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

Featured image via CNN

It’s that time of year ladies and gents. The time when Time Magazine, the world-renowned American weekly news magazine and website, assembles its annual listicle of the 100 most influential people of the year. So, naturally, it should come as no surprise that two exceptional Egyptians made it on to this year’s list. After all, Egyptians have been making the cut since King Fuad I’s appearance on the 9th cover in 1923, which is coincidentally the same year that Time Magazine was founded.  

Time 100 was first established in 1999 for people who, according to the magazine, are recognised for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this past year’s idols who have changed the world and who are also Egyptian. You’ve probably guessed at least one of them correctly. So, let’s reveal the answers – drum roll, please! Introducing Time 100’s game-changing Egyptian entrants of 2019: Mohamed Salah and Rami Malek!

At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. We can go on and on about their primary achievements, such as Mohamed Salah’s many goals and awards over the past decade that are too many to count. It’s quite flabbergasting to believe that he’s only 26 years old. At the same time, we have Rami Malek who is 11 years his senior but has accomplished equally extraordinary achievements in the performing arts. Since receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree 15 years ago, his strenuous efforts have led to his current Oscar-winner status.

The best way to complete this article is to hear the intimate opinions from peers of the two icons that were shared on Time.com.

John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, wrote the following about Mohamed Salah:      

” You’d be hard-pressed to find a professional athlete in any sport less affected by their success or status than Mo, which is incredible because I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that comes with the intensity of adoration he receives. Mo is an iconic figure for Egyptians, Scousers, and Muslims the world over, and yet he always comes across as a humble, thoughtful, funny man who isn’t taking any of this too seriously.”

As for Rami Malek, Robert Downey Jr., the famous Oscar-nominated actor, says: 

” The wild success of Bohemian Rhapsody was a group effort … literally. Queen entrusted Rami Malek with representing their legacy, the story of their lives, and the memory of their friend and bandmate. Somewhere during said crucible, he earned it. He developed the skill without which his many attributes as an artist might have been squelched—principled leadership. He’s understated and kind, complicated and relatable; he’s downright mercurial. Crucially, he’s a good man evolving alongside his potential. As a fan and friend, that’s what I’m particularly proud of.”

These are only brief excerpts which you can read in full on the winners’ profiles on Time.com. Once again, major congratulations to Malek and Salah for achieving this amazing milestone!