Ramadan Arabian Nights 2026: The Tale of King al-Nu’man “Where Is Karkoub? Ep.21”

Ramadan Kareem to all Egyptian Chronicles readers.

Tonight, we will find out the fate of the humble garbage man Karkoub after saving the day several times for al-Nu’man’s brothers—but first, it’s time for our usual chit-chat.

It is short, very short, as we are near the very end of our tale this year.

The actor voicing Karkoub, the kind-hearted garbage man, is the late Egyptian actor Kamel Anwar.

Although he is not widely known, lovers of black-and-white films like me recognise him well for his distinctive voice.

Kamel Anwar was born on 8 March 1912. He graduated from Al-Sa‘idiya School in 1925, where he was a classmate of Anwar Wagdi.

He began his career as an employee in the General Affairs Department of the Armed Forces before turning to acting, where he participated in military theatre and later worked with several theatrical troupes, including the famous Tholathy Adwaa El Masrah.

He also appeared in numerous films in supporting roles, including Cairo 30, Angel and Devil, and The Soft Hands.

Over the course of his career, he took part in nearly 100 artistic works across cinema, theatre, and radio series. He passed away on 20 September 1973.

Now, enough chit-chat.

Let us now see what is going to happen in the 112th episode of One Thousand and One Nights, as originally broadcast on Egyptian State Radio.

Ramadan Arabian Nights 2026: The Tale of King al-Nu’man “Reconciliations Ep.15”

Ramadan Kareem to all Egyptian Chronicles readers.

Tonight, we will learn how al-Nu’man’s children come to their senses and stop fighting over their father’s throne.

But first, it is time for our little chit-chat.

Tonight’s chit-chat will not be about how history turns into myth, but rather about one of Egypt’s legendary actors who plays a role in our tale.

Tonight, I will speak about the late Egyptian legendary director and actor Nour El-Demerdash, who voiced Daw’ al-Makan.

Nour El-Demerdash was one of Egypt's most versatile figures in the world of performing arts, leaving a lasting mark on theatre, cinema, radio, and television over nearly five decades of creative work.

Born on November 12, 1925, in Tanta, in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt, El-Demerdash first earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 1955, followed by a bachelor’s degree from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1956.

He began his theatrical career working under the renowned Egyptian theater pioneer Zaki Tulaimat, an experience that shaped his disciplined approach to acting and storytelling.

On screen, Nour El-Demerdash became well known for portraying the charming young romantic lead — the charismatic playboy — in the 1950s

Watch this now: Once BBC's Living in Gaza War Zone

Before it pulled Gaza Doctors Under Attack under pressure from the Israeli lobby in the UK, the BBC had already withdrawn this documentary — despite having commissioned it — also due to pressure from the same lobby.

“Gaza: Living in a War Zone” was the name of the documentary, and it was released in February 2025.

The documentary follows the lives of four young people navigating the war in Gaza: 13-year-old Abdullah Al-Yazouri, 11-year-old Zakaria, 10-year-old Renad, and 24-year-old Rana, a new mother.

Watch the documentary

Ramadan Arabian Nights 2025 : The Tale of Fatima, Halima and Karima “ Becoming Mrs Ka’b al-Ghazal ” EP.8

Ramadan Kareem

Before Scheherazade continues her tale and we discover what happened to Fatima, Halima, and Karima’s Ka’b al-Ghazal as he falls into Reema’s trap—" no spoiler”—it’s time for a little chitchat and some trivia about this season of One Thousand and One Nights, Egypt’s legendary radio and TV show.

Now it is the turn of Ka’b al-Ghazal, the three sisters’ father.

The actor who narrated the role of Ka’b al-Ghazal in the radio version, which we listen to throughout Ramadan, is the same actor who presented it on the TV screen in 1987: the late Egyptian comedian Mohamed Ahmed El-Masry.

Late Egyptian comedy icon Mohamed Ahmed El-Masry

El-Masry is known in Egypt and Arabs for generations as Abu Lam’a El-Masry, the big bluffer who exaggerates everything with everyone till he falls in trouble to the level that they did not know that his name was Mohamed Ahmed El-Masry, who had a very high ranking position in the Ministry of Education and was the Principal one of Egypt’s oldest and most famous high school.

