The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Egypt’s January 25th revolution has been, among many things, a very inspiring time for most of us. With the flurry of hilarious banners, chants and stand-up comedy, as well as creative graffiti, artwork, songs and caricatures produced throughout the revolution, this wave of inspiration has continued into March with a series of exhibitions, seminars and events. Many of these events serve to not only highlight the beauty and inspiration of Tahrir Square and January 25th; but they also aim to give back to Egypt through donations to charities working with the underprivileged and those affected by recent events.

Opening on March 9th at 6:30PM, ‘To Egypt with Love’ is a collaborative art exhibition at Safarkhan Zamalek, featuring the work of three talented artists inspired by the revolution. Alaa Taher, Bassem Samir and Hossam Hassan have interpreted the events of January 25th in their own individual art forms, be it photography or digital art and mixed media. It’s only fitting that the gallery dedicated its space to these young artists; seeing as they were all part of the movement in Tahrir in their own way, and, according to Safarkhan’s statement, ‘through which we witness the beauty, pride and passion of the great land of Egypt and its honourable people.’ All proceeds from the exhibition will go to charity.

Launched yesterday and continuing until March 28th, ‘Mother Egypt’ at the Zamalek Art Gallery features an extensive collection of paintings, graphics, sculptures and pottery, of which all proceeds will go towards supporting the Egyptian economy through a special account at the Egyptian Central Bank. The artwork displayed is of some of Egypt’s most talented artists, including Salah Taher, Farouk Shehata, Shady El Noshokaty, Hany Rashed and Rabab Temr.

Combining entertainment with charity, Fairmont Nile City’s weekly ‘For the Love of Egypt’ will be held every Wednesday and Thursday on Magenta Terrace, where you can enjoy live music entertainment, barbeque, shisha and drinks. The event is a collaboration with Egyptian NGO Tawasol, which works with the families of martyrs and of those injured in the revolution. Ten percent of the proceeds will go towards Tawasol’s fund for these families, while representatives of Tawasol will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and collect donations.

Continuing the theme of combining patriotism with charity, ‘GIVE BACK: Developing Egypt’ is a charity/NGO event held at El Sawy Culturewheel for one day only on March 11th from 1PM till 9PM. Organised by the Egyptian Junior Business Association (EJB), the event will host around 100 local NGOs and charity initiatives that will explain their goals and different strategies towards helping Egypt. Sponsored by Vodafone, Pepsi, the Arab African International Bank and CIB, the event promises to feature hundreds of business leaders, representatives of different associations, youth and press agencies. The event will include a presentation of a food coalition at 3PM, followed by ‘Water 4 All Project’ presentation at 5PM and ending with a debate on corporations’ role in the development of Egypt at 6PM. Tickets costs 50LE, all proceeds of which will be donated to the ‘Water for All Project’ Fund.

On March 12th, Le Lido Clubhouse in City View will host ‘In the Love of Egypt,’ a family day and charity fair from 11AM till 6PM, where items ranging from artwork by acclaimed artists Ahmed Shiha to ICE watches and evening dresses will be auctioned off for charity. A kid’s corner will feature activities and entertainment for children, while catering will be provided by Mori Sushi, Crave, Starbucks, Boosters and Nestle. All proceeds will go to charity and the fair will also feature booths and representatives of lesser known local NGOs in order to give exposure to their initiatives and goals.