Downtown Cairo is many things: a hub for Egyptian history, a home of historic and modern restaurants and shops, and the heart of a massive transportation network that extends all the way to the city’s desert suburbs.

It is not, however, a haven for cyclists. 

A major collaboration between AUC, UN-Habitat, the University of Sheffield, Sereira Creative Arts Academy and Cairo NGO Alwan-wa-Awtar is trying to change this.

Launched last month, Cairo Bike is Egypt’s first public bike share project organized by the Cairo governorate in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Drosos Foundation. The bikes offer a low-cost alternative for commuters and joyriders alike, whether they are zipping through traffic to work or leisurely touring the area’s historic and cultural sights.

Cairo Bike is unique from other bike and scooter-sharing systems in Cairo because its launch has challenged the city to re-examine its infrastructure and make changes to reduce traffic and improve air quality. A stroll down one of the city’s main arterials, Talaat Harb, shows that such changes are happening: the street has a newly established bike lane.

With the city invested, the bikes on the ground and the lanes growing each day, the project appears to be a success. What still needs improvement, according to project owners, is critical buy-in from Cairenes that will increase the project’s longevity in comparison to other bikeshare programs in the MENA region. Cue AUC’s entrance, with students working to enhance the project’s impact, safety and inclusivity as part of an Urban Design course taught by Momen El-Husseiny, assistant professor in the Department of Architecture. This work included a weeklong international workshop developed by the University of Sheffield’s Live Projects program, with master’s students from Sheffield’s architecture program joining El-Husseiny’s students.

“We are examining how we can encourage more people to ride bikes, as well as how to create a judgment-free zone for women to comfortably use the bikes without experiencing harassment,”  said Nayer Salah, an architecture senior at AUC and student in El-Husseiny’s course.

Better Together

Using AUC Tahrir Square as a main hub, Salah took part in a three-day exploration of downtown Cairo alongside master’s students from the University of Sheffield and young people representing Alwan wa Awtar NGO. Together, the groups conducted interviews with local residents and shop owners to gather their input and insights on the bike share project.

The groups were guided by AUC’s Center for Learning and Teaching, which led pre- and post- sessions on design thinking, a creative problem-solving approach that seeks to effectively address complex issues.

“This is not just about bikes or bike stations; it is about community engagement, civic outreach and connection,” El-Husseiny explained. “We focus on developing areas that can become magnets for social and economic development, creating job opportunities and possibilities for the people. This is a city for all.”

Later, at AUC New Cairo, the groups convened to reflect and make recommendations for convenient, inclusive and safe bike paths for users.

“This project is another example of how our AUC students are capable of confronting difficult situations and real life projects,” ElHusseiny said. “They're amazing, they're superb and their steadfastness is incredible. We are so proud that they are being upfront and taking the lead. This is how we aspire to make a change.”

The collaboration’s efforts were realized in late October at the official launch of Cairo Bike in Tahrir Square, where AUC and Sheffield students, along with their professors, took the orange bikes for a celebratory spin.

“Working on this was spectacular,” Salah said. “It was great to add to this project, and even better to see our effort and research pay off. It’s just a dream come true.

Fake, verified Twitter accounts caused chaos after Elon Musk, who purchased the platform in October for $44 billion, allowed users to purchase verification marks without confirming their identities. Rasha Abdulla, professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, examines the impact of this decision on freedom of speech, misinformation and the future of one of the world’s biggest social media platforms.

What has happened since Musk bought Twitter?

The first couple of weeks since Elon Musk took over Twitter have certainly witnessed quite a few alarming decisions. The firing of so many Twitter staff, particularly those concerned with human rights and the ethical use of AI, is quite the red flag and has gotten digital rights advocates very concerned about the future of Twitter.

What is the future of free speech on Twitter?

While I'm personally for pushing the limits of freedom of expression, having no regulations whatsoever on a platform of Twitter's scope and magnitude makes it prone to misuse and privy to hate speech and misinformation. Musk has announced that he is forming some kind of a council to come up with proper regulations, and we are yet to see how this council comes along and what they come up with. 

