Confusion at reopening of Rafah crossing leaves Palestinians stranded
Jerusalem —The first week of the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was marked by confusion, and logistical hurdles, according to Palestinians attempting to cross and multiple sources who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity. On Monday, when the crossing officially reopened, only 12 Palestinians crossed the Rafah border in each direction. A Palestinian child waves from the window of a bus evacuating war-wounded patients through the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday. Palestinian patients and their relatives gather to board a bus in Khan Younis in southern Gaza before they head to the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. Tearful reunionsPalestinians coming from the Rafah crossing embrace as they arrive at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Thursday.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 14:38 UTC
Egypt Denies Rumors of Ramadan Loudspeaker Ban in Mosques
IQNA – Egypt's Awqaf ministry denied rumors of a ban on using external loudspeakers for the Maghrib and Fajr prayers during RamadanSpokesperson for the ministry Osama Raslan shot down claims of an alleged ban on broadcasting the Quran via external loudspeakers in mosques during Ramadan. In a phone interview on the program “al-Hekaya”, Raslan said that the regulations governing the use of external loudspeakers in mosques during Ramadan remain unchanged and have been in place for years. These regulations prohibit the use of external loudspeakers outside of the times for the Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah (second call to prayer), he noted. Raslan explained that the Taraweeh prayers in mosques will be broadcast using internal, not external, loudspeakers, which will be sufficient and audible to those praying in the mosque’s courtyard. External loudspeakers have been a source of competition at times, he noted, especially when mosques were under the control of certain groups.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 14:32 UTC
Parliamentary proposal for ‘skin tissue donation’ sparks controversy
A proposal by the Vice President of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, Amira Saber, to establish a national human tissue bank and facilitate tissue donation procedures after death has sparked controversy. Saber explained that the debate surrounding the proposal has been divided into two camps: one that understands the nature of the proposal and the diseases it could help treat, and another that does not understand the meaning of tissue or its importance in creating natural skin as an alternative to expensive imported skin tissue. The proposal aims to regulate human tissue donation by establishing an organized mechanism for donation and utilizing tissue banks to provide the necessary skin grafts for treating critical burn cases, especially among children. Skin donation is similar to other organ donations and that Egyptian law permits it, provided that medical and ethical procedures are followed. A large number of social media users expressed reservations about the proposal, pointing to ethical and cultural concerns related to the idea of tissue donation after death.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 13:07 UTC
Global institutions raise gold price forecasts to record highs
Gold prices remained relatively stable worldwide at the close of trading on Friday, ahead of the international stock exchange holiday on Saturday, following a week of sharp rises and falls. Gold Prices in EgyptGlobal developments have impacted the Egyptian market, which witnessed relative stability during trading in the final hours of Saturday, with most jewelry stores closed for the weekend. According to reports from the Gold Division, a gram of 24-karat gold is currently priced at LE 7,622, while 21-karat gold – the most commonly traded in Egypt – is selling for around LE 6,670, and 18-karat gold is at LE 5,717. Trading Economics forecasts a price of $5,021.67 by the end of the current quarter and $ 5,346.67 within 12 months. UBS also forecasts $6,200, while Deutsche Bank and Société Générale predict $6,000, viewing the current dip as a buying opportunity.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 13:07 UTC
Egypt to shut down online gambling apps: MP
The head of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives, MP Ahmed Badawy, announced that the government will begin shutting down and blocking online betting apps in Egypt soon, such as the 1XBET app. No blocked gambling apps will be allowed to return, he said, with new legislation is currently being drafted that includes deterrent penalties for any applications which encourage betting and gambling, thereby eliminating legal loopholes that allowed their proliferation in the past. Badawy emphasized that the state is not against technological development or digital transformation. However, he stressed that this development must not be allowed to to harm society, explaining that addressing these negative aspects requires decisive decisions and clear laws. Eevery electronic platform operating within Egypt will have an accredited legal representative who can be consulted and held legally accountable in case of violations, he said, as part of a new regulatory framework aimed at controlling the digital space and protecting users.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 13:07 UTC
FM: UNSC reform essential to address historical injustice against Africa
