Egypt’s Presidential Advisor for Health and Prevention Affairs Mohamed Awad Tag al-Din said that the draft law for leasing government hospitals and Qatar’s offer to operate the new National Cancer Institute in Sheikh Zayed is being meticulously studied at all levels.

During a phone interview with the Al-Hadath Al-Youm channel on Saturday, Tag al-Din added that the priority in all cases is serving citizens and providing them with healthcare.

The comprehensive health insurance system is based on government health institutions and full use of private hospitals is also provided, he explained, adding that the state’s priority is to provide comprehensive care to citizens by all available means.

In April, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly commented on the government’s intention to lease its hospitals to international centers and the fate of employees and workers.

Madbouly said that everyone agreed on providing the highest quality medical services to ordinary citizens at the lowest cost.

He explained that over time, many healthcare facilities have begun to deteriorate, continuing, “The issue is not just the facilities. I need international expertise to come and provide services here.”

The Prime Minister continued, “The agreement we made today brings the greatest hospital in Europe and one of the three largest cancer treatment centers in the world to Egypt in partnership with the Egyptian government.”

“The majority of treatment at this hospital will be free for Egyptian citizens. Is there anything wrong with that?”

 

The fate of employees and workers

Regarding claims that workers in these hospitals will be laid off after they are leased, Madbouly explained that even though controls will be put in place for the system, “This doesn’t mean I’m laying off the workers and employees. We’re putting in place a controlled and professional system to operate these facilities.”

“They’re talking about a specific number of workers who must be present in this system. So, what do we do with them? They’ll be transferred to another hospital, because we have a general shortage in medical facilities,” he said.

The post Egypt to propose law to regulate government hospital leasing appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) warned of a gradual rise in temperatures starting Tuesday, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in Greater Cairo during the day.

The temperature is expected to reach 40°C in the southern parts of the country, with the heat wave peaking on Saturday across the country.

 

Monday’s Weather

The weather on Monday will be slightly hot in Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, and northern Upper Egypt, moderate on the northern coasts and hot in South Sinai and southern Upper Egypt.

The weather will be moderate in the evening, growing cooler in the late night and early morning across most parts of the country.

Weather maps warn of morning fog on some agricultural roads and highways near bodies of water.

There are chances of light rain falling intermittently in areas of the northeastern coasts, and winds will be active in parts of South Sinai intermittently.

Expected temperatures on Monday:

• Alexandria: 23C
• Cairo: 26C
• Hurghada: 29C
• Sharm el-Sheikh: 30C
• Luxor and Aswan: 31C

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

The post Heat wave hits Egypt starting Tuesday, to peak on Saturday appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Environment Ministry and the Gulf of Suez Pollution Control Center are continuing their efforts to combat a large oil slick leaking into the sea in the city of Abu Rudeis and spilling onto the beaches.

The Gulf of Suez Pollution Control Center detected oil pollution in the South Sinai Governorate, approximately 40 kilometers from Abu Rudeis towards Sharm El-Sheikh.

Sources indicated the appearance of oil slicks on the surface of the sea, suggesting a leak from a marine source or from an oil company operating in the area.

The ministry on Saturday dispatched an additional technical committee to the site of the accident, given the sensitivity and environmental importance of the location, and followed up on the pollution control efforts.

The new committee aims to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken on the ground and ensure full compliance with environmental protocols.

Operations are being conducted in cooperation between PetroSafe, a company specializing in safety and environmental services, and the Belayim Petroleum Company (Petrobel).

Marine rubber barriers and environmentally friendly solvents have been deployed to contain the spill and prevent its spread.

Investigations are ongoing to determine those responsible for the spill, with warnings that the pollution could cause significant damage to the area’s ecosystem.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

The post Environment Ministry combats oil spill on beaches of Abu Rudeis appeared first on Egypt Independent.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi honored a group of Egyptian workers on Saturday 3/5/2025 for their diligent and sincere efforts, as well as some distinguished and inspiring models who have enriched the labor union life in Egypt.

This took place during the Labor Day celebration in Suez Governorate.

Sisi awarded the First-Class Labor Order to the late Gebaly Mohamed Gebaly Abdel-Mogeith which was received by his son, late Khaled Mounir Hussein al-Feki, Ibrahim Mahmoud al-Arabi and Mohamed Salah Eddin Sharqawi.

