~egyptian-streets | Bookmarks (352)

  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...