Amazon is laying off 16,000 employees as AI battle intensifies
New York —Amazon is laying off 16,000 employees, the company’s second round of large-scale job reductions in three months as it fights to improve its standing in the battle for AI supremacy. He wants the company to remain nimble so it can adapt and change quickly as AI upends the technology sector. Amazon separately announced Tuesday it would close its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go grocery businesses, as it doubles down on its Whole Foods branded stores. Jassy said Amazon wasn’t unique in that respect: He envisioned billions of AI agents being put into service across every company and field. Some companies have recently reported they’re eliminating some positions because AI can automate entry-level workers’ tasks or make current workers more efficient.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 15:04 UTC
Spain to grant legal status to half a million undocumented migrants
Madrid, Spain —Spain has announced it will grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, in a move that goes against a trend of anti-immigration rhetoric and policies in the United States and much of Europe. The number of undocumented migrants in Spain has grown eight-fold since 2017, according to Funcas. The Spanish government said that policy could allow 900,000 undocumented migrants to obtain legal status over the following three years. A history of pathways to legal statusSpain has approved large-scale pathways to legal status for undocumented migrants on at least six other occasions since the 1980s. Under the socialist government of Felipe González, in 1986, more than 38,000 people obtained legal status.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 14:57 UTC
Trump warns against Nouri al-Maliki’s return as prime minister of Iraq
US President Donald Trump has warned Iraq over reinstatement of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister, saying that the country “descended into poverty and total chaos” under his previous leadership. “Because of his insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq. MAKE IRAQ GREAT AGAIN!”Al-Maliki, leader of the Islamic Dawa Party, previously served two consecutive terms as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014. He was nominated by the Shia Coordination Framework —which holds a parliamentary majority — to serve again as Iraq’s prime minister, citing his “political and administrative experience and role in managing the state.”Iraq held nationwide elections in November for 329 seats in parliament. In December, Trump’s special envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, warned Iraqi politicians to rein in non-state armed groups, cautioning that failure could push Iraq toward “fragmentation and decline” more than two decades after Saddam Hussein was toppled.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 13:29 UTC
Egyptian-American-Israeli arrangements commence towards reopening Rafah Crossing
Egyptian-American-Israeli arrangements are in place to begin reopening the Rafah crossing, amid US discussions of moving to a new phase that includes disarming Hamas. This coincides with other transitional political, security, and administrative arrangements in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported US sources as saying that the mechanism for operating the Rafah crossing “has been decided between the US, Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian side,” and that it will be opened this week. Various executive bodies in North Sinai are preparing to open Rafah crossing in both directions, facilitating the movement of Palestinians between Egypt and Gaza. Sources reported that Hamas recently agreed to discuss the issue of disarmament with other Palestinian factions and mediators.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 12:43 UTC
Egypt among the top 10 tourist destinations for 2026: Report
Egypt has been included in the list of the top ten global tourist destinations recommended for visiting in 2026 for holidays, as compiled by the Association of British Travel Agents, confirming its growing prominence on the global tourism map. British newspaper “The Sun” reported on Tuesday that Egypt has become a must-visit tourist destination this year, especially following the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on November 1. The report added that Egypt boasts unique diversity in its tourism offerings, allowing visitors to enjoy rich and varied experiences. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities commented on the report, stating that it reflects the confidence of major international tourism institutions towards Egypt, and the remarkable development it is witnessing in the tourism infrastructure. The ministry also noted the continuous improvement in the quality of services and provision of an integrated tourism experience, thereby enhancing inbound tourism and supporting Egypt’s position as one of the most prominent tourist destinations globally.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 12:35 UTC
Giza court sentences man to death for killing mother and 3 children
Giza Criminal Court sentenced “Ahmed A,” 39, owner of a veterinary supplies shop, to death by hanging on Tuesday for the murder of a woman and her three children in the al-Labini area of Faisal district, Giza. The verdict was delivered at the conclusion of a session marked by tight security measures. The presiding judge read the verdict aloud to the other defendants, who were present inside the iron cage. The session ended with a mixture of conflicting emotions between defendants acquitted and one facing the capital punishment. One of them was seen patting him on the shoulder in silence, while others exchanged astonished looks.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 28, 2026 12:35 UTC
US carrier strike group is now in the Middle East region, sources say
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is now in the Indian Ocean, putting it closer to assist in any potential US operations targeting Iran, two sources told CNN. The group is within the area of responsibility of US Central Command, whose purview includes military operations in the Middle East. A carrier strike group normally includes an aircraft carrier, guided missile cruisers, anti-aircraft warships and anti-submarine destroyers or frigates. Trump has warned Iran against killing protesters, repeatedly threatening to intervene in the country if it does so. Iran also has a network of regional proxies that could potentially be mobilized in the event of a strike.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 27, 2026 21:52 UTC
Why Syphilis Still Threatens Pregnant Women in Uganda
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can be cured with a simple dose of penicillin. Africa carries the largest burden globally, accounting for more than half of maternal syphilis cases worldwide, as well as the majority of congenital infections passed from mother to child. The study’s title reflects what many women expressed: marriage does not necessarily protect women from infection. Some women also said they worried about being judged or shamed, particularly because syphilis is sexually transmitted. Syphilis may be easy to cure — but for many women, the path to treatment is not.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 19:20 UTC