The President also awarded the Second-Class Labor Order to Mahrail Magdy Metri Yousef and Mostafa Mahmoud Mostafa al-Afandy.

Additionally, the First-Class Order of Merit was granted to Amal Abdel-Mawgood Abdel-Hakim Hussein and the Second-Class Order of Merit was awarded to Mohamed Fahmy Abdel-Ghaffar el Sayed.

The Third-Class Order of Merit went to Sayed Afeefi Hussein Bahiry and Hanan Bektar Khalil Bektar.

Sisi decided to award the Second-Class Order of Merit to Nadia Selim Dawo, the mother of Rafik Dawo.

The post Sisi honors number of inspiring Egyptian workers appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty held a meeting on Saturday 3/5/2025 with the heads of United Nations regional offices in Cairo.

He praised the longstanding partnership between Egypt and the UN.

Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s commitment to providing all necessary support to the UN offices in Cairo, as well as the programs and activities they implement.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the role of UN organizations and agencies in Egypt in light of current regional and international challenges and how to achieve synergy between the work of these organizations and ensure their sustainability.

The conversation also addressed the importance of UN organizations in supporting Egypt’s development priorities, including the issue of water scarcity and the sustainable management of water resources, education, vocational and technical training, promoting the use of technology for educational purposes, and other priorities outlined in the Egypt Vision 2030.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, outlining the leading role Egypt has played under the UN umbrella and its main agencies over the decades.

This reflects Egypt’s firm belief that multilateral action is the optimal approach to addressing the current international challenges.

He commended the humanitarian and development activities carried out by the United Nations, which remain essential and impactful for developing countries, particularly those affected by conflicts.

He emphasized the importance of having regional offices in Egypt not only to support Egypt’s development priorities but also to help communities accommodate migrants and refugees.

He noted that Egypt hosts over 10 million migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, which places an additional strain on the country’s resources.

He also expressed Egypt’s deep appreciation for the wise leadership of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, highlighting Egypt’s recognition of Guterres’ support for the Arab-Islamic plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which includes urgent humanitarian relief measures, early recovery, and reconstruction while ensuring the presence of Palestinians in their land.

He referred to ongoing consultations between Egypt and the United Nations to prepare for an international conference to support this plan.

In this context, Abdelatty condemned Israeli policies that aim to undermine the humanitarian situation in Gaza by deliberately preventing humanitarian aid from entering the region for more than two months and using starvation as a systematic policy and tool for collective punishment.

He reiterated Egypt’s firm position that the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is indispensable and irreplaceable under current circumstances.

He also condemned the Israeli airstrike on the area adjacent to the presidential palace in Damascus, in a further violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning of the serious risks posed by Israeli policies in the region, which are exacerbating the regional situation.

The post FM lauds longstanding partnership between Egypt, UN appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare and General Supervisor of the Comprehensive Health Insurance Project Ahmed al-Sobky stated that the expansion of the comprehensive health insurance umbrella in Aswan embodies the vision of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in building the Egyptian human being.

He emphasized that Upper Egypt is at the heart of health development plans, noting that the authority’s facilities in the governorate reflect remarkable progress in line with international standards, placing the citizen as a top priority.

The General Authority for Healthcare received European Union Ambassador to Egypt and the Arab League Angelina Eichhorst and Chairperson of the National Council for Women Amal Ammar and Governor of Aswan Ismail Kamal during their visit to inspect several hospitals affiliated with the authority in Aswan Governorate, most notably Al Masalla Specialized Hospital.

Sobky said that he is proud of the trust of international partners in the authority’s capabilities, pointing out that the EU ambassador has praised the massive development in healthcare, which reflects Egypt’s success in this vital area and confirms that the authority has become a model to be followed both locally and internationally.

He also expressed pride in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, signed on March 17, 2024, between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

He stressed that it is considered a strong launch pad to boost cooperation in the health sector and enhance development and sustainability efforts, adding that the authority is steadily moving towards achieving universal health coverage in accordance with the highest global standards.