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty on Saturday, 7/2/2026, affirmed that reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is crucial to correcting the historical injustice imposed upon the African continent. Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting with Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, and Chairperson of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform. Abdelatty stressed the importance of pursuing a comprehensive and integrated reform of the Security Council, without fragmenting the elements of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which serve as the guiding framework for the African position. The top Egyptian diplomat emphasized the fairness of the African cause, affirming the continent’s right to secure two permanent seats with all associated privileges and powers, including the veto right. He further called for five non-permanent seats in a newly expanded Security Council that reflects Africa’s size and influence in the international arena.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 08, 2026 11:54 UTC
Egypt removes Nile encroachments under river management project
Egyptian authorities have removed 32 encroachments on the Nile River and adjacent riverbank lands in the Shubra-Helwan sector as part of a national project to regulate the Nile and its branches, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said. According to the ministry, the removals included structures conflicting with the planned “Ahl Misr” river walkway project in Moneil Shiha, which is expected to extend for around eight kilometres. Sewilam stressed the importance of continued monitoring to protect the Nile and ensure the immediate removal of any new encroachments, underscoring the river’s role as a vital lifeline for Egypt’s development. He also called for stricter oversight of riverfront development projects to ensure compliance with approved designs that do not negatively affect the river’s hydraulic and environmental systems. The Nile regulation project aims to restore the river’s carrying capacity, curb encroachments, improve the management of riverbank lands, and provide accurate data on the riverbed and banks to support sustainable water resources management.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 09:18 UTC
Egypt launches new incentives to support distressed industrial projects
The Ministry of Industry has announced a new package of grace periods and incentives aimed at supporting distressed industrial projects that have exceeded their approved implementation timelines, as part of the government’s efforts to accelerate production, protect manufacturers, and maximise the use of industrial land. Under the new package, grace periods will be granted based on each project’s level of construction completion. The ministerial decision also introduces new controls on the transfer and leasing of industrial land. The transfer or leasing of industrial land within industrial zones or developer-managed areas will be prohibited until seriousness is established, three years of operation have elapsed, and the full land price has been paid. The ministry said the new measures aim to support industrial investment, remove obstacles facing serious investors, accelerate the operation of stalled projects, and ensure the optimal use of industrial land, while safeguarding state rights and advancing sustainable industrial development.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 17:27 UTC
Egypt’s FRA allows brokerage services to be marketed via e-payment apps
Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has authorised securities brokerage firms to market their services through electronic payment applications and other digital platforms for the first time, according to a statement issued by the regulator on Saturday. Farid stated that the decision integrates technology into the core of non-banking financial services while enforcing strict controls to protect investor data and prevent biased guidance. While platforms may promote brokerage services following a formal agreement, they are strictly prohibited from acting on behalf of the brokerage firm or providing investment advice. The FRA emphasised that brokerage firms remain solely responsible for opening client accounts and executing trade orders. Additionally, brokerage firms are required to publish clear, updated information on the platforms regarding their services, fees, commissions, and the risks associated with electronic trading.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 17:13 UTC
99 Egyptian companies showcase agricultural exports at Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin
The Egyptian delegation comprised 99 exporters of fresh fruits, vegetables and dates targeting European and global markets, underscoring Egypt’s strong competitive position in the European agricultural produce sector. The official Egyptian pavilion hosted 43 companies across a total area of approximately 582 square metres, alongside several major Egyptian companies that participated independently. The successful participation resulted from joint efforts by the EECA, the Agricultural Export Council, and the Egyptian Commercial Service in Berlin, which played a central role in promoting Egyptian companies at the exhibition. Abdel Aziz El-Sherif, First Undersecretary of the Ministry and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, said continued participation in Fruit Logistica opens new opportunities for Egyptian fruit and vegetable exporters in Europe. Most exported products recorded year-on-year growth, reflecting the rising competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural produce in the European market.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 16:57 UTC
