- — Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, Saying It Will Remain Shut Until US Blockade Is Lifted
![[*]](img/ib-star_nm.png "mark favorite")
![[+]](img/ib-marked_nm.png "mark as new")
![[-]](img/ib-markold_nm.png "mark older as read")
![[x]](img/ib-delete_nm.png "delete article")
![[A+]](img/ib-fontbg_nm.png "larger font")
![[a-]](img/ib-fontsm_nm.png "smaller font")
![[l]](img/ib-link_nm.png "direct link")
at 4/18/26 8:13amIran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April, reversing a brief reopening of the critical maritime corridor after the United States refused to lift its blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian military authorities confirmed on Saturday that the strait has been returned to what they described as its “previous status,” placing it under strict supervision by the country’s armed forces. The decision came just hours after a short-lived window during which commercial vessels were allowed to pass through the strategic waterway. The strait, a critical artery for global energy supplies, typically carries around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Its repeated closure has sent shockwaves through maritime traffic and energy markets, reversing earlier optimism sparked by a temporary reopening tied to a ceasefire in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump maintained that a broader peace deal with Iran was “very close,” despite the renewed disruption. His comments followed a wave of optimism on Friday, when Tehran briefly reopened the strait after a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah. However, Washington’s insistence on maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports until This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again, Saying It Will Remain Shut Until US Blockade Is Lifted first appeared on Egyptian Streets.- — Egypt Welcomes Lebanon–Israel Ceasefire Announcement
-
![[-]](img/ib-mark_nm.png "mark as read")
at 4/17/26 9:56amEgypt has welcomed the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalation, according to a statement released on Thursday 16 April. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, comes amid escalating cross-border hostilities that have raised concerns over a wider regional conflict. In its statement, Egypt said the ceasefire presents an opportunity to reduce tensions and halt ongoing military operations that have contributed to instability along the Lebanon–Israel border. Egypt stressed the importance of fully adhering to the truce, calling for an end to all military actions and urging the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as a basis for restoring stability. Egypt also reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while calling on the international community to ensure the ceasefire holds and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The truce took effect later on Thursday, with fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continuing in the hours leading up to its implementation. The deal follows weeks of escalating violence that has left thousands dead and displaced large numbers of civilians in Lebanon, amid broader regional tensions linked This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt Welcomes Lebanon–Israel Ceasefire Announcement first appeared on Egyptian Streets. - — Egypt Opens First Child-Friendly Investigation Rooms at Public Prosecution
- at 4/16/26 8:33amThe Public Prosecution inaugurated on Wednesday, 15 April, the first three child-friendly investigation rooms, established with support from the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The rooms are located at the Sheikh Zayed Prosecution Office, the Child Prosecution Office in the Al-Amiriya Courts Complex, and the Alexandria Courts Complex. This initiative is the first of its kind in Egypt. It forms part of efforts to strengthen childrens rights and achieve the childs best interest through cooperation between the Public Prosecution and UNICEF. At the opening, Counselor Mohamed Shawky, the Attorney General of the Arab Republic of Egypt, stated that equipping these child-friendly rooms comes within the Public Prosecutions plan to activate a child-friendly justice system. This ensures the protection of children during various stages of investigation, preserves their dignity, and takes into account their psychological and social needs. He added that this model will be gradually generalized across all governorates of the Republic. Shawky explained that the rooms were prepared according to approved international standards in terms of design and equipment. They include appropriate educational tools and integrated audio and video recording systems. These allow for the documentation of investigation This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt Opens First Child-Friendly Investigation Rooms at Public Prosecution first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — 96% of Divorces Begin With Egyptian Men, But Women Pay the Price
