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CairoScene
3 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Egyptian Label 69-R7r7a Intends to Stay Slow & Locally Rooted
Egyptian Label 69-R7r7a Intends to Stay Slow & Locally Rooted When you go through 69-R7r7a's online store, you might notice a general sense of lawless nonchalance in their growing portfolio. This impression is not particularly bound by any concrete aspect of their clothing, except for the fact that a good portion of their catalogue assumes a relaxed fit; it's more in the very philosophy 69-R7r7a embodies. Like, this is the brand that broke the Egyptian corner of the internet with a full-length coat made entirely out of a traditional grandma's coverlet (more commonly, a 'coverta'), and didn't even bat an eye. Throughout my sinuous conversation with the 69-R7r7a founders, held over a choppy online meeting throughout which Jomana ElBendary and Youssef Gamal traded a phone between them while the other put out business-related fires, I realised the relaxedness of their brand was a reflection of their dynamic. The two founders met at the entrance exam for the Fine Arts program at Helwan University, and despite not immediately developing a friendship, they both developed a deep-rooted respect for each other's art. At around the same time, Gamal was starting his oversized clothing brand in 2018 (yep, way before the hype) under the name 69-R7r7a, while ElBendary made tie-dye and accessories. Two years after they both shut down their businesses, ElBendary was exploring new artistic fronts, this time of a more musical nature. 'I was on the hunt for a specific look that I just couldn't find anywhere - and we already knew how to make things. So I reached out to Gamal and said, 'Why don't we revive and repurpose 69-R7r7a?'' And just like that, 69-R7r7a as we know it - a brand that often revives and repurposes clothing at the end of its life - was itself reborn. 'When I think of 69-R7r7a, I think of it as less of a label and more of a space where we can create art, and give life to garments and objects that would otherwise be in a landfill,' says Gamal. 'That art just made its way, naturally, to fashion.' The art Gamal refers to is evident in the pieces 69-R7r7a crafts, and it's wildly unique from anything else on the market. You see, 69-R7r7a doesn't follow a brand manual, there's no 'inspo' Pinterest board. The brand is adamant on avoiding the common regional brand pitfall of wanting to mimic a collection or general creative direction that's already in existence somewhere in the West. It's not an 'Oh, I wish we had that in Egypt' situation; it's entirely novel. 'We refuse to associate with Pinterest at all,' ElBendary tells us. 'It stifles our creativity. If you copy someone else's painting, that doesn't make you an artist, does it?' 69-R7r7a's rejection of mood boards as a concept is also rooted in the fact that most of the content they could get inspiration from would be entirely Western; it's art created from Western inspiration by Western people. It just didn't reflect them. Instead, 69-R7r7a's 'inspo' board is what they can see in their day-to-day life in Cairo, and what they have seen growing up. That's how the 'coverta' line happened. 'We grew up surrounded by coverlets,' Gamal says. 'They're kind of like cultural symbols now. This is a memory we all share. When we restarted 69-R7r7a, we honestly felt like they provoked us to do something with them, so I borrowed one from my mum to experiment with.' Gamal believes that the mundane familiarity of the coverlet, the way our eyes are used to seeing it, is what made it such an insistent project. His mum was not happy to lose her coverlet. The 'coverta' coat, like the rest of the 69-R7r7a catalogue, was made by hand. Everything from the sewing pattern to the lining to the finishing is made by ElBendary and Gamal in their studio. In fact, when they first started out, they didn't even have a sewing machine, their pieces were entirely hand-sewn. Now, they use Gamal's grandmother's sewing machine. In Gamal's words, 'The only thing made in a factory is the clothing tags, and we attach them to our pieces by hand.' 69-R7r7a intends to maintain its slow production process; it's an integral aspect of the brand's identity, it allows them to think extensively about each individual piece they put out. Every stitch, every fabric choice is completely intentional. The very fact that ElBendary and Gamal design the patterns themselves ensures that these are clothes made to fit Egyptian bodies, instead of a mannequin modelled to the silhouette of a Western figure. Besides, 69-R7r7a became what it is today thanks to a fierce rejection of the mass production of clothing. 'We believe that the clothes you wear not only reflect your identity. They also shape it. It's slow, minute change, but it accumulates over time. Who would want their identity to be mass-produced?' Because every 69-R7r7a piece is an entire artistic endeavour on its own, the founders view them as heirlooms. 'We create our pieces to be immortal. We want them to be passed down through generations, the way a valuable tapestry or painting is kept in the family. They're wearable art.'