Korean Cultural Centre debuts “Ahlan Korea” programme in Cairo to boost Egyptian ties
The Korean Cultural Centre in Cairo launched its inaugural “Ahlan Korea” monthly programme on Tuesday, beginning a year-long initiative to strengthen cultural ties between South Korea and Egypt through regional showcases. Oh Sung-ho, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre, said the initiative reflects the growing depth of relations and cooperation between South Korea and Egypt. The event included interactive activities such as a cultural quiz, a guided tour of traditional Korean artefacts, and an opportunity for visitors to wear the “Hanbok,” Korea’s traditional costume. “Ahlan Korea” is scheduled to continue as a monthly series throughout 2026 in cooperation with the Korean Tourism Organisation. Each subsequent edition will highlight a different Korean city to provide a comprehensive view of the country’s arts, traditions, and landmarks.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 18:51 UTC
Egypt discusses cooperation with Finland, Germany, and Geneva Water Hub ahead of UN conference
Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hany Sewilam, held a series of bilateral meetings with officials from Finland, Germany, and the Geneva Water Hub on the sidelines of a high-level preparatory meeting for the United Nations Water Conference in Senegal, the ministry said. Both sides stressed the growing importance of international collaboration on water issues as climate change and increasing pressure on water resources intensify global challenges. They agreed that science-based dialogue and knowledge exchange remain essential pillars for sustainable water management and regional stability. Sewilam also met Germany’s Deputy Environment Minister, where discussions focused on translating international water commitments into concrete implementation pathways. He also urged a comprehensive review of global progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation, to help inform and shape the post-2030 international water agenda.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 18:06 UTC
Egypt opens EGP 3.5bn Cleopatra Sky hospital under private-public partnership model
Egypt has opened the EGP 3.5bn Cleopatra Hospital Tagamoa (Sky) in East Cairo as part of a strategic shift to leverage private sector expertise in state-owned medical facilities, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Tuesday. Abdel Ghaffar noted that the Cleopatra Sky hospital employs artificial intelligence for diagnosis and treatment and uses data-driven management systems. Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi said the partnership at the Cleopatra Sky facility aligns with the state’s vision to place human health at the forefront of development priorities. Ahmed Ezzeldin, CEO of Cleopatra Hospitals Group, added that the hospital includes specialised centres of excellence for trauma, heart disease, kidney care, and neurology. The Cleopatra Sky facility also features a 25-bed emergency department staffed by consultants 24 hours a day, alongside integrated blood bank services and specialised paediatric environments covering 11 sub-specialities.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 18:06 UTC
Cairo, Amman call for full implementation of Trump peace plan in Gaza
Egypt and Jordan on Tuesday called for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the comprehensive peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, affirming support for a transitional “Peace Council” to oversee the process. During an official visit to the Jordanian capital, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi. The ministers welcomed the formation of the Palestinian National Committee to manage the Gaza Strip and the announcement of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan. They confirmed their commitment to supporting the mission of the “Peace Council,” launched by President Trump, as a transitional body as outlined in the conflict resolution plan and adopted by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Regarding bilateral relations, the ministers highlighted the close ties between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and King Abdullah II.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 18:06 UTC
Egypt, US explore expanded cooperation in transport, industry
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, held talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the transport and industrial sectors. During the meeting, Al-Wazir underscored the depth and resilience of the longstanding strategic relationship between Egypt and the United States, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to expanding cooperation across a wide range of fields, particularly in industry and transport. The minister highlighted the extensive collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Transport and American companies, especially in the railway sector. Al-Wazir extended an open invitation to American firms to invest in Egypt, emphasising the availability of promising and viable investment opportunities. Maritime transport was identified as a key area for enhanced cooperation, with Al-Wazir highlighting Egypt’s 19 commercial ports.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 17:49 UTC
Germany Through “Felix” and “Bachmann” - Dailynewsegypt
I admire Germany, its culture and its ability to evolve and lead, while acknowledging its mistakes and striving to reckon with them. Among them are two German figures I came to know well in Cairo, both of whom left me with a lasting impression of a human and cultural model worth reflecting on: Felix Haala and Wiebke Bachmann. When Felix Haala oversaw cultural affairs at the German Embassy in Cairo, he was not a diplomat in the conventional sense. Dr Wiebke Bachmann represents another complementary model, approached through the gateway of education. In both cases, culture and education do not appear as secondary tools within German policy, but as part of its deep structural foundations.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 17:49 UTC
Egypt’s real estate market enters phase of structural correction, global repositioning
Speaking at AmCham Egypt’s Annual Real Estate Conference, “Egypt Rising: Real Estate as a Regional Powerhouse,” Amer compared Egypt’s current stage of development to India’s position 20 years ago. Amer rejected claims that Egypt’s real estate prices are inflated, arguing that valuations should be assessed in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. “These figures show Egypt offers premium real estate at roughly 30% of European prices and at half—or less—of GCC levels,” he said. Fathy also highlighted a structural transformation in commercial real estate, where the market has shifted from a landlord-driven model to one increasingly favoring tenants and occupiers. The executives concluded that Egypt’s real estate sector is evolving into a more mature, competitive, and globally integrated market—where long-term success will be defined by execution, innovation, integrated development, and customer-centric design, rather than speculative pricing alone.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 27, 2026 17:49 UTC