March 1983: Cairo Today dedicates an issue to Al-Azhar Millennium celebrations as thousands of delegates from all over the world arrive in Cairo to mark the occasion. The package includes a series of articles profiling Islam’s highest institute of learning, and records its history and traditions. Then Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Gad Al Haqq Ali Gad Al Haqq is profiled, as is Dr. Mohamed El-Tayeb El-Naggar, President of Al-Azhar University. A staffer is sent by plane to the United States to re-do the issue’s cover after Millennium is misspelled in the headline on the first set of color separations.

April 1991: At the end of 1989 Cairo Today launches the Faces section. Focusing on everyday people with intriguing personalities, it vows not to include celebrities. The short profiles are instantly popular and the editorial team decides to put out a special issue of Faces. Twenty-four prominent people from all walks of life are interviewed including a playwright, an actress, a synagogue keeper and an advice columnist.

May 1990: ET’s first edition dedicated completely to the environment. Environmental issues had not yet climbed high on the government’s agenda, but an international conference held in Cairo the previous year brought a number of concerns to the fore. Stories covered include the effect of pollution on our antiquities, Nile pollution, the Egyptian Green Party’s struggle for the recognition of the over-hunting of Egypt’s bird population.

March 1992: Cairo Today’s health issue is published amid a raging debate over private vs. public hospital care. The edition includes a survey of medical facilities, plus investigative stories on population dynamics, AIDS and the pharmaceutical industry, in addition to two pieces on the health hazards of Alexandria’s trams and the lucrative medical tourism market.

September 1993: Cairo Today’s first wedding issue rounds up the best of Egypt’s colorful wedding traditions. Insightful articles illustrate the ups and downs of cross-cultural marriages, the intricacies of wedding planning, a visit to Dar El-Barabra, a fashion spread of up-and-coming bridal wear designers and marriage Bedouin style. For the cover, recently married Amr Thakeb (currently Art Department Manager) puts on a suit and coaxes his pregnant wife into her wedding dress. For years it was the magazine’s best-seller.

October 1994: Through a series of short, insightful articles, A Night in the Life of Cairo chronicles everyday events and happenings in a city that never sleeps. Beginning with a church service at 6:30 pm and ending with a muezzin calling for prayer, the package paints a poignant picture of Cairo life, complete with striking photography.

March 1995: Egypt Today’s entire staff is mobilized in a search for Cairo’s top offerings. The Best of Cairo and Where to Find It is the definitive guide to the great capital. The 40-page package is crammed with around 125 goods, services and miscellaneous needs including everything from animal hospitals and bat caves to condoms, diamonds and shower curtains.

January 1997: Egypt Today explores Khan El-Khalili. Every nook and cranny is visited and a special-edition map is offered as an insert. A series of beautifully photographed articles bring to life the maze of shops, people and senses that are the essence of the charming bazaar.

October 1997: Having it Made is an instant hit with readers who want to discover custom Cairo. The 36-page package is filled with picks and pans of the capital’s crafts plus profiles of select designers and craftsmen.

September 1998: The Best of Cairo is followed by The Good, The Bad and Just Plain Weird. Designed in the same format as its best-selling predecessor, the issue shifts its focus a little to bring readers the best and the worst of Cairo and also includes five top 10 lists ranging from taxi ornaments to jobs to places to meet singles.

March 2000: The second wedding issue investigates the problem of successful singles who can’t seem to get married, the rise in internet relationships, polygamy and the worrying trend of urfi marriages.

December 2000: the People of Ramadan revisits Egypt Today’s Faces tradition with a series of colorful Ramadan profiles. From the fuul vendor and konafa maker to the TV celebrities and religious figures, ET staff interview all those who have made Ramadan the month of spirituality, entertainment and feasting.

July 2001: Egypt Today’s Best Of offerings are so popular that staff decide to put out a special edition dedicated to Alexandria. The great city is illustrated through a series of profiles and articles that span the city’s history and heritage.

January 2004: For the intrepid traveler, Egypt Today comes up with 52 weekend getaway destinations around the nation, plus a few close international options, one for each weekend of the year. The suggestions include the usual beaches and heritage sites plus various off-the-beaten-track offerings. For those still loathe to leave Cairo, the magazine offers a roundup of what the capital has to offer.  et