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#SceneBuzz: Egypt & Jordan to Establish Red Sea Submarine Communication Cable
Telecom Egypt and Jordan’s Nitel have signed an agreement to build a submarine communication cable between the two countries, the first of its kind in over 25 years.
The ‘Coral Bridge’ cable will span the seafloor of the northernmost section of the Red Sea at the Gulf of Aqaba, connecting the cities of Taba and Aqaba. The partnership between Telecom Egypt and Jordanian telecommunications company Nitel takes advantage of the short distance between the two nations at this choke point of data between Africa, Asia and Europe.
This project demonstrates a significant push in bilateral relations between Egypt and Jordan. The cable, which spans a relatively short distance, will aid the response to increasing regional demand for digital capacity and large-volume data transfer, following the advent of artificial intelligence and development of local data centres, whilst also capitalising on the strategic importance of the Gulf of Aqaba in the global telecommunications network.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Campaign for Early Detection of Autism Launched Across Egypt
The Ministry of Health and Population has announced details of a new health initiative for the detection and early intervention in cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) amongst children, in cooperation with American non-profit organisation ‘Autism Speaks’.
The program will be based on broad surveying and remote evaluation of children for a period of 18 months, beginning when they are six months old. The initiative will utilise the globally tried-and-tested M-Chat test (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) which relies on parents to report their child’s behaviour in order to accurately assess the likelihood of ASD.
The initiative is technically based in hospitals and primary care centres, though the detection initiative itself is almost entirely remote in nature, based on the M-Chat test survey. The survey is returned by parents at the age of 24 months, either remotely through the integrated M-Chat application or through primary care centres.
In the case of a diagnosis, the following stage could include the child’s enrolment in a school specially equipped to deal with children with ASD, with specialised teachers and programs to aid their communication skills and eventually better integrate them into society. Specialists who have received CST (Caregiver Skills Training) can give culturally-nuanced treatment to children diagnosed with ASD to improve their social and communication skills.
Read more at https://t.co/3Mp9A54Cjh
#SceneBuzz: Solar Power Plants Inaugurated at Five Egyptian Heritage Sites
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have inaugurated five new solar power plants at some of Egypt’s most prominent heritage sites, namely the Giza Pyramids Visitors Centre, Mohamed Ali Palace in Al Manial, Sharm el-Sheikh Museum, as well as Alexandria’s National Museum and Royal Jewelry Museum.
These solar power plants are part of a plan to increase the integration of solar energy in all heritage sites and museums across Egypt, transforming them into green sites to help reach Egypt's sustainable development strategy by 2030.
Read more https://t.co/hoVWvkBd6S
#SceneBuzz: New USD 50 Million Logistics Zone Planned in Safaga
The Egyptian government has announced that it intends to build a new logistics zone in Safaga, backed by USD 50 million in investment. The area will become a hub for collecting and unloading goods between high-speed trains, thereby providing a vital link between sea ports in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
The government-funded logistics zone will span 100 acres, with the launch of the proposed logistics zone expected to coincide with the launch of the Safaga 2 terminal by the Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG), increasing the strength of the region’s trade infrastructure.
Only recently, the Red Sea Port Authority (RSPA) signed a contract with ADPG, committing an investment of USD 200 million over a three-year period for the construction and development of a terminal at the existing Safaga Sea Port. The latest announcement marks a significant step towards Egypt's goal of enhancing its trade capabilities and bolstering its position as a regional trade hub.
Read more at https://t.co/LGnBVsgyw4
#SceneBuzz: Egypt Will Build 8 More Groundwater Drinking Stations in South Sudan
The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has announced their plans to establish eight additional groundwater drinking water stations in South Sudan.
In collaboration with its counterpart in South Sudan, the Egyptian ministry has already implemented approximately 20 groundwater drinking water stations, all powered by solar energy, serving around 100,000 citizens. The eight new stations, split between Lobonok and Jonglei, will further supplement drinking water to citizens in those areas.
Collaborative projects are also being undertaken to mitigate risks and capitalise on benefits brought by heavy rainfall, constructing rainwater harvesting dams for utilisation during droughts for the people of South Sudan. Further projects in the Benitou area are being implemented to reduce the impact of floods and prevent the spread of diseases.
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#SceneBuzz: Gold Prices Reach Record High of USD 110 Per 21k Gram
The price of gold on the Egyptian domestic market recently reached its highest level historically, even while the global price of gold falls.
Earlier this week, 21 carat gold was trading at EGP 3,360 (USD 108.74), then climbed to EGP 3,400 (USD 110.03), marking a record high for the most popular variety of gold traded in Egypt, though the value has since returned to the original price.
The current domestic price of gold has been increasing in line with the appreciation of the dollar, alongside a shortage of foreign currency, an issue which the government is tackling through several measures to increase their foreign currency reserves, such as requiring companies to pay VAT in USD or similar currencies.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
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#SceneBuzz: Celebrated Youth Platform Shababco Returns With Winter Festival
Shababco, the biggest celebration of local young creators in Egypt, is putting together a special winter festival at New Cairo’s District 5 from December 22nd to the 23rd.
