Latest news with #EidEl-Fitr
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Eid El-Fitr and Tourism: A Celebration Amid Economic Turbulence
Beyond Eid El-Fitr cultural significance, this festive season greatly impacts the Egyptian economy, particularly tourism. The extended public holiday triggers a surge in travel to popular local destinations. However, economic challenges and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound are reshaping domestic travel in Egypt. Yet, Egypt's tourism sector is adapting to these dynamics through targeted campaigns and the country's appeal to regional and international tourists. This evolving landscape underscores the interplay between economic conditions and tourism trends, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for Egypt during this festive season. Impact on Domestic Tourism The Eid El-Fitr holiday has traditionally been a peak season for domestic travel in Egypt, with families traveling for leisure and reunions. However, economic headwinds have noticeably impacted Egyptian families' engagement in domestic tourism in recent years. Ibrahim Hamdy Sheta, holder of PhD in Applied Economics from Western Michigan University, USA and Assistant Professor of Economics at Faculty of Commerce, Mansoura University, and College of Business Administration, Taibah University in Saudi Arabia, explains: "The continuous devaluation of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar since November 2016 has resulted in a persistent inflation and high unemployment (stagflation), leading tohigher poverty rate and eroding the middle class.' 'Rising costs of essentials such as food, healthcare, education, transportation, housing, etc. have left little room for leisure spending. As a result, domestic tourism, especially to middle-class destinations like Ras El Bar, Damietta, Port Said, and Alexandria, has declined during national and religious holidays such as Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Sham El-Nessim,' Sheta notes. This highlights a crucial link between macroeconomic factors and household spending patterns. Inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations have prioritized essential expenditures, leaving less disposable income for discretionary activities like domestic travel during Eid. Sheta further points out that in previous years, remittances by Egyptians working abroad used to partially compensate for this decrease in spending on domestic tourism. However, now, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is actually applying the managed floating exchange rate policy, which sets the dollar at around EGP 50, while the inflation rate continues to rise. 'Therefore, Egyptians working abroad have been struggling with inflation, just like those at home. Given all of these analytical facts and results, this has led to a significant decrease in spending on domestic tourism, not just during holidays, but throughout the year,' he says. "As remittances lose their ability to cushion economic hardship, the tourism sector faces further strain, especially in key holiday seasons like Eid El-Fitr. Consequently, while some segments of the population may still partake in Eid travel, the overall volume and spending on domestic tourism during this time are likely to be considerably lower than in pre-economic turbulence eras,' Sheta adds. In contrast to this analysis of economic constraints, Abdel Haris Abu Zaid, a tour operator, shares a different perspective with Arab Finance: "Domestic tourism during Eid in 2024 increased by 50%. Travel destinations depend on the season, so if Eid falls in winter, Egyptians prefer Luxor and Aswan, where Nile cruises are fully booked. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab are also popular." The reported increase suggests a potential dichotomy within the domestic tourism market, where some segments are still able and willing to travel during Eid, particularly to popular destinations. Impact on Arab/Regional Tourism Egypt stands out as an attractive tourism destination for regional tourists, not only during Eid vacations but throughout the year. In the first half of 2024, Egypt welcomed a record-breaking 7.1 million visitors, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "Regarding Arab tourism, most Arab tourists prefer nightlife, shopping malls, and similar activities over historical sites. To this demand, Egypt has expanded its modern attractions, building malls and developing new cities like New Alamein. These efforts have helped boost Arab tourism by 70% in 2024," Abu Zaid highlights. Meanwhile, Marwa Omar, Assistant Professor of Economics at Helwan University, tells Arab Finance: 'Egypt has gained a competitive advantage over other MENA countries grappling with economic and political instability.' 'This relative stability makes Egypt a more attractive destination for regional travelers. Additionally, the currency devaluation has encouraged foreign and Arab investment in Egypt's tourism sector,' she clarifies. To further attract regional tourists, the country is launching strong promotional campaigns. On March 1st, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, launched a promotional campaign as a key tourist destination. The campaign targets both the Egyptian and Arab markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. This month-and-a-half-long campaign promotes Egypt's tourism experiences, encouraging Arab travelers to visit Egypt during Ramadan and Eid El-Fitr. It also promotes domestic tourism, inviting Egyptians to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the holy month in their homeland. Eid El-Fitr remains a cherished cultural and social celebration in Egypt, bringing families and communities together. However, economic challenges like inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs of living have reshaped the way Egyptians experience this festive season. Despite these hurdles, Egypt's tourism sector has shown resilience by leveraging its appeal to regional tourists and implementing targeted promotional campaigns to attract visitors. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Al-Ahram Weekly
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Millions of Egyptians rally in solidarity with Palestinians against displacement - Foreign Affairs
