logo
Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety

Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety

My visits to Egypt are not infrequent; indeed, I return there continuously. The intervals are short between each trip, and every time my feet touch the 'Land of Kinana' I see major, diverse changes across the country.
My latest visit saw a distinctive blend of progress and excellence, evident not only in tangible developments but, more significantly, in remarkable human interactions.
I'm certain that this positive shift will be felt by anyone who experiences what I did. As the saying goes, 'Egypt is illuminated by its people.'
My recent journey aimed to finalize various personal transactions, particularly my residency permit and vehicle license. As usual, I headed to the relevant authorities under the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.
Upon inquiring, I learned that the entire process had been transformed, taking on a new system.
Foremost among these changes is that every visitor, regardless of their residency type, now receives an official card to carry instead of their passport. The process for receiving this card has also been streamlined, taking no more than 24 hours, with the option to pick it up from various designated locations across the country.
Additionally, the Abbassia residency office is housed in a building with numerous departments designed to assist you in obtaining necessary documents for yourself or your parents.
There is even a VIP service called 'Tarabot' (Bonding) for those seeking premium service.
Having completed my residency, it was time for my vehicle license.
I proceeded to the relevant authority – the Agouza Traffic Department – where from the very first moment I was profoundly touched by the humanity being displayed. I found the official in charge of vehicle licensing sitting among the applicants, assisting everyone who sought help, and even those who didn't.
This level of service wasn't limited to the supervisor; it extended to everyone working at Agouza Traffic. They marvelously embodied the saying: 'The soldiers of Egypt are the best on Earth.' Their conduct was refined, their efficiency remarkable, and their adherence to the law meticulous. I completed my vehicle license in a short amount of time.
Truly, Egypt, you are magnificent.
In just a few days, I witnessed governmental achievements marked by remarkable progress and speed. Our words spring from letters of love for the Land of Kinana, as an expression of gratitude for every Egyptian citizen contributing to the wheels of development – ensuring peace, security, and tranquility for all who live there.
I conclude my words with the best verse from the Quran: 'Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety.'
Author's biography
Nermine al-Houti is an associate professor of the Department of Criticism at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait.
She holds a PhD in Philosophy of Literary Criticism and is a graduate of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts.
Houti is a member of the Association of Writers and the Journalists Association, and is also part of the literary arbitration committees on theater or poetry in Kuwait and other Arab countries.
She has authored numerous newspapers and magazines articles and several books on significant theatrical works examining women's issues, the latest of which is 'The Women in Ismail Abdullah's Theater'.
She has been chosen as a panelist in various significant cultural events and has participated in multiple seminars across the Arab region.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Egypt's GEM Set for Global-Level Opening Ceremony, Says Cabinet Spokesman
Egypt's GEM Set for Global-Level Opening Ceremony, Says Cabinet Spokesman

See - Sada Elbalad

time8 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Egypt's GEM Set for Global-Level Opening Ceremony, Says Cabinet Spokesman

Ahmed Emam Egypt is preparing for a world-class celebration as it nears the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. According to Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed El-Homsany, the opening ceremony will surpass previous national events such as the Royal Mummies Parade and the reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor in both scale and international visibility. El-Homsany confirmed that most of the internal construction and exhibition preparations at the GEM have been completed. He highlighted the extensive efforts led by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly to finalize logistics for the inauguration. These include the full development and beautification of access routes to the museum and environmental enhancements in the surrounding areas of Cairo and Giza, in collaboration with local governorates. The Armed Forces Engineering Authority has also completed its construction tasks, achieving 100% of its objectives, El-Homsany noted. Positioned near the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to become a landmark of global cultural significance. El-Homsany emphasized that the museum is a cornerstone of Egypt's broader strategy to reposition itself as a leading cultural and tourist destination. 'This is not just a museum — it's a message from Egypt to the world that we are investing in our heritage and future,' he said. He also underlined that the museum was built and managed according to the highest international standards, making it a natural addition to the global museum scene. With international anticipation growing due to the universal fascination with ancient Egyptian civilization, El-Homsany stated that promotional campaigns are already underway globally, with top-tier sponsors and international media committed to covering the event. 'The opening ceremony will be nothing short of spectacular — an event on a global scale,' he concluded. The official date of the opening has yet to be announced, but expectations are high that the event will mark a new era for Egypt's cultural diplomacy and tourism industry. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