What could happen if this problem goes unchecked?

We have seen from the misuse of Facebook in Myanmar, for example, that major social media platforms can be severely misused and such misuse can lead to loss of life. Platforms have a responsibility to not let that happen and we, the civic society, should also stay vigilant in this regard.

How does Musk’s decision to charge for verification impact this situation?

I think Musk's decision to monetize the blue mark on Twitter is a huge mistake. Originally, having a blue mark basically meant that Twitter has confirmed the owner of the account is who they claim they are. It was reserved for celebrities and/or people of a certain academic, social or scientific status. Unfortunately, now anyone who pays $8 a month will be able to get a blue mark under any name, which defies the whole point of verification. 

What are some potential problems with the new verification system?

This will inevitably lead to a plethora of fake "verified" accounts. This is a huge disaster and could lead to much misinformation that could be life-threatening. Think of a World Health Organization fake verified account telling people vaccinations are dangerous during a pandemic! Think of a fake verified United Nations agency account tweeting about the Russian invasion of Ukraine! Such examples could lead to actual disasters long before Twitter gets a chance to deal with the fake accounts. 

Should Musk rescind the new system? 

We've already seen several problems in the few days that this "service" has been available, most notably a fake Eli Lilly account promising free insulin. I think Twitter really needs to take this back.It defies the whole point of verification and can cause much potential harm of the worst kind. It also takes away from the credibility of the whole platform.

It appears that Musk has temporarily halted the system. Is this a good thing?

I think it's coming back in a couple of weeks. So my comments stand unless any major developments take place.

What is the future of Twitter?

As a result of all these actions, I see scores of Twitter users, including myself, already migrating to other platforms such as Mastodon, which is a decentralized version of Twitter. We'll see how things play out in the days to come.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” is an oft-repeated adage that shines through the work of Haidy Helmy ‘20. The young artist is harnessing the power of illustration to raise awareness and foster a dialogue about mental health issues in an intuitive and engaging format, avoiding the uneasiness that is often associated with such subjects. Her comic book, Khamsa w Rage’  (خمسة و راجع),  is infused with Helmy’s striking visual style as well as critical reflections on mental health.

“I wanted to help create something that will make it easier for people to give [mental health] their attention, without the discomfort of discussing mental health.” She saw illustration and animation as a powerful medium to capture interest, drawing people to engage – even unknowingly – with sensitive mental health conversations that, while needed, are often hushed. 

The narrative follows a protagonist with depression, who navigates through a mythical land with an invented language, culture, and creatures. Readers follow along on the journey in search of purpose, love, and acceptance, including confrontations with pervasive misconceptions about depression and lessons about detecting the signs of depression. 

Helmy discovered her interest in mental health and depression during her second semester at AUC, in Introduction to Psychology. “It really opened my eyes — being introduced to this other world I never truly knew anything about,” she reflected. 

A graphic design major, Helmy had the chance to enroll in this course outside of her area of specialization because of AUC’s core curriculum requirements. Her academic exposure to mental health was complemented by the array of well-being-oriented services on campus, now formalized under the university’s Mental Health Well-being Initiative. Helmy described, “During my time at AUC, seeing all the initiatives to help students all over the campus…it really shaped my perspective on this topic.” Helmy credits these experiences both in and outside of the classroom with inspiring her to envision the innovative comic book as her senior project.

Beyond graduation, Helmy seeks to battle the stigma surrounding mental health, which can be paralyzing for any young adult — perhaps even more so in the Middle East. “Here in the Middle East, it’s harder,” she said, “as young adults feel scared and uncomfortable talking about mental health or even thinking of seeking help, and even if they did, it is not easy to talk to their parents about such a topic.” Khamsa w Rage’ therefore targets both young people who may need help and the community, who needs to recognize the signs and respond with empathy, support and knowledge. According to Helmy, “the comic book tackles both ends, the depressed [person] and [their] surrounding environment, enabling readers to help others and themselves.”

