Akins News Egypt

Egypt and Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Identical Views on Area concerns

Politics/Diplomacy: On January 5, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Cairo. Both nations stressed their "identical" positions on achieving peaceful solutions in Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza. Egypt officially welcomed the Saudi proposal to host an inclusive conference for Yemeni groups. The meeting reinforces a unified Arab front against regional instability and emphasizes the preservation of state sovereignty across the Middle East as 2026 begins.

President Sisi Sworn In for Third Term After December Election Victory

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was officially sworn in for a historic third six-year term before the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The ceremony followed his December election win, where he secured 89.6% of the vote. In his address, Sisi emphasized economic stability, national security, and attracting foreign investment as his administration's top priorities for the new term.

Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Currency Stabilization

The Central Bank of Egypt's Monetary Policy Committee kept interest rates unchanged in its latest meeting, leaving the overnight deposit rate at 21.25%. The decision follows a massive $35 billion investment deal with the UAE and a sharp devaluation in March, which have brought relative stability to the Egyptian pound and eased intense inflationary pressures on the economy.

UAE's ADQ Begins $35 Billion Land Development Project on North Coast

Following last month's landmark investment deal, UAE sovereign fund ADQ has commenced initial planning and surveying for its $35 billion Ras El-Hekma tourism and residential project on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. The project, one of the largest foreign direct investments in Egypt's history, is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly boost hard currency inflows.

Government Launches "Decent Life 2" Initiative for Rural Job Creation

The Ministry of Planning announced the second phase of the "Decent Life" initiative, targeting the creation of over 1 million temporary and permanent jobs in rural villages. The program will focus on local infrastructure projects, agricultural development, and small enterprise support, aiming to alleviate unemployment and underemployment in some of Egypt's poorest governorates.

Cairo International Film Festival Announces New October Dates
The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced its 46th edition will be held from October 15-24, 2024, moving back to its traditional autumn slot after spring editions. Veteran Egyptian producer and scriptwriter Mohamed Hefzy was reappointed as president, promising a competitive lineup focusing on Arab and African cinema.

GEgyptian Museum Announces Limited Public Preview Opening

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) authority announced a limited "soft opening" for a specific gallery will begin next month, allowing pre-booked visitors to see a selection of Tutankhamun's treasures in their new, permanent home. This partial opening is a major step toward the long-awaited full inauguration of the museum, located near the Giza Pyramids.

Egypt Secures Increased $8 Billion Loan Program from IMF

The International Monetary Fund confirmed an expanded $8 billion financial support program for Egypt, up from an initial $3 billion. The deal was approved following Egypt's commitment to a flexible exchange rate and significant monetary tightening. The funds are crucial for easing the country's severe foreign currency shortage and restoring investor confidence.

Record Tourist Numbers for First Quarter, Exceeding 3.5 Million Visitors

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reported a record 3.5 million tourists visited Egypt in Q1 2024, a 15% increase over the same period in 2023. The surge, driven by visitors from Europe, the Gulf, and new markets like China, marks a strong recovery for a vital sector that is a key source of hard currency for the struggling economy.

Government Imposes New Export Restrictions on Key Items

The government issued a decree restricting the export of several essential food commodities, including lentils, pasta, and wheat flour, for a period of three months. The move aims to control rising domestic prices and ensure local market availability amid global supply chain disruptions and high inflation that has strained household budgets.

Siemens Energy Begins Work on $10 Billion Wind Farm in West Nile

Siemens Energy, in consortium with Egyptian partners, has broken ground on the first phase of a massive $10 billion wind energy project in the West Nile region. Upon completion, it is slated to be one of the world's largest onshore wind farms, adding 10 gigawatts of clean energy to the national grid and supporting Egypt's green hydrogen ambitions.

25 Major Upcoming Events in Egypt for 2026

National & Political:

Ramadan: (Expected Feb-Mar 2026) - The holy month of fasting.

Eid al-Fitr: (Expected Mar 2026) - Festival marking the end of Ramadan.

Eid al-Adha: (Expected May-Jun 2026) - The Feast of Sacrifice.

