Latest news with #AhmedEid
Al-Ahram Weekly
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Match facts: Egypt's Masry v Tanzania's Simba (CAF Confederation Cup) - Egyptian Football
Ahram Online provided live score coverage for today's CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal match between Egypt's Masry and Tanzania's Simba. Fulltime: Masry 2-0 Simba Scorers: A. Deghmoum 16', J. Ebuka 90+1' Yellow cards: Ahmed Eid, Baher El Mohamady, Abderrahim Deghmoum (Masry) Chamou Karaboue (Simba) Lineups: Masry: Mahmoud Gad - Baher El Mohamady, Khaled Sobhy, Amr Seadawy, Ahmed Eid (Karim El-Eraki 46)- Mohamed Makhlouf, Mahmoud Hamada, Youssef El Gohary (Mido Gaber 82)- Abderrahim Deghmoum (Samadou Attidjikou 64), Fakhredine Ben Youssef (Karim Bambo 64), Salah Mohsen (John Ebuka 78) Simba: Camara - Chamou, Ngoma, Ahoua, Kapombe - Ateba (Steven Mukwala 80), Hamza, Hussein - Kagoma, Mpanzu, Kibu Venue: New Suez Stadium, Egypt Referee: Bobo Traoré Check the match preview HERE. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Eid 2025 Red Sea Party Guide
From Agents of Time in El Gouna to Bedouin in Somabay, we've compiled a list of the best club nights happening across Egypt's Red Sea coast this Eid. Mar 25, 2025 Eid is just around the corner, and let's be real –you deserve a break, and some pure, unadulterated, seaside shenanigans. And, while it might not be Sahel session yet, it doesn't mean you should slump at home eating your weight in Kahk instead. To save you the hassle of scouring social media for the best party (and to put your Whatsapp group debate to rest), we've compiled a list of the best club nights happening across Egypt's Red Sea coast this Eid. Take notes… Agents of Time, Gheist [Live] & Ahmed Eid Organizer: Nacelle 🗓️: April 2nd Location: The Venue, El Gouna View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nacelle (@nacelle_) Omar Zahran, Misty b2b Aly B, EJ b2b Kurls Organizer: Retrogroove x Human Figures 🗓️: March 31st Location: The Basement, Somabay View this post on Instagram A post shared by retrogroove (@retrogroove_) Dr. Alfons, Disco Misr, Zeft Funk, Bakir Organizer: CJC610 x Babbo's Taverna 🗓️: April 2nd Location: Mesca Beach, Somabay View this post on Instagram A post shared by CJC 610 (@cairojazzclub610) Desiree Organizer: Nacelle 🗓️: April 1st Location: The Venue, El Gouna View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nacelle (@nacelle_) Bedouin, Notre Dame, Nageeb, Husa & Zeyada Organizer: Human Figures 🗓️: April 1st Location: Mazeej Beach, Somabay Cairokee Organizer: Venture Lifestyle 🗓️: April 2nd Location: Cubix, El Gouna Bubblegum Kollectiv, Bakir, Anis & Cocoon Oragnizer: Cairo Jazz Club 🗓️: March 31st - April 2nd Location: Sobar Rooftop, Somabay View this post on Instagram A post shared by CJC 610 (@cairojazzclub610) The Bunda Summit Vol. 4 ft. Aly the Stalion, Femaledjkhaled, Khaledplz & Mahib Sleat Organizer: The IASC 🗓️ April 3rd 📍 Wyte Beach Club, Somabay
Shafaq News
27-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's unemployment crisis: A European solution?
