From leading roles in some of Egypt’s most talked-about films and shows to becoming a familiar and trusted presence on screen, Ahmed Hatem has built a career marked by consistency, versatility, and quiet confidence. His name alone draws attention — not just because of fame, but because audiences know they’re in for something real.

We met with him for our summer issue to explore more than just career highlights. From childhood memories in Agamy to his love for morning swims and quiet escapes, Ahmed opened up about the rituals that shape his summers, his evolving view on success, and why simplicity matters more than ever.

The conversation was light, grounded, and refreshingly honest — much like the man himself.

Summer Then and Now

Q: We're deep into summer now — what was summer like for you as a kid? Where did you spend it, and how?
I used to spend summer in Agamy, but not in its prime. People always talk about the “golden days” of Agamy — I missed those. I was there when it was already getting old.
I’d mostly stay there just to be closer to Marina. I remember we used to stay in a place called Zahour — that was probably the first village I ever visited on the North Coast. It’s like three villages before Marina. We’d stay there to be close enough to go hang out in Marina.

Q: And how did a typical summer day look back then?
It was really simple. You’d just go down to the beach in the village where you were staying — that was it. I think Marina 3 didn’t even exist yet. At night, people would go to Marina 2 and just walk around.
There was a spot called “Seagull” — not sure if anyone still remembers that. People would gather there and walk around for hours. You’d see the same people you saw at Shooting Club — just in a different setting. That was nightlife back then. I think there was something called the Automobile Club too — I’m not sure.

From Quiet Villages to Summer Madness

As we transitioned into talking about the present, Ahmed didn't shy away from calling out how things have changed — and not always for the better.

Q: How has the North Coast changed for you — and how do you experience it differently now?
Now it’s… chaotic. There are just way too many places. It’s gotten to the point where people wake up in the morning and get confused — should we go far, stay nearby, go to that new spot where everyone’s supposed to be? It’s all too much.
I feel like people aren’t really enjoying anymore. They’re just chasing the idea that they might be missing something better somewhere else.
To actually enjoy the summer now, you have to focus on where you are: the beach you’re on, the people you’re with, the moment you’re in. I think this whole “fear of missing out” culture is draining. You don’t enjoy anything because you’re always wondering if there’s something better.

Q: So what do you do to escape that chaos?
I just commit to wherever I’m staying. If I’m in Telal, I stay in Telal. If I’m in Marassi, I stay in Marassi. But yeah, I try not to overcomplicate it.

Sunrise Over Nightlife

Q: Are you the kind of person who hits the beach early? Or do you prefer to sleep in and go later?
I’m 100% a morning beach person. That’s the best part of the day for me. I’m not into nightlife at all — not just in Sahel, but in general.
Even when I’m there, I might stay out a bit later than usual, but partying isn’t the goal. I come for the sea — the water, the sun, that peaceful early morning feeling. That’s the target. So for me, I always try to wake up early and catch that part of the day.

Q: And what’s your go-to snack or drink when you're on the beach?
I snack the whole day honestly. Burgers, fruit, coffee — whatever’s available. I don’t bring an icebox or anything like that. I just see what’s around and enjoy it.
And yes, freska! — even though it's gotten expensive lately. Still worth it though.

Q: Favorite summer fruits?
Peaches and watermelon. Those two always hit different in summer.

“This or That” with Ahmed Hatem

We shook things up with a rapid-fire game — because what’s a summer issue without a little fun?

Freska: Hazelnuts or plain?
Plain — the classic one. You know the one that is round? That one.

Beach or pool?
Beach, of course.

Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla. Especially in cake. I’m not big on chocolate.

Early bird or night owl?
Definitely morning beach. No question.

Pasta or rice?
Pasta. I’ve loved it ever since my swimming days — that post-workout carb feeling hits different.

Fish, chicken, or beef?
The question we usually hear on a flight. Fish. It feels more connected to the beach vibe.

Barefoot in the sand or with shoes?
Barefoot.

Backgammon “Tawla” or cards?
Backgammon. My mom loves it, my dad too — I play with them.

Old-school wild beach or calm, still waters?
Wild beach. The new calm beach thing isn’t for me. I’m energetic by nature — I like waves and playing around. That’s the fun of it.

Mango juice or watermelon juice?
Watermelon juice.

Play in the water or sit alone and chill?
Play — all the way.

Music at the beach: chill/classical or house/party?
Honestly? I don’t listen to house or classical. I just listen to the music I like.

Water, Sports, and Staying Grounded

Q: You used to swim professionally. What’s your relationship with water like now?
I wish I could swim more. I was really into it growing up — I trained hard. These days, I don’t get to do it as much, even though I could. When I go to the beach, I swim for a bit, then come back out. I don’t stay in for long.
It’s not like I go looking for places to swim. But when I find a good one, I enjoy it.

Q: And what about sports in general? Still part of your lifestyle?
Always. Sports are a big part of my life. I used to train in swimming — like professionally — and then moved into football.
Lately, I’ve gotten into padel and squash. I think those are the ones I’ll stick with for now.

Q: Do you keep a training routine? Or is it more flexible?
I’m more consistent now. I am back into working out. I was never really into rigid routines, but I do make sure I stay active.

First Auditions, Unexpected Turns, and Finding His Path

Q: Do you remember your very first audition?
Not sure if I auditioned before Awqat Faragh, honestly. But I do remember that audition — we were a lot of young people reading the same script.
It wasn’t even in front of a camera — just a big room with the director sitting in. I read for Hazem, Amr… all the roles, really.
It felt different. And yes, even after I started acting, I still did auditions — on-camera ones too.

Q: Like the classic commercial-style auditions — “look left, smile, now right”?
Exactly. I did a couple like that at the beginning. I think they still do it today. Smile here, turn there… I never really got what those were about.

Q: Were you ever interested in commercials?
Not really. I always wanted to act. Ever since I was young, that was the dream. I was lucky. Really lucky. My first experience was Awqat Faragh — and it could’ve been something totally different. I’m very grateful.

Q: Any memories from your early career that really stuck with you?
Yes — before Awqat Faragh even came out, I was passing out flyers for the film. At university!
Then, just a couple of days later, people started recognizing me. That contrast? Between handing out flyers to total strangers, and then getting stopped by fans — I’ll never forget that. It was surreal.

Q: Any recent role that really stayed with you? Something that meant a lot?
Definitely Hassan El-Masry. I loved that film. I loved the role. I worked on it differently — approached it from a more personal place. It really moved me.

And just like that, our conversation wraps. There’s no pretense about Ahmed Hatem — no “actor persona.” Just someone who reflects, plays, remembers, and laughs. Whether he’s talking about backgammon with his mom or the stress of summer plans gone wild, what comes through most is honesty.

Talent: Ahmed Hatem

Location: Direction White

Creative Director: Nour Selim

Director & Photographer: Abdelrahman El Dash

DOP: Munthir Helal

Editor & Sound designer: Mohamed Hazem

Stylist & Art Director: Israa Galal

Focus Puller: Bodi Ali

Colorist: Gergis Helmy

Gaffer: Kamal Tarek

BTS: Sherif Bekhit

Talent Management: Mad Solutions

Interview by: Perihan El Etreby

Brands: All Saints - Blue Mint - Ofive - Nile Projects retail

Jewelry: Elements Men

Shoes: Brava Cairo

Stylist Assistant: Shehata

Sun glasses: Nile Eyewear

Beach Props: Magalis Egypt

Transportation: Enterprise Egypt