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As Egypt continues its journey towards becoming a global digital powerhouse, the latest advancements in technology – especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) – are opening new horizons for businesses, communities, and government institutions. The post The Future of AI in Egypt: Navigating the Transformational Trends of 2025 first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over the durability of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire as the tenuous truce entered its third day on Tuesday. The president’s remarks came during his first day in office, following his inauguration ceremony. Speaking at the Oval Office during a signing ceremony, Trump said, “I’m not confident. It’s not our war. It’s their war. I think they are very...

The 2025 Cairo International Book Fair is set to commence on 23 January until 5 February at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.  Established in 1969 to commemorate Cairo’s millennium, the Cairo International Book Fair was initiated under the leadership of then-Minister of Culture Tharwat Okasha, who decided to mark the cultural occasion with a major event.  He entrusted writer and researcher Suhayr...

The fifth annual Joy Awards took place in a dazzling display of talent and achievement on Sunday, 19 January at the Arab National Bank (ANB) Arena in Riyadh.  The Joy Awards, hosted by the General Entertainment Authority under Turki Al Sheikh’s leadership, welcomed a star-studded audience to Riyadh.  One highlight of the evening was legendary Egyptian composer Omar Khairat presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award...

Egypt’s Public Prosecution ordered a 15-day detention extension for Hisham Hamdoun on Saturday, 18 January, who is facing allegations of harassment, defamation, and blackmail in connection with the highly publicized case known as the “Fayoum girl” case. The decision came in response to widespread public calls, sparked by a viral Facebook post, urging authorities to take action against Hamdoun. In response to the Public...

TikTok has become more than just a social media app— a driving force behind consumer trends and spending. From viral desserts to the revival of nostalgic products, Egypt’s market is experiencing a transformation powered by TikTok moments. A dessert in Dubai—a chocolate bar created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier—caught the internet’s attention, thanks to TikTok. These chunky bars became an instant hit, driven by a...

Egypt is a treasure trove of unique fruits that thrive in its warm climate. With a diverse range of flavors, each fruit reflects the country’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural significance. Let us delve into the remarkable fruits that make Egypt a true treasure trove for food lovers. Mangoes: a Tropical Delight Egypt boasts an impressive selection of mango varieties, each with its own...

Egypt has been gearing up for the opening of the Rafah border over the past two days, with hundreds of trucks loaded with food, water, and medicine lined up, while ministers conduct inspections at the crossing, local media reports. The UN’s Palestinian Refugee Agency has also announced that it has 4,000 truckloads of aid ready to enter Gaza, with half of the shipments containing...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced that a ceasefire in Gaza has commenced at 11:15 local time (09:15 GMT). The ceasefire, originally slated to begin at 08:30 (06:30 GMT) on Sunday, faced a slight delay due to delays in receiving the list of hostages from Hamas. Nevertheless, preparations are underway for the ceasefire to take effect. As part of the ceasefire agreement,...

The Hague Convention on Child Protection is more than just a legal framework; It is a lifeline for children caught in the complexities of cross-border disputes.  Designed to ensure their safety and well-being, this multilateral treaty provides clear guidelines for handling cases of parental responsibility, custody disputes, and international abductions.  Its importance lies in fostering cooperation between countries, offering children stability, and giving families...

Israel’s cabinet has approved an agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, taking effect on Sunday 19 January, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Saturday 18 January. “The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on...

For the ancient Egyptians, the stars were more than a spectacle; they were essential to life. Astronomy played a key role in agriculture, religion, and architecture. A significant example is the heliacal rising of Sirius—when the star Sirius first becomes visible in the dawn sky after a period of being hidden.  Known as Sothis to the ancient Egyptians, this event marked the start of...

Egypt is joining forces with Japan and the United States (US) to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) applications and digital solutions across its healthcare sector as well as many others. In a meeting between Ahmed El-Sobky, Head of the Healthcare Authority and General Supervisor of the Comprehensive Health Insurance Project, and a delegation from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a US-based company, alongside representatives from the...

A Gaza ceasefire deal, which has been agreed by Hamas and Israel, is set to begin on January 19, 2025. The deal comes after months of efforts of mediatiation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which were unsuccessful in brokering a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, following the initial truce in November 2023, which lasted for a week. But why is...

Israeli airstrikes overnight killed at least 71 people in Gaza and injured over 200, just hours after a ceasefire agreement was announced on Wednesday 15 January to conclude 15 months of the war on Gaza. Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service noted that rescue teams were retrieving bodies from rubble following targeted strikes in various neighborhoods, including Al-Rimal and Jabalia. This violence has cast doubt on...

Syrian authorities have detained Ahmed al-Mansour, an Egyptian Islamist militant known for his calls to overthrow President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, on Wednesday 15 January according to Reuters.  Al-Mansour’s arrest comes amidst concerns in Cairo regarding the resurgence of militant factions following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels. Al-Mansour, who gained fame through social media for calling...

Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire in the ongoing 15-month war on Gaza as confirmed by both Qatar’s Prime Minister and the US President. US President-elect Donald Trump also announced that a deal had been struck for the release of hostages held by Hamas, stating they would be freed “shortly.”  “We have a deal for the hostages...

Renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in cardiac care: a “living valve” that grows naturally within a patient’s body.  Sir Magdi Yacoub, reflecting on the development of the “living valve,” remarked, “I always say that nature is the greatest technology. It’s so superior to anything we can make. Once something is alive—whether it’s a cell, a tissue, or...

Egypt has an estimated 12 to 15 million people with disabilities (PWDs), many of whom face significant challenges navigating an environment that often lacks accessible infrastructure and inclusive social support. The challenges are far-reaching, as public awareness, accessible infrastructure, and effective policy enforcement remain lacking, leaving many feeling excluded from daily life. Multiple organizations work tirelessly to address these issues and promote greater inclusion.While...

Khaled al-Anani, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, announced on 13 January during an event held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the launch of his campaign for the position of Director-General at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Along with the website’s launch, al-Anani announced his campaign slogan,  “UNESCO For The People.”  The event, like the campaign, was...

On Monday 13 January, 2025, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Ayman Ashour, and Minister of Education and Technical Education Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif to discuss critical advancements in Egypt’s higher education system.  The meeting addressed a 40 percent increase in student enrollment in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitization,...

In Egypt, to offend or insult someone, a single word is enough: hayawan (animal). Calling someone an animal implies that the person lacks reason, intelligence, and, above all, lacks dignity. This is not the only example of how animals are degraded in language; many other terms, like homar (donkey) or kalb (dog), are also used to insult others. It is hard to pinpoint exactly...

On Sunday,12 January, the House of Representatives, led by Counselor Dr. Hanfi Gebali, approved articles 62 to 102 of the new draft Criminal Procedure Law, which includes 540 articles in total. A key feature of this legislation is Article 79, allowing the Public Prosecution to intercept and review communications like letters, messages, and publications. This new authority allows the Public Prosecution to monitor both...

Egypt has taken a step towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring a better quality of life for its aging population with the enactment of the Elderly Rights Care Law.  By offering targeted exemptions and incentives, the legislation addresses key challenges senior citizens face, including mobility, cultural engagement, and access to specialized care facilities, all of which contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. In Egypt, the...

In Egypt, tailoring a green dress costs about half as much as tailoring a white dress. Hiring a makeup artist for a full glam face costs less than the “bridal package.” Hiring a photographer for five hours for an event is often cheaper than hiring them for a wedding photo session. “I showed a tailor the dress I wanted to make, asked about the...

Located in the bustling streets of Korba, Heliopolis, Pepenero stands out as an Italian restaurant with a very unique experience.  If you’re considering a visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at Pepenero. Upon arrival, you will ascend one flight of stairs to find a warm, inviting ambiance where the sounds of Italian classical music set the...

European foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on 27 January to deliberate on easing sanctions against Syria, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced on Sunday, 12 January, during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Riyadh. The talks come amid shifting power dynamics in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad last month by insurgent forces led by the Islamist...

A study published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that the death toll from the war in Gaza could be substantially higher than official figures reported by the Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at 41 per cent more than the ministry’s reported total of 37,877. The findings highlight the human cost of the war on Gaza, which began on 7 October 2023. According to the...

The last two years have shattered records for global average temperatures, pushing past a critical threshold for the first time in history, according to a report released Friday by Europe’s climate monitoring agency. The findings arrive amid escalating calls from the United Nations for “trail-blazing” climate initiatives to stave off the worst impacts of a warming planet. In a stark warning, the World Meteorological...

Lebanon’s Parliament has elected the country’s army chief on Thursday, 9 January, Joseph Aoun, as president, ending a two-year power vacuum.  The election saw Aoun win with 99 votes in the second round of voting, after rival candidate Suleiman Frangieh, previously backed by Hezbollah, withdrew from the race. Aoun’s candidacy was supported by key political parties and countries, including the United States, France, and...

Two years ago, an internet meme featuring the movie Barbie depicted the doll from behind, and in the background, a pink mushroom cloud resembling an atomic explosion appeared, alluding to the 1945 atomic bombings in Japan. The meme, which was part of the “Barbenheimer” trend, quickly went viral across social media, spreading to people and countries around the globe, and was largely seen as...

Minister of Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, announced during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 8 January, the new Egyptian Baccalaureate Certificate System, which will replace the traditional high school system for students starting secondary school next year. The minister presented the key features of the new system, emphasizing a focus on developing critical thinking and intellectual skills rather than memorization. The system will integrate subjects...

In a poignant address during the Coptic Orthodox Christmas Mass, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi shared a message of hope and solidarity, asserting that “2025 will be better than previous years.” The ceremony, held at the Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), brought together faith leaders, government officials, and worshippers. Al-Sisi acknowledged the challenges of recent years but emphasized the importance...