Coptic Christmas: (Jan 7, 2026) - Celebrated by Egypt's Christian community.

National Police Day: (Jan 25, 2026).

Revolution Day / National Day: (Jul 23, 2026) - Anniversary of the 1952 Revolution.

Suez Day / Armed Forces Day: (Oct 6, 2026) - Commemorating the 1973 war.

Cultural & Religious:

Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday): (Expected Aug 2026).

Coptic Easter (Sham El-Nessim): (Spring 2026) - National spring festival with ancient roots.

Cairo International Book Fair: (Jan 2026) - One of the world's largest book fairs.

El Gouna Film Festival: (Oct 2026) - Major international film festival.

Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF): (Nov 2026) - The oldest film festival in the region.

Luxor African Film Festival: (Mar 2026).

Cairo Jazz Festival: (Oct 2026).

Festival for Arabic Music: (Nov 2026, Cairo Opera House).

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): (If Egypt qualifies for the tournament, expected in summer 2025; qualification matches may occur in 2026).

World Aquatics Championships: (2026, Possibly in Egypt) - Fukuoka is the host; Egypt may host future editions or other major aquatic events.
Pharaohs' Cup (Football): (Annual).

Cairo Marathon: (Jan 2026).

International Squash Tournaments: (Regularly hosted in Cairo).

Economic & International:

Egypt Petroleum Show (EGYPS): (Feb 2026) - Major oil and gas conference.

Cairo ICT: (Nov 2026) - Major technology and communications exhibition.

Destination Africa / Cairo Fashion Festival: (Promoting textiles and fashion).

World Youth Forum (Sharm El-Sheikh): (If held annually, expected in late 2026).

Economics/Business: A report released on January 5 by Standard Chartered Global Research indicates that Egypt is entering 2026 on a robust financial footing. Bolstered by foreign-currency inflows and privatization proceeds, the bank forecasted the Egyptian Pound to trade at approximately $47.5$ against the USD by the end of Q1. Analysts suggest that the painful structural reforms of the past two years are finally yielding clearer signs of monetary stabilization and recovery.

Egypt to Enter AFCON Quarterfinals After Benin Victory

Entertainment/Sports: Egypt’s national football team secured a spot in the 2025 AFCON quarterfinals on January 5 with a victory against Benin. Star captain Mohamed Salah sealed the win, though the celebration was dampened by news that winger Trezeguet suffered an ankle ligament tear. The Pharaohs are now set to face holders Ivory Coast on January 10, a match that has the entire country gripped with football fever as they chase an eighth continental title.

President al-Sisi Welcomes FIFA World Cup Trophy in Cairo

Sports/Business: On January 4, President al-Sisi met with a high-level FIFA delegation as Cairo served as the second stop on the global FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour. The President noted that choosing Egypt reflects the nation's "prominent status" on the global sports map. The event is being leveraged to promote "sport tourism" and showcase Egypt's modernized infrastructure to international investors ahead of the 2026 tournament in North America.

Egypt Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Anti-Terrorism Law

Politics/Law: In a significant ruling on January 3, the Supreme Constitutional Court rejected a challenge to the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Law. The court, led by Chief Justice Boulos Fahmy, affirmed that the state's broad definitions of terrorism—including actions that "damage the economy"—are constitutional. Human rights observers noted that the ruling effectively validates current security frameworks, providing the government with continued legal latitude to define and penalize dissent under the guise of national security.

Prime Minister Inspects Luxor Healthcare as Universal Insurance Expands

Jobs/Social: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly conducted a field tour of Luxor on January 5 to review the progress of the Universal Health Insurance System. As the system expands into Upper Egypt, officials reported that healthcare facilities in Port Said alone provided over 360,000 services in 2025. The expansion is expected to create thousands of medical and administrative jobs in 2026, fulfilling a key pillar of the "National Economic Development Narrative."

