Bookmarks (345)

  Culture — a word we toss around a lot. Too often though, it gets boxed into clichés and stereotypes. It’s more than language, fashion, music, or food, it also shapes how we see the world and, more importantly, how we find each other in it. There was a time when giants like Pepsi, Hollywood, or even Disney shaped the pulse of global culture,...

Egypt and Qatar have agreed to work toward a package of USD 7.5 billion (EGP 383.38 billion) in direct Qatari investments in Egypt, the two countries announced in a joint statement on Monday, 14 April. The agreement follows President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s official visit to Doha, part of a two-leg Gulf tour that also includes Kuwait. El-Sisi held talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim...

In Egypt and across the Arab world, henna rituals—once sacred ceremonies imbued with spiritual meaning—have transformed into lavish, high-budget spectacles.  What began millennia ago as symbolic body art to ward off evil spirits has become a display of opulence, where glitter replaces traditional henna, elaborate cakes overshadow customary sweets,  like kahk (festive cookies) and qatayef (stuffed pancakes), and social media trends dictate décor. This...

Egyptian Streets is inviting Egyptian and Egypt-based artists to submit their designs for the first-ever limited-edition merchandise drop under its new quarterly artist collaboration initiative. The initiative will spotlight emerging and underrepresented artists from across Egypt and the diaspora, offering them a platform to share their work on T-shirts, tote bags, art prints, stationery, and more. Each quarter, Egyptian Streets will collaborate with a...

Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan made headlines with his debut performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday, 13 April, 2025.  As the first Egyptian artist to grace the iconic stage, Ramadan’s performance was a significant milestone for him and also for Egyptian representation in the global music scene.  However, his appearance was impaired by controversy surrounding his outfit, designed by renowned...

The Nubian people, indigenous to southern Egypt and northern Sudan, have a unique heritage characterized by distinct languages, traditions, and a profound connection to the Nile River.  In 1960, the connection was disrupted when the Aswan High Dam was constructed, leading to the flooding of many Nubian settlements, submerging their villages, severing Nubians’ deep connection to their ancestral lands, and displacing tens of thousands....

The Egyptian Medical Syndicate has mourned the killing of 27-year-old Egyptian doctor Mahmoud Abu Amsha, who was killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip while volunteering to treat the wounded. In a statement released on Thursday 10 April, the Syndicate said Abu Amsha had been moving between hospitals across Gaza, north to south, since the war began on 7 October 2023, performing surgeries...

Karak tea is an undeniable favorite across the Arabian Gulf, capturing the hearts of tea lovers who now seek out its rich, spiced flavor in local cafes and homes. However, this beloved drink, which initially arrived from the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, has also recently gained popularity in Egypt with brands like Misr Cafe creating instant karak tea sachets and multiple...

In his book, ‘New York – Florida’ (2024), Egyptian journalist Mohamed Maher takes readers on a five-year journey through New York City and Florida, spanning 2018 to 2022. At first glance, the book might seem like a travel book, which is not popular among Egyptian authors, but it is not a travel guide of any sort, rather a piece of autobiographical journalism. Mohamed Maher...

In a media landscape often dominated by familiar storylines and recurring social themes, Lam Shamseya breaks new ground. Released during Ramadan 2025, the Egyptian series marks a significant turning point as the first mainstream production to confront the deeply sensitive issue of child harassment. The drama follows the story of Nelly, played by Amina Khalil, who discovers that her stepson, Youssef, portrayed by Ali...

Egypt and Indonesia have formally upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership following a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Cairo on Saturday, 12 April. The announcement came during Subianto’s official visit to Egypt, his second in less than four months. The two leaders held talks at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, followed by expanded discussions with delegations from both countries....

Standard & Poor’s (S&P), a major global credit rating agency, has changed Egypt’s credit outlook from negative to stable and affirmed its long-term and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings for Egypt at B-/B. The revision recognizes Egypt’s progress on economic reforms amid persistent challenges from global financial volatility. S&P acknowledged Egypt’s persistent challenges, such as high inflation, a substantial debt burden,...