The decision to rent an apartment hinges on many simple but essential factors, with proximity being the most important for Youssef Abdelrahman, 29, a software engineer who works and lives in Maadi.  Whether it is getting to work, connecting with family, or spending time with friends, the convenience of location is crucial to his search for a home to rent. “My commute needs to...

Tennis is more than just a game; it is an experience, especially when played on some of the most unique courts in the Middle East. From breathtaking heights to artistic designs, these tennis courts redefine the playing field. Burj Al Arab Helipad Tennis Court, Dubai, UAE In 2005, tennis fans witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime match featuring legends Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, played on a...

Egypt has secured the first installment of a EUR1 billion (EGP billion 52) financial package from the European Union (EU). The funds, transferred to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) last Friday, aim to stabilize the nation’s economy while addressing financing needs for the fiscal year 2024/2025. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly confirmed the development during a press conference following Wednesday’s weekly cabinet meeting, stating,...

The documentary and war film, Hollywoodgate, by Egyptian director and filmmaker, Ibrahim Nash’at, has garnered recognition and was shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards, known as the Oscars, in the Documentary Feature Film category. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hollywoodgate (@hollywoodgatefilm)   Hollywoodgate documents in depth the Taliban’s resurgence following the United States’ (U.S.) withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, after...

According to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, a joint French-Swiss archaeological mission made a significant discovery at the Saqqara site on Monday, 6 January, unearthing the mastaba tomb of Teti Neb Fu, a royal physician from the Old Kingdom. This significant find, dating back over 4,000 years to the reign of King Pepi II, sheds new light on the medical...

The Syrian Embassy in Cairo has announced new measures aimed at easing their return to Syria on Sunday 5 January.  Among these measures are free document certification, a one-time six-month extension for passports, and complimentary same-day return tickets.  These initiatives, effective immediately, underscore the Embassy’s commitment to supporting the approximately 1.5 million Syrians residing in Egypt, the second-largest foreign community in the country. While...

Macarona bechamel is the ultimate comfort food that has become a cherished staple in Egyptian households. The post Macarona Bechamel: Egypt’s (Superior) Answer to Lasagna first appeared on Egyptian Streets.

Egypt is set to receive a USD 1.2 billion (EGP 60.8 billion) disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 2025 as part of its USD 8 billion (EGP 405.2 billion) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk announced during an interview on ON TV. Kouchouk confirmed that the IMF’s executive board is scheduled to meet in January. The EFF...

For Egyptians living abroad, the experience of relocation comes with a mix of excitement and longing. While they adapt to new cultures and environments, there is  an undeniable pull to their homeland—a desire to bring a piece of Egypt wherever they go. Food: A Flavorful Connection One of the first things that come to mind when discussing what Egyptians take with them is food....

Citing the need to address housing shortages and manage the rapid growth of international enrollments, the Canadian federal government has introduced significant changes to its study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) system as of 1 November 2024. ”I actually think it’s not a bad idea. They’re only granting post-grad work permits for degrees in certain fields that are in demand or have labor...

An Egyptian aid plane landed in Syria on Saturday, 4 January, delivering 15 tons of crucial relief supplies and medicines to assist those in need, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The ministry emphasized that the delivery of relief aid to Syria reflects Egypt’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people, and that Ambassador Osama Khader, the Chargé d’Affairs of the...

Egypt’s nature reserves increased 40 percent in total revenue in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking a 1900 percent growth compared to the 2017-2018 fiscal period, Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, announced. Fouad noted that the environmental sector has been enhanced by offering diverse services, aiming to provide visitors with a unique, world-class tourism experience that aligns with the natural features and cultural...

Egypt’s tourism industry has experienced a boost this year, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announcing at a press conference on Wednesday, 1 January that the country welcomed a record of 15.7 million tourists in 2024. The government is optimistic about continuing this upward trend, following a challenging period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted global travel and Egypt’s tourism sector. Egypt...

On 1 January, 2025, the Egyptian Ministries of Finance and Communications announced the launch of an electronic system that allows Egyptian residents travelling back to Egypt to bring a mobile phone into the country for personal use without incurring customs duties. After the initial three-month grace period, travelers returning to Egypt with imported mobile phones must ensure that their devices are registered to maintain...

A new draft of Egypt’s Personal Status Law, covering issues like marriage, divorce, custody, and guardianship, has been finalized on 1 January, 2025. It is currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives, according to Counselor Abdel Rahman Mohamed, head of the drafting committee. After the finalization of the draft law, it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for review and revision...

Before traveling to a new country, most travelers initially focus on the views and iconic sites of a destination. But once they step off the plane, it does not take long to realize the first thing on their mind is, without a doubt, food. When it comes to food, it is not just about visiting popular restaurants or Googling the ‘best Egyptian food.’ Sometimes,...

In 2016, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union caused uproar by ordering female anchors to go on mandatory diets, deeming their appearance “inappropriate” for television. Eight presenters were suspended until they met these controversial beauty standards, putting a glaring spotlight on fatphobia. Fatphobia is defined as “the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against obesity or people with obesity.” It is rooted in...