Born in February 1924, in Zagazig, Egypt, El-Masry earned a bachelor’s degree in applied arts, followed by a Diploma from the Teacher Training Institute in 1949.

He initially worked as a teacher before becoming the principal of Al-Sa'idiyya High school, and you do not become a principal for the school that graduated Egypt’s top icons except if you truly deserve that position.

The Civilian High School turned into a military high school in 1973. Till this day, Mohamed Ahmed El-Masry is remembered among the top principals back in its civilian days. 

El-Masry, he held a high-ranking position at the Ministry of Education, where he served as the Director of Public Relations.

Now it comes to acting, El-Masry was among the original cast to join the Egyptian Radio show Sa'a Le Qalbak (An Hour for Your Heart) troupe in 1953. Sa’a Le Qalbak was our radio Saturday Night Live and was recorded live.

El-Masry portrayed the character of Abu Lam’a, originally played by Amin El-Heneidi. He later formed a comedic duo with Fouad Rateb, known for his role as Greek El-Khawaga Bijo (The Foreigner Bijo) who always falls for the lies and tales of Abu Lam’a

The show ran till the early 1960s when its stars, including actors and writers, moved to TV and Cinema.

El-Masry passed away in January 2003.

Thanks to social media and the Egyptian Radio uploading those episodes of Sa’a Le Qalbak, new generations of Egypt continue to know Abu Lam’a El-Masry.

Anyhow, we will leave Abu Lam’a and go to Abu Fatima, Halima, and Karima, Ka’b al Ghazal in the Arabian Nights universe. First, here is last night's episode to refresh your memory.

Ramadan Arabian Nights 2025 : The Tale of Fatima, Halima and Karima “Into her web ” EP.7

Ramadan Kareem

Before Scheherazade continues her tale and we discover what happened to Fatima, Halima, and Karima as they fall deeper into the web of their auntie Reema, it’s time for a little chitchat and some trivia about this season of One Thousand and One Nights, Egypt’s legendary radio show.

Our radio Scheherazade, Zouzou Nabil, portrayed Reema in the 1987 TV adaptation of the tale. However, the Reema we hear in this Ramadan’s radio broadcast is voiced by the renowned Egyptian actress Malak El-Gamal.

Colorized photo of Malak El-Gamal in 1966 "Tofahet Adam"

I had recognized Reema’s voice in the radio version as familiar, yet I couldn’t pinpoint which veteran actress it belonged to—until I stumbled upon the answer by accident.

Born in Port Said in 1929, El-Gamal graduated from the Faculty of Arts, English Department, before enrolling at the Higher Institute of Acting Arts. She began her career in radio before transitioning to theater and eventually becoming a well-known film actress, specializing in complex roles, particularly as a villain.

She is remembered as the first Egyptian actress to portray a queer character on the silver screen in Salah Abu Seif’s El-Tareeq El-Masdood (1958), based on Ihsan Abdel Quddous' novel. The role was groundbreaking, even though the character was one of the antagonists the heroine encounters in her journey.

Her role in the 1962 film Black Candles was a classic performance, and she became a horror icon despite the film not being a horror movie.

Both Malak El-Gamal and Zouzou Nabil are among Egypt’s legendary villainesses and radio icons. If Nabil was our Radio Scheherazade, then El-Gamal was our talkative, bubbly Auntie Bamba—the beloved voice who guided Egyptian housewives for 12 years on the famous radio show To the Housewives, the oldest and longest-running program in Egyptian radio history. It has been on air for an astounding 71 years.

The showrunner and presenter of To the Housewives was Safia El-Mohandas, the wife of Mahmoud Shaaban—the creator and showrunner of the One Thousand and One Nights radio series. It is no surprise that both Shaaban and El-Mohandas are often referred to as the father and mother of Egyptian radio broadcasting.

Now, back to Malak El-Gamal—the Villainess Queen. It is said that she was the true muse of the famous Egyptian poet Ibrahim Nagi and the inspiration behind his iconic poem Al-Atlal (The Ruins), which was later immortalized in song by Umm Kulthum. Ironically, another theory suggests that the true muse was none other than Zouzou Hamdy El-Hakim, the undisputed queen of villainous roles in Egyptian cinema.

Malak El-Gamal’s career and life were tragically short. She passed away in 1982, following the deaths of her son and grandson. Yet, her legacy as one of Egyptian cinema’s most unforgettable villainesses of the 1960s and 1970s remains unparalleled.