- at 4/16/26 4:14am“Reality is far more terrifying than anything we portray on screen,” Egyptian actress and cultural icon Youssra said during a panel discussion titled Balancing the Scales to mark International Women’s Day at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence on Tuesday, 14 April. “We impose our own form of censorship as artists, yet the truth is even harsher and darker than what we can imagine.” The actress was referring to her work in films and series such as Qadeyet Ra’y ‘Am (A Case of Public Opinion, 2007) and Leilet Eid (The Night of the Feast, 2024), both of which confronted women’s social issues, particularly taboo subjects like sexual violence, and the ways they were received within Egyptian society. While cinema operates within defined boundaries of censorship, the panel brought forward a far starker, unfiltered reality. It moved beyond polished narratives and unreliable figures, laying bare the enduring challenges women continue to face. Moderated by Soraya Bahgat, the discussion featured Randa Abul Azm, Bureau Chief for Al Arabiya News Channel in Cairo; Nehad Aboul Komsan, Chair of the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights; and Amel Fahmy, Managing Director of Tadwein Center for Gender This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post 96% of Divorces Begin With Egyptian Men, But Women Pay the Price first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Ahmad Kaabour: The Man Who Made Art a Form of Resistance in the Arab World
- at 4/15/26 10:12amIn the summer of 1975, a 19-year-old with no formal musical training sat down with a decade-old poem and, amid the beginning of a civil war, composed a melody he assumed few would hear. Fifty years later, Ounadikom (I Call on You, 1976) is still being sung in the streets. Born on 9 July, 1955, in Beirut, Kaabour studied theatre at the Lebanese University before beginning to perform in small cultural gatherings. He came of age during the Lebanese Civil War, a period that would shape both his artistic voice and his political outlook. A Song Born in Crisis In 1975, with the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War, Kaabour turned to the 1966 poem by the Palestinian poet Tawfiq Ziad, Ounadikom, setting it to music and performing it as both his first composition and his first vocal test. While he had no formal musical training, the song was born out of a desire to offer moral support to those fighting across various fronts. Shared between his voice and a chorus, his youthful delivery gave the song a raw authenticity. The song spread in ways he could not have anticipated, This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Ahmad Kaabour: The Man Who Made Art a Form of Resistance in the Arab World first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — TMG’s The Spine: Inside Cairo’s Most Ambitious Urban Development
- at 4/15/26 6:38amThere is a tendency in Egyptian real estate to describe things in superlatives. Every development is a landmark; every master plan is visionary. The Spine, Talaat Moustafa Groups forthcoming urban corridor at the heart of Madinaty, invites that kind of language, but the details behind it are specific enough to warrant a closer look. Stretching across five kilometres within Madinaty, the project covers approximately 2.4 million square metres of land and 3.8 million square metres of built-up area, combining residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and public green space within a single continuous urban environment. It is, by any measure, one of the largest and most complex mixed-use developments ever attempted by a private developer in Egypt. A Corridor, Not a Compound The framing TMG has chosen for The Spine is deliberate. This is not a gated community, nor a standalone tower cluster. The developer describes it as the central nervous system of a city: a linear urban corridor designed around movement, connectivity, and public life rather than enclosure. At the centre of that vision is a commitment to putting people before vehicles. The Spine is being positioned as Cairos first car-free community, with a pedestrian-first public realm, walkable streets, and a network of parks, promenades, and water features extending across more than one million square metres of landscaped area. Underground, a fully integrated logistics and service network is intended to power the citys operations invisibly, keeping the surface clear for people, greenery, and what the project describes as a green and blue infrastructure of lakes and water features designed to improve microclimate and urban experience. The master plan has been developed by OBMI, a globally recognised urban design firm, and the architectural ambition is considerable: 165 towers rising up to 130 metres, intended to establish a new skyline identity for the eastern edge of Cairo. The Cognitive City The technology proposition at the heart of The Spine goes further than the smart city language that has become commonplace across the region. TMG is describing the development as Egypts first cognitive city, one where artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and an integrated digital infrastructure work together not just to manage services but to learn from them. At the operational centre of this system will be The Spine Control Room, a unified command facility coordinating smart energy, water and security systems, data-driven mobility, autonomous transport, and a tram network across the entire development. Residents will interact with these systems through The Spine App, a single interface designed to personalise services, manage access, and connect users to the community platform. The residential experience has been designed with this integration in mind. Units will feature smart-home connectivity tied into