Facing a severe funding shortfall, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has suspended critical medical services for refugees in Egypt, limiting treatment to emergency procedures only. Making surgeries for cancer and heart conditions, chemotherapy, and medications for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension no longer available through UNHCR support.   The decision has left an estimated 20,000 refugees, many of whom...

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended Egypt’s Ministry of Interior for increasing the validity of asylum-based residency permits from six months to one year and expanding the operational capacity of the General Department of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality in Abbasiya, Cairo, allowing the facility to process up to 1,000 individuals daily, up from the previous limit of 600.  “By extending...

Mohamed Salah has signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool, ending months of speculation around his future at the club. The Egyptian forward, who joined the Premier League side from AS Roma in 2017, was set to leave at the end of the current season. However, Liverpool announced on Friday, 11 April, that the 32-year-old will remain at Anfield until 2027. “Of course, I’m...

A viral video showing a Dutch woman confronting a man for allegedly beating a donkey near the Giza Pyramids has sparked widespread public reaction and launched an official investigation. The footage, captured in the Nazlet El-Semman area near the Sphinx archaeological site, shows the woman physically intervening after witnessing the man whip the donkey repeatedly.  Social media users quickly circulated the video, calling for...

  Acclaimed Canadian singer Michael Bublé is set to perform in Egypt for the first time on 26 May, 2025, with a live concert scheduled at the New Administrative Capital. Prior to his appearance in Egypt, Bublé will take the stage in Doha, Qatar, for two performances on 23 and 24 May at the Qatar National Convention Centre. These concerts are part of his...

Egypt’s Fuel Pricing Committee announced a surge in fuel prices starting Friday, 11 April. The adjustments apply to gasoline, diesel, industrial mazut, gas used in brick kilns, and butane cylinders. According to the updated rates, the price of Gasoline 95 has increased from EGP 17 (USD 0.33) to EGP 19 (USD 0.37) per liter, while Gasoline 92 now sells at EGP 17.25 (USD 0.34)...

The second edition of the AUC Tahrir CultureFest 2025 kicked off on 10 April at the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) historic Tahrir Square campus under the theme “Celebrating Cairo as a Vibrant Global City, Bringing Together the Cultures of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arab World.” During the opening ceremony of the three-day celebration of the Egyptian capital’s place as a cultural crossroads,...

Egypt has long positioned itself as a mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict by leveraging its unique geographical location and historical ties to both parties— a critical role given the ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises that arise from the conflict.  This longstanding relationship forms the foundation for Egypt’s role as a mediator in the conflict. Historical Ties: From Caliphates to Modern Politics The relationship between...

  For the third consecutive day, Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, continued his oversight of the new visitor experience at the Giza Pyramids area, which is undergoing a service development pilot operation through a new entrance system and transport modes, according to a statement released on Thursday, 10 April.  The project, led by Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company, is aimed at improving...

  If being a young woman today comes with its own set of challenges, then being a young female artist—especially in the R&B scene—is no easy feat. It took years of persistence, struggle and breaking barriers before American R&B artists like Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige and SZA were able to break through, gaining both mainstream success and critical acclaim. For young women from minority...

In a world where state visits often feel like scripted, sterile photo-ops, the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt was a breath of fresh air – and, quite frankly, a masterclass in diplomacy, authenticity and strategic storytelling. Egypt not only welcomed a key Western ally but also used the opportunity to subtly and skillfully reframe the international narrative around the country....

When The White Lotus first debuted in 2021, no one could have predicted the cultural juggernaut it would become. From its biting satire and social commentary to its hauntingly beautiful settings, the HBO series has carved a unique space in the world of prestige television. Each season, set in a different luxury resort, unravels stories of wealth, privilege and human frailty against the backdrop...