Luxor's Al Moudira Named One of World's Most Beautiful Hotels in 2025
Luxor's Al Moudira Named One of World's Most Beautiful Hotels in 2025

CairoScene

time9 hours ago

  • CairoScene

Luxor's Al Moudira Named One of World's Most Beautiful Hotels in 2025

The iconic hotel just became the first in Egypt to win the Prix Versailles—naming it one of the most beautiful in the business. A kaleidoscope of ochre courtyards, antique archways, and palm-shaded pathways, Al Moudira, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, has always felt more like a dreamscape than a stay. Tucked at the edge of Luxor's West Bank, where pharaonic tombs slumber beneath desert sands, this singular sanctuary has quietly captivated aesthetes, artists, and soul-searchers for over two decades. Now, it has earned a new kind of reverence—officially named one of 'The World's Most Beautiful Hotels 2025' by the Prix Versailles. Announced annually at UNESCO, the prize honours properties that strike a rare balance between heritage, innovation, and intelligent sustainability. Among this year's 16 winners across the globe, Al Moudira is not only the sole Egyptian hotel on the list—it is also the first in Egypt ever to receive this recognition. Built from the ground up by Lebanese hotelier Zeina Aboukheir and architect Olivier Sednaoui, Al Moudira was never meant to be just a hotel. It is a vision carved from sun-baked stone and stitched with the textures of the Levant: mashrabiya lattices, hand-painted tiles, vaulted ceilings, and vintage Damascene fabrics sourced from souqs long gone. Every corner whispers of craftsmanship and care. Yet the beauty here is not just architectural—it's agricultural, cultural, and deeply communal. The hotel's adjoining farm now feeds its kitchens with up to 80% of their produce, depending on the season. Nearby village homes have been restored in vernacular style with Al Moudira's help, while local children learn English onsite and artisans are trained in traditional crafts. From regenerative farming to sustainable sourcing, the ethos is simple: build beauty that gives back. As Prix Versailles notes, the award celebrates places that are 'at once grounded and visionary.' And Al Moudira—forever grounded in Luxor's history, yet always planting something new—embodies that to the letter.

Investment opportunities in sectors of tourism, antiquities reviewed
Investment opportunities in sectors of tourism, antiquities reviewed

Egypt Independent

timea day ago

  • Egypt Independent

Investment opportunities in sectors of tourism, antiquities reviewed

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the Egyptian government is actively formulating clear plans with specific targets aimed at promoting investment opportunities across various sectors. One of the most important of these sectors is tourism, where close monitoring is being undertaken by the ministries of tourism and investment. This came during a meeting held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the New Administrative Capital to review investment opportunities in the tourism and antiquities sectors in presence of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan al-Khatib and senior officials from both ministries. Fathy explained that a specialized unit is being formed to manage investment opportunities, with the goal of establishing an 'investment opportunities bank' for the sector. This would help achieve strategic goals by presenting available projects and opportunities. The minister reviewed the investment map for tourism and antiquities, highlighting a target to attract 30 million tourists by 2031. This goal depends largely on the growth of Egypt's hotel capacity. In 2024, Egypt added 7,200 new hotel rooms (55% of which were new builds). In 2025, around 19,000 additional rooms are expected through new projects, expansions and national initiatives, he said. Planned investments include tourist restaurants, cafes and preservation/restoration of antiquities. Over the past 5 years, the Supreme Council of Antiquities has implemented an average of 36 projects per year, he added. The minister also reviewed planned investments across governorates between 2025–2031, covering hotels, restaurants, safari camps, amusement parks and the rehabilitation and operation of archaeological sites and museums in partnership with the private sector. Khatib said that this meeting marks the third consecutive sectoral review within Egypt's unified national investment strategy, which aims to increase FDI across all sectors. Tourism and antiquities are high-priority sectors due to Egypt's ambitious targets for tourist inflow. He said that opportunities in these sectors will be featured on the national investment map, accompanied by all necessary data for investors. The strategy is based on a comprehensive sectoral diagnosis, identification of priorities, reform and legislative recommendations, and development of a complete, executable investment roadmap.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store