Egypt discusses investment opportunities with Afro-Asian General Union Investors
Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of Public Enterprises Sector, met with a delegation from the Afro-Asian General Union Investors (AAGUI), in the presence of Mohamed El-Orabi, Chairperson of the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization, Chairperson of the AAGUI’s Board of Trustees, and a member of the Egyptian Senate, as part of efforts to strengthen investment cooperation and expand partnerships with the private sector. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the comprehensive reform programme being implemented by the ministry to enhance the performance of its affiliated companies. El-Shimy said companies affiliated with the Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector offer a wide range of promising investment opportunities across several key sectors, including metals and mining, chemicals and fertilisers, spinning and weaving, pharmaceuticals, tourism and hotels, and real estate development. He noted that these opportunities provide a strong foundation for attracting serious investment, transferring technology and deepening local manufacturing. The minister affirmed the ministry’s openness to partnerships with the private sector through various mechanisms, stressing that the state provides an enabling investment environment based on transparency and equal opportunities, in support of sustainable development and shared interests.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 16:48 UTC
Shell Lubricants Egypt debuts new portfolio at Automorrow 2026
Shell Lubricants Egypt has launched a revamped lubricants portfolio, including products engineered to meet the 2025 API SQ standard, the highest performance specification for passenger car engine oils to date. The launch, which took place at the Automorrow 2026 international automotive exhibition in Cairo, comes as the local industry shows signs of recovery, according to Haytham Yehia, Cluster General Manager for Shell Middle East, Egypt, and Central Asia. The new portfolio features Shell Helix Ultra, which utilises PurePlus Technology to convert natural gas into 99.5 percentpure base oil. Shell Lubricants Egypt is serving as the platinum sponsor for Automorrow 2026, held from 5 to 8 February at the Cairo International Convention Center. The introduction of the new formulations and refreshed packaging aligns with Shell’s global Helix platform and updated international industry standards.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 16:48 UTC
The Epstein files are threatening to split Norway’s royal family in two
Høiby sits outside the line of succession as he was born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. I also apologize for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen,” Mette-Marit said in a statement. Though mirroring Mette-Marit’s own words, his comments speak to the significant public pressure facing the family, royal experts say. Princess Sofia met Epstein on several occasions around 20 years ago before she became a member of the royal family, Sweden’s royal court told CNN Friday. CNN has approached Denmark’s royal family for comment.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 07, 2026 16:32 UTC
DrasChem to establish Middle East’s first sodium cyanide plant in Alexandria
Phase I targets the production and export of 50,000 tonnes of sodium cyanide annually, a key input in gold extraction. The second phase will focus on either doubling production capacity or manufacturing additional sodium cyanide derivatives, while a third phase will target the production of sodium-ion battery components. El-Gawsaky also urged Egyptian companies, including DrasChem, to adopt integrated, export-oriented industrial strategies, with a particular focus on African markets. El-Gawsaky added that DrasChem’s sodium cyanide products enjoy an additional advantage given their critical role in Africa’s gold mining sector, as the continent accounts for nearly a quarter of global gold production. He also echoed El-Gawsaky’s emphasis on African export markets, noting that Egypt will become the first African country to export sodium cyanide to the continent.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 16:22 UTC
Egypt recovers King Thutmose III era artefact from Netherlands after international investigation
Egypt has recovered a rare stone head from the era of King Thutmose III from the Netherlands, following the signing of an official handover protocol in The Hague. The Egyptian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Emad Hanna, and the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, attended the formal ceremony to sign the receipt of the artefact. The event was also attended by the Spanish Ambassador to the Netherlands, representing her government. According to the Egyptian government, Spanish authorities uncovered the manipulation of ownership documents, which allowed for the legal recovery of the piece. The repatriation is part of a broader state policy to prioritise the recovery of Egyptian artefacts taken through illicit means.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 07, 2026 16:04 UTC