Origins in Egypt

Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and one of the most historically layered places on earth, with a population of roughly 98 million concentrated along the Nile. Cairo, the capital, is a megacity of more than twenty million people, while Alexandria anchors the Mediterranean coast and cities like Giza, Aswan, and Luxor carry deep histories of their own. Arabic is the national language and English is widely used in business and education, which makes international groups common in the major cities. Community life runs through the ahwa — the traditional coffeehouse culture that has organized Egyptian social life for centuries — alongside a young, fast-growing professional scene: the Egyptian startup ecosystem is one of the most active in Africa and the Middle East, with universities like Cairo University and the American University in Cairo feeding a constant flow of students and graduates. Friday is the main day of rest, and the week runs Sunday–Thursday for many institutions. For anyone looking to find or start an Origin, Egypt rewards patience and relationships: choosing a district, sitting with people over tea, and committing to a regular rhythm will always outlast a one-off event.