In a full-circle moment, Helmy was able to share her work with the University that inspired and equipped her to create it. During AUC’s Mental Health Week in October, Helmy’s characters and illustrations were posted across campus and online, attracting interest to her art and the powerful message behind it. Her project was spotlighted by AUC's Department of the Arts in collaboration with the Office of Student Life with the goal of bridging the gap between the arts and AUC initiatives.

"What is astonishing about Haidy's work is her ability to visualize every mental illness as a dynamic character with certain characteristics," said Amena El Defrawy, senior specialist for Educational Outreach at AUC's Department of the Arts. "This helps people visualize the characters and create stronger connections with mental health."

Helmy’s hope for Khamsa w Rage’ is simultaneously simple and ambitious: helping people to see themselves more clearly and to look more closely at those around them. “That’s what I wish this project can achieve,” she expressed, “to reach others and to help them and the community to talk about depression and other mental health topics. To notice the signs and seek help or help others.”

T-Minus 3…2…1… Prepare for liftoff with Sara Sabry ‘16, who became the first Egyptian Astronaut after flying to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket in August this year. This historical flight also makes her the first Arab woman and first African woman to launch into the obsidian sky, despite having not reached her 30th birthday.

Sabry’s trip to the stars allowed her to experience the “Overview Effect,” which is a shift in perspective that happens to astronauts when they leave the Earth and are able to see the planet from afar. “Seeing Earth from space was the most profound experience of my life,” Sabry recalls, describing the planet standing out brightly against the “vast darkness of space.” She continued: “I had seen pictures of Earth from space before, but seeing it in person was completely different. It totally changed how I view the world, my priorities, and most of all, the scale of everything.”

Up Up and Away

As Sabry saw Earth floating in the vastness of space for the first time, she recalls feeling confused. “I think the human brain struggles to process such a view in real life - and if you think about it, it makes sense because we have not biologically evolved to see it with our own eyes,” she said. 

When asked about pre-takeoff nerves, Sabry responded, “To be honest, I wasn’t afraid when I was in my seat at takeoff. Sitting on top of a rocket for the first time, I felt excited, ready, and calm. Preparation is key, but in the back of my mind, I also felt like all of Egypt was coming with me.”

Sabry says the experience made her realize that the idea that there is “Earth” as a separate entity from “space” is flawed. “As you lift off, there’s a reflection of fire on the window, you feel the rocket move beneath you, you watch the sky turn from blue to purple to black and suddenly, you’re in space,” Sabry states. “But you didn't really leave anything. Space and Earth, it’s all interconnected.”

Her goal is to extend this opportunity to as many people as possible. “How am I one of only 621 people from all of humanity to have seen this?” Sabry said, describing her emotions upon returning to Earth. “The first thing I said when I came back to Earth was that everyone has to experience this — the universe belongs to all of us.”

Preparing to Launch

With a bachelor’s from AUC in mechanical engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Sabry was selected among 7000 applicants from all over the world for the citizen astronaut program by Space for Humanity, an organization which offers spaceflights to expand the horizons of leaders who show potential for enacting global change. The program trained Sabry for the experience, highlighting the potential physical dangers and psychological stressors. 

“They trained me mentally for this. I knew it wasn’t without risk; sitting on a rocket is inherently dangerous, so the crew members and I needed to accept any and all potential outcomes,” she explains.

Sabry’s training as an astronaut began long before Space for Humanity, however. In 2021 she became Egypt’s first female analog astronaut after a two-week moon mission simulation. She has also completed the IIAS astronaut training program at FloridaTech, making her the first Egyptian woman qualified to conduct research in suborbital space. Initially finding it difficult to get her foot in the door of the space world, Sabry clocked in several hours before and after her full-time job in Berlin to pursue her dream. “I would wake up at 4 am, get my workout done by 5:30 am, work on my bioastronautics research from 6 am to 9 am and then go to work. At 6 pm, I would have dinner and then quickly jump on international calls for a couple of hours before heading to bed at 8 pm. This lifestyle is not for everyone, but it was necessary. Founding a company while holding a full-time job is not easy, but if you believe in the cause, anything is possible.”