Foreign Reserves Hit $51.4 Billion as 2026 Begins

Business/Economics: The Central Bank of Egypt reported on January 4 that foreign-currency reserves reached $51.452$ billion by the end of December 2025. This record high is attributed to a 42.5% increase in remittances and a 27% surge in exports from the public business sector. Economists view this cushion as vital for shielding the economy against global market volatility and supporting the government's ambitious IPO program scheduled for the coming months.

Agriculture Ministry Warns of "Extreme Cold" Impact on Crops

Economics/Environment: The Ministry of Agriculture issued an urgent warning on January 6 as a sharp temperature drop gripped the Nile Delta. With "extremely cold" nights forecasted, officials advised farmers to take protective measures for vegetable crops. The freeze comes at a sensitive time for the winter harvest; agricultural experts warn that if the cold snap persists, it could lead to temporary price hikes for fresh produce in local markets.

Egypt Primes Startup Landscape for International Entrepreneurs

Business/Tech: On January 6, the Ministry of Communications announced a new package of incentives for tech startups. Aimed at positioning Cairo as a regional "AI Hub," the initiative includes tax facilitations and easier licensing for foreign founders. This follows the announcement of the "AI Everything MEA 2026" conference, which the government hopes will attract $40 billion in tech-related investments by the end of the decade.

Supreme Court Ruling Grants State "Unlimited Power" to Define Terrorism

Politics/Law: In a landmark decision on January 3, the Supreme Constitutional Court rejected a challenge to the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Law. Led by Chief Justice Boulos Fahmy, the court ruled that broad definitions of terrorism—including "damaging the economy" or "harming national unity"—are constitutional. Critics argue this grants the executive unchallengeable power to criminalize dissent, signaling a final consolidation of power over the judiciary as the new year begins.

President El-Sisi Stresses Unity at Nativity of Christ Cathedral Politics/Society: On the evening of January 6, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited the New Administrative Capital's cathedral to celebrate Christmas with the Coptic community. In his address, he described national unity as the "true safeguard" of Egypt. He urged citizens to remain optimistic and warned against those attempting to sow division, emphasizing a message of "no 'you and us'—we are all one" for 2026.

Egypt Warns Against Israeli Recognition of Breakaway Somaliland Diplomacy/Politics: Cairo issued a stern warning on January 6 regarding Israel's recent recognition of the Somaliland region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as a "serious threat" to regional peace and Somali sovereignty. Egypt categorically rejected any attempts to link this recognition to plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians, viewing the development as a dangerous violation of international law.

Qatar and Egypt Sign Major LNG Supply Deal for Summer 2026 Economics/Business: On January 4, Egypt and Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply of up to 24 Qatari LNG cargoes. The deal is specifically designed to cover Egypt's rising electricity demand during the summer of 2026. This comes as domestic gas production has fallen to 3.64 billion cubic meters per month, forcing the government to secure external sources to prevent power outages.

New Hajj Rules: Egypt Ends Free Services and Sets Strict Deadlines Social/Business: The Ministry of Tourism issued a "D-Day" warning to travel agencies on January 6. Under new 2026 regulations, the government has stopped providing free Hajj services, moving instead to paid packages and an online lottery. Agencies must secure contracts for pilgrim accommodation in Saudi Arabia by January 12 or face severe penalties, including the loss of insurance bonds.

PM Madbouly Pushes for Localization of Telecom Manufacturing Business/Tech: During the first cabinet meeting of 2026 on January 6, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the localization of the telecommunications industry. The government plans to expand domestic manufacturing of electronic components and mobile devices. This strategy aims to reduce the import bill and open new export avenues, utilizing the modernized SEMAF railway factory and other industrial hubs as cornerstones.

Cairo Ranked "Most Attractive African City" for 2025/2026 Business/Economics: The Cabinet Media Center highlighted a report on January 5 ranking Cairo as the most attractive city in Africa for investment and residence. The ranking, published by Jeune Afrique, cites Cairo's improved infrastructure, the growth of the New Administrative Capital, and the resilience of its financial markets. Officials hope this accolade will drive a new wave of foreign direct investment in early 2026.

