Bookmarks (358)

  Even as she shies away from the spotlight and avoids online self-promotion, her presence lingers, like the streetlights that continue to glow in the morning, even long after the night has faded. Abla Kamel didn’t just act to entertain; she acted as though she wanted to be our close friend. In every scene, she held our attention as if she was gently holding...

On 23 April, the literary world unites to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. The UN has designated this date to honor the legacies of literary giants such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.  It’s a day that serves as a reminder of the profound connection books forge between past and future, transcending generations and cultures.  So, let’s...

Students at the American University of Cairo (AUC) staged demonstrations on 22 April urging the university administration to sever ties with corporations accused of supporting the Israeli occupation, a joint Instagram post by the Egyptian Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement and the Anthropology Sociology Egyptology Association (ASE) explains. The two companies in question are information and technology company Hewlett-Packard (HP) and insurance company...

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel over the discovery of a nearly 300-body mass grave at the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza’s Khan Younis, emphasising the urgent need for international intervention to address the situation. The news comes days after an earlier mass grave was discovered near Shifa Hospital. “It is regrettable and shameful that violations of international law and humanitarian values continue...

The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, expressed her regret and ‘condemnation for her inability to conduct a field visit to the Gaza Strip’ after Israel rejected her visit. While Albanese is on a regional tour that includes Jordan and Egypt, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed her at the General Secretariat headquarters on...

The Eastern Company, Egypt’s leading local tobacco company, has seen remarkable success over the years, with its revenues surging by 54 percent in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2023/2024.  During the first two quarters of the financial year 2023/2024, the Eastern Company achieved revenues of EGP 7.9 billion (USD 163.8 million) from 1 July to 31 December 2023. The total profit for...

This year marks the third celebration of Mother Earth Day, which falls on 22 April, within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, emphasizing the crucial role ecosystems play in sustaining all life on Earth. In Egypt, a nation rich in history and natural wonders, several initiatives are leading the way in promoting nature and well-being.  VeryNile Taking the lead in sustainable river cleaning, VeryNile...

A 3,400-year-old head from a statue of King Ramses II, which was stolen and smuggled out of Egypt over three decades ago, was returned to its home country on Sunday 21 April.  The artifact, part of a group statue depicting the ancient Egyptian ruler alongside deities, was confiscated in Geneva during criminal proceedings.  Last July, it was handed over to the Egyptian embassy in...

  Cairo Governorate officials responded to accusations of plagiarism on social media concerning the ring road’s new visual identity. The artwork, which some social media users felt resembled the logo of an Italian organization, has now been taken down. However, the Ministry of Higher Education clarified in a separate statement that the paintings were just an experiment. Social media users pointed out a resemblance...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has drafted a comprehensive strategy to enhance Egypt’s macroeconomic stability and promote private sector growth in Egypt.  The plan outlines four elements, which are monetary and fiscal policy tightening, flexible exchange rate, targeted budget support for households, and balancing the roles of the public and private sectors. In December 2022, the IMF approved a 46-month arrangement fund to Egypt...

Egypt aims to raise USD 1 billion (EGP 48.2 billion) this year by selling state assets through its ongoing privatisation programme, Egyptian Planning Minister Hala El-Said revealed in an interview with Asharq Business on 21 April. The government will also work to improve the following year, with an increased target of USD 1.5 billion (EGP 72.3 billion) set for 2025. Previously, in February 2024,...

  We’ve been feeling too many emotions. Many, many emotions. When I say “we,” I’m not just referring solely to myself, my inner circle, or my community. I mean every individual, spanning across every generation, every culture, and every background, who has borne witness to the events unfolding in Palestine over the past six months. The emotion runs deep because it seems as though...

In a phone call with Al Hekaya program on MBC Egypt channel on 19 April, Mohamed El-Homsany, Egypt’s Cabinet spokesperson, stated that Egypt saves around USD 1 billion (EGP 48.2 billion) yearly due to its systematic power cuts. The government is aware of the struggles that Egyptians experience due to the electricity cuts and this situation is not going to be permanent, according to...