Featuring a packed lineup of emerging brands, artists and performers, Shababco is a platform to show off some of Egypt’s most up-and-coming youth-led creative and entrepreneurial endeavours. You can check out The Market to find your next Christmas gift from over 100 local brands, browse through the Art Gallery, play your heart out at the Gaming Zone, or sample some good winter treats at the Shababistro. There will also be a main stage with back-to-back musical performances to get you into the spirit of the season.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated in support of the people of Palestine through T.F.T Initiative.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egyptian Actors Ruby & Ahmed Fahmy Will Star in New Film ‘El Mexicy’
Egyptian actors Ruby and Ahmed Fahmy seem to be taking a trip together in a new comedy film, ‘El Mexicy’. Joined by comedian Mohamed Osama aka Os Os, the film will begin production in 2024. While the plot has yet to be revealed, one can only presume that the film’s comedy antics will feature some Latin flair.
‘El Mexicy’ will serve as Fahmy’s awaited return to comedy after his chilling portrayal of a serial killer in the mini series ‘Safah El Giza’ (2023), which was considered his first drama role.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: ‘Club One’ Will Be the First Smart Sports Club to Open in Egypt
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has partnered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to open Egypt’s first digital sports club, ‘Club One’, in Maadi in 2024.
‘Club One’ will offer a range of virtual reality and interactive gaming experiences, with a focus on developing the skills of beginners and professional gamers alike.
The club is part of the ongoing efforts between the two ministries to increase the development of digital sports services and esports in Egypt.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Al-Azhar University To Exempt Palestinian Students From Tuition Fees
Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb, has called upon Al-Azhar university and Al Bo’oth Al Islamiya academies to provide full scholarship opportunities for Palestinian students, which include exempting them from tuition fees.
The scholarships will also provide housing at Al Bo’oth Al Islamiya city, as well as a monthly allowance.
There are currently 444 Palestinians students enrolled at Al-Azhar university and Al Bo’oth Al Islamiya academies.
*Read More on https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egypt Calls For Immediate Recognition of Palestine in the UNGA
In an address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry called for the full recognition and membership of a Palestinian state in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Since 2012, Palestine has been an observer member of the assembly, which excludes it from voting on resolutions and holding positions on committees. Shoukry also condemned the Israeli claim of “self-defense” by designating the Israel Defense Forces’ actions as clear violations of international and humanitarian law.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egypt’s Tourism Rates Increased by 36% in October 2023
Egypt’s tourism rates have increased by more than 36% in October 2023, demonstrating growth that is eight times higher than the global tourism rate of 4.5% during the same period, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Around 1.3 million tourists from 80 different countries visited Egypt in October 2023, making an 8% increase compared to October 2022. Meanwhile, 25,000 new hotel rooms are set to be established by the middle of 2024, as part of a larger project by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to attract 30 million tourists by 2080.
According to reports from the Central Bank of Egypt, tourism revenues have increased by 26.8% in the fiscal year 2022/2023, reaching approximately USD 13.6 billion, a jump from the USD 10.7 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egypt’s Gold Reserve Increased by 6% in One Month
The gold reserve at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has increased by 6%, reaching a total value of USD 8.08 billion in October 2023, compared to USD 7.63 billion in September 2023.
According to the World Gold Council, Egypt’s gold reserves have risen to 125.92 tons in the third quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, Egypt aims to allocate USD 191 billion in annual US dollar revenues by 2026.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egypt’s First Gold-Selling ATM Officially Launched
Master Gold Egypt has partnered with local e-payment technology company Finway to launch the first gold ATM in Egypt. The ATMs will allow citizens to purchase gold bullion in segments of 1 gram to 100 grams, and are expected to be installed in commercial malls.
The initiative comes as part of Egypt’s efforts to establish itself as a primary hub for gold exports to the Gulf states, Italy and Africa. According to Egypt’s General Organization for Export and Import Control, the country’s gold exports increased by 45%, reaching a total amount of USD 1.633 billion in 2022, compared to USD 1.126 billion in 2021.
Details regarding the precise location of the new gold ATMs have not yet been revealed.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Shell Discovers Gas Reservoir in Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea
British energy company Shell has made a gas find at its first exploration well in Egypt's Mediterranean Sea.
Drilled using the Stena Forth rig to a depth of 250 metres, preliminary data confirmed a gas reservoir at the North East El-Amriya block. Further evaluation is underway to determine this reservoir's size and recoverable resources.
The discovery of the well kicked off Shell's three-test drilling campaign in the area, conducted with partners KUFPEC and EGAS.