Sobky concluded his statements by emphasizing that Aswan Governorate is receiving special attention as part of the authority’s plan to expand the provision of advanced healthcare services, in implementation of the political leadership’s directives to achieve health equity and equal opportunities in all governorates, where universal health insurance is being implemented.

For her part, Eichhorst expressed her admiration for the level of healthcare in Aswan, describing it as “impressive,” confirming that what she witnessed inside the healthcare authority’s hospitals on the ground proves the Egyptian state’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives and advancing public services.

She added that the EU’s support for Egypt in the healthcare sector comes within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that Egypt is one of the largest countries enjoying the EU’s trust and support, which reflects the importance of this joint cooperation.

The post Upper Egypt at heart of development plans appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, launched a promotional campaign for Egyptian tourism titled “Unmatched Diversity” during the 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2025), which was held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, until May 1.

The campaign advertised Egypt as a tourism destination through a variety of promotional materials, including banners and electronic displays featuring images and short videos highlighting the diversity of Egypt’s unique tourism offerings.

The campaign utilized a variety of promotional materials, including banners and electronic screens featuring images and short videos highlighting the diverse features, styles, and unique tourism products.

A giant screen was placed above the main entrance of the exhibition, dedicated to promoting the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to open on July 3. The display featured a short film about the museum, its location, and its most prominent artifacts.

Another small screen was also placed in the main hall of the exhibition, alongside advertising panels in various strategic locations within the exhibition.

These were in areas that attracted a large number of visitors, such as the main corridor leading to the various halls of the exhibition, particularly areas far from the participating Egyptian pavilion, in addition to advertising materials located in front of the hall that housed Egypt’s pavilion.

 

Egypt boosts it tourism presence

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said that this promotional campaign aims to bolster Egypt’s presence at international tourism exhibitions by capitalizing on the large turnout witnessed at the event.

He noted that the ministry was eager to launch the campaign both within and outside the exhibition, seeking to further promote Egypt and expand its reach to the largest possible number of visitors globally.

Fathy added that the campaign aims to highlight and introduce visitors to the diversity and richness of Egypt’s tourist destinations. This aligns with the ministry’s current vision, which focuses on highlighting the unparalleled diversity of Egyptian tourist destinations in the world.

The minister emphasized that Egypt’s tourist destination has much to explore and offers numerous tourism products to offer visitors.

Fathy visited Dubai to participate in the exhibition’s activities, in addition to holding a series of meetings to discuss ways to boost inbound tourism to Egypt from target markets, particularly the Arab market and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially with the start of the summer tourism season.

The post Photos: Egypt launches ‘Unmatched Diversity’ campaign at Arabian Travel Market 2025 appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Security forces in Kafr al-Dawar, in Beheira Governorate arrested the suspect “M. S.” on charges of sexually assaulting and blackmailing a minor, following a report from the victim’s father.

The father of the child filed a complaint against the suspect, a 31-year-old cigarette kiosk owner, accusing him of luring the victim, aged 15, to his home, sexually assaulting him, and filming the incident.

Reports followed after two women filed complaints accusing the suspect of kidnapping their sons and molesting them inside a cigarette kiosk he owned.

The Kafr el-Dawar Investigations Department, after obtaining permission from the Public Prosecution, arrested the suspect, who was found to have a criminal record.

Examination of the suspect’s phone showed a video clip of the sexual assault, and that “Baarour” filmed the deed in order to blackmail them.

The suspect was referred to Kafr el-Dawar’s Public Prosecution Office, which began investigating the suspect on charges of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and filming three children, in three different cases.

The post Police arrest criminal in Beheira Governorate over molesting 3 children appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia is set to host the Egypt-Zambia match at 6:00 pm on Saturday.

The match is part of the third round of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a qualifier for the U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Egyptian U-20 national team, under the leadership of national coach Osama Nabih, enters Saturday’s match with its sights set on three points to appease its dissapointed fanbase after the crushing 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the previous round.

The Egyptian U-20 national team is in Group A, alongside Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Egypt is armed with home-field advantage and the support of its fans to secure the three points and reclaim the top spot. They currently sit second in Group A with three points from two matches, having won one match against South Africa and lost one.

They are one point behind leaders Sierra Leone, who have four points.