Shafaq News/ Each year, approximately 350,000 graduates enter Iraq's labor market, only to face an economy constrained by limited job opportunities. With an overstretched public sector and an underdeveloped private sector, the unemployment crisis raises significant concerns about long-term economic sustainability and social stability. Iraq's Unemployment Crisis Iraq's economy is heavily reliant on oil, with petroleum exports accounting for over 90% of state revenue. While this generates substantial income during high oil price cycles, it also renders the economy vulnerable to price fluctuations. The lack of economic diversification limits job creation in vital sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Economic researcher Ahmed Eid described the Iraqi economy as 'stuck in a cycle of oil dependence, making it highly vulnerable to global price swings and limiting job creation in other sectors.' As a result, the unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, standing at 16.5% overall, with youth unemployment reaching 36%. According to the Parliamentary Committee on Labor, Social Affairs, and Displaced Persons, nearly 15 million Iraqis are unemployed. 'The government cannot absorb these numbers, and the private sector remains stifled by bureaucracy and weak infrastructure,' Eid told Shafaq News. Another factor behind the high rate of unemployment is the dominance of the public sector in Iraq's labor market places a significant burden on state finances. According to the 2024 census results, 67% of the workforce is employed in the public sector. 'This overreliance on public-sector employment has marginalized private industries,' MP Jawad Al-Yasari explained to Shafaq News. 'It forces many Iraqis to seek government jobs instead of contributing to the development of other sectors.' Another pressing issue is the mismatch between education output and labor market needs. Between 2015 and 2023, Iraqi universities and institutes produced over 1.1 million graduates, yet fewer than 200,000 secured public-sector jobs within the same period. This suggested an employment entry rate of less than 20%. Economist Karim Al-Hilu argued that 'no government can single-handedly employ 350,000 graduates annually,' emphasizing the importance of aligning education with labor market demands. The lack of diversification means Iraq is missing out on opportunities in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism. 'Iraq has yet to leverage emerging industries such as technology, which could employ skilled graduates if supported by government policies,' Eid noted. Once a key pillar of Iraq's economy, agriculture has declined due to outdated policies, insufficient financing, and limited technological investment. Eid pointed out that 'similar issues plague the banking and financial sectors, where structural weaknesses prevent them from effectively supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.' These barriers further hinder private-sector growth, limiting employment opportunities for graduates. Reforms and Economic Revival In response to these challenges, economic experts and policymakers advocate for structural reforms aimed at revitalizing the private sector. One notable step is the Retirement and Social Security Law enacted in 2023, which extends protections to private-sector workers, offering retirement benefits and incentivizing employment outside government roles. Speaking with Shafaq News, MP Ibtisam Al-Hilali stressed the importance of 'reviving the private sector by fostering investment, modernizing factories, and supporting entrepreneurship.' She clarified that parliamentary support for the Social Security Law has encouraged some graduates to consider private-sector jobs. 'Parliament intends to take further steps to boost private-sector employment,' she said. To further reduce public-sector dependency, MP Al-Yasari proposed additional measures, including implementing a 'one job per person' rule, banning dual employment, and prohibiting government employees from taking secondary jobs such as taxi driving. 'Restructuring the economy and supporting the private sector through legislation that protects investors and provides a stable work environment is essential,' Eid underscored. The researcher explained that without such reforms, many Iraqi graduates will face limited employment options, increasing migration tendencies, and leading to significant losses in human capital. A European Blueprint for Reform Al-Hilu suggested that Iraq can learn valuable lessons from European economies, where employment is more evenly distributed between the public and private sectors. In Europe, only 15-20% of jobs are in the public sector, while 80-85% are in the private sector. 'Governments there have invested in industries and services that offer competitive wages, job security, and social benefits, making private employment attractive,' Al-Hilu told Shafaq News. A key distinction between Iraq and European labor markets is the availability of social protections. Al-Hilu noted that 'Iraqi youth working in the private sector lack economic and social assurances,' which discourages them from seeking private-sector employment. 'Many Iraqis who migrate to Europe do so because of the security and benefits that private employment offers, including social security and pensions,' he remarked. A critical element of the European model is vocational education. 'Unlike Iraq, where university degrees dominate, European countries prioritize vocational training to align education with labor market needs,' Al-Hilu explained, 'This reduces unemployment and ensures a steady supply of skilled workers.'