the wider Spine systems, a unified resident identification framework, and AI-enabled digital assistants operating on a permission-based model. Emergency medical routing, wearable safety systems, and contractual service level agreements for utilities complete a residential offering that positions the development squarely at the premium end of the market. Connectivity infrastructure runs to 5G readiness, fibre redundancy, satellite backup, and cybersecurity compliance, specifications that reflect the profile of the corporate occupiers The Spine is designed to attract. A Business District With Regulatory Teeth One of the more consequential details to emerge from TMGs latest materials is the confirmation that The Spine will be located within a Special Investment Zone, bringing with it a package of tax, customs and regulatory incentives, accelerated licensing, flexible employment frameworks, and a dispute-resolution structure designed to reduce friction for international investors and businesses. The 580,000 square metres of Grade A+ office space planned for the development will operate on a fully serviced model, with utilities, internet, security, cleaning and maintenance included in a single operating framework. Formats range from small flexible units to full headquarters configurations, with digital enablement tools covering space analytics, QR-based occupancy tracking, and collaboration infrastructure built in as standard. TMG has identified the information and communications technology, professional services, corporate headquarters, and financial sectors as its primary targets for the commercial component, a profile consistent with the proximity to the New Capital, where government ministries and embassies have been relocating since 2024. Scale in Numbers The hospitality dimension of the project adds a further layer of ambition. The Spine will offer 3,500 hotel rooms and suites across upper-upscale properties, complemented by serviced apartments targeting both business and leisure demand. The retail and entertainment offering, spanning 565,000 square metres, is being positioned as Cairos first regional retail and dining destination, incorporating a luxury retail district, experiential fine dining, a theatre, a multi-use arena, a digital art gallery, and adventure sports facilities. Among the more distinctive anchor features proposed is Cairos first swimmable lagoon alongside a landmark dancing fountain, public realm activations, and what the developer describes as AI-powered digital installations within the retail and food and beverage environments. The location reinforces the logic of the investment. The Spine sits 12 minutes from the New Capital, 20 minutes from Al Rehab, and 25 minutes from Cairo International Airport, placing it within reach of a catchment that TMG projects will reach seven million people by 2040 as Greater Cairo continues its eastward expansion. Meanwhile, the environmental credentials of the development are framed as structural rather than cosmetic. A centralised cooling system is projected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 percent compared to conventional systems. AI-driven building management, eco-friendly materials, and, notably, carbon-credit trading potential are all cited as components of the sustainability framework, the last of which TMG describes as a first-of-its-kind mechanism in Egypt. Positioning Egypt on the Map What TMG is attempting with The Spine is a statement as much as a development. The pitch materials describe it as a future-forward model for integrated development and a statement positioning Egypt at the forefront of next-generation urban design: language that reflects a deliberate effort to attract not just Egyptian buyers and businesses but international capital and global enterprises looking for a foothold in a market that has, for structural and economic reasons, often remained at the margins of regional investment conversations. Whether The Spine delivers on that positioning will depend on execution across a long development timeline. But the specificity of what has now been made public, the technology architecture, the investment zone mechanics, the scale of the public realm commitment, suggests a project that has moved well beyond concept stage into something far more defined. For a corridor conceived as a city within a park, The Spine is beginning to look very much like a city. Register your interest in The Spine here.The post TMG’s The Spine: Inside Cairo’s Most Ambitious Urban Development first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — From Abdel Halim to Ziad Zaza: Music Continues to Write Egyptian Cinema
- at 4/15/26 5:05amOum Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Asmahan, and Mohamed Abdel Wahab were not simply singers who appeared in films. They were, at the time, the cinema. Their voices carried the emotional weight of entire films, such as Gana El Hawa (Love is in His Way to Us) in Abi Foq Al-Shagara (My Father On Top of a Tree, 1969). A single song could stretch for forty minutes, while the camera lingered on the expression of faces that seemed to renew with every modulation of the melody. Yet that marriage between film and music has never really ended. It has only changed with time, and today, a new generation is rewriting Egyptian cinema through music. At Petit Bain in Paris on Friday, 10 April, the Arab cultural platform Kalam Aflam presented Maqam, a curated program of ten short films that opens the Paris stop of Ziad Zaza and Lege-Cy’s World Tour. The event is a living manifesto on how young Arab filmmakers are reclaiming music as an essential storytelling device, pushing it beyond performance or playlist fodder into a narrative that carries the emotion of an entire film. The title itself This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post From Abdel Halim to Ziad Zaza: Music Continues to Write Egyptian Cinema first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Diwan Bookstore Hosts Anniversary Event for Plestia Al-Aqad’s “The Eyes of Gaza”