The United States vetoed Palestine’s draft resolution to have full membership in the United Nations (UN), during the UN Security Council on 18 April. Twelve members voted in favor, two (the United Kingdom and Switzerland) abstained, and the United States voted against Palestine becoming a UN member state, which would entail participating in decision-making and voting powers in the General Assembly for resolutions. The...

Following Iran’s unprecedented assault on Israel last week, Israel launched an attack on the central Iranian city of Isfahan early on Friday morning, reported US media. According to CBS News, US officials confirmed that an Israeli missile had struck Isfahan. Three drones were destroyed by Iranian defense systems, according to Iranian media. Iranian officials, speaking to local media, said that no damage was reported...

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is set to visit Ankara this weekend to hold discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East region.  The talks aim to address the urgent need for a potential permanent ceasefire in Gaza.  Preceding Shoukry’s visit, Fidan traveled to Doha on Wednesday, to meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani,...

The Egyptian Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohamed Maait, stated on 17 April that Egypt aims to empower the private sector to constitute 70 percent of Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP), with a focus on increasing domestic production and exports. During a panel discussion in the event, “Governor Talks – Egypt: Lessons in Restoring Macroeconomic Stability” of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank...

Egypt has witnessed a number of healthcare developments in the last five years, including state investments and the launch of various initiatives under the “100 Million Health” initiative, launched in July 2019. The largest country in North Africa with a population of 114 million, Egypt, ranks at number 14 in the world in terms of population. This highlights the importance of a strong healthcare...

Egypt’s rich cultural heritage has had a profound influence on the world, extending beyond its borders and leaving an indelible mark on the global entertainment landscape.  From their captivating performances on the silver screen to their contributions to the arts, these actors and actresses embody the fusion of diverse cultures and showcase the richness of their Egyptian heritage. Emmanuelle Beart Hailing from France, the...

Egyptian squash stars Mostafa Asal (world number four) and Nouran Gohar (world number three) emerged on Tuesday 16 April as the champions of the Mountain View Black Ball Squash Open 2024 in Cairo.  Asal, known as “the raging bull” and the No.2 seed in the men’s draw, secured his second title of the season by defeating the world number one, Ali Farag.  Meanwhile, Gohar,...

Egypt’s vibrant music festival scene is set to captivate audiences with a lineup of exhilarating events that will leave music enthusiasts craving for more. From the soulful melodies of jazz to the beats of electronic music, these festivals offer an eclectic mix of genres, fostering cultural exchange and providing unforgettable experiences for attendees of all ages. Cairo Jazz Festival Set to take place in...

The Cairo Criminal Court, located in the 5th Settlement – an area in Greater Cairo –  sentenced the Uber driver involved in Habiba Al-Shama’s death to 15 years in prison. He was also fined  EGP 50,000 (USD 1,036) on Monday, 15 April. The court convicted the defendant of attempting to kidnap the victim, forging documents to work for the ride-hailing company, and driving under...

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced an increase in daily cash withdrawal limits, the country’s State Information Service reported on 15 April. Bank branches now allow withdrawals of up to EGP 250,000 (USD 5,170) for individuals and companies – up from EGP 150,000 (USD 3,102) in January 2024. The adjustment, the second of its kind, follows the previous lift from EGP 50,000 (USD...

  Knocking on wood is a common superstitious practice deeply rooted in Egyptian culture, and many others around the world, holding different meanings. The act of knocking on wood, or wooden objects, is typically used to ward off any sort of ‘bad luck’. When a positive event occurs, Egyptians have superstitiously knocked on wood to repent the envious eye. Some attribute the tradition to...

To strengthen the healthcare sector in Egypt, the Egyptian government announced on Sunday 14 April an increase in funding for healthcare in the upcoming fiscal year, starting in July 2024.  Finance Minister Mohamed Maait revealed that allocations for the health sector will rise by 25 percent, reaching EGP 495.6 billion (USD 10.4 billion). This commitment aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes the improvement...