Shafaq News
17-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's gas flaring paradox: a wealth of resources, a nation in need
Shafaq News/ Iraq, home to the world's 12th-largest natural gas reserves, continues to flare billions of cubic meters of gas annually while relying on costly imports from Iran. Despite recent efforts to boost domestic gas investments, structural hurdles hinder progress, leaving the country vulnerable to external pressures and economic inefficiencies. A Costly Paradox Iraq produces significant volumes of associated gas—natural gas found alongside oil—yet remains reliant on imports. Meanwhile, the country continues to burn large quantities of gas through flaring, a process where unutilized associated gas is burned instead of being captured for use. The World Bank's 2023 Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report ranked Iraq among the top nine gas-flaring nations, alongside Russia, Iran, the US, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, and Mexico. 'These countries collectively accounted for 75% of global gas flaring but only 46% of global oil production.' According to the report, Iraq flared approximately 18 billion cubic meters of gas in 2023, burning a resource that could otherwise fuel domestic electricity generation, reduce reliance on Iran, and contribute to economic diversification. 'This situation reflects severe mismanagement of resources and deep-rooted economic dependence on Iran,' said Ahmed Eid, an economic researcher. 'Iraq's inability to harness its own gas reserves despite ranking 12th globally in gas reserves is a glaring failure of strategic planning.' Iraq imports roughly $3 billion worth of gas annually from Iran to power its electricity sector. 'This exposes Iraq to political and economic vulnerabilities, as Iran has repeatedly used energy supplies as leverage,' Eid added. Experts estimate that Iraq loses billions of dollars each year by failing to capture and utilize its gas resources. 'In a time when the government is facing fiscal pressures due to fluctuating oil prices, this inefficiency is unacceptable,' said economist Mustafa Al-Faraj. 'The cost of importing gas, coupled with the environmental damage caused by flaring, creates an unsustainable economic model.' Beyond financial losses, the practice contributes to severe environmental pollution, drawing international scrutiny. 'Gas flaring significantly increases carbon emissions, worsening air quality, and public health,' Al-Faraj noted. 'Iraq is already under pressure to comply with global environmental standards, and its current policies could hinder foreign investment and economic partnerships.' Moreover, Iraq heavily relies on Iranian gas, and US sanctions on Iran have complicated payment mechanisms, forcing Iraq to seek waivers to continue energy imports. 'This creates ongoing uncertainty,' said Al-Saabri. Washington has pressured Iraq to find alternative suppliers, but Iran remains the most convenient and cost-effective source for now. Instead of investing in its resources, Baghdad has explored diversification strategies, including importing gas from Turkmenistan via Iranian pipelines, though this plan faces US objections. Meanwhile, efforts to develop Iraq's own gas fields, such as Akkas and Al-Mansouriya, have been sluggish due to security and logistical challenges. Gas shortages have exacerbated Iraq's chronic electricity crisis. The country generates around 27,000 megawatts of electricity, far below the estimated 45,000 megawatts needed to meet demand. The government has turned to renewable energy and power agreements with neighboring countries, but experts warn that without a stable domestic gas supply, these efforts will fall short. 'Iraq cannot sustain its economy without reliable energy,' said Sherwani. 'Renewables are part of the solution, but natural gas must remain the backbone of the energy mix for the foreseeable future.' Shifting Priorities: Government Initiatives Historically, Iraq's energy policy prioritized oil production over gas development. However, the sharp rise in global gas prices following the Russia-Ukraine war has forced Baghdad to rethink its approach. The Iraqi Oil Ministry has pledged to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2028. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced during the Iraq Energy 2025 Conference that Iraq has achieved a 70% reduction in associated gas flaring, a 'major step' to curb carbon emissions and minimize energy waste. As part of its strategy, the Iraqi government has engaged in licensing rounds for gas development and signed contracts with major international firms to capture and process gas from key fields. In January 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani laid the foundation stone for the Artawi gas project in Basra, developed in cooperation with France's TotalEnergies. 'The accelerated gas investment project at the Artawi field will add new gas supplies to the national grid, supporting power plants with the required fuel,' Abdul Ghani said during the ceremony. The first phase, with a capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day, is expected to be completed in three years, while the second will be finalized within five years. 