- at 4/14/26 9:44amOne year after the release of the book, The Eyes of Gaza (2025), Palestinian journalist and author Plestia Al-Aqad will return to the spotlight in Cairo for a special evening of conversation and reflection at Diwan Bookstore in Heliopolis. The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at 6 PM, will feature Al-Aqad in conversation with writer Laila Shadid. The discussion aims to explore the human stories behind the headlines from Gaza and the broader urgency of imagining a different future. Diwan Bookstore described the gathering as “a powerful evening marking the anniversary of The Eyes of Gaza — a work that moves beyond memoir into a call for witness, solidarity, and hope.” The program will be followed by a book signing with the author. Al-Aqad, who gained international attention for her on-the-ground reporting from Gaza during the ongoing conflict, documented daily life, personal experiences, and the reality of civilians through her writing and social media dispatches. The memoir has been praised for its intimate, unfiltered perspective that humanizes the realities often reduced to news cycles. The anniversary discussion comes amid continued global attention on the humanitarian situation in Gaza This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Diwan Bookstore Hosts Anniversary Event for Plestia Al-Aqad’s “The Eyes of Gaza” first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Egypt Study Identifies Over 17 Million Previously Undocumented Genetic Variants
- at 4/14/26 6:04amEgypt has identified more than 17 million previously undocumented genetic variants in its first large-scale genome study, according to findings from the Egypt Genome Project published on 6 April. The research, which analysed 1,024 individuals across 21 governorates, marks a major step toward understanding the genetic makeup of Egyptians, an area that has long been underrepresented in global research. Scientists say the findings could reshape how diseases are diagnosed and treated in Egypt, as many existing medical models are based largely on European populations and may not accurately reflect local genetic differences. The study identified more than 51 million genetic variants in total, with around one-third not found in international databases, highlighting gaps in global genetic data. Researchers also found that Egyptians have a distinct genetic profile, combining shared Middle Eastern ancestry with a unique North African component. This distinction may help explain differences in how certain diseases appear and how patients respond to treatment. When international risk models were applied to the sample, results showed unusually high risk levels for several conditions, something researchers say reflects limitations in those models rather than actual disease rates. The findings also pointed This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt Study Identifies Over 17 Million Previously Undocumented Genetic Variants first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — The Woman Who Stood Equal to Amenhotep III: Queen Tiye
- at 4/14/26 3:43amA commoner who worked her way to royalty and power, Queen Tiye would be remembered as a formidable New Kingdom figure in ancient Egypt thousands of years later. Tiye, who lived during the 18th Dynasty, was of non-royal origins. Her father, Yuya, served as a priest of Min in Akhmim, Chief of Horses and Commander of Chariots. Her mother, Thuya, was the Superintendent of the Harems of Amun in Thebes and of Min in Akhmim. Amenhotep III, 1390 BCE – 1352 BCE, married her during the second year of his reign, and she became the Great Royal Wife. For nearly 38 years, Tiye stood at Amenhotep IIIs side as an equal partner. Together, they presided over a vast and prosperous empire, a reign defined by stability, during which Egypt grew rich, confident, and largely at peace with the world. The Leading Woman She was believed to be a woman of a strong personality and sharp intelligence, which may have helped her earn a seat at the table in both domestic governance and international diplomacy. Theodore M. Davis, an American lawyer and businessman, recovered several seals bearing Queen Tiyes royal cartouche This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post The Woman Who Stood Equal to Amenhotep III: Queen Tiye first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Are Egyptian Women Losing Out on Marriage Compared to Other Muslim Countries? TikTok Thinks So