Agriculture Ministry Warns of "Thermal Pasteurization" Days Environment/Economics: On January 5, the Ministry of Agriculture warned of sharp "thermal oscillations" affecting the Nile Delta. Experts described the current weather as "thermal pasteurization" due to extreme shifts between day and night temperatures. Farmers have been urged to adjust irrigation and fertilization schedules to protect winter crops from the stress of these sudden climate swings.

Egyptian Red Crescent Launches 110th Aid Convoy to Gaza Politics/Humanitarian: On January 6, the 110th "Zad Al-Ezza" humanitarian convoy was dispatched toward the Rafah crossing. The convoy includes thousands of tons of medical supplies and food. This sustained effort highlights Egypt's ongoing role as the primary logistics coordinator for regional aid, despite escalating diplomatic tensions regarding the security of the border zone.

Egypt and Afreximbank to Target Pan-African Trade Integration Business/Economics: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with officials from the African Export-Import Bank on January 5. The talks focused on a 2026 roadmap to enhance trade and economic integration across Africa. Egypt seeks to leverage its position as a founding member to secure more financing for domestic infrastructure projects that serve as gateways to the wider continental market.

Egypt Advances to AFCON Quarter-Finals After Dramatic Win

Egypt’s national football team reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin, highlighted by Mohamed Salah’s decisive late goal. Midfielder Marwan Attia opened scoring, Benin equalised late, and Yasser Ibrahim scored before Salah sealed the win in injury time. The Pharaohs now advance to face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso, keeping hopes alive for continental glory.

Egypt Sets Deadline for Hajj Pilgrimage Contracts by Jan. 12

Egypt’s tourism and travel regulators issued a strict deadline for Hajj 2026 contracts, requiring travel agencies to secure pilgrim arrangements by January 12 or face penalties and bond forfeiture. The directive aims to improve oversight, accountability and service quality for Egyptians planning to perform the pilgrimage, underscoring stronger regulatory enforcement in the travel sector ahead of the upcoming Hajj season.

Egypt Ends Free State-Sponsored Hajj Trips, Introduces Paid Visas

Ahead of the 2026 Hajj season, Egypt announced it will end free state-sponsored pilgrimage trips, instead using electronic lottery and licensed paid packages for visas and travel. The change, part of broader travel policy reforms, is intended to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and better manage pilgrim flows, marking a significant shift for many Egyptians accustomed to government-provided slots.

Egypt Declares Paid Public Holiday for Christmas

The Egyptian government declared January 7, 2026 a paid public holiday in honor of Christmas, celebrating the country’s Christian community, primarily Coptic Christians. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly extended best wishes for peace and stability, reflecting Egypt’s cultural pluralism and nationwide recognition of diverse religious observances. The holiday underscores the state’s efforts to foster inclusivity and social cohesion.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia Align on Views About Yemen and Sudan

Egypt said it **shares “identical” strategic views with Saudi Arabia regarding the conflicts in Yemen and Sudan, calling for solutions that protect sovereignty and territorial integrity. The diplomatic alignment comes amid shifting regional dynamics and reflects Cairo’s intent to strengthen ties with Riyadh on security and political issues, even as other Gulf relationships evolve.

Sharp Temperature Fluctuations Warned by Agriculture Ministry

Egypt’s Agriculture Ministry warned of major and unusual temperature swings in coming days, describing a period of “thermal oscillations.” Authorities caution that rapid shifts between heat and cold could impact crops and agricultural productivity, urging farmers to prepare. The warning feeds into broader discussions on climate variability and its effects on rural livelihoods across Egypt.

Prime Minister Signals New Measures to Reduce National Debt Ratio

Egypt’s PM Mostafa Madbouly said the government is preparing further measures to reduce the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which has fallen from roughly 97% to around 84% after reforms. He announced that announcements are expected within days as authorities seek sustained fiscal discipline and improved economic stability in 2026, aligning with broader macroeconomic goals.

Egypt’s Tourism Sector Sees 21% Growth in 2025

Egypt reported a 21% increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, welcoming 19 million visitors — significantly above the global average. Charter flight numbers jumped 32% with arrivals from 193 cities worldwide. Officials attribute the boom to diversified tourism products, enhanced services, and post-pandemic recovery progress, supporting Cairo’s target of reaching 30 million foreign tourists annually by 2028.

