The concept of Timeleft is deceptively simple: strangers meet for dinner. Yet, behind the simplicity lies a profound idea — to replace shallow interactions with meaningful connections in today’s digital age.

Participants begin by downloading the app and completing a personality test that delves into their interests, values, and communication styles, allowing Timeleft’s algorithm to pair five individuals who are likely to click.

From there, the platform takes care of everything, including booking the restaurant and providing icebreaker activities to ensure the evening starts on a warm and engaging note.

Although digital technology and social apps often claim to bring us closer, the irony couldn’t be starker in that many people feel more disconnected than ever. Despite a surge in digital tools designed to foster communication, the essence of real human interaction has diminished.

This paradox is what inspired Timeleft, a global dining platform, to reconnect people in the most authentic way possible — over a shared meal.

Now officially launched in Cairo, Timeleft has already begun to transform the city’s social landscape. The cost of the experience is straightforward and flexible. While a Timeleft ticket varies from LE399 for one month to LE1,399 for a six-month subscription, the ticket doesn’t include the cost of the dinner.

 Participants pay for their own meals directly at the restaurant, ensuring they can choose dishes that fit their preferences and budgets. The platform partners with a variety of eateries across Cairo, from casual local favourites to upscale dining spots, offering something for everyone.

For Cairo resident Dina Mansour, 28, the arrival of Timeleft couldn’t have come at a better time. “I spend hours scrolling through social media, but it feels so empty. There’s no depth in most of these connections. Timeleft feels like the opposite — a chance to truly connect with people,” she said after attending her first dinner.

Mansour described her experience as both refreshing and impactful. “I was nervous at first, but the conversation starter game broke the ice. By the end of the night, it felt like we’d known each other for years. It reminded me how much we miss out on when we rely only on digital interactions,” she said.

Her dinner group included a journalist, a software developer, a teacher, and an entrepreneur. The diversity of backgrounds made for a lively and engaging evening. “Everyone brought something unique to the table, literally and figuratively,” Mansour said.

This sentiment is shared by many who have tried the platform. Amr Salem, an architect from Alexandria, recently traveled to Cairo to attend his first Timeleft dinner.

“We’ve reached a point where even meeting friends feels like a chore. Everyone is busy, everyone is online, and no one has time for real conversations anymore. Timeleft was like a breath of fresh air,” he said.

Salem’s dinner took place at a popular Nile-side restaurant where the group bonded over their shared love for Egyptian cuisine and stories of their lives. “It wasn’t just about the food or the setting — it was about the connections we made. I left feeling inspired,” he added.

This longing for genuine connection isn’t unique to Cairo, however. It is part of a global phenomenon, and Timeleft’s success in over 65 countries and 285 cities underscores the universal human desire for face-to-face interaction. While Cairo’s vibrant social culture might suggest otherwise, even in this city the impact of social isolation is increasingly felt.

Rania Saber, a psychologist, shared her insights on the rise of apps like Timeleft, saying that “many people today are overwhelmed with busy schedules, family responsibilities, and the lack of opportunities for organic social interactions. Unlike the past, where cultural venues and family gatherings brought people together, we now see smaller, isolated families and growing distances within extended ones.”

Social apps have become a bridge for people to connect and find like-minded individuals. However, their success depends on how they’re used. Some leverage them positively to build meaningful relationships, while others misuse them for unethical purposes, exploiting the anonymity they provide.

Ultimately, the apps themselves aren’t good or bad; it’s about the intention behind their use, Saber said.

“The modern apps are an evolved version of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, offering a more focused way to connect based on specific preferences,” she said. “While these apps can succeed when used honestly, cultural reservations in Egypt, such as a fear of engaging with strangers and concerns about emotional or financial exploitation, can make it challenging for people to fully embrace them at this stage.”

“In my personal opinion, the apps can be a great tool for building connections and combating isolation, yielding positive outcomes for friendships and relationships when used ethically,” Saber said. “However, their success in Egypt depends on their aligning with cultural values, maintaining transparency, and ensuring robust safety measures to protect users and foster a secure environment.”

Nour Hamed, an Egyptian graduate student studying in Paris, attended her first Timeleft dinner abroad but is thrilled to see the app now launch in her hometown as well. “It’s amazing to know that people back home now have access to this. My experience in Paris was unforgettable, and I’m sure it’ll be just as transformative in Cairo,” she said.

For Hamed, the platform represents more than just a social opportunity — it’s a way to rediscover the joy of sharing stories and listening to others. “In a world that’s always rushing, sitting down for dinner and truly connecting with people feels revolutionary,” she reflected.

Timeleft’s arrival in Cairo has sparked excitement among locals eager to embrace its potential. The platform’s user-friendly app makes it easy to sign up, take the personality test, and book a dinner. With its thoughtful approach to fostering connections, Timeleft has already earned accolades, including the 2024 Google Play Best Hidden Gem Award.

Mansour believes that the platform has the power to reshape how Cairenes interact. “Cairo is such a vibrant city, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. Timeleft is a reminder of what we’re missing in real conversations, real connections, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with others,” she said.

As Timeleft continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that its appeal lies in its ability to address a deeply human need. In an age dominated by screens, the platform offers a chance to slow down, look someone in the eye, and share a moment that feels real.

Perhaps Salem, reflecting on his own experience, put it best. “It’s not just about the dinner – it’s about what the dinner represents. It’s a step toward reclaiming what we’ve lost in a digital world,” he said.

At its core, Timeleft is more than just a dining platform. It’s a reminder that, no matter how advanced our technology becomes, nothing can replace the joy of sitting across the table from someone and truly connecting.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 9 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly