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

During the last week before Ramadan, we have been facing a paradox of feelings; torn between our childish anticipation for the weekend and the dread of the drastic change in routine that awaits.

But let us not fear the inevitable and see what Cairo’s offering, to enjoy the final hours before Ramadan.

This Thursday, Sheikh Zayed’s Italian restaurant, Pasta Città‎, kicks off the weekend with a performance by local band, Salalem, who take to stage for a round of Arabic contemprary songs. Meanwhile in Zamalek, El Sawy Culturewheel welcomes El Mawlaweya El Masreya, where the troupe performs the traditional Tanoura dance. Meanwhile, Garden City’s ROOM Art Space hosts a night of gypsy jazz music, with The Gypsy Jazz Project taking to the stage and Darb 1718 hosts another edition of Mazzika x El Sat7, where Belgian/Egyptian band, Binti, take to the stage to play a number of songs that cover a variety of genres, including blues and reggae.

As the night sets in, Downtown Cairo’s Zigzag bids everyone a temporary goodbye with its Season Finale, where Aly B and Aly Goede take to decks, as well as Omar El Sabh and Mazen who play back-to-back. Another season finale takes place at The Garden Nile Front, meanwhile, with the third volume of Tech it Up, where local favourites, Fuzzy, Tariq Siddiq and Karim Niazy perform.

Elsewhere, Sebzz & Minus T are in charge of the music at The Tap Maadi, while DJ Armen V is in charge at The Tap East in New Cairo. 

With Friday possibly having been the first day of Ramadan, many – if not all – of the city’s bars and clubs are closed. That is except for Cairo Jazz Club who took the risk of announcing a party – and the risk has paid off, with Ramadan now confirmed to be starting on Saturday. Before then, four of Cairo’s best DJs, Mohasseb, Omar Sherif, SHawky and Tahawy, are taking over the decks for the aptly titled Fantastic Four.

But what we are sure of is that Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall hosts a night of classical music, where The Cairo Symphony Orchestra take to the stage and Darb 1718 welcomes some of the best rock bands in the Arab world, including Malaaz, Sada That and Code Masr, to the second version of Arab Rock Festival.

Saturday? Well, that’s it in terms of nightlife at least – but your night-time cravings can be satisfied by the many Ramadan kheimas (tents), which you can find out more about right here.