Honestly, I felt it was a great opportunity to remember and shed some light on that fine actor.

Now, here is the 679th episode of our Arabian Nights Egyptian radio show—or the seventh night in this year’s tale, The Tale of Fatima, Halima, and Karima but first refresh your memory and remember what Reema did last night. 

Egyptian Chronicles’ Movers and Shakers of 2024 "Updated"

Welcome to the 2024 edition of Egyptian Chronicles' Movers and Shakers!

It’s that time of year again for our annual post.

Here is my list of those I believe to be the movers and shakers of 2024 in Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond.

This is not a list of the "top" individuals but rather those who left an impact for better or worse. The good, the bad, and the ugly all make an appearance. The naughty and the goody-goody are here too.

I didn’t publish the 2023 edition due to the war in Gaza—a decision I now regret.

But now, let’s dive into my top picks for the Movers and Shakers of 2024.

Regional shakers and movers

• The Palestinian people in Gaza:

Does this need any explanation? The most resilient people in the world are facing genocide while steadfastly refusing to leave their land. Many are unaware that Palestinians could storm the Egyptian border and seek refuge in Sinai under international law, which obligates Egypt to receive them. Yet, the Palestinians of Gaza choose to remain because they know Gaza is their last frontier.

Palestinian man Ismail Al-Khlout reads the Quran as he waits to break his fast in
Ramadan "March" while sitting on the rubble of his house. Mahmoud Isssa for Reuters

The people of Gaza understand that crossing the border means never returning. Israeli plans to recolonize Gaza are not a secret; Israeli officials openly discuss them. Their relentless efforts to make Gaza uninhabitable are underway, but the Palestinian people of Gaza remain their greatest obstacle. They are the true resistance, keeping the hope of Palestine alive. Yet, one cannot help but wonder how much longer they can endure this ongoing genocide.

Some countless faces and names embody the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Among them is Hajj Khaled Nabhan, who became an icon of perseverance after losing his beloved granddaughter Reem in October 2023. Despite his grief, he continued to care for his elderly mother and support the injured and displaced in Gaza. Tragically, Hajj Nabhan was killed in November.

Khaled Nabhan and his granddaughter Reem are now together

Others, like food blogger-turned-chef Hamada Shaqoura and Mrs. Shahinaz, inspire hope through their efforts amidst the destruction. They remind us of the enduring humanity and strength of Gaza’s people.

As of October 7, 2023, the ongoing Israeli war has claimed the lives of 45,658 individuals and left 108,583 injured. Additionally, 80% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli evacuation orders, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Thursday Rants and Rave: #S02EP03 Amira Amir’s Oedipus

Hello, and welcome back to a special episode of the Thursday Rants and Rave Podcast. This episode was recorded and edited before the war in Gaza in September 2023. 

I had to upload it now as I found that some people are still sharing the claims about the late Egyptian actor Amira Amir. 

Tonight, this is what I ranted about in Arabic.

This episode is dedicated to old Egyptian cinema fans and lovers. 

Oedipus: An Egyptian Take

According to YouTube and TikTok videos, Saadia Abdel Rahman Abu Al-Ala was born on 17 January 1920 in a Sharqia Governorate village to a butcher father.

Amira Amir on the cover of 
"Monday" Magazine in 1949

One day, a health inspector came to inspect his butchery, only to find he was violating the legal selling prices. A fight broke out between them, and it ended when the butcher killed the inspector with his cleaver.

The girl’s father was sentenced to life in prison and died during his sentence. 

At 16 years old, Saadia was forced to work as a seamstress to support herself and her family. She was gorgeous, and the village mayor proposed to her, even though he was older than her. She married him and gave birth to her eldest son, Khalid. 

However, after years of marriage, she decided to leave her husband and son and flee to Cairo, due to her husband's alcoholism.

After Saadia escaped to Cairo, her husband fell into a deep depression that drove him to suicide. As a result, his sister took in the child Khalid to raise him after his mother's escape. 

In Cairo, Saadia Abdel Rahman began looking for work. She saw an ad in the newspaper for a new film called "My Daughter" seeking new faces. She immediately went to audition for the role, and her striking beauty was enough to convince the director to give her the lead role. 

