Majid Al Futtaim-owned supermarket chain Carrefour is setting up shop in 14 Omar Effendi’s branches after MAF signed a cooperation protocol with the state-owned retailer, according to the local press. The agreement is part of Omar Effendi’s strategy to develop and upgrade its business by adding new products, introducing electronic payments, and automating their system. Omar Effendi has been tangled in disputes since 2011, when the Administrative Court issued a ruling scrapping several privatization agreements, including the sale of a 90% stake in Omar Effendi to Saudi’s Anwal United Trading Company.

Speaking of MAF: The mall operator is giving shoppers the option to pick up their purchases from a MAF mall or parking lot through a partnership with Via Drive Thru, according to a press release (pdf). People can order items from the Via application which will include several stores and avoid shop queues or the hassle of parking. The service will be available in all of MAF’s malls in Egypt: City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Almaza, City Centre Maadi, and Mall of Egypt.