The outcome bolsters Shell's growth plans and ongoing partnership in Egypt's energy sphere. The find comes after Shell's September farm-out agreement had KUFPEC acquire a 40% stake in North East El-Amriya, leaving Shell with the remaining 60% held with EGAS.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: Egyptian Actor Tarek Abdel Aziz Passes Away At Age 55
Egyptian actor Tarek Abdel Aziz has passed away today, at age 55. The actor suffered from a heart attack while filming a new series, ‘W Ba’eena Etneen’.
Abdel Aziz leaves behind a legacy of popular films and series including ‘Ashab Wala Business’ (2001), ‘Rag’een Ya Hawa’ (2022), ‘Febrayer El Eswed’ (2013) and ‘Ishtibak’ (2016).
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: SIXTH EDITION OF EL GOUNA FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR DECEMBER 14TH TO THE 21ST
The sixth edition of El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) - initially scheduled for October 13th to the 20th and later postponed to October 27th to November 2nd - has now been officially rescheduled for December 14th to the 21st.
In an official statement, the festival announced that "this edition will include a special program dedicated to Palestinian cinema, in collaboration with the Palestine Film Institute, aiming to shed light on the current situation and inhumane conditions in Gaza."
The festival will also host a charity dinner in collaboration with the Egyptian Red Crescent. GFF also stressed that there will be no parties or celebratory events held during the course of the festival, "reaffirming El Gouna Film Festival's solidarity with the Palestinian people."
For more news from across Egypt and beyond head to https://t.co/lHsYdswyKm or download the #SceneNOW app (link in bio!).
#SceneBuzz: New 25 ‘Cairo Bike’ Stations Open Across Cairo
The Cairo governorate has recently completed the development of 25 new Cairo Bike stations.
Featuring 250 bicycles, the new bike sharing stations will be installed in several locations across Downtown Cairo including Azbakeya, Abdeen and Sayeda Zeinab.
The Cairo Bike initiative offers a sustainable solution for navigating the city’s congested roads, with bikes rented through Cairo Bike’s website and paid for on credit starting at EGP 1 per hour. Meanwhile, Egyptian citizens can subscribe to a yearly package starting at EGP 600, while high school and university students can get the same package for EGP 400.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz Abwab El Kheir: The Charity Aiding Palestinians Within Egypt
In the wake of Israel's military incursions into Gaza, Egyptian charity foundation Abwab El Kheir has extended a lifeline to Palestinians who are facing dire financial straits while living in Egypt. The organization's initiative prioritizes assisting Gazan students struggling to afford tuition fees due to the conflict's economic repercussions.
“There are currently 6,000 Palestinian students living in Egypt, 4,000 of whom are from Gaza,” Haitham El-Tabei, CEO of Abwab Elkheir, tells CairoScene. With no chance to return to Gaza and their academic futures on the line, many Palestinian students studying in Egypt have begun preparing themselves for some difficult contingencies.
“One student we helped out in October wasn’t aware we would be supporting him into the next month,” El-Tabei explains. “He was getting ready to sell his laptop to make ends meet.”
To date, the foundation has allocated an average of EGP 3,500 to each of the students they have been able to reach, totaling well over EGP 175,000 in the last three weeks of October alone.
Abwab Elkheir, which has been operating since 2018, also provides assistance to Palestinian families within Egypt who can’t return to war-torn Gaza and require assistance to pay rent. They predict that they will be working with 35 new cases by the end of November, extending a total of EGP 122,000 to those individuals and families.
Determined to continue their support, Abwab Elkheir has declared their intention to extend their efforts through the end of the year, with no imminent plans to cease their operations. They project a total allocation of EGP 875,000 to be distributed among 250 new cases throughout the month of December.
When asked how people could support their efforts, El-Tabei said, “Anyone can contribute to the best of their ability.” Abwab Elkheir accepts donations through their website via InstaPay, Fawry, or bank transfers.
*Read more at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
#SceneBuzz: New Yorkers Show Support to Egyptian Food Vendor Following Harassment
In a recently published video that has went viral over the past few days, a former US official, Stuart Seldowitz - who served on the Obama administration as deputy director of the US State Department's Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs - was recorded verbally harassing an Egyptian halal street food cart vendor on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
“If we kill 4,000 Palestinian kids, you know what? It wasn’t enough,” Seldowitz is heard saying in one of the many videos recorded by the truck’s staff. Seldowitz was heard making Islamophobic comments at the vendor, and threatening to put his immediate family in danger.
In the days since the video was published, the Halal Food Cart has received an overwhelming outpour of love from New Yorkers from all walks of life, showing solidarity with the cart’s Egyptian staff and taking a stand against Islamophobia. A series of photos shows patrons gathered together over to eat on a folding table donated by neighbors. Additionally, a Go-Fund Me was set up with the knowledge and permission of the Halal Cart owners to raise funds for the affected staff.
On Wednesday November 22nd, Stuart Seldowitz was arrested and charged with hate crime/stalking, second-degree aggravated harassment, stalking causing fear, and stalking at employment, according to the New York Police Department.
* Read More at https://t.co/OBbHbDLXvq*
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