Amira Amir on the cover of
"Studio" Magazine "April 1950"

Aziza Amir, a famous actress, was also impressed with Saadia and agreed to give her the role. 

She gave Saadia the stage name "Amira Amir." From that moment on, she became famous and was the talk of the town.

Amira Amir's career took off. She met the director Kamal Selim, and they fell in love and got married. After several years, Kamal Selim passed away. 

Amira Amir continued her career in cinema, and then she married Mohamed Abdel Jawad, the assistant of her late husband. 

However, the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce. Later, she married the Palestinian-Jordanian singer Gharam Shima.

Amir had a daughter from her Palestinian-Jordanian husband. However, after a while, they divorced, and she left her daughter with him. 

She then married an Armenian man who lived in Egypt, but they divorced as well because he wanted to move to America, and she refused to go with him.

Amira's fourth marriage was to an Egyptian army officer named Ibrahim Fayez Sabry. They had two children but divorced after six years of marriage. The famous actress then immigrated to America to start a new chapter in her life.

Watch This: War Crimes are Instagrammed and Tiktoked in Gaza

Please watch this very important documentary “Investigating War Crimes in Gaza” produced by Al-Jazeera International about Israeli soldiers and officers in Gaza who share on social media their war crimes and misconduct openly to the world.

This documentary is more evidence of why the International Criminal Court “ICC” had to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza.

The film explores a trove of over 2,500 social media accounts of Israeli soldiers. It also exposes the complicity of Western governments specifically the British Government – in particular, the use of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus as a base for British surveillance flights over Gaza.

Watch in Ramadan: “Stern: The Man, the Gang and the State”

So, I am sharing this new documentary released and produced by Al-Jazeera Documentary “Stern: The Man, the Gang and the State”

Directed by Egyptian documentary filmmaker Hossam Serhan, this is a highly and timely documentary about one of the founding fathers of Israel and its army.

The documentary is about Avraham Stern and his Zionist militia “Lehi”.

Lehi and its members above them Stern were officially recognized as terrorists by the British occupation.

The Sabra we know very well: 40 years on a massacre (Warning : Extreme Graphic)

Last week, many Marvel fans in the Arab World were shocked to know that one of the Comics giant’s upcoming films will feature an Israeli superhero called Sabra who is originally a Mossad agent fighting none other than Arab terrorists.

We know firsthand in real life how Arab terrorists span to include every Palestinian in the occupied territories. We know also that for decades how Arabs and Muslims were depicted in comics but still, it is amazing how Marvel and DC got fans in the Arab and Muslim world in the first place, we are not that closed-minded.

We know how we have been depicted for decades in Western media.

The news about Sabra was like a slap because it was not only about glamourizing a superhero that works for a government that has no problem killing civilians as well as occupying other countries’ territories disrespecting international laws and ignoring security council resolutions.

But it was also about the name of that superhero: Sabra.

Aside from meaning patient in Arabic in its feminine form, Sabra is associated in the collective Arab memory, especially in the Levant with one of the worst and darkest moments in its modern history: The Sabra and Shatila massacre.

Remembering Sabra and Shatila's victims in 1999 
"Getty Images" 

In case you do not know my dear reader, from 16 to 18 September 1982 radical Lebanese Christian Lebanese Forces Militias killed between 850 to 1500 Palestinians and Shia Lebanese in Sabra neighbourhood and Shatila refugees camp by the orders of the Israeli forces. “Some say that the victims real number reached 3500 people”

"Warning: extreme graphic photos after the break" 

Egyptian Chronicles’ Movers and Shakers of 2021 “Egypt’s edition”

Welcome to the 2021 edition of Egyptian Chronicles' Movers and Shakers.

It is time of our annual post
Here is my list of those I believe that have been the shakers and movers of 2021 in Egypt.

There will be another list for “Region and world edition”

This is not the list of the top people but rather those who made an impact whether positive or negative based on my own views

This list is without any order. You know me, I write what I remember.