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Galal Yafai reveals beatdowns he took from his older champion brothers knocked him into the fighter he is today
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GALAL YAFAI reveals the beatdowns he took from his champion older brothers knocked him into the fighter he is today. Yafai grew up as the youngest boxer in the household and admits it was constant civil war at home between older siblings Gamal and Kal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Gamal Yafai with brothers Galal and Kal Credit: Getty 4 Kal was former WBA champion Credit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun 4 Gamal was European champion Credit: matchroom boxing He told SunSport: "My mum would come in screaming and shouting, we'd always end up fighting but I knew my place when you're like ten years old or nine years old. "Two-three years is a big difference. When they were 13-14 years old and I'm only just 10, it's a big jump. So yeah, I knew my position. I used to get beaten up on a little bit!" Despite taking his fair share of brotherly blows, Yafai admits the real wars came between Kal and Gamal. He said: "They were closer in age and I think they felt sorry for me a little bit because I was a little bit smaller than them. read more in boxing GAME ROVER I worked at a Land Rover factory but hated it so much it inspired Olympic dream "They had the real big fights and my mum used to come out shouting and it was kind of like hillbilly style. It kind of helped us to get where we got to. "Kal was always better than me, Gamal was always bigger and better so I don't think I ever got the better of everyone really. "I could hold my own, well I could hold my own when I got a bit older, but I think they took it easy on me. "But they always helped me anyway, it helped in my career." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Yafai trained as a teenager and watched his older brothers become amateur champions - later replicating that success in the professional ranks. The youngest of the pack only began boxing again at 18 but by 2021 he was Olympic champion after packing in his job working in a Land Rover factory. Boxing icon Tyson Fury spotted posing topless in Scots town as he chats with locals Now he is undefeated and 9-0 as a pro - meanwhile ex-world champ Kal, 36, is retired and Gamal, 33, now coaches the younger generation. But Yafai - who returns on Saturday against Francisco Rodriguez Jr in a bid to earn a shot at WBC and WBO champ Kenshiro Teraji - doubts brother Gamal will be part of his corner team - preferring he remains just a fan for now. He said: "My coach Rob McCracken sorts all that out and I just like my brothers being there. They help me just being there and showing me support and having my back. "My brother Kal's been in my corner before as like a second in America. But as long as Rob's in my corner and my brothers are there supporting me, yeah, I'm happy."
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Galal Yafai reveals beatdowns he took from his older champion brothers knocked him into the fighter he is today
GALAL YAFAI reveals the beatdowns he took from his champion older brothers knocked him into the fighter he is today. Advertisement 4 Gamal Yafai with brothers Galal and Kal Credit: Getty 4 Kal was former WBA champion Credit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun 4 Gamal was European champion Credit: matchroom boxing He told SunSport: "My mum would come in screaming and shouting, we'd always end up fighting but I knew my place when you're like ten years old or nine years old. "Two-three years is a big difference. When they were 13-14 years old and I'm only just 10, it's a big jump. So yeah, I knew my position. I used to get beaten up on a little bit!" Despite taking his fair share of brotherly blows, Yafai admits the real wars came between Kal and Gamal. He said: "They were closer in age and I think they felt sorry for me a little bit because I was a little bit smaller than them. Advertisement read more in boxing "They had the real big fights and my mum used to come out shouting and it was kind of like hillbilly style. It kind of helped us to get where we got to. "Kal was always better than me, Gamal was always bigger and better so I don't think I ever got the better of everyone really. "I could hold my own, well I could hold my own when I got a bit older, but I think they took it easy on me. "But they always helped me anyway, it helped in my career." Advertisement Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Yafai trained as a teenager and watched his older brothers become amateur champions - later replicating that success in the professional ranks. The youngest of the pack only began boxing again at 18 but by 2021 he was Olympic champion after Boxing icon Tyson Fury spotted posing topless in Scots town as he chats with locals Now he is undefeated and 9-0 as a pro - meanwhile ex-world champ Kal, 36, is retired and Gamal, 33, now coaches the younger generation. Advertisement But Yafai - who returns on Saturday against Francisco Rodriguez Jr in a bid to earn a shot at WBC and WBO champ Kenshiro Teraji - doubts brother Gamal will be part of his corner team - preferring he remains just a fan for now. He said: "My coach Rob McCracken sorts all that out and I just like my brothers being there. They help me just being there and showing me support and having my back. "My brother Kal's been in my corner before as like a second in America. But as long as Rob's in my corner and my brothers are there supporting me, yeah, I'm happy." 4 Yafai facing off with Francisco Rodriguez Jr Credit: Getty Advertisement
Qatar Tribune
15-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QIB receives two prestigious awards from The Asian Banker
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar's leading digital bank, has received two major accolades at The Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards 2025. QIB Group CEO Bassel Gamal has received CEO Leadership Achievement for Qatar Award, while QIB has been named Best Managed Bank in Qatar for the period from January 2022 to December 2024. This recognition reflects the strength of QIB's strategy, its consistent performance, and its commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and resilient financial institution. Under the visionary leadership of QIB Group CEO Bassel Gamal, the bank has redefined the banking experience in Qatar and beyond, establishing itself as a global leader in Islamic finance. Since assuming his role in 2013, Gamal has transformed QIB into a pioneering institution, driving innovation, exceptional financial performance, and unmatched customer satisfaction while upholding Shari'a principles at the core of its operations. In 2024, QIB's net profit rose by 7 percent year-on-year to reach QR4,605 million. Total assets increased by 6.1 percent, reaching QR200.8 billion by the end of 2024 — a strong testament to the bank's sustained growth trajectory. QIB's total income grew by 9.4 percent to QR11.7 billion, driven by robust financing and investment