'The shift in policy is overdue but necessary,' said energy expert Dr. Kovend Sherwani. 'However, work is expected to begin this year and continue until 2028 on establishing large, modern, and technologically advanced power plants, while gas investment projects are completed to supply these major plants with fuel.' 'Gas will play an essential role in Iraq's energy security, especially as global oil demand fluctuates. If Iraq successfully invests in gas infrastructure, it could even become a regional exporter.' 'These projects, if executed effectively, could make Iraq self-sufficient in gas and reduce the need for Iranian imports within five years,' said Sherwani. In this regard, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Investment and Development Committee, Hussein Al-Saabri, stated that "the gas file has been significantly delayed, but there is now serious effort in this regard. Iraq uses part of its gas and exports the rest, but the process takes time.' According to the Oil Ministry's estimates, it will take between three to five years to fully utilize all available gas." Al-Saabri told Shafaq News Agency that once Iraq achieves full gas utilization, there will no longer be a need to import gas for power plants, as the country will reach self-sufficiency. Challenges to Implementation Despite the renewed focus, obstacles remain. Years of underinvestment in gas infrastructure mean that existing facilities are outdated and inefficient. 'To achieve gas independence, Iraq needs to build state-of-the-art processing plants, develop new pipelines, and modernize its storage capabilities,' said Sherwani. 'This requires billions of dollars in investment, which may be difficult given Iraq's budgetary constraints and governance challenges.' The issue of corruption further complicates the outlook. 'Corruption has stalled numerous energy projects in Iraq,' said oil expert Dr. Hamza Al-Jawahiri. 'Several contracts signed in the past failed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and rent-seeking behavior by political elites. Unless the government tackles these structural problems, even the best-laid plans will struggle to materialize.' Security concerns also pose a threat. Attacks on gas infrastructure, particularly in northern Iraq, have disrupted operations. The Khor Mor gas field, a critical supplier to the Kurdistan region, has been repeatedly targeted, underscoring the risks associated with developing the sector. Road Ahead: Can Iraq Break Free? To reduce dependence on Iranian gas and fully utilize its domestic resources, Iraq must accelerate its gas investment strategy. Experts suggest prioritizing infrastructure development, enforcing anti-corruption measures, and strengthening public-private partnerships. 'The solution lies in creating an investment-friendly environment,' said Al-Faraj. 'Iraq needs to provide incentives for foreign and domestic firms to invest in gas processing and transportation. Without that, the country will continue wasting its most valuable resources.' Sherwani echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for long-term strategic planning. 'Iraq's gas reserves present a tremendous opportunity,' he said. 'If managed correctly, gas could not only ensure energy security but also become a major driver of economic growth.' Is This Enough? Experts suggest that while Iraq is working to develop its associated gas resources, it also needs to invest in non-associated gas, or free gas—a type of natural gas found in reservoirs independent of oil or water. Unlike associated gas, free gas can be extracted directly without the need for separation from other fluids. The country possesses four prominent non-associated gas fields including the Khor Mor, in the Kurdistan Region, which is among the largest non-associated gas fields in the country. The Khor Mor facilities currently supply more than 500 MMscf/d of gas to four power stations, enabling the generation of approximately 2,800 MW of electricity, which constitutes more than 75% of the Kurdistan Region's power generation. Akkas, in western Iraq, is the country's second-largest non-associated gas field, it can produce 400 MMcf/d. There is also Al-Mansuriyah, located in central Iraq, and the Siba field in southern Iraq. In 2024, the Ministry of Oil signed a contract with Ukraine's Ukrzemresurs LLC to develop the Akkas gas field, targeting an initial production capacity of 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mscf) within two years, with plans to expand to 400 mscf in four years. Similarly, the Ministry secured an agreement with China's JERA and Iraq's Petro Iraq to develop the Mansuriyah gas field in Diyala, which will add 300 mscf to Iraq's energy grid. For now, Iraq remains at a crossroads. While recent government initiatives mark progress, the path to energy self-sufficiency is fraught with challenges. Whether Baghdad can overcome them will determine its future as an energy-independent nation or keep it locked in a cycle of dependency and economic inefficiency.
