Latest news with #Galal
CairoScene
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Photographer Hana Galal Follows You Around Egypt Snapping Travel Pics
This is not a metaphor for freedom. It's a reminder that some creatures are born to outwit traps. With an aversion to stillness; a quiet refusal to be caught, caged, or easily named. That spirit—fast, observant, just a little untameable—lives in the work of a 28-year-old photographer from Cairo with a camera roll that reads like forbidden adoration letters to Egypt—Hana Galal. The way Galal moves through the world is not in grand gestures. She doesn't shoot from a studio. Her workspace is Egypt itself—from the alleys of Islamic Cairo to the White Desert dunes. Her photography sessions are often full-day road trips, hopping from city to city, following travellers across the map. 'Some shoots start in Cairo and end somewhere completely different. These are my favourites—we build a real bond.' It's this dynamic, ground-up documentation of people in place that defines Galal's work. She's building a living archive of modern Egyptian memory—families in motion, lovers in real light, unscripted and wholly rooted. Much of her work lives outdoors. She doesn't direct so much as witness. 'Nothing is staged,' she says. Even her proposal shots—sometimes mistaken for styled shots—are pure chance, caught in that fraction of a breath before joy lands fully on the bride-to-be's face. Less perfection and more intuit. Somewhere between the gaze and the gesture, long before the shutter clicks, Galal already knows the shot. 'I see in frames,' she says. 'So, I always know how it's going to look.' But what she's chasing isn't composition—it's a shift in air, the look someone gives when they forget they're being watched. Surprisingly, Galal never set out to be a photographer. There was no grand epiphany, no studio apprenticeship, no teenage vow. In fact, she failed her first photography exam. 'All I knew was that I wanted to do something creative.' But even before she even had the words (or credentials) for it, Galal was already trying to catch the things most people missed. It started with her first mobile phone. 'During school breaks, I'd take photos of grass, shadows, my shoes—whatever caught my eye.' It wasn't about art. It was about paying attention. A fox in the dunes. A girl with a small phone, chasing light. Galal's first proper photography session was documenting a 17-day tourism trip while still in university. Since then, she's followed her own rhythm. No fixed hours. No rules but her own. Her work, like her pace, is full of motion—kinetic, visceral, slipping between categories. Stills that feel like scenes. Portraits that behave like film. And perhaps that's the point. Not to settle. Not to explain. Just to keep moving. To shoot not to impress, but to remember. Walking the line between dreamscape and document, Galal's photographs feel expensive because they are drenched in honesty and authentic moments. And perhaps that's why families return each year to find her in the same city, with the same quiet presence behind the lens. 'There's Hana in Egypt,' they tell their friends. She becomes a part of their stories, their rituals, a trusted constant in a fast-moving country. And though she works alone—no assistant, no entourage—her presence is what draws people in. Trust , for her, is the real currency. And that trust began with the one person who first believed in her: her father. 'I feel emotionally tied to my camera,' she says. 'My dad actually got it for me, and he's no longer with us.' It's more than just equipment; it's a tether to memory. ' I wouldn't have made it here without him.' And so, this, her first published feature, she softly dedicates to him. Yet, despite the magic—which recently took her to Paris, where she won her first photography award from OPPO for a photo taken on her phone—as a girl constantly on the road in Egypt, her path hasn't exactly been typical or easy. 'This is not a pampered job. So much travelling, so much pressure. People can't imagine it.' Hana reveals, while on a five hour road trip back to Cairo, afraid of falling asleep on the way, and using our chat as a kind of verbal caffeine shot. But, when she finally made it back to Cairo, she wouldn't even get to rest because she would be catching a midnight flight to Luxor. After eight years, the pace is wearing. 'I feel severe burnout, but I want to face the challenge. I have the oomph to fight for it because life is very, very enjoyable when you do what you love.'