Locally :

From left to right "Egypt's Olympics delegation, Suez Canal workers, healthcare workers 
and antiquities workers"

A Special Mention

• Egypt’s healthcare workers: For the second year in a row, they are the unsung heroes of a bloody pandemic that does not want to end or fade away. I do not need to speak about their sacrifices in those hard times.
• The Egyptian Olympian and Paralympian team: For their victories against all odds in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics scoring the highest numbers of Medals in 7 decades against all odds and corruption in the Egyptian sports federation. The names of our champions are Feryal Abdel Aziz, Ahmed Al-Gendy, Gianna Farouk, Mohamed Ibrahim El-Sayed “Kesho”, Hadeya Malak, Seif Issa, Sherif Othman, Rehab Radwan, Mahmoud Attia, Fatima Omar, Mohamed Sobhy, Hany Abdel Hady and Mohamed El-Zayat.  
• The Suez Canal Authority workers and all those who worked hard for nearly 6 days in March to make the gigantic Ever Given float again and unblock the Suez canal saving global trade from another crisis. For their efforts all those years.
• The Egyptian archaeologists and workers: For their discoveries throughout the years and not only 2021.

#Oct73 war anniversary : Watch in Arabic “The Glorious October” short documentary

Happy October war anniversary to all Egyptians and Arabs.

For this year, I stumbled upon this rare short documentary produced by Egyptian TV in December 1973. ‘Thanks to journalist and author Omar Taher on Twitter’

It is called “Glorious October” and it featured the exhibit the government organized in Cairo to show the Israeli prizes of war to the public”

That big exhibit was held in the place of Cairo Opera House in Zamalek or as it was used to know then “The Fairs land”.

The epic moment in that short 12:47 documentary is when an injured soldier who lost his leg danced on late Mohamed Noah’s popular patriotic song “Chiddi Hilek ya bala” or “be strong my country” which was a hit then.

Egyptian Faces : Remembering Ragaa

I have a confession.

When I first wrote about how Egyptian veteran actress Ragaa El-Gedawy was admitted to hospital and sent a voice message to her fans because she contracted coronavirus in the Daily COVID-19 Updates on the Blog, I felt that I was writing her obituary.

"The Kasr Al-Nil Model Ragaa El-Gedawy
strikes a pose

This made so worried hoping that my feeling was wrong and the 81-years-old actress was going to make it but she did not.

Miss Egypt or rather the Egyptian Province 1958 “Egypt was part of the United Arab Republic with Syria and there were two provinces then” lost her battle and passed away on 5 July 2020 after nearly a month or more in the country’s top coronavirus Abu Khalifa Hospital in Ismailia.

El-Gidawy was admitted to Abu Khalifa hospital on 24 May 2020 after her daughter Amira Mokhtar reached out to officials including the health minister when her mother’s health deteriorated and it turned out that she was coronavirus positive.

There is not clear when or how Ragaa El-Gedawy contracted coronavirus but days before she fell very ill, the veteran supporting actor wrapped filming a TV series in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Despite the warnings, studios continued filming claiming that they could not delay or suspending shooting the TV series.

Photos from the last day of filming emerged online and even shared on Instagram by the popular actress, showing no masks nor social distancing.

Watch Egyptian and Lebanese women pioneer Filmmakers : The true legends "Updated"

Cairo is currently hosting its 41st International Film Festival and I believe it is one of its best editions.
Having a Martin Scorsese's film like The Irishman to open the festival and to have its first Middle East Premiere in Cairo is a big thing for cinema lovers in Egypt.
Needless to say, I read very good reviews of it from Egyptian viewers who waited to see it since 9 AM to watch it.
I am waiting to see it after a few hours inshallah on Netflix.
This year also it was announced the US’s Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences aka of Oscars awarded the Festival OSCAR qualifying film festival status.
“The winner of the Best Short Film award in the Short film competition ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’ section will eligible for consideration in the Animated and Live Action Short Film Categories of the ACADEMY AWARDS without the standard theatrical run,” CIFF said in its statement about the big achievement.
CIFF is the only and first film festivals in North Africa to join the list of qualifying international film festival joining other big film festivals like Cannes, Venice and Berlin

I must say that Mohamed Hefzy, the head of the CIFF succeeded this year.
Yes, it is not all glitz like Gouna Film Festival but CIFF proved it can overcome and survive against all odds. 
Youssef Cherif Rizallah is surely proud in his grave that his efforts in the CIFF have not gone in vain.