Beyond the traditional methods of working out, pilates is emerging as a beacon of mindful movement in Cairo’s fitness landscape. In recent years, various fitness centers have integrated pilates to its classes — offering a haven for individuals seeking to nurture their spirits and bodies. Pilates — performed either on a mat or on a reformer machine — is a system of exercises that...

Al Ahly women’s volleyball team defeated El Shams 3-0 on 13 April, winning the Egyptian Cup for the 36th time and maintaining its position as the team with the most titles in the Women’s Volleyball Egyptian Cup. Al Ahly advanced to the cup final after defeating Wadi Degla with a score of 3-0, while El Shams reached the final after defeating Zamalek 3-2. The...

Egyptian actress Shereen Seif El-Nasr, famed for her memorable contributions to the film and television industry during the ’90s and early ’00s, has tragically passed away aged 57, her brother revealed in a Facebook post on 13 April. El-Nasr was born in 1967 to an Egyptian father, journalist Elham Seif El-Nasr, and a Palestinian mother whose lineage dates back to the Hashemite family line...

In a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, Iran has confirmed launching a “massive” drone attack on Israel late Saturday, involving more than 50 drones. This assault marks the first direct Iranian military action on Israeli soil. News reports from Iran reported that some drones were also launched from Yemen, indicating a broader regional involvement. In response to the assault, the airspace...

  The possibility of Gazans crossing into Egypt from the border town of Rafah would render the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unresolvable and present a “dilemma” for those going into exile, the U.N. refugee director stated on Friday, 12 April. Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner for Refugees, declares that “we must do everything” to prevent such a demographic exodus from Gaza. “I can assure you that...

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi hosted a round of talks to discuss the latest developments in Gaza and efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Al-Sisi met with William Burns, Director of the United State’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Sunday 7 April and with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa on Monday, 8 April. During both meetings, Al-Sisi reiterated the urgent need...

Egypt’s low-income housing program offers affordable residential units to financially challenged Egyptians, and the project is expanding in 2024, opening up in 14 more cities in Egypt. Founded in 2018, the Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund (SHMFF), is a governmental entity of the Ministry of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities (MHUC), which provides affordable residential for low and middle-income Egyptians, with a variety...

In the bustling city of New Cairo, amidst the serene ambiance of Rooflow Studio, a unique and heartwarming yoga experience has taken root: Puppy Yoga.  Egyptian Streets had the opportunity to speak with Salma Ashraf, the yogi instructor and mastermind behind this delightful session, to uncover the story behind its creation and the profound impact it has on participants. Ashraf’s journey began with a...

  For the third year in a row, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is coming to Cairo for its fourth season, where Al Ahly Basketball Club (Ahly B.C) will defend its 2023 championship title. BAL is the men’s basketball league in Africa, founded in 2019 by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Egypt has claimed two titles in the...

  The minimum wage for private sector workers in Egypt will increase to EGP 6,000 (USD 127) in May, according to a statement from the National Council of Wages on Sunday, 7 April. This increase aligns with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s commitment to supporting workers, the statement added. It aims to improve their quality of life and create a better work environment, ultimately benefiting...

Egypt’s culinary landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the presence of internationally acclaimed Michelin star chefs who have chosen to make their mark in the country.  Leading the way is the esteemed Michelin star chef Luke Fouracre, whose culinary talents can be savored at Osteria Restaurant, in New Cairo. Chef Fouracre’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence shines through in his creations, such...

  Egypt aims to procure 3.5 million tons of local wheat during the 2024 season, as announced by Ali Al-Moselhy, the country’s minister for Supply and Internal Trade. This initiative precedes the wheat harvest in Egypt, which typically commences in April and spans several months. The government’s objective is to bolster self-sufficiency in wheat and corn crops. Minister of Planning, Hala Al-Saeed, stated that...