- at 4/13/26 8:08amA wave of viral TikTok videos has sparked a heated debate in Egypt: are women getting a worse financial deal in modern marriage? From complaints about splitting expenses 50/50 to frustration over disappearing dowries, the conversation has struck a nerve. But beneath the viral takes lies a more complicated reality, one that sits at the blurry intersection of culture, religion, and economic pressure. The “Deal” Everyone Thinks They Understand Traditionally, Egyptian marriages are often described as straightforward: the man provides, the woman receives. The groom is expected to secure the apartment, furnish it, pay for gold (the shabka), and cover wedding expenses. In return, the bride brings her gehaz (equipment), a term that sounds simple but, in practice, is anything but. The gehaz is not symbolic. It is extensive, including every item that goes into setting up a household’s daily life, especially in the kitchen, such as pots, pans, plates, cutlery, appliances, linens, and more. In many cases, it represents a significant financial burden on the bride’s family. In reality, there is no single model. In some families, costs are split differently: the woman’s family may purchase appliances while the This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Are Egyptian Women Losing Out on Marriage Compared to Other Muslim Countries? TikTok Thinks So first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Authorities Respond to Alexandria Incident, Support Provided to Two Children
- at 4/13/26 7:00amTrigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide and a fatal incident that may be distressing to some readers. Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood has announced that support is being provided to two children following a fatal incident involving their mother in Alexandria, according to a statement released on Sunday 12 April. The incident, which is currently under investigation, involved the death of a woman after reports of a livestream from a residential building. Security forces said the scene was secured, with the body transferred for examination as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the case. In response, the council’s president, Sahar El-Sonbaty, directed the Child Rescue team to take immediate action to support the two girls, who were left in vulnerable circumstances following the incident. Officials said the children will receive psychological and social support, with their situation being monitored in coordination with their family to ensure a safe and stable environment. The council also urged the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing any videos or images related to the incident, warning of the potential psychological harm such content could have on the children and their This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Authorities Respond to Alexandria Incident, Support Provided to Two Children first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — The Zaghrouta’s Coachella Moment Sparks a Cultural Debate
- at 4/13/26 2:30amSabrina Carpenters Coachella 2026 headlining set on Friday night turned into a cultural debate on contrasting cultural expressions in music and the varying levels of acceptance they receive. While performing, the pop star paused after hearing a distinctive high-pitched sound from the crowd. She mistook it for yodeling, saying into the mic, “I think I heard someone yodel. Is that what you’re doing? I don’t like it.” When a fan responded that it was their culture, Carpenter replied with confusion, asking, “Thats your culture, yodeling?” and calling it “weird.” The moment went viral, sparking widespread backlash online for appearing dismissive of a non-Western cultural expression. Carpenter later issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “My apologies, I didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly. My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended. Could have handled it better! Now I know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out.” The sound in question is the zaghrouta (also spelled zaghrata or zaghareet in plural), a traditional form of ululation common across the Arab world and parts of North Africa This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post The Zaghrouta’s Coachella Moment Sparks a Cultural Debate first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Egypt Cuts Energy Subsidies to EGP 120 Billion in 2026/2027 Budget
- at 4/12/26 1:21pmEgypt has reduced energy subsidy allocations to around EGP 120 billion (USD 2.28 billion) in its draft 2026/2027 fiscal year budget, down from approximately EGP 150 billion (USD 2.85 billion) in the current fiscal year, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, 11 April. The reduction of roughly 20 percent comes as part of ongoing efforts to rationalise public spending and improve the efficiency of energy use. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said the new allocations are designed to support stable energy supplies while encouraging a shift toward more sustainable sources, including renewable energy. A significant portion of the subsidy is expected to go toward the electricity sector, alongside funding to maintain fuel availability and support ongoing infrastructure projects. The changes are part of Egypt’s broader economic reform programme, which includes gradually reducing untargeted subsidies and redirecting resources toward more efficient spending. Under its USD 8 billion (EGP 424.9 billion) Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund, Egypt has been working to scale back energy subsidies as part of wider fiscal consolidation efforts. Officials say the reforms aim to reduce pressure on public finances while This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt Cuts Energy Subsidies to EGP 120 Billion in 2026/2027 Budget first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Egypt and Russia Push to Fast-Track $25B El Dabaa Nuclear Power Project
