Obama to speak from Al Azhar mosque?

Almost everyone seems to know that President Obama will be addressing the Arab nations from somewhere in Egypt on the 4th of June before heading to France.

While speculation is on as to whether he will even speak from Cairo - Sharm el Sheikh seems to be a favourite of Foreign Dignitaries who visit Egypt and hosts international summits too - one of the rumours is that he may speak from the Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo.

See article in DNA here

As an outsider who has lived in Egypt for close to 3 years, it seems like a great choice.

An American President visiting an Arab nation before Israel (hence breakinga non-official protocol that has been enduring since many decades) shows that there may be hope yet for an improved Arab-American relationship, but I'm not sure how the Egyptian masses perceive this step.

The Al Azhar mosque itself is a widely respected platform across the Islamic world, but what would be the wider reaction to a non-muslim, speaking at such a historic, spirtual and cultural center.

Another interesting development to look forward to. . .

Alcohol @ the Grand Hyatt, Cairo

Most of you would have heard about the ban on sale of alcohol at the Grand Hyatt, Cairo a couple of months ago?

Well, we were at the Hard Rock Cafe today and they are serving alcohol.

We ate at the revolving restaurant last month and they were offering alcohol too.

I made a search and found this article on the net. Rumour is that alcohol can be ordered in room service, but I'm not sure how true that is.

Warning : Car stealing modus operandi

Heard about this from a friend.

Seems there is a new technique going around. a motorbike comes and hits a car from behind. When you get out of the car to check your damage/yell at the other driver, another associate slides into your driver seat and drives away. The motorbike guy also speeds away simultaneously.

I can't be 100% sure about the accuracy of this information as it hasn't happened to me or anyone that I know directly. But it is a good idea to take your keys out of the ignition and with you, if you step out of your car for any reason.

Plug Ins & Toys R Us in Cairo ?

Was driving on the ring road towards the J W Marriott yesterday. (which by the way is an astoundingly beautiful hotel property - especially its infinity pool and man-made beach. Yes a beach in Cairo!)

Saw an ad for Cairo Festival City in the place where it is supposed to come up and the hoardings announce PlugIns and Toys R Us among the openings. Hope its true. It will be great to be able to shop for great quality electronics at one location and a quick visit - single trip for gift shopping to all those kiddie parties I get invited to :)

Johnny Rockets in Egypt?

Heard Johnny Rockets may be coming into Cairo sometime soon.

Its an American based international retro diner-style restaurant chain.

Possible locations include, City Stars, Heliopolis and Zamalek

The Khorafi group which took the franchise to Lebanon and Dubai is expected to be bringing it to Egypt too.

Alcohol sale banned @ Grand Hyatt?

Heard that the Grand Hyatt Cairo has decided to ban the sale of alcohol on its premises.

I'm not sure how true this is, but will check it out the next time I head to The Hard Rock Cafe for my Margarita dose. Well, if they have stopped the sale of alcohol, then I will just have to content myself with the high of the hot chocolate fudge sundae, won't I? :)

Possible reasons being ascribed are, that this is a marketing strategy by the Saudi based owner to entice his high-spending countrymen with this unique religiously compliant USP.

Other rumours also say that the Hyatt group, may pull out of the joint venture if this stalemate continues!

Edited on 15 April 2008, to add the following links to relevant news articles:
www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=13456
www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidANA540123203517
http://almasry-alyoum.com/article2.aspx?ArticleID=103597
news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080502/lf_afp/egypttourismislamsaudi

Some new shopping options coming to Cairo

Read somewhere that Makro Cash and Carry is due to make its entrance in Cairo by end 2008!

I'm so excited.

Links to Makro:
http://www.makroasia.com/company.htm
http://www.shv.nl/index.php?id=46

Its like a Sam's Club. So you can get good quality stuff at low prices when you buy in bulk. It sells only to Retailers in some countries because regulations prevent them from selling in the open market. But there are ways to get around that retailers permit.

The only restriction in India Cash and Carry is on alcohol. You have to have a bar licence to buy more than 3 liters of alcohol at a time.


The Hawary guys behind Hyper One and el Hawary supermarkets are planning a shopping district.

It will contain a mall, a hypermarket, 20,000 square meters of food area, a fun park designed by Disney, conference hall, huge exhibition area and an outlet space.

He is modeling it on Mall of America. They have started the blueprints and are in final negotiations with the ministries

This will be on Cairo-Ismalia road near 10th of Ramadan City.

They want to open a branch of Hyper One on Cairo-Fayoum road and Cairo-Alex agricultural road.

Mohamed el Hawary mentioned this in an interview with Business Today, Egypt. April 2008


Park Avenue
It’s a 2 billion LE project that covers an area of 4 million sq meters in 6th of October.

It will have a mix of office, retail and residential spaces.

Banks, bookstores, health care facilities, high end fashion stores, restaurant chains and fitness facilities will complete the picture.

Launched in July 2007, phase one of the project is 40% complete and sold out.

Expected delivery date is end of 2010 - mid 2011.