  The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024 with the Dutch Port of Rotterdam, outlining plans to establish a route for transporting green fuel produced in the zone to European markets. The MoU entails collaboration on the creation of a green bunkering corridor, connecting Singapore to Rotterdam via the Suez Canal. This initiative marks the first-ever...

Cooking — although is the passion and hobby of many — can often feel burdensome and tiring at times. Between finding the time to cook or coming up with creative recipes to break away from the mundane, cooking can sometimes become more of a fear than a joy. Enter the world of frozen foods: offered by local brands and international chains in Egypt, these...

As the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April, Egypt stands tall as a testament to the transformative power of sports.  There are several Egyptian initiatives aimed at promoting sports within Egyptian communities for a better future and overall well-being.  In 2022, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Strategy, The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development...

  Following their participation in a pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Cairo Journalists Syndicate, ten activists were taken into custody on Thursday morning, a human rights lawyer said. During their protest, they demanded the Israeli ambassador’s expulsion from Egypt and accused the Egyptian government of being involved in the attack on Gaza, AP reports. The ten detainees were brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution,...

  The beginning of Ramadan usually brings about a flurry of excitement—family gatherings, delectable dishes, and an opportunity to deepen one’s connection with God. But for me, it is a starkly different experience. It is when the weight of stress seems to intensify. My relationship with my weight has always been tumultuous, sullied by incessant teasing and criticism from my family. Their words cut...

  Power cuts will resume after Eid al-Fitr, causing power outages for up to two hours a day in order to conserve natural gas reserves for the hot summer months and manage rising energy costs, a source in the electricity sector told Enterprise. An end date for the blackouts in Egypt remains uncertain, the source added. However, there is a plan in place to...

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has acknowledged that an Israeli strike in Gaza resulted in the unintentional killing of seven individuals working for the food aid charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) on Monday, 1 April.  “Unfortunately, in the last 24 hours, there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” he said in a video message delivered...

Cotton has been one of Egypt’s main exports for over 200 years, but between 2006 and 2016, the production of Egyptian cotton experienced a significant decline, dropping by seventy percent.  To mitigate this decline, which has harmed Egypt’s economy in the past five years, the government has put plans in place to bring back the cash crop to the forefront of world trade. Egyptian...

Tuesday 2 April marks World Autism Awareness Day, a significant occasion recognized by the United Nations to promote the rights and well-being of autistic individuals. In Egypt, several centers and initiatives have emerged to address the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, providing early detection, intervention, and support services. Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population announced in January 2024 an initiative titled “Detection...

  Fuad Kouichi Honda, a renowned Japanese artist and Arabic calligrapher, once described the Qur’an as “music without sound.” For him, the Qur’an’s verses are more than just static words on a page; they are moving expressions of life itself. For instance, the essence of life could be captured in a single word: water. This sentiment is reflected in his art, which bridges the...

Hip-hop superstar producer Metro Boomin is set to perform in Egypt, according to a teaser dropped by renowned event organisers Live Nation Middle East on 2 April. Live Nation teased the potential concert with a 5-second teaser on their Instagram story, featuring a young kid sprinting through Cairo’s streets, culminating in him leaping towards a metro station sign accompanied by the iconic ‘Metro’ producer...

In a world dominated by mass-produced perfumes and international scents, the Egyptian market saw a rise in locally-produced perfumes that cater to every taste. Besides their affordability and availability, these local perfume brands not only offer an alternative to mainstream options but also serve as reflections of Egyptian craftsmanship. For the oud and musk lovers or the floral and vanilla enthusiasts, these local brands...

Six months after the onset of hostilities in Gaza, a new round of negotiations between the two warring parties, Israel and Hamas, took place on Sunday, 31 March in Cairo, with the aim of reaching a ceasefire and exchanging hostages.  A security source told Al Qahera News that the joint efforts and talks are meant to make headway in negotiation talks. Israeli Public Broadcasting...