Another event for great cause: Under the auspices of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cairo Ahmed Khaled Al-Kleib, the Kuwaiti Embassy organised a party to collect donations for the Cancer Hospital 57357. It was attended by Head of the Rotary Club Awatef Serageddin, media figure Tahani El-Bourtuqali, and other distinguished guests. The highly talked about pop singer Tamer Hosni performed at the event. Ramadan comes with a flurry of social events. On the occasion, the annual luncheon of the International Diplomatic Club, headed by Hoda Maher, was held at Le Pacha boat overlooking the Nile. The meeting was attended by a number of the club's members and friends, such as Editor-in-Chief of Nisf Al-Donia magazine Sanaa El-Bissi. Other guests included President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Loula Zaklama, and as well the wife of the new Brazilian ambassador and his Norwegian counterpart. The event was organised by the dynamic and charming Deputy Editor- in-Chief of Al-Ahram, Aicha Abdel-Ghafaar. Also in attendance were Al-Akhbar journalist Maha Abdel- Fatah, and businesswoman Salma El-Dib. photos: Ayman Barayez In the presence of the Indian Ambassador in Egypt Rajendra Singh Rathore, the Indian Embassy in Egypt celebrated "Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation day" (popularly known as ITEC). ITEC was started in 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance from Government of India to Egypt. The main activity of ITEC includes project assistance and consultancy services between the two nations. Every year 10 to 13 nominees participate in various training programmes under ITEC. Over the years, around 140 Egyptians have benefited from the programme in the fields of agriculture, entrepreneurship development, IT, feasibility studies and consultancy services. Last week, my dears, the American University in Cairo (AUC)'s Sony Gallery had double reason to rejoice: the inauguration of the new Sony Gallery (formerly the Ewart Gallery) and the opening of its first show for the 2004/05 academic year. The exhibition, "Musalsalat! Prime-Time Ramadan", comprises a selection of photographs taken by New York freelance photographer Stephanie Keith on assignment for Saudi Aramco World. The opening was attended by AUC President David Arnold and veteran actor and director Nour El-Sherif. The collection of colour prints were taken during the shooting of last year's Ramadan prime-time TV series. Musalsalat (TV serials/soap operas) have long been a staple of Egyptian national television. The highlight series of the year, however, are always aired during Ramadan. These Ramadan shows range from contemporary social dramas and comedies to historical epics and tragedies. They have grown so popular over the years that they have become many people's favoured source of entertainment during this sacred month of fasting and prayer. Charity events are a favoured activity of foreign ambassadors in Egypt. The most recent of such activities was that of Ambassador of Belgium to Cairo Guy Trouveroy, who held a charity party at his Giza residence for the benefit of the orphans association. Among those who participated in the party were Minister of Information Mamdouh El-Beltagui and his lovely wife, world renowned scientist Farouk El-Baz, Editor- in-Chief of Al-Ahram Hebdo Mohamed Salmawy, Head of AMOCO Oil Group Ali Wahbi and Pakistani artist Mansoura Ayoub. In conjunction with celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, the Cairo Opera House is offering a programme of culture and music. This year's Ramadan programme includes concerts, seminars, and evenings with religious chants and invocations performed by Sheikh El-Helbawi at the Small Hall. The opera will also host a series of concerts entitled "The East Nights" featuring troupes from various Arab countries, each reflecting its folklore and cultural heritage. The Egyptian night will feature singer Ali El-Haggar ; the Kuwaiti night will present the stars of the High Institute for Music in Kuwait; and as well a Sudanese troupe for folk arts will partake in the series, their presence including an exhibition showcasing Sudanese handicrafts. This year's seminars will introduce several clergymen, including the grand Mufti Ali Gomaa.
