Cairo According to: Iman Eldeeb

Eight years ago, after forging a modelling career in the fashion capital of Milan, a young Iman Eldeeb returned to Egypt and founded UNN Model Management at just 25 years old.

Within two years, this first-of-its-kind, Cairo-based modelling agency had become a trailblazer, getting its models booked with some of the most established names in global fashion and landing Iman Eldeeb on the CairoScene 2020 Impact List for shaking up an Egyptian modelling scene that had long relied on what she’d termed obsolete and un-Egyptian notions of beauty. (Hint: UNN is not an acronym but a word, a Nubian word which means rebirth.)

Here, the model-turned-founder explains the feeling behind one of her favourite songs, tells us where Cairo falls completely still for her, and why she wishes she could revisit the Geographical Association of Egypt again for the first time.

What’s a place that means Cairo to you?

The Cairo Tower. As random as it sounds, so much inspiration and magic was made up there. I love sitting in the cafeteria, watching Cairo from above while the city goes completely quiet. It’s like time freezes and everything gets muted for a second. From up there, Cairo still looks endless but also strangely peaceful.

Complete the following: Cairo is…

Contradiction. It can consume you and inspire you in the same hour.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

My neighbourhood is green and full of old trees and these massive, decades-old mansions. Most of them are abandoned now, but that’s what makes Garden City beautiful; I love it for the details.

Your go-to food spot?

I’d choose homecooked food first, but something I’ve loved consistently since childhood is char-grilled corn. I’d swing around the corner to those carts anytime.

Your go-to café?

I always like to switch up, and it’s FOAM for me now.

Your go-to date spot?

I love being on the Nile. Grab a felucca and cross over to one of the islands for a little side-quest maybe.

What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

The random giant gorilla dancing at every sha3by store opening.

Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

My Life by Abo Sahar

Every dream started from a bedroom, enclosed from the noise and madness before slowly flowing out, entrenched in the many layers, sounds and impulsivities of the city.

Familiar sounds all at once, look for the beat and you’ll dance.

What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

The Geographical Association of Egypt. Inside its meetings hall and library, I got mesmerized and lost in historic time.