Long summer nights are not usually used for reflection on life, love and religion, yet the month ahead will present a challenge for many of us. As the days are long, the sun splendid and the beaches tempting, it will be hard to resist summer temptations as Ramadan approaches. Yet somehow we predict people will get very creative to make the most of both summer and Ramadan. And of course Enigma is here to make it that bit easier…

For this special issue, we’ve decided to focus on Oriental Fusion; that unique blend of East and West that now manifests itself in all our lives. From music, art and film, to fashion, food and politics, you’ll see Oriental Fusion is everywhere. Even our cover girl, actress Yasmine Abdel Aziz, blends international beauty with Egyptian charm and humour. The result? A captivating star that the region adores. In our cover story, shot on location at her holiday home on Egypt’s North Coast, Yasmine models the latest fusion designs, while talking summer fun, style and blockbusters…

The fusion theme continues in our Sound of Fusion segment, featuring hot new stars like Sabrine El Hossamy, who has made the darbuka her own and Maher Zein, who is bringing the positive message of Islam to modern music. We also highlight more creative dynamos in our Generation Fusion feature; a selection of young Egyptians who impressed us with their fabulous creations. We dig into Fusion Food; exploring how chefs around the world are embracing Middle Eastern flavours. Meanwhile, our Editorial Coordinator, Hassan Hassan, goes so far as to say Arab is the New Black in his piece about how the Arab look and market is now a major player in the fashion world.

And, of course, there are Arab individuals who have become major players in the international business arena. Many political leaders in the Gulf have directed their sovereign funds to invest in some of the biggest Western companies in the world. And names like Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and Naguib Sawiris have become well known in international business circles, as well as regulars on Forbes’ power lists.  Senior Writer, Sunita Rappai explores this exciting phenomenon in our East Buys West feature.

Our Managing Editor, Amy Mowafi, also delved into the complicated, controversial side of Oriental Fusion with Egyptian/British actor Khalid Abdalla. Khalid is best known for his starring role in the powerful Hollywood movie The Kite Runner (based on the best selling book). Many of the internal struggles he portrays in the movie are familiar to many Arabs, who try to make sense of their past while embracing the future. Also in his breakthrough role in the controversial United 93, he plays the lead terrorist who hijacked one of the planes on 9/11. Khalid really connected with his role and worked hard to portray how his character was torn by his conflicting beliefs. Earlier this year, he starred alongside Matt Damon in the blockbuster thriller Green Zone. In this fascinating feature, Khalid tells us how he wants to use his work to put forth a more positive view of the East to the West. Be sure not to miss this Enigma exclusive…

Even our annual In & Out List this month, combines the best (and sometimes the worst) of East and West. So as our summer Ramadan approaches, let us get you in the mood with this unique and inspiring Oriental Fusion issue.

It’s official, Arab is the new cool and the world is taking notice. So it seems this season, we have a lot more to celebrate than the beautiful month of Ramadan.

Wishing you all a wonderful and reflective month ahead, may all your prayers be answered...

My Best Regards

Yasmine Shihata
Founder & Editor in Chief
Enigma Magazine

Email Yasmine Shihata