Now among the things I like about the CIFF this year is its tribute to pioneer Egyptian and Lebanese women filmmakers in a short beautiful video.
Watch it after the break

Farewell Youssef Cherif Rizkallah , Egypt’s true Cinema lover

Egypt and Egyptian cinema lost on Friday one of its unsung heroes: Famous film critic and historian Youssef Cherif Rizallah.

Late Youssef Cherif Rizallah

Rizallah worked many things since his graduation from Cairo University’s Economic and Political sciences in 1966 yet he presented himself as a film critic and he was a great one in Egypt.

The 1942-born Juiset educated started his career in Egyptian State TV news rooms especially he knew French and English fluently yet his true passion was cinema and its history.

Youssef Cherif Rizkallah who descended from a Levant-family was fond of cinema, its history, film review and criticism.

In Mid-1970, he made a Cinema history and glory when he created Cine Club TV show featuring weekly a foreign film or even a rare Egyptian masterpiece like Shady Abdel Salam’s The Mummy on Egypt's State-owned Channel One.

I do not know who was the head of the Egyptian State TV then but it was one of the greatest decisions taken.
It was worth to mention that it was that time during the Sadat Era Egypt adopted the open door policies.

Ramadan Arabian Nights 2019 : Aladdin " A long missing uncle" Ep.2

Good evening or Good afternoon or Good morning where ever you are now and reading this post.

Tonight we will start a new tale or rather an old tale you know very well , tonight we will continue the second tale for this Ramadan , the tale of Aladdin.

I can’t ignore the buzz Mina Massoud is creating online in Egypt especially with his pinned tweet speaking about how the music of Abdel Halim Hafez was played on Aladdin set and his message to the Egyptian people and its nationalistic finale.

His Egyptian Arabic is much better than Ramy Malek FYI.

To be honest , I am not so optimistic about Aladdin as a live action film with all its colors and style but I am glad that another actor of an Egyptian-origin is making headlines in the world.

Anyhow without further ado , here is the second episode of Aladdin and the magical lamp or episode no.153 of the Egyptian State Radio’s One Thousand and One Nights show in Arabic after the break.

Ramadan Arabian Nights 2019 : Aladdin "A young man called Aladdin" Ep.1

The official poster of Aladdin
"Disney" 

Good evening or Good afternoon or Good morning where ever you are now and reading this post.
Tonight we will start a new tale or rather an old tale you know very well , tonight we will start the second tale for this Ramadan , the tale of Aladdin.

This is the something time I post this radio tale in Egyptian Chronicles in Ramadan , I posted it in Ramadan 2010 when I started this Ramadan blogging tradition in 2010.

Now I re-post the episodes again as Disney will release its live-action “Aladdin” film starring Canadian Egyptian Mina Massoud and Will Smith worldwide on 24 May.
It is different than the one I post in 2010 as during then I posted a compilation of the episodes but this time you can hear each episode in high quality.
As you have heard “Aladdin” is based upon Disney’s blockbuster “Aladdin” animation film released in 1992.

you can hear to the first episode of Aladdin tale or episode no.152 of the Egyptian State Radio’s One Thousand and One Nights show in Arabic after the break.

Horreyati Magazine’s Cover : It does not shame Abu Naga or Waked or Sherine , it shames Dar El-Tahrir

On Thursday, Egypt’s National Press Authority “NPA” issued a warning to state-owned Horryati for its offensive cover slamming actors Khaled Abou El-Naga and Amr Waked and Singer Sherine.

The authority that supervises the state-owned press said it was pulling the issue of the weekly

The cover of the magazine 

magazine from the market saying that it held a meeting with the CEO of the publishing house and the editor-in-chief of the magazine to make sure that they would avoid it in the future.

This week’s issue of Horryati magazine had on its cover actors and political dissidents Khaled Abou El-Naga and Amr Waked in a photoshopped photo as a couple hugging each other in a pool while popular singer Sherine in the back. “Agents and more”, said the cover slamming the two political activists and the popular singers.

The cover created an uproar for its cheap attack on Abou El-Naga and Waked in an attempt to defame them.
The Egyptian society is homophobic, it is a fact that no one can dispute and the magazine attempted to defame Abou El-Naga and Waked by showing them as gays aka “faggots”, not men …etc.

The magazine thought that it could send a punch to the two award-winning actors especially Khaled Abu El-Naga who is known for its public support to the LBGTQ rights.
It is the cheapest and disgusting thing I have seen recently.