The Print
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty in India next week. Focus on joint defence production, exports
He added, 'You do not have the top notch technologies, and we do not have it either. However, we can reach the top notch capabilities (in defence platforms) together. The focus is reaching that together. We can have joint programmes of joint production. Joint exercises and joint research is another component of our potential cooperation.' 'Defence cooperation is one of the low hanging fruits. I see an opportunity and a challenge. The challenge is that we should not look at selling to each other's markets. I should not try and come to sell to you (India) and you should not try and come to sell to me. The opportunity is joint production,' Ambassador Galal said while speaking at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) here. New Delhi: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will visit India next week and a major part of the agenda will involve pushing for a potential plan for joint defence production between New Delhi and Cairo, with a view of exporting to third countries, Egypt's Ambassador to India Kamel Galal said Wednesday. The Egyptian Ambassador highlighted that Cairo has roughly a 'network' of 110 or more free trade agreements across the globe, including with West Asia, Africa, Europe and MERCOSUR (South America). This network of free trade deals would open the door for the jointly produced goods between Indian and Egyptian firms to a market of nearly '2.5 billion customers'. Galal's comments came at a session moderated by Harsh V. Pant, the vice president for studies and foreign policy at ORF. In 2022, after a visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, New Delhi and Cairo signed a memorandum of understanding in defence cooperation. Both countries have held 10 meetings of the Joint Defence Committee (JDC), which determines the cooperation in this sector between New Delhi and Cairo. The last JDC was held in New Delhi last year. While both nations maintained close defence ties in the late 1950s and 1960s, the ties 'eased' starting from the 1970s due to the two countries own pressing 'domestic challenges', said Galal. However, the Egyptian ambassador said that since 2014, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming to power in India and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi entering office in Cairo, the two countries have seen revived strategic cooperation. In 2023, the ties between India and Egypt were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Modi's State visit to the North African nation, while Sisi was the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade that same year. Egypt has been touted as an evacuation route for Indians currently in Israel, especially as Tel Aviv's conflict with Iran continues to escalate following the start of Operation Rising Lion on 13 June. On Egypt aiding the evacuating Indians from Israel, Galal said, 'I am sure the Indian embassy in Cairo is in touch with the foreign ministry and I'm sure we will give all assistance for this.' Also Read: Egypt out military shopping, eyes Tejas and Dhruv as high-level delegation visits HAL 'More potential for trade, people-to-people ties' Galal stressed that the current economic engagement between India and Egypt, which is between $3-$4 billion, is far below the potential, given the comparative sizes of the two economies. The Egyptian Ambassador said that the 'minimum' it should be at is between '$30 billion to $40 billion'. However, currently New Delhi and Cairo have agreed to hit a goal of $12 billion in trade as soon as possible. As a part of deepening economic cooperation, Galal pointed out that Egypt has 'offered' India a 'specific zone' in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), which is a special economic zone in the country to attract foreign investment. 'India is studying this issue. For the incentive we are going to offer. No taxes, no customs duty, nothing you would imagine as a part of the zone. Everything is zero. This is a huge opportunity for Indian investments to come,' Galal said. However, the Egyptian ambassador pointed out that as old civilisations, with 'historic' ties, New Delhi and Cairo must not look at one another solely within the lens of markets or potential investors, rather with a sense of deeper ties. 'The key to unlock India-Egypt ties is the people-to-people connect.' The Egyptian ambassador said he would like to see the North African country as India's preferred destination in the region for tourism and potentially see greater ties between youth forums. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Understaffed MEA slowing down India's sprint towards 'Vishwa Guru' status, but needle may be moving
CairoScene
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Exclusive: The Egyptian Designer Behind Mo Salah's Adidas Boots
Exclusive: The Egyptian Designer Behind Mo Salah's Adidas Boots Mo Salah's Custom Boots weren't made for walking. They were made for history. And they were made by an Egyptian. Remember those custom boots Mohamed Salah wore for his final game with Liverpool? The ones Adidas gave him to mark the end of an era at Anfield: gold-striped, hand-sketched, and never-for-sale? Well, turns out they weren't just made for a game. They were made for history. And they were made by another Egyptian. Enter Abdu Galal. A designer born in Cairo, now based in Nürnberg, and maybe the most important name you haven't heard yet. Because when the Egyptian King stepped onto the pitch on May 25, it wasn't just his name that was going down in Premier League lore, it was Galal's too. And we've got the exclusive first look at the original sketches that brought Salah's final-match boots to life. When he sat down to design the final boots of his favourite footballer, he wasn't designing for a client, nor even for a person, he was designing for a myth. 'I thought I'd be overwhelmed,' he wrote on Instagram. 'I've followed every match, every goal, every celebration. So how do you separate being a fan…from being a designer?' You don't. That's the point. These boots were designed for Salah's feet, yes, but also for every Egyptian watching from afar. These boots may never sit on a store shelf, or behind auction glass; they represent something more than commercial value. They mark a moment of connection: from one Egyptian legend to another in the making. 'This wasn't a product launch,' Galal explains . 'It was a love letter. From one Egyptian to another. From fan to hero. From story to legacy.' And then came the moment. Final game. Final goal. Final boots. Salah equalised in the 84th minute, a record-matching 29th goal of the season. One last magic trick from the magician. And at the centre of it all? At the source of the legacy-consolidating feat? Galal's boots. The designer's own story is its own kind of odyssey. A graduate of Miami Ad School Europe, Galal has brought his hybrid eye to projects with Facebook, IKEA, and now Adidas, where he's been full-time since 2022. His work has been recognised by everyone from The One Show to the Webby Awards. Yet, this task felt less professional, and entirely personal. In the hand-sketched fuzziness of the sketches, this love shines through. "There was something different about this project," Galal wrote. "It wasn't just a boot. It was a thank you. A visual celebration of his records, his roots, and his bond with the fans."
