Shifting sands to global lands
Karim grew up within walking distance of the pyramids in Giza, Egypt, where he lived until completing high school. From the start, Karim displayed a keen interest in science and technology, ultimately leading him to the German University in Cairo. During his time there, his fascination with semiconductor technology and its applications truly blossomed.
From Egypt to Europe’s semiconductor frontiers
During his graduate studies, Karim had to stay in Germany for short periods as a part of his course. Slowly, he became fascinated by the innovative semiconductor research happening in Europe. Upon receiving the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, Karim came to imec for a nanotech project that lasted for a year. That was his first brush with Belgium. Afterward, as a part of his master’s degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, he spent one year in Sweden. Eventually, he returned to KU Leuven to pursue his PhD at imec.
Karim’s experiences in Egypt, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium made one thing noticeably clear to him. He realized that although no two countries are culturally alike, the differences are sometimes exaggerated. He believes that people universally aspire to similar things – success, stability, progress, and security for themselves and their loved ones. Sometimes, the way of achieving these changes is different from country to country. For example, in Egypt, conveying a point meant talking indirectly in a subtle way. Someone who is not accustomed to it can lose parts of the point in translation. Whereas in Germany or Belgium, he found that communicating directly always yields the best results. This is something he learned by observing various cultures. He gradually achieved a fine balance between being flexible and open to talking and working in a culturally diverse setup in his team, where colleagues came from different parts of the globe.
For the love of soccer
Karim is not only a scientist but also a soccer enthusiast. Playing soccer on the streets, popularly known as football is a favorite activity among young people in Egypt. He shared about how the Egyptian national team and clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek are more than just athletic entities; they are symbols of national pride and unity. When the Egyptian national team competes on the international stage, streets are deserted, and cafes are filled with fans glued to screens. The iconic Egyptian soccer derby between Ahly and Zamalek is a spectacle sparking intense rivalries and uniting communities.
Al Ahly’s passionate fan base creates an electrifying atmosphere at matches, contributing to its cultural prominence. Beyond the pitch, this club’s commitment to youth development and community engagement contributes to the growth of Egyptian soccer. Many of Egypt’s national team players have emerged from Al Ahly’s ranks, further solidifying its role in the development of Egyptian soccer. In Egypt, soccer matches are occasions for families and friends to gather and celebrate their deep love for the beautiful game.
Must do
Experience the Nile River by sailing on a traditional felucca. It is a relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially during a sunset cruise.
Beyond pyramids: Egypt’s hidden historical gems
The historical marvels of Egypt go beyond the pyramids and the sphinx. For instance, Aswan, a city in Southern Egypt, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is often overlooked by tourists. Nearby, one can explore the ancient Nubian culture with its distinct language, architecture, and traditions that differ from the rest of Egypt. Close to the Libyan border, the Siwa Oasis is home to a unique culture called Berber, completely different from mainstream Egyptian society.
Another such gem is the Philae Temple, situated on Agilkia Island in the Nile River. The temple is a stunning archaeological site dedicated to the goddess Isis. Speaking of islands, there is a place where travelers can retreat from all the hustle-bustle. On Elephantine Island, visitors can take a stroll along the Nile promenade, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy scenic views.
But if someone is looking for exquisite handicrafts, textiles, spices, or jewelry or simply wants to taste local cuisines or beverages, look no further than the traditional markets of Egypt. Karim’s favorite is El Moezz Street in downtown Cairo, which has changed extraordinarily little over a thousand years. The street is a good showcase of different layers of Egyptian history. In fact, Cairo is full of pieces that belonged to various cultures, including Greek and Roman artifacts, Coptic art from Christianity-dominant Egypt, and monuments from the Islamic era in Egypt. Egypt’s history spreading over five millennia and numerous dynasties makes it a chart-topper in any travel bucket list.