Directed by Omar El Mohandes, Siko Siko (meaning a sign or signal of something that cannot be discussed in public) is an Egyptian movie which came out in theaters during Eid al-Fitr, presenting itself as a blend of comedy and adventure.  The film follows the lives of two cousins, Selim and Yehia, portrayed by Taha Desouky and Essam Omar, respectively. Their journey starts with...

As part of efforts to regulate the upcoming Hajj season and prevent unauthorized pilgrimages, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Egypt, according to local media reports. The suspension begins on 13 April and will continue until mid-June 2025, after the annual pilgrimage ends. Travelers from these countries with valid visas can enter until April...

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Arish in North Sinai, a city on the Egypt-Gaza border, to visit vital humanitarian sites crucial for Gaza’s relief efforts on Tuesday, 8 April. The tour comes amid Israel’s ongoing tightening blockade over Gaza and cutting off humanitarian aid, while UN agencies warn of the severe consequences resulting from Israel’s war and blockade. El-Sisi...

For years, Egyptians with curly and coily hair textures have faced a dilemma: rely on expensive imported brands or struggle with ill-suited products. However, a wave of homegrown Egyptian brands is revolutionizing the market by combining locally adapted formulas, ethical practices, and prices up to 70 percent lower than international competitors like SheaMoisture or DevaCurl. Here’s an in-depth comparison of five standout brands, their...

A study published in Scientific Reports in April 2025 has revealed alarming levels of microplastic pollution in Burullus Lake, the second-largest lake in Egypt, in Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate,  and one of its most ecologically and economically vital bodies of water.  The research, led by Egyptian scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) of Cairo, indicates that microplastic particles, which are minute...

Egypt ranks as the second-wealthiest country in Africa, and  Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is often perceived as a city of wealth and opportunity for expats and locals alike.  According to Henley & Partners’ Africa Wealth Report 2024, Cairo is the richest city in North Africa, home to 7,200 millionaires, 57 centi-millionaires, and at least eight billionaires, all measured in US dollars, with a total private...

  Streets do not always linger in our memory, but when they do, they bring everything with them – every feeling and every moment. They remind us of how we felt walking through them, of the people we shared those streets with, and sometimes, they bring back a time we can never revisit. They evoke the rituals of a bygone generation and a history...

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Egypt on Sunday, 6 April, for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between the two nations and on Monday, April 7, Macron and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi marked a significant step in bilateral relations, signing several agreements, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a joint statement at the Ittihadiya Palace. The visit marks the...

Organizers announced this week that Khaled Zaki’s “Resurrection Alphabet” solo exhibition will be featured in Riyadh Art Week from 6 to 13 April 2025, which will be held at the vibrant JAX District and beyond, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts. The showcase precedes Zaki’s participation in the sixth Tuwaiq Sculpture International Symposium, a marquee...

Remote work is no longer just a passing trend; it is a lifestyle shift, transforming communities worldwide. What began as a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses were forced to embrace remote setups to ensure continuity, has now evolved into a fundamental change in how and where people work. As lockdowns lifted and companies experimented with hybrid models, it became clear that...

French President Emmanuel Macron was warmly welcomed in Cairo on Sunday evening, joining Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on a walk through the historic Khan El-Khalili district at the start of a three-day official visit to Egypt. The two leaders strolled through Al-Hussein Square, pausing outside the revered Al-Hussein Mosque where crowds gathered to greet them. Surrounded by tight security, the presidents interacted with vendors...

Egypt will raise the minimum wage to EGP 7,000 (USD 138) per month starting July as part of its 2025/2026 fiscal budget, with the lowest job grade set to receive an EGP 1,100 (USD 21) monthly increase in total compensation, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced on Monday, 31 March. This comes after a 2023 social support package introduced by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which...

Cairo will hold a summit on 7 and 8 April, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II will meet to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that the summit will primarily address efforts to reduce tensions and ensure the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Macron is...