Wanting to remove the barriers that she herself experienced, Sabry founded Deep Space Initiative, a non-profit company that aims to increase accessibility in the space field by providing opportunities in research and education.  

In addition to being an astronaut, engineer, CEO and founder, Sabry is currently conducting her PhD research on planetary spacesuits at the University of North Dakota and is co-founder of The Egyptian Space Agency's Ambassador program. Since coming back from space, Sabry has also been working on projects that could potentially have large scale impact in Egypt, which she will be announcing soon. 

Glowing with passion for paving the way for future space explorers, she said: “It’s not about being the first one in space, it’s about opening the door for others to follow,” Sabry explains. “We need more people with different perspectives, training and backgrounds to work on the issues that are stopping us from becoming a multi-planetary species. That’s why I’m committed to making this field more accessible. I hope people can finally see themselves represented in space, and know that no matter where they are from, they belong here too.”

It's been all about jazz these days at AUC’s School of Continuing Education (SCE). In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, SCE hosted acclaimed American musicians in Egypt during the 14th edition of the annual Cairo Jazz Festival. 

“Jazz is the ultimate American musical form that has become a global phenomenon, with a rich history of cultural diplomacy that brought us the iconic picture of Louis Armstrong at the pyramids,” remarked SCE Dean James Ketterer. “We are proud to continue the legacy this year with our partners at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt by hosting these world-class musicians in a variety of enriching musical and educational activities.” 

The cultural exchange initiative came in the form of two American music ensembles coming to Egypt on different but overlapping tours. 

The first group was the violin-piano duo of Steve Sandberg and Zach Brock. Sandberg is a three-time Emmy-nominated composer and pianist. Brock is a two-time Grammy award winning composer and violinist. 

“This has been unforgettable. The team made our jobs easy and the eagerness of the musicians we met was inspiring. I look forward to returning to Egypt as soon as possible,” reflected Zach Brock. 

The other group was a trio that included Fulbright alum at the Egyptian music conservatoire, Dave Meder, who is a prominent pianist, composer, and educator; Michael Piolet, a drummer with extensive academic and performance experience coming to us from Broadway as percussionist for the Hamilton; and the eclectic bassist and composer, Ben Tiberio, who has presented his talent across the world in many ensembles and genres.

In addition to packed performances at the Cairo Jazz Festival, the world-class musicians engaged with communities across Cairo and Alexandria through masterclasses, workshops for beginners and professionals and guest lectures, as well as a public talk on the connection between creativity and wellness. This was carried out in collaboration with some of Cairo and Alexandria’s cultural and music hotspots, such as the Cairo Jazz Festival, the Jesuit Cultural Center in Alexandria, Music Hub and the AUC Music Department. 

“Egypt is full of musical talent. I’m happy to come back and experience that,” added Dave Meder.

This cultural and artistic initiative is a demonstration of SCE’s mission to expand life enrichment programming. From here until next year’s jazz season, stay tuned!

The Egyptian pound has dropped dramatically against the dollar after the Central Bank of Egypt announced the flotation of Egypt’s currency on October 27, as the Egyptian government secured a three-billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Dina Abdel Fattah, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Economics, explains why the government pursued this loan and what it means for the average consumer.

Why does Egypt need money from the IMF?

The government has many bills to pay, including the wage bill of the public sector and the subsidy bill. The sources of incoming revenues for the government, on the other hand, are very limited and will not cover the bills. To close this financing gap, the government secured a loan from the IMF. 

What does “floating a currency” mean?

This means the forces of supply and demand will determine the price of the currency. A floating currency should witness different values according to the season of peaks and troughs with sources of foreign currency.

What does an IMF loan mean for the economy in the short-term and long-term? 

In the long term, this loan means another financial burden and obligation. In the short term, it means fresh funds to help close the financing gap.

Why did the government originally decide to restrict imports?