Millions of Egyptians gathered on Monday in solidarity with Palestine after performing Eid El-Fitr prayers, holding rallies across public squares, mosques, and Islamic centres nationwide. Millions of Egyptians gathered Monday in massive rallies expressing their full support to the political leadership's steadfast stance against any plans aimed to displace the Palestinian people and liquidate the Palestinian cause. The rallies — held following Eid El-Fitr prayers across public squares, mosques, and Islamic centres nationwide and lasted for several hours — saw participants chanting slogans and delivering direct political messages. They expressed full support for Egypt's stance against Israel's assault on Gaza and urged the international community to take decisive action to halt the war. Participants also rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land, liquidating the Palestinian cause, and reiterated their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination; a commitment that has endured for nearly eight decades. They further affirmed their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), the gatherings emphasised Egyptians' demand for an immediate, full, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing Israeli offensive. AFP They reflected the deep alignment between the Egyptian people and their leadership, which has taken a firm stance against Israel's actions in Gaza. Participants vowed to stand by the Palestinian cause until the aggression ends and Palestinian rights are fully restored. AFP Escalating tensions in Gaza The rallies took place as Israel issued evacuation orders covering most of Rafah, signalling a potential major ground offensive in southern Gaza. In early March, Israel resumed its military campaign against the Gaza Strip, unilaterally ending two months of relative calm under the first phase of the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. The renewed Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion have killed over 855 and wounded 1,869 so far. The resumption of genocide has sparked widespread international condemnation, especially since Israel reinforced its deadly blockade on the strip, barring food, water, tents, medical aid, and fuel from entering, on March 2nd. Israel has refused to start the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which entails talks on a permanent end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for the release of the remaining captives in Gaza. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi performs Eid El-Fitr prayer in New Cairo - Society
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi performed Eid El-Fitr prayers on Monday at Al-Mosheer Tantawy Mosque in New Cairo, according to the Egyptian presidency. Following the prayer, El-Sisi attended Eid celebration at Al-Manara International Conference Centre, where he was joined by families of martyrs and injured members of the Armed Forces and Police. The event featured the screening of a documentary titled Eid Memories, followed by Eid songs performed by the Children's Choir of the Opera House and other artistic performances. During the ceremony, El-Sisi honoured the families of martyrs and injured security personnel, posing for commemorative photos with their children and relatives in the outdoor playground. Eid greetings with Arab and Islamic leaders Earlier, the Egyptian president exchanged Eid greetings with leaders of Arab and Islamic nations, wishing them and their people a blessed Eid and praying for the acceptance of their fasting and prayers. "I extend my sincerest greetings and best wishes to the great Egyptian people and the Arab and Islamic nations on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr," El-Sisi wrote on his official Facebook page. He expressed his hopes that the occasion would bring goodness and blessings and prayed for Egypt's continued progress, prosperity, security, and stability. Eid prayers across Egypt Meanwhile, millions of Egyptian Muslims performed Eid prayers in mosques and open spaces nationwide, following the long-standing tradition of holding large congregational gatherings to celebrate the festival. Muslims attend a special morning prayer for Eid El-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, outside Al-Sedik Mosque in Cairo. AFP Muslims pray Eid El-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt. AP Eid El-Fitr, a three-day festival, falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar, marking the end of Ramadan. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Middle East
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN//President Sisi honors families of Armed Forces' martyrs, injured personnel
CAIRO, March 31 (MENA) - President Abdel Fatah El Sisi honored on Monday a number of families of the Armed Forces' martyrs and injured personnel. The honoring process took place in a ceremony marking Eid El-Fitr at Al Manara International Conference Center. The president was keen to pose for photo with children and sons of martyrs to share their celebrations on Eid. Presidential spokesman Mohamed El Shennawy said a documentary was screened during the event on Eid celebrations which included songs by a number of singers. Earlier in the day, President Sisi performed Eid al-Fitr Prayers at Mushir Tantawi Mosque in the Fifth Settlement in New Cairo. The religious event was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Defense Abdel Meguid Saqr, Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfiq, Minister of Awqaf Osama El Azhari, along with a host of senior state officials. (MENA) M O H
Middle East
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Rallies held by millions of Egyptians affirm rejection of displacement of Palestinians
CAIRO, March 31 (MENA) - Leaders of a number of Egyptian political parties said that rallies held by millions of Egyptians following Eid El-Fitr prayers on Monday affirmed that the Egyptians support President Abdel Fatah El Sisi in rejecting the displacement of the Palestinians. In statements to MENA, the party leaders said the Egyptian state is exerting strenuous efforts to mitigate the suffering of the Palestinians either through the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip or working on reaching a peaceful solution to the Palestinian problem. They said that Egypt will remain a strong supporter for the Palestinian people until they gain their rights in establishing an independent Palestinian state. The politicians said that Egypt will not accept any threat to its security or to the stability of its sisterly countries. The party leaders pointed out that Egypt's stance remains firm on the importance of reaching a just and durable solution to the Palestinian problem and establishing an independent state with Al Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital. (MORE) M O H