- at 4/12/26 6:33amEgypt and Russia are seeking to accelerate work on the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, reaffirming their commitment to keeping the project on track as part of ongoing energy cooperation between the two countries. During a meeting in Cairo on Friday 10 April, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination between Egyptian and Russian institutions to ensure timely delivery of the project. He described the El Dabaa facility as a cornerstone of Egypt’s peaceful nuclear energy program aimed at electricity generation. The discussions took place with a Russian parliamentary delegation headed by Nikolai Shulginov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Energy. According to Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity, the talks addressed progress at the construction site as well as broader opportunities for collaboration in clean and renewable energy sectors. The Russian delegation also visited the El Dabaa site, located on Egypt’s northern coast. In a statement, the Russian Embassy in Cairo highlighted the project’s strategic significance and described it as a reflection of sustained bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Both sides reviewed timelines for the project’s various phases, This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt and Russia Push to Fast-Track $25B El Dabaa Nuclear Power Project first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Egypt Extends Operating Hours to 11pm Until 27 April
- at 4/10/26 1:36amPrime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Thursday, 9 April, that shops and restaurants across Egypt will be allowed to remain open until 11pm, starting Friday, 10 April, and continuing through 27 April. The decision comes as the country observes a period that includes the Coptic Easter holidays and Sham El-Nessim, during which the government has already granted a paid holiday to the private sector on 13 April. It aims to accommodate increased consumer activity, family outings, and tourism-related demand during this festive season. Under the temporary extension, commercial venues that normally follow winter operating schedules, typically closing earlier in the evening, will now operate later. This adjustment is expected to benefit retailers, restaurant owners, and the broader hospitality sector by boosting evening sales and supporting economic activity. Business owners and citizens have previously called for more flexible closing times, especially on weekends and holidays, noting that many Egyptians prefer dining out or shopping later in the evening. Similar extensions have been implemented in past years to ease pressure on businesses facing economic challenges. An informed government source recently revealed that the early closure measures had already delivered noticeable savings. This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt Extends Operating Hours to 11pm Until 27 April first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Why Private Tutoring Rules Egypt’s Education
- at 4/9/26 1:33pmSince the end of the 20th century, private tutoring has transitioned from a supplemental aid to a primary engine of academic achievement for many families in Egypt. Although public education in Egypt is officially free, the experiences of many students and parents tell a different story: educational progress, especially in high-stakes years, like Thanaweya Amma, secondary education certificate or SAT’s, depends on paid classes outside the school’s classroom. One challenge is the quality of teaching in many public schools’ classrooms. Overcrowded classrooms can limit teachers’ ability to provide individual attention. In this environment, private tutoring becomes the space where students receive clarification, targeted practice, and repetition, elements that are otherwise difficult to deliver within the constraints of school schedules. Over time, this pattern has produced what Professor Mohamed Alaa Abdel-Moneim, of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, describes in 2021 as a “parallel” or “shadow” education system, running alongside formal schooling and, in many cases, putting greater influence over students’ outcomes. In today’s Egypt, the typical academic journey, particularly Thanaweya Amma, frequently revolves around private lessons. Students may attend group sessions at tutoring centers, receive This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Why Private Tutoring Rules Egypt’s Education first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Arab Mama–Son Love: An Ode to the Arab Mother