Imports means you are buying products from abroad to be paid for in foreign currency. With the increasing financial commitment on the government budget in the form of expenditures in foreign currency (imports and payments of debt and the service of the debt) with limited sources of foreign currency (tourism, Suez Canal and remittances of Egyptians abroad), the pressure is high and we have to prioritize. Import restriction policies have also been followed at different points in time to protect and encourage local industry.

What exactly is inflation? 

Inflation is measured using the consumer price index, which monitors the price of a basket of goods over time. If you go to the supermarket every month to buy exactly the same products, the change in price of these exact same products over time reveals the inflation rate. 

What impact is the Russia-Ukraine war having on inflation in Egypt?

The Russia-Ukraine war is having a direct and indirect impact on Egypt. Directly, Egypt is one of the world's major importers of wheat and the war is affecting the size of wheat production and export. Indirectly, the war is causing a global economic slowdown affecting the global demand on products, leading to a global slowdown, reducing the trade through Suez Canal. Additionally, people are not able to afford holidays outside their countries, reducing tourism revenue, and the economic slowdown is affecting job creation, reducing overall demand on workers, including Egyptian workers and potential workers abroad. This is impacting the main sources of foreign currency to Egypt.

What does the future look like for average Egyptians?

This question is very tricky. I believe it is difficult to characterize the "average" Egyptian now. The purchasing power of Egyptians is decreasing as inflation is increasing. An average Egyptian is an individual who has a job, pays taxes and contributes to social security, may use the private sector for the provision of social services (education and health) and hopes to provide their kids a decent life with some elements of leisure. This class keeps moving items from the list of priorities to the list of luxuries and sacrificing them, indicating a downgrade in their standard of living.

Hassan Azzazy, distinguished University professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry, has been honored for his extensive work in the field of biochemistry with the Distinguished Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and a Doctor of Science from Alexandria University, in addition to being elected chair of the National Committee of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in Egypt. 

The highly prestigious award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation includes a one-year invitation and grant to conduct research at the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies in Jena, Germany. Azzazy’s research addresses a wide array of global health and environmental challenges by creating diagnostic tests and biosensors for disease detection, developing new medicines, designing chemosensors for monitoring heavy metals and improving wound care. 

Azzazy was also awarded a Doctor of Science from his alma mater, Alexandria University, in recognition of his overall research productivity and scientific contributions made since he received his PhD from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in biomedical sciences.

In his position as chair of the National Committee of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in Egypt, Azzazy works with a committee to lead national efforts in developing research and teaching activities in biochemistry, molecular biology and related disciplines. 

He also coordinates collaborations with similar regional and international societies, such as a recent symposium on “drug delivery nanocarriers,” which was attended by 200 participants from research institutions from all over Egypt.

Protests have erupted in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police last month. Women have taken to the streets, removing their hijabs and even burning the fabric to protest Iran’s modesty laws. Maye Kassem '89, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, and Rawan Adel Maged ‘17 share their collective insight on the situation as the protests stretch into their fifth week. 

What does it mean for the hijab to be the focus of the protests? 

It's not a coincidence that the veil is at the center of current protests. The Islamic Republic has been antagonistic to women as a totalitarian state since its founding, and requiring them to wear the hijab is one of its most obvious attempts to restrict and marginalize them. 

What are the goals of the protestors? 

Prior to the recent protests, prominent opponents of the dictatorship were unwilling to make rejecting the "compulsory veil" a political demand, frequently neglecting the push from female activists to criticize the particular kinds of oppression experienced by half of society. Therefore, the current protests fight for women’s rights as a whole and call against marginalization and restrictions set on Iranian citizens.

How are these protests different from past protests, such as Bloody November? 

Unlike the previous protests, these are not driven by economic or political discontent. Rather, current protests call for “women, life and freedom.” This indicates a more generalized opposition to the entirety of the Islamic Republic and makes women’s rights and freedoms at the core of these protests. Another major aspect that makes current demonstrations different is that there is no single leader.

Who is supporting the movement? 