See - Sada Elbalad
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ramez Galal's Film Gets Title
Yara Sameh Egyptian actor Ramez Galal's upcoming film has received a title. It is set to be shoot under the title "Big Ramy". The cast also includes Nesreen Amin, Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Mahmoud Hafez, Hoda Eletreby, and more. Mahmoud Karim directs the pic from a script by Farouk Hashem and Mustafa Omar. "Big Ramy" also reunites Galal with Karim for the fifth time. They previously collaborated on the films "Raghda Motawahisha", "Sabe Alboromba" (2019), "Ahmed Notre Dame" (2021), and "Akhi Fok El Shagara" (2023). Galal was last seen on the big screen in the comedy film 'Akhi Fok El Shagara'. Galal, born on 20 April 1973, is the son of the theater director Galal Tawfik and the younger brother of the star Yasser Galal. He graduated from the institute for dramatic arts and served his military service afterward, then resumed his acting career. The actor is also best known for his prank shows which are aired every year during Ramadan. He has pranked famous Egyptian people and international stars such as Paris Hilton, Steven Seagal, and Shah Rukh Khan. Galal has hosted a prank show every Ramadan over the past seven years, which is popular with half the population of the Arab world. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
CairoScene
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Amina Galal Is Making Fashion On Her Own Terms
Amina Galal Is Making Fashion On Her Own Terms Amina Galal debuts Volume Two of her collection 'In Our Alleys' at Maison 69 on April 16th. In an industry that demands constant innovation, one Cairo-based designer is stepping off the hamster wheel and into the alleys. For Amina Galal, fashion isn't a breathless sprint through fleeting trends, but a slow, deliberate unfolding of stories. In a radical rewriting of the traditional fashion calendar, Galal has found a structure which works for her and the pieces she is determined to save from the digital vacuum. It's not just a designing choice, it's a manifesto on reclaiming stories, space, and time. No seasons. No rush. Amina Galal works in volumes. Two a year. Same collection, new layer. It's a fashion format that reads more like a novel than a lookbook. More literary than commercial. More rooted than reactive. 'As an emerging designer, I believe it's our responsibility to question the existing norms and find ways to improve the industry,' Galal shares. 'The volume approach is my way of contributing to a more sustainable and meaningful fashion landscape, where the art of creation isn't rushed, but instead savored and understood over time.' Her latest collection, 'In Our Alleys', is a slow, textured unfolding of Egypt's forgotten corners and the people who inhabit them. In its second volume, the palette darkens, lines sharpen, and the story breathes into life. 'Every detail, from fabric selection to construction, is a testament to the heritage and history I'm portraying,' Amina Galal tells SceneStyled. Yet this volume doesn't linger in the past. It is rooted in tradition but refracted through a futuristic lens, and the sun-bleached nostalgia of volume one is propelled into a hyper-modern realm. Time-honoured silhouettes frame contemporary motifs, traditional prints are sliced with clean lines, and contradictions become conversation. Here, duality is a design language, and Amina Galal speaks in clear terms. 'It's about building connections between past and present, between people, and between cultures. My brand seeks to correct these misinterpretations of our culture by presenting a different narrative, one rooted in positive, meaningful cultural expression.' Take the brand's logo: the green fibula. Religion may have given green a bad rep, but green in Arabic culture represents prosperity, hope, and peace. Projected onto the fibula - an ancient fastening tool used by women - it becomes a symbol of connection: between garments, histories, and women across eras. 'Just as the fibula connected garments and told the stories of women across time, my brand seeks to connect people through design while telling stories that reflect our authentic shared heritage and values,' Amina Adds. 'It's a reminder of the richness of our culture, and my goal is to modernize that, making it relevant and meaningful to contemporary audiences.' If she had to distill the collection in three words? 'Resilient, layered, authentic'. This isn't token craft. It's not heritage for the Instagram feed. Everything is built with intention - and with people. Each piece carries the fingerprints of the local artisan who hand crafted it, the words of the people who inspired it, and the cultural anecdotes that informed it. It is a living, breathing collaboration with a community of local artisans. 'The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the excitement and encouragement from the artisans and craftsmen I work with,' Amina reveals. 'Their enthusiasm for embarking on this journey with me has been incredibly uplifting.' It comes of no surprise, then, that after a successful soft launch at Paris Fashion Week, Galal returned to her roots. Not because she had to but because Cairo is home - in all its chaos, artistry, and authenticity. This isn't just a brand. It's a reclamation. Of space, of narrative, of rhythm. And it's only the beginning. Volume Two of 'In Our Alleys' is now available at Maison 69.
