~egyptian-streets | Bookmarks (348)

The Egyptian television series Noqta Soda (Black Spot, 2024) has garnered significant attention since its premiere on MBC Egypt and availability on Shahid.  Spanning 50 episodes of 40-minutes each, the drama delves into themes of revenge, power, and forbidden love. While praised for its compelling narrative and strong performances, the show has faced criticism for its reliance on overused plot devices. What does it...

Egypt is set to honour one of its most legendary cultural figures, Umm Kulthum, by declaring 2025 the “Year of Umm Kulthum.” This declaration, made by the Ministry of Culture, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the singer’s passing with a series of celebrations and cultural events across Egypt and beyond. Widely revered as “the Star of the East,” “Mother of the Arabs,” and “Egypt’s...

In a move continuing his executive agenda, President Trump’s decision to slash non-essential personnel at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) could result in thousands of job losses in the near future. According to reports from the BBC and Reuters, sources indicate that of the agency’s more than 10,000 employees worldwide, only a small fraction—just a few hundred—will remain on staff to serve...

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has condemned US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing sanctions on its officials, calling it an attempt to undermine its judicial work. In a statement issued on Friday 7 February, the ICC denounced the move and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering justice, urging its 125 member states and the international community to stand against efforts to weaken the court....

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to approve a new loan package for Egypt as part of its Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack confirmed in a press briefing on Thursday 6 February. The new loan will be presented alongside the fourth review of Egypt’s USD 8 billion (EGP 402.4 billion) Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which, if approved by...

Egypt has strongly condemned statements by Israeli officials suggesting plans to prepare for the mass displacement of Palestinians, warning that such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and pose severe risks to regional stability. Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s Minister of Defence ordered the Israeli military to prepare plans to enable Palestinians to leave Gaza. In a statement issued by the Ministry of...

On Wednesday 5 February, the Egyptian government signed two agreements with the Islamic Development Bank Group, securing USD 1.6 billion (EGP 80 billion) in funding dedicated to trade financing and the development of the private sector.  The agreements were formalized during a ceremony attended by prominent officials, including Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development,...

In an astonishing news conference in Washington, US President Donald Trump proposed the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip and permanently relocate the nearly two million Palestinians living there to neighbouring countries. Trump has previously called on Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, which both countries firmly rejected. His new comments – and the possibility of a US takeover of a...

As Egypt moves towards using electric vehicles (EVs), it faces both ambitions and challenges that highlight its readiness for this transition. Ranked 28th in the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2023, Egypt has been classified as a “starter market” with a score of 32 out of 100, placing it 10th among 13 countries in the MENA region.  Egypt’s ranking highlights the country’s ambitious...

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, reiterated the country’s unwavering support for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, following a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mostafa on Wednesday, 5 February. The officials highlighted the importance of accelerating recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza without the need for displacing Palestinians. They stressed the determination of Gaza’s residents to remain on their land....

Cairo’s iconic Mogamma El-Tahrir is set to undergo a luxurious transformation, as Cairo House Egypt for Real Estate, Tourism Investment S.A.E., and Marriott International announced on Tuesday an agreement to repurpose the historic building into a world-class luxury hotel under Marriott’s renowned Autograph Collection Hotels brand. The ambitious project will see the Mogamma El-Tahrir – once a symbol of Egypt’s governmental bureaucracy – reimagined...

In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, US President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take over Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump suggested that the US could “do a real job” in clearing unexploded ordnance and redeveloping the Palestinian territory, while simultaneously relocating its 1.8 million residents to...

The sixth edition of Art Cairo, Egypt’s premier art fair, is set to take place from February 8 to 11, 2025, at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), showcasing contemporary and modern Arab art on an unprecedented scale. With over 50 artists and 25 participating galleries, this year’s edition presents more than 3,000 art pieces, spanning emerging talents to renowned names in the region’s art...

Trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has surged to approximately USD 6.5 billion (EGP 327 billion) in 2024, reflecting a growth of 32.7 percent from USD 4.9 billion (EGP 246 billion) during the same period last year.  This increase highlights the stable economic collaboration between the two nations, with both exports and imports contributing mainly to this growth. Osama Basha, the Commercial Minister Plenipotentiary...

The Tour d’Afrique is an annual cycling expedition organized by TDA Global Cycling, a Canadian company based in Toronto. Since its inception in 2003, the event has taken participants on a  journey from Cairo to Cape Town, covering approximately 12,000 kilometers over several months. It is more than a cycling event; it is a transcontinental journey spanning 12,063 kilometers over 121 days.  The 2003...

Japan has granted Egypt USD 1.17 million (EGP 58.9 million) to upgrade the Cairo Opera House’s infrastructure and equipment, in an effort  to boost theatre efficiency and enhance the overall visitor experience.  The grant, valued at 180 million Japanese yen, was announced at a press conference held at the Cairo Opera House on Tuesday. Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Planning, Economic Development,...

Few comedies tackle the intricacies of identity, immigration, and displacement with the depth and nuance of Mo. In a television landscape where Palestinian stories remain underrepresented, Mo stands out as a bold, heartfelt, and timely series. With its second season now streaming on Netflix, the A24 show, co-created by Palestinian American Mo Amer and Egyptian American Ramy Youssef, solidifies itself as one of the...

Beltone Holding (BTFH.CA) has announced its financial results for the full year 2024, posting further unprecedented growth as the company continues to expand its footprint in Egypt’s financial sector. Consolidated revenues soared nearly fourfold year-on-year to EGP 7.2 billion, while net profits surged 4.6x to a record-breaking EGP 1.7 billion. The company’s outstanding lending portfolio also witnessed substantial growth, reaching EGP 26.1 billion by...

On Sunday, 2 February, the Israeli military conducted a series of demolitions in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, reportedly leveling around 20 buildings.  This operation, which has been underway for nearly two weeks, aims to target Palestinian militant fighters and seize weapons stockpiles, according to Reuters.  Footage from the scene captured simultaneous explosions that sent thick clouds of smoke into...

Egypt’s Hania el-Hammamy and Ali Farag have emerged victorious at the prestigious J.P. Morgan Squash Tournament of Champions held in New York from 23 January to 30 January. El-Hammamy, ranked World No. 3, overcame reigning World Champion Nouran Gohar in a gripping final to secure her first title at this event, while top-seed Farag, the World No. 1, clinched his fourth Tournament of Champions...

Nine countries have announced the formation of The Hague Group, a coalition committed to holding Israel accountable for war crimes in Palestine, enforcing international law, and pushing for an end to Israeli occupation.  The initiative was announced on Friday, 31 January in The Hague, Netherlands, increasing international legal pressure on Israel. The founding nations—Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa—stressed...

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi had a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on 1 February, reaffirming the strategic alliance between Egypt and the United States while discussing key regional and bilateral issues. The conversation focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, economic cooperation, and efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. During the call, President Sisi congratulated Trump on securing...

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has extended his congratulations to Ahmed Al-Sharaa on his appointment as the transitional president of Syria. The announcement was made on Wednesday as Syria ushered in a new administration and suspended the 2012 constitution. Taking to social media on Friday, Al-Sisi expressed his best wishes for Al-Sharaa, stating, “[wishes for his success in achieving the aspirations of the Syrian...

With centuries-old culinary traditions and street food treasures, Egypt has long been celebrated for flavors rooted in its history. Today, a new wave of dining establishments is gaining international recognition, blending ancient inspirations with bold modernity. Seven Egyptian restaurants have earned spots on the coveted Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. From the sands of Giza to the bustling streets...