Zambia, on the other hand, is in fourth place with one point, having drawn their only match against Sierra Leone, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Channels broadcasting the match

The Egypt vs. Zambia match on the Qatari beIN Sports network is the exclusive broadcaster of African tournaments in the Middle East, specifically on beIN Sports 6.

The match can also be watched for free on the terrestrial frequency of the Egyptian ON Sport channel.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

The post When and where to watch Egypt vs. Zambia in Africa U-20 Cup of Nations appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Egypt’s Ambassador to Cyprus Mohamed Zaazou commended the historical and cultural bonds between the peoples of both countries.

During a ceremony attended by members of the federation of Cypriots with Egyptian roots in Nicosia on Friday, Zaazou also hailed the growing distinguished relations between Egypt and Cyprus at various levels.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Zaazou emphasized his commitment to work with the Cypriot government and the federation to promote and expand joint cooperation.

The ceremony, during which the Egyptian diplomat honored two longtime leaders of the federation, was held as part of the Egyptian embassy’s efforts to reinvigorate the “Reviving Roots-Nostos” Initiative, launched by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2017.

The presidential initiative is aimed at strengthening cultural ties between both countries, supporting efforts to preserve their rich historical heritage and common cultural Mediterranean features, and contributing to fostering mutual understanding between their peoples.

The post Egypt’s ambassador lauds historical, cultural ties binding Egyptian, Cypriot peoples appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Henno held two official meetings Friday with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Indian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno affirmed Egypt’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and protecting it from distortion, as well as promoting cultural justice through the integration of modern technologies.

The post Egypt, India mull boosting cultural cooperation appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno affirmed Egypt’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and protecting it from distortion, as well as promoting cultural justice through the integration of modern technologies.

Speaking at the opening of the Global Media Dialogue during the 2025 World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which kicked off in Mumbai, India, on May 1, he emphasized that culture and arts are essential tools for realizing development and social justice.

The minister called for international cooperation to establish ethical standards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in culture and arts, ensuring content authenticity and respect for cultural contexts, according to a press release by the Culture Ministry on Friday 2/5/2025.

He highlighted the summit’s importance in fostering creative partnerships amid rapid technological changes, noting that India’s rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal host.

He stressed that Egypt’s cultural policies prioritize youth empowerment, infrastructure development and the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage. Digital transformation, he noted, has democratized content creation, enabling marginalized groups—especially women, youth in remote areas, and cultural minorities—to share their stories globally and enhance cultural diversity.

Hanno warned of AI’s potential to falsify cultural content and alter collective memory, urging global vigilance and regulatory frameworks. He concluded by praising India’s hospitality and the summit’s professional organization, calling it a true platform for cultural and technological collaboration.

WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries”. It brings together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.

At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape.

WAVES 2025 witnesses the participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 master classes spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, films, and digital media.

The post Egypt calls for ethical standards for AI use in arts and culture during India-hosted Global Media Dialogue appeared first on Egypt Independent.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) expects moderate weather on Saturday across the north of the country, including Greater Cairo, and moderately hot weather across northern Upper Egypt, while hot in South Sinai, and southern Upper Egypt.

The weather will be moderate in the early evening, becoming cooler in the late evening and early morning across most parts of the country.

The EMA noted a chance of light to moderate rainfall in parts of the northern coast and northern Lower Egypt, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms.

Light rainfall is also expected in the evening across parts of southern Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, the Suez Canal cities, and northern Upper Egypt, intermittently.

The EMA also anticipates active, intermittent winds across most parts of the country.

Saturday’s temperatures:

• Alexandria: 23C
• Cairo: 25C
• Hurghada: 30C
• Sharm el-Sheikh: 31C
• Luxor: 31C
• Aswan: 32C

The EMA also announced the expected weather conditions until Thursday, with moderate weather during the day in the north of the country, including Greater Cairo, and slightly hot in northern Upper Egypt, while hot weather is expected in South Sinai and southern Upper Egypt.

The weather this week will be moderate in the early evening, becoming cooler in the late evening and early morning across most parts of the country.

Temperatures are expected to rise slightly starting from Tuesday, with a high of 30°C in Greater Cairo. Mists are expected to return from Monday to Thursday on some agricultural roads and expressways, as well as roads near bodies of water.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

The post Windy, rainy weather across Egypt on Saturday appeared first on Egypt Independent.