activities, while customer deposits rose 3.4 percent to QR125 billion. The bank's cost-to-income ratio of 17 percent remains the lowest among Qatari banks, reflecting strict cost discipline and operational effic iency. Asset quality remains strong, with a non-performing financing assets ratio of 1.86% and a coverage ratio of 95 percent. QIB's financial strength continues to be recognized by international rating agencies. In 2024, Fitch Ratings affirmed QIB's rating at 'A' with a stable outlook, Moody's affirmed the bank's long-term depositratings at 'A1' with a stable outlook, and Capital Intelligence Ratings affirmed the bank's long-term rating at 'AA-' with a stable outlook. Over the last three years, QIB introduced several first-to-market innovations that have simplified banking for customers. Key milestones include real-time digital onboarding for new customers, and instant personal financing through the Mobile App, which is now offering over 300 features. The bank has introduced new innovations beyond banking including the QIB Marketplace providing a diverse range of products and including a section for local SMEs to display and sell products. QIB has also introduced the first Auto Marketplace in Qatar, also within its mobile app, enabling customers to browse, book a test drive, select and finance vehicles online. Furthermore, QIB consistently emphasises its commitment to environmental responsibility through tangible actions. In a recent stride towards sustainability, the bank launched an eco-friendly credit card crafted from recycled materials, in addition to publishing a sustainability report every year. Embracing a comprehensive approach, QIB actively fosters a culture of sustainability within its workforce and board of directors through extensive training programmes. Commenting on the awards, QIB Group CEO Bassel Gamal said, 'We are pleased and honoured to be recognised by The Asian Banker. This recognition reflects the strength of our strategy and the commitment to delivering the best to our customers and shareholders. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our employees, the continuous support of our board of directors and our customers' trust. 'Over the past three years, we've focused on digital innovation, operational excellence, and building a more inclusive, sustainable bank. We will continue to support Qatar's economic development and advance our efforts in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.' The Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards are held every three years and recognize outstanding leadership by CEOs and boards in the financial industry. This award affirms QIB's continued leadership in shaping the future of Islamic banking in Qatar and across the region.
Economic Key
26-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Key
Arabian Mark Developments enters the real estate market with strong leadership
Arabian Mark Developments has officially launched its operations in the Egyptian real estate market, backed by strong accumulated expertise, an innovative business approach, and well-defined plans. The company aims to introduce an advanced vision for urban development aligned with both market needs and the state's expansion strategy. It has also unveiled preliminary details of its first project. Eng. Ahmed Gamal, Chairman of Arabian Mark Developments, stated that the Egyptian market offers an unprecedented volume of investment opportunities. These opportunities present a real chance for serious and ambitious companies to achieve significant success. He emphasized that the company's goal is not just to build real estate projects but to offer real added value to every individual who becomes part of its community. He added: 'Through launching Arabian Mark Developments, we aim to establish a distinctive presence in the real estate market—an entity that blends Arab authenticity with a forward-looking vision. We were keen to launch a company inspired by our great heritage while confidently addressing the future with modernity. This is achieved by focusing on the smallest details as much as the big picture, involving the client in every decision, and committing to delivering lasting value in every project.' He revealed that the company's first project will embody all of its ideas and vision in real estate development: an integrated residential compound in New Cairo. The project is designed to provide a lifestyle that combines practical luxury with a diverse mix of unit types, tailored to the needs of a wide segment of clients seeking elegance and stability. He highlighted that the project will prioritize key elements of distinction, starting with a design that reflects Arab identity and culture, supported by carefully studied implementation plans and a clear development timeline that ensures full commitment to delivery. The project will also include all elements of luxury, offering a complete and refined living experience. Eng. Ahmed Gamal brings with him extensive expertise in real estate development and a bold vision for Arabian Mark Developments. His passion for real estate stems from a belief in its power to transform untouched land into vibrant communities. This philosophy reflects the company's broader vision for expansion and sustainable development. In addition to his development experience, Eng. Gamal also has a background in consulting, business management, and overseeing real estate projects. This has shaped his strategic clarity and reliance on research and detail to ensure success amid the competitive real estate landscape. His previous projects were characterized by aligning market needs with execution quality, while maintaining innovation and respect for cultural context. Eng. Sherif Abdo, Vice Chairman and Founding Partner of Arabian Mark Developments, stated that the company has the expertise and carefully crafted plans to expand within Egypt through diverse residential, commercial, and administrative projects. In the medium and long term, the company is also studying regional expansion opportunities across several Arab markets. He emphasized that the company is committed to continuous development and optimal utilization of human capital and accumulated experience. He stressed that project management and quality are no longer luxuries but core obligations and essential components of any company's strategy for success and sustainability. He added that these principles will ensure Arabian Mark's success both locally and regionally, as the company aspires to lead the region by delivering smart and sustainable communities. He concluded: 'We believe in six core values on which our company is built: credibility, innovation, dedication, transparency, excellence, and building sustainable relationships. These are not just slogans, but guiding principles for every decision made within the company—from top management to every employee. We view human capital as the real asset capable of creating unique success stories, and we believe in selecting competent, harmonious individuals to foster a healthy and productive work environment.' تم نسخ الرابط