Cheap photoshop along with the cheap message.

Saad Salim CEO of Tahrir publishing house which issues the magazine defended the cover saying that the cover represented “ a point of view” just like Op-eds but at the same time he said that it would not happen again.

Needless to say, that cover does not shame Abou Naga or Waked or Sherine but rather shames the magazine which is actually struggling with its sales like any printed publication in Egypt as well as its publishing house.

Oscars 2019 : And the Oscar goes to Rami Malak and Egyptians are happy

Move aside Mohamed Salah, you got competition now.
The son of two immigrant Egyptians from Al-Minya got his first Oscar for a leading role making history indeed. Rami Malek won an Oscar for his leading role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
It is a big moment.

#Oscars Moment: @ItsRamiMalek accepts Oscar for Best Actor In A Leading Role for his portrayal in @BoRhapMovie. pic.twitter.com/PwmrYI35WN

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 25, 2019

Malek is the first American of Egyptian origin to win the best actor in a leading role in the Oscars, the BAFTA and the screen actors guild awards.

Rami Malek and his first Oscar

Omar Sherif got a golden globe award for best actor in a leading role for Dr. Zhivago in 1966 and before that, he got two gold globes for best actor in a supporting role and in upcoming talent for his role in Lawrence of Arabic.

I can say that many young Egyptians are happy, older Egyptians are still wondering who this new Omar Al-Sherif is. Knowing my people very well, I would say some won't be very happy or happy after knowing that he got it for the role of a gay man. 

Historically, Rami Malek is the second American of Arab origin to get an Oscar for a leading role. The first one was Murray Abraham for his role in Amadeus.

There is some sophisticated discussion on how far we as Egyptians should celebrate his success considering the fact he is not raised in Egypt unlike Omar Sharif “who actually of Lebanese origin” who was not raised only in Egypt but started his career in the Egyptian cinema. “He got decent and excellent films in his Egyptian filmography”.

Well, the man said himself yesterday in his acceptance speech and in the press conference, He was raised by the Egyptian parents and is proud of Middle East roots and heritage.

Rania Youssef and her dress : Because media's priorities are lost in Egypt

In the past 72 hours, Egyptian actress Rania Youssef made headlines nationally and internationally thanks for the media priorities in Egypt.
As you may have heard she is going to stand a trial next 12 January 2019 in front of a Cairo misdemeanor court on accusations of committing acts that incite debauchery and lechery.

The 45-years-old actress wore a “revealing dress” to the closing ceremony of Cairo International Film Festival "CIFF"  that was the talk of the country on Thursday and Friday then on Saturday we found three lawyers left all the problems facing the nation and decided to teach Youssef and her sisters a lesson !!

Ms. Rania Youssef and her revealing dress "AFP"

First thing I am amazed that the misdemeanor court acts that fast as usual, it takes time to get in the system. Already we got hundreds of Egyptian activists lingering in pretrial detention for years now without a trial.

Second thing, I am more amazed at how suddenly the mainstream media focused on Rania Youssef and her dress ignoring things that really matter like for instance the recent updates in Giulio Regeni’s murder case.

According to Italian and British media, Italian prosecutors named several officers of Egypt’s national security agency as main suspects in the investigation and would reveal them soon in a new pressure move on Cairo.
The Italian media did not reveal any names but the Guardian published names of the alleged suspects “Major Sherif Magdy Abdel Aal and Osman Helmy of Egypt’s national security agency”
The Egyptian media ignored those updates and focused on how the Egyptian House of representatives regrets how Italy’s Chamber of duties decided to suspect their parliamentary bilateral relations till the on-going investigations into the murder of Regeni reach to true results.

Economically, I am angry on how mainstream media as well social media ignores the fact Egypt’s external debt ridiculously rose to become USD 92.64 billion at the end of June 2018.
Those debts are actually burdens on the Egyptian people that they have to pay their prices heavily whether in the current time or in the future whether financially or economically or politically too.

Earlier Saturday, I found that there is a rise in customs in Egypt as the ministry of finance decided to float the price of the USD custom rate for “non-necessities and leisure commodities” including deodorants, mobile phones and laptops for one month “December” !!

The importers expect that there will be an increase between 10%-15% in the prices of those commodities !!