Before Egyptians had the chance to return to their usual work routine after the Eid celebrations, U.S. President Donald Trump enacted broad reciprocal tariffs on the U.S.’s trade partners on Wednesday, 2 April, including Egypt, with a 10 percent tariff on Egyptian exports. Trump declared the day as “Liberation Day,” signing an executive order that introduced higher tariffs on countries accused by the U.S....

A video showing the moment 15 aid workers were killed in Gaza last month. It clearly showed Gazan ambulances and fire department symbols when Israeli soldiers opened fire at them. According to Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the bodies of 15 aid workers, including eight medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), six civil defence workers,...

Authorities in northern Egypt’s Tanta have permanently shut down a traveling circus after a white tiger violently attacked a circus worker during an Eid Al-Fitr show on Tuesday 1 April, horrifying the audience and sending screams through the crowd. After the attack, authorities in Tanta ordered the circus to stop all shows right away on Wednesday 2 April. A team from the Veterinary Medicine...

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said on Friday 4 April that the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will be the largest nuclear construction project in the world when it is finished in 2030 in terms of geographical extent. “This is the biggest construction site in Africa and, obviously, an unprecedented nuclear project with four units currently being built simultaneously; plus, the site itself has...

Marking one of the largest mass displacements of the war, hundreds of Palestinians began fleeing Gaza on Thursday, 3 April, as Israeli forces pushed into Rafah, a city on Gaza’s southern edge. On the same day, an airstrike hit a school in northern Gaza, killing dozens of civilians who had sought shelter there. This attack came as Israel intensified its offensive on the enclave,...

Two close associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involved in an ongoing investigation into suspected illicit ties between the Israeli aides and Qatar, have been held in custody for three days following their arrest by Israeli authorities on Monday, 31 March. Israeli media has coined the term “Qatargate” following these reports, which alleged that these associates were enlisted to advance Qatar’s interests within...

In line with the U.S. President’s new regulations imposing tariffs on global imports, Egypt will be subject to a baseline tariff of 10 percent when exporting to the U.S. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on all imports into the U.S., set to take effect on April 5. Higher rates have been imposed on what he described as the...

The Instant Payment Network (IPN) announced on Tuesday, 25 March, that it will introduce new transaction fees for services provided through its InstaPay app, starting 1 April. InstaPay is an application that allows direct access to all your bank accounts and transfers instantly using your mobile devices. Under the new structure, InstaPay will charge a fee of 0.1 percent of the transfer amount for...

On Tuesday 1 April, the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate condemned provocative statements made by Israeli officials concerning Sinai, labeling them as a blatant violation of Egypt’s sovereignty.  The Syndicate emphasized that these remarks challenge Egypt’s right to strengthen its military and defense presence across its territory, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Senior Israeli officials claimed that Egypt’s military presence in Sinai...

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, during which the two leaders discussed regional developments and mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Trump extended Eid Al-Fitr greetings to El-Sisi at the beginning of the call.  The discussion also reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between Egypt and...

The European Parliament approved on Tuesday a second tranche of EUR 4 billion (EGP 219 billion) as part of the European Union’s EUR 7.4 billion (EGP 405 billion) macro-financial assistance (MFA) package for Egypt. The vote passed with 452 members in favor, 182 against, and 40 abstentions. This follows the disbursement of an initial EUR 1 billion (EGP 52 billion) tranche in January 2025...

On Wednesday 2 April, Israel announced a major expansion of its military operations in Gaza, with plans to seize large areas of the territory and incorporate them into designated security zones.  Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that this initiative would require extensive evacuations of the local population, particularly from areas experiencing active fighting.  Katz then urged Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages...

Saudi authorities have temporarily shut down branches of B Laban, a popular Egyptian dessert chain, following reports of food poisoning linked to its products. In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing confirmed it had acted on received complaints by conducting inspections and taking the necessary regulatory measures.  “As a precautionary measure, the establishment’s factories and branches have been temporarily closed until...