosphere, it was a highlight of many childhood summers.

But over the years, neglect set in, garbage piles up, sewage clogs the streets, illegal buildings block views, and the beach’s upkeep faltered. As Egypt’s coastal visitors gravitated toward gated compounds along the North Coast, Al‑Maamoura grew quieter, its memories preserved only in the hearts of those who once called it their summer haven.

Read the article here.

Chronicle of A Last Summer: A Novel of Egypt

There’s something we especially love about coming-of-age stories, maybe because Egypt itself is always in a state of becoming. Change here isn’t just national; it’s deeply personal. You can feel it in your bones from one year to the next. And that’s exactly what makes Yasmine El Rashidi’s debut novel so captivating.

Chronicle of a Last Summer unfolds over three transformative Egyptian summers, 1984, 1998, and 2014, through the eyes of a young woman growing up in Cairo, quietly navigating political tension and unspoken family truths. If you’ve read it, tell us what you think, we’d love to feature your reflections.

Read more here.

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Warana Eh by Nancy Ajram

We know what you’re probably thinking, “Nancy... she’s still around?” and that’s exactly why we chose her. Because even after all these years, Nancy Ajram is still releasing music that radiates life and pure summer vibes. In an industry that often sidelines women as they grow older, think of global icons like Madonna, who’s been vocal about ageism, it’s refreshing to see Arab pop legends like Nancy pushing back against those norms. They’re proving that talent, charisma, and cultural impact don’t come with an expiration date.

Listen here.

Laylat El Eid

Delving into the struggles faced by Egyptian women, this new film tells the stories of several female characters, highlighting the challenges and crises they endure, largely due to the lack of awareness and respect for their rights by some men in their community.

Watch it in Egypt here and in the US here. 

Before the Summer Crowds

Before the Summer Crowds, directed by Mohamed Khan, unfolds at a North Coast beach resort, where a group of affluent, self-absorbed Egyptians, including Dr. Yehia (Maged el-Kedwany), his wife Magda (Lana Mushtaq), recently divorced Hala (Hana Shiha), and resort caretaker Goma’a (Ahmed Dawood), navigate a fraught pre-summer getaway. Described by Screen Daily as “a wry satire on the self-centred middle classes,” the film humorously exposes the characters’ personal frustrations, jealousy, and desires as they collide over the course of a week that was meant to be relaxing but instead amplifies their inner turmoil.

Watch it in Egypt here.

1980’s Summer Smoothies

When the summer heat gets a little too real and you're in need of a quick pick-me-up, ditch the basic ice cream and go for something that’s more of a vibe than just a drink. What we love about 1980’s summer smoothies is how they instantly transport you to the carefree energy of the early 2000s; bright colors, fun flavors, and all-around coolness. Our current obsessions? Kill Barbie, Coconut Cloud, and Peach Offender. Trust us, they taste like summer in a cup.

Find out more here.

Disco Tech X Happiness Therapy

Disco Tech x Happiness Therapy is taking over Cairo Jazz Club 610, and it’s about to be lit. Headliners Crowd Control, bringing global house beats infused with Latin, tribal, Balearic, and even Japanese flair, will take you on a sonic world tour. Then French/Swiss DJ Baka G steps in with her signature disco-soul-garage fusion, her Weekend EP is already blowing up, and more heat is coming.

Find out more here.

Felukah

Felukah is pulling up to Cairo Jazz Club 610 on Wednesday, June 11th, and it’s gonna be vibes on vibes. Born in Egypt, raised in NYC, and serving bilingual bars like no other, she’s bringing her signature mix of hip-hop, trap, R&B, and unapologetic energy to the stage. It will be full of raw vocals, deep feels, and a sonic journey that hits both heart and hype.

Find out more here.