A unique feature of the current movement is that it is receiving support from women around the world. This is one of the few occasions when Iranians within Iran and abroad have joined together to express their aspirations.

One interesting point is that clergy do not have any connection to the movement. This is not to argue that it is a campaign against religion; in fact, protesters have purposefully avoided using any religious imagery or language. 

What role does the clergy in Iran have in this situation? 

Clerics have historically played a significant role in all major political revolutions in Iran, from the Constitutional Revolution of the early 20th century through the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Clerics are unable to embrace this movement's core beliefs or goals because, in the views of the clergy, the demand for equal rights for women poses a threat to sharia and their position as its protectors.

You mentioned that these protests are unique because there is no single leader. Do you think Iranian women can achieve their goals without a clear figurehead?

Generally, while the current demonstrations have no single clear leadership, participants are united by a common goal and aim. Demonstrators appear to be breaking away from established political opposition groups and individuals, whether they be domestic reformists or dissidents abroad. 

Who are the members of this movement?

The majority of the movement's members are young Iranians under the age of 25 who declare themselves to be opponents of both the Iranian regime’s ideology and the mindset of the older generation, including anti-regime politicians.

Where are the protests happening?

These protests are not constrained to a single city. This geographic dispersion makes it harder for the government to stop them, but also makes it harder for each group of demonstrators to become one coherent movement. 

Do you think the Iranian government will offer reforms?

The most obvious reason that the Iranian government may refuse to reform, or compromise is fear of encouraging further demands and protests that may have a negative impact on their legitimacy and may even trigger their downfall

What is COP27?

COP, or Conference of the Parties, is a UN initiative that encourages international cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change by stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions and making ecosystems around the world more resilient. The 27th session of this conference will be held this year in Egypt. 

The conference will host panels, workshops, research presentations and roundtables on climate change topics, such as financial roadmaps to carbon emission reduction, to facilitate communication and problem solving across borders.

Why is COP27 important?

Climate change is a vast international problem. Emissions from one country in the northern hemisphere may destroy their southern neighbors’ ecosystems, making the problem too complex for one country to solve by itself. COP encourages nations to collaborate by identifying problems and designing integrative solutions. 

Who attends COP27?

Delegates from member nations of the UN will attend COP27, in addition to scientists, policymakers, academics, business leaders and others. AUC will be participating through presentations on faculty research and student activities, highlighting the University’s work and Climate Change Initiative. 

Where is COP27 held?

The 27th COP conference will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The first COP was held in Berlin in 1995 and has alternated hosting countries since then. 

When is COP27? 

COP27 is happening November 6 - 18. 

Forbes Middle East chose seven AUC alumni and community members for their 30 Under 30 MENA cohort this weekend. Nominees were judged by the impact they’ve had on their field, their prospects for the future, the value of their funding and the number of awards they have received, amongst other measures.

Hadia Ghaleb ‘14

Ghaleb is the founder of Ghaleb Production House, a digital production agency, and Hadia Ghaleb Brand. She graduated from AUC in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics. 

Ahmed El-Ghandour ‘16

El-Ghandour co-founded the hit YouTube series El-Da7ee7 in 2014, which currently has over 1.5 billion views. He graduated from AUC in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Nouran Gohar ‘21

Ranked as the number one female squash player in the world, Gohar won eight out of twelve finals in the 2021/2022 season. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering in 2021.

Dina Meshref '17

Meshref has won seven consecutive titles in table tennis and is a two-time gold medalist. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2017.

Fatma El Shenawy '14

Shenawy helped to launch the startup Khazna which aims to provide financial assistance to underserved Egyptian communities. She graduated from AUC with a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science in 2014.

Mousa Salem

In 2020, Salem co-founded a medical developing and manufacturing company named Colibri Care. He currently works as a researcher and teaching assistant at AUC.

Belal El Megharbel

El Megharbel co-founded a business-to-business marketplace named MaxAB in 2018 which connects food and grocery retailers across Egypt. El Megharbel is a former student of AUC from 2009-2011