Rare Ramesses II Statue Part Found After Nearly a Century

Archaeologists announced they uncovered the upper half of a massive Ramesses II statue in El Ashmunein, 96 years after its lower portion was discovered. The newly found 12.5-foot section appears well-preserved and may contain remnants of original pigments. Researchers are planning to reunite the statue’s pieces, which could offer insights into ancient artistry and Egyptian history.

Art Cairo Set to Return to Grand Egyptian Museum in 2026

The Art Cairo contemporary art fair will return to the Grand Egyptian Museum in January 2026, showcasing leading galleries from across the Arab world and beyond. The event intends to nurture the regional art scene, foster creative dialogue, and honour artists’ contributions — reinforcing Cairo’s role as a cultural hub in the Middle East and North Africa.

Art Cairo 2026 — Jan at the Grand Egyptian Museum The National

Paid Public Holiday: Christmas — Jan 7 Africanews

Hajj Season 2026 — Jan–Feb (pilgrimage preparations)

Ramadan Begins 2026 — expected in Mar/Apr (Islamic holy month)

Eid al-Fitr Celebrations — Apr/May

Cairo International Book Fair — Feb/March (TBA)

Egypt Tourism Expo — Mar/Apr (industry)

Nile Film Festival — Mar/Apr

Cairo Fashion Week — Apr/May

Luxor African Film Festival — May

Cairo International Jazz Festival — Jun

Summer Nights at the Pyramids Concerts — Jun–Aug

Alexandria Book Festival — JulGiza Balloon Festival — Jul/Aug

Cairo Opera House Summer Season — Jul–Aug

Red Sea International Film Festival — Oct

El Gouna Film Festival — Oct 2026 Wikipedia

Coptic Christmas Celebrations — Jan 7 Africanews

Egypt National Film Week — Sep/Oct

Cairo World Art Fair — Nov

Afro Futures Festival — Dec

Sports Tournaments: Egypt Cup 2026 — TBA

Egypt Football League Kickoff — Aug

New Administrative Capital Sports Events — Throughout 2026 Wikipedia

Egypt Startup & Innovation Summit — Nov/Dec

Coptic Christmas Day (Jan 7) – National holiday and religious celebrations.

Annual Egyptian Marathon (Luxor) (Jan 9) – Iconic race through ancient sites.

Jan 25th Revolution & National Police Day (Jan 25) – National holiday.

Cairo International Book Fair (Late Jan) – One of the largest book fairs in the world.

AI Everything MEA 2026 Conference (Feb) – Major regional tech and AI summit.

Ramadan Begins (Feb 17) – Start of the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Feb 22) – Solar alignment at RamsesII temple.Eid al-Fitr (March 20–22) – Celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.

Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2026) (March 30 – April 1) – Major energy dialogue.Easter Sunday (Coptic) (April 12) – Major religious observance.

Sham El-Nessim (April 13) – Ancient spring festival celebrated by all Egyptians.

Sinai Liberation Day (April 25) – National holiday celebrating the return of Sinai.

Zamna Egypt (Giza Pyramids) (April 24) – Electronic music festival at the Sphinx.

Labor Day (May 1) – National holiday.

Aswan International Women Film Festival (May) – Focusing on women's cinema.

Sandbox Festival (El Gouna) (May) – Popular beachside music extravaganza.

Eid al-Adha (May 26–30) – The Feast of Sacrifice, a major Islamic holiday.

Islamic New Year (June 17) – National holiday.

June 30 Revolution Day (June 30) – Public holiday commemorating the 2013 protests.

Shorelines Music Festival (July – Aug) – Summer concert series on the North Coast.

July 23 Revolution Day (July 23) – National holiday.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid) (Aug 26) – Traditional celebrations and sweets.

Armed Forces Day (Oct 6) – Commemorating the 1973 October War.

El Gouna Film Festival (Oct) – Prestigious cinema event by the Red Sea.

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