- at 4/9/26 11:27amNo matter how far one scrolls online, it tends to usually be the same kind of predictable content: a product being sold, a news update, or an influencer displaying their talent or lifestyle. Yet amid these scattered, noisy pieces, one often comes across more human moments; ones that make us smile, laugh, or feel even the slightest stir of emotion. Few creators understand this better than Ossama Fal, the Moroccan dancer, model, actor, and creative director whose videos with his mother have quickly gone viral online for their unscripted tenderness. Set against a cozy backdrop of Arab-style décor, full of warm colors, patterned fabrics, and that familiar look of lived-in homes where family always gathered, Fal and his mother share something light and joyful. They dance together, laughing as they switch between different outfits and playful personas, almost like they are stepping into little stories of their own. There is a sense of ease and fun in the way they move, teasing and expressing that special bond between a mother and her son. While the videos have gone so viral that many have begun recreating them, Fal explains they This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Arab Mama–Son Love: An Ode to the Arab Mother first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Israeli Strikes Hit Beirut in Most Intense Attacks, Hours After US-Iran Ceasefire
- at 4/8/26 9:13amIsraeli warplanes launched powerful airstrikes on central and coastal areas of Beirut on Wednesday afternoon, striking densely populated commercial and residential neighborhoods without prior warning, in what Lebanese officials and media described as the most violent assault on the capital since the latest phase of the conflict began. The strikes targeted at least five neighborhoods, including the Corniche al Mazraa area. Explosions rocked the streets, ambulances raced through traffic, and charred vehicles littered areas hit by the barrage. Lebanese media, citing the Lebanese Red Cross, report that the death toll could reach 300, with many more injured. The office of the Lebanese President condemned the attacks, calling them a “new massacre” by Israel, describing the strikes as “barbaric.” The attacks came just hours after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire in their direct conflict, which had involved intense exchanges over the past weeks. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quickly clarified that the truce did not extend to Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel maintained that its campaign in Lebanon would continue, rejecting assertions by ceasefire mediator Pakistan that the deal should encompass This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Israeli Strikes Hit Beirut in Most Intense Attacks, Hours After US-Iran Ceasefire first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — Egypt to End Paper Passport Cards at Cairo Airport from April 11
- at 4/8/26 4:28amEgypt will cancel the use of paper passport cards for Egyptian passengers at Cairo International Airport starting Saturday 11 April, according to a statement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday 7 April. The passport card system had been proposed earlier this year as part of efforts to speed up travel procedures and reduce waiting times for passengers. The paper form, long used in Egyptian airports, required travellers to fill in basic personal and flight details, including passport information and destination. The move is part of broader government efforts to streamline travel procedures and expand the use of digital systems across airports. Officials said the decision aims to reduce processing steps and improve the overall flow of passengers, in line with international aviation standards. Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny said the measure reflects ongoing efforts to modernise airport services and enhance operational efficiency. The shift is expected to simplify departure procedures for Egyptian travellers, as authorities continue to roll out digital solutions across the aviation sector. The announcement comes as Egypt works to upgrade its transport infrastructure and improve the travel experience at major entry points, including Cairo This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post Egypt to End Paper Passport Cards at Cairo Airport from April 11 first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
- — US, Iran agree to conditional two-week ceasefire
- at 4/7/26 6:40pmThe United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, in a move aimed at de-escalating ongoing tensions and opening a window for negotiations. US President Donald Trump said in a social media post on late Tuesday, 7 April, that planned military strikes on Iranian infrastructure would be suspended, provided Tehran commits to a temporary ceasefire and ensures the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil. Iran confirmed it would agree to the ceasefire on the condition that attacks against its territory are halted, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that safe passage through the strait would be permitted during the two-week period through coordination with its armed forces. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said in a statement that negotiations with the United States are set to take place in Islamabad within a maximum of 15 days to finalise the terms of the agreement. The council said the talks aim to translate what it described as “Iran’s victory in the field” into political outcomes. According to the statement, Iran has outlined a broader set of conditions for a longer-term deal, including This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post US, Iran agree to conditional two-week ceasefire first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
As of 4/18/26 1:09pm. Last new 4/18/26 9:02am.
- Next feed in category: Africa News