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

Featured image via GQ Middle East

We have all probably heard of the international monthly men’s magazine by the name of GQ. It’s a publication that addresses a plethora of topics, including fashion, food, fitness, and technology. In 1996, the US crowned their first ever ‘men of the year’. Other countries released their own editions soon after that, including the UK, India, Spain, Australia, and now the Middle East!

Just a few days ago, GQ Middle East released its full list of winners in the first GQ Middle East Men of the Year Awards, 2019. Naturally, we had to check it out, and we were amazed by the entries in the debut edition. We’ll start with our native victors: global football star, Mohamed Salah, named GQ’s Man of the Year and Aladdin himself, the talented Mena Massoud, as GQ’s Breakthrough Talent.

To quote Massoud from his feature interview, “I’m grateful and blessed that I booked Aladdin, but ultimately it was because they were looking for a Middle Eastern actor. I want to get to the point where me, Rami Malek, Henry Golding, all these actors are just booking roles that are written for people, for human beings – whatever Joaquin Phoenix or Tom Hardy are playing. I want to be able to create a community that encourages artists to chase their dreams and further their careers.”

As for Salah, he had this to say, “All my dreams and goals were to become a well-known professional, but I couldn’t imagine I’d reach the level I’m at now.” He continued, “Every kid dreams of being on television, but then when I first made it, my targets changed. I wanted to become a professional abroad, and after that, I wanted to be the best.”

Other renowned celebrities that made it to the list were Algerian icon, Cheb Khaled, who was honoured as a Legend. And not just men, powerful females were also awarded, such as Lebanese actress and director, Nadine Labaki, who deservingly won the title of Woman of the Year.  

We hope that over the years to come, more and more Egyptians will be added to list. But, at the end of the day, all that matters is that the Middle East is given the recognition that it truly deserves.