Latest news with #Khedr
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ontario won't claw back federal disability benefit
Amid growing concern from Ontarians with disabilities and their advocates, the province has announced it will not claw back the incoming Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The CDB was passed in 2023, and the government committed $6.1 billion to it in the 2024 federal budget. Beginning in July, eligible recipients can receive up to $2,400 per year, or a maximum of $200 per month. In a news release on Tuesday, the province announced it will be exempting the federal benefit as income. That means recipients won't have money deducted from their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Since the CDB's passage, advocates have feared the provinces and territories may claw back the benefit. As of this March, at least seven have promised not to do that, but Alberta has announced it will claw back the benefit under certain circumstances. "It was a huge concern that this was not going to make it to the people who deserve to see this benefit," said Ron Anicich, co-chair of the ODSP Action Coalition. Rabia Khedr, national director of advocacy group Disability Without Poverty (DWP), said the news from Alberta stoked fear and disappointment within the disability community. But Khedr said the Ontario government has previously taken "steps in the right direction," including its decision to increase the ODSP exemption from $200 to $1,000, giving her hope that the province would do the right thing. "I always felt strongly that, because they had committed to an earnings exemption, that there is no way they could justify clawing back a $200 federal benefit," she said. "So I'm glad that they have confirmed that today." Advocates say they still have other concerns about the benefit program, however. In order to be eligible for the CDB, recipients must be approved for the disability tax credit, and for that they must receive certification from a medical practitioner. "What we're seeing now is people scrambling to sign up for the disability tax credit," said Anicich. "Which is fine when people have family doctors, but there are two million people in this province that do not have family doctors who are just unable to access this benefit." To Khedr, the answer is to "simply cut red tape." "The folks that are in the provincial system who have already filled out medical forms and have already attested to their disability shouldn't have to complete that kind of scrutinizing process again," she said. Instead, many disability advocates have been calling for the federal government to make recipients of provincial programs such as ODSP automatically eligible for the CDB. In an email to CBC on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services said it's also calling on the federal government to change the Income Tax Act to align those eligibility requirements. "We believe people who already access the Ontario Disability Support Program and meet the other eligibility criteria should automatically qualify for the CDB, rather than be required to pay $200 under the program as it is presented," the spokesperson wrote. Despite the good news on clawbacks, Khedr and Anicich still regard the CDB's maximum monthly payment of $200 as inadequate and are calling for an increase. "Ontarians with disabilities on ODSP and who qualify for the candidate disability benefits still will be well below the poverty line," Khedr noted. "And living with a disability costs at least 30 per cent above the poverty line." Khedr said recipients desperately need the financial help and will use it to improve their lives. "It means that maybe they can buy healthier food or supplements, maybe they can buy over-the-counter painkillers to manage their day so that they can even consider searching for work and improving their quality of life," she said. "It is money that will be spent on necessities of daily living." Khedr and Anicich are also calling for better collaboration among people with disabilities and their advocates, and demanded a say when decisions affecting their lives are made. "There's nothing like lived experience — 'nothing about us without us,'" Khedr said. "If they have us at the table, we will make it so easy for them to get policy right."
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Scope invests $3.95bln in Mokattam Corniche development
Saudi Arabia's Scope Properties has launched its latest project, A40, in the heart of Mokattam Corniche. The modern commercial center spans 14,000 sqm and features a mix of retail units, administrative spaces, and medical offices. The development consists of a ground floor and four additional floors, with an underground parking facility extending across the entire project area. The total investment in A40 is estimated between EGP 4bn and 5bn. Alaa Khedr, CEO of Scope, revealed that projected revenues from the Mokattam Corniche development have surged beyond EGP 200bn—an exponential increase from the initial estimate of EGP 1bn at the project's official launch in 2022. Speaking at the company's roundtable discussion, he announced that new offerings within the project are expected in 2025, valued between EGP 50bn and 75bn, while the residential phase is set to launch by the end of that year. Khedr emphasized that the Mokattam Corniche development is a prime example of successful investment partnerships between the state and international developers, generating a direct positive impact on Egypt's economy. He highlighted the project's role in transforming Mokattam's infrastructure, including enhancements to road networks and additional transport axes. 'From the moment we signed the contract, we committed to making this project a civilizational leap—one that stands among Egypt's most iconic leisure, entertainment, and tourism destinations,' Khedr stated. The Mokattam Corniche Development Project was contracted between Scope Properties and El Nasr Housing and Development, a subsidiary of Egypt's Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector. Spanning approximately 2 million square meters, the project has enlisted several globally renowned consulting firms. These include Hill International for project management, Foster + Partners for architectural design, Active Brains for geotechnical studies, Savills for feasibility and land-use planning, ICE for traffic and road consultancy, and Sabbour Consultancy as the local consultant and primary coordinator with international partners. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily News Egypt
18-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Saudi Scope invests EGP 200bn in Mokattam Corniche development
Saudi Arabia's Scope Properties has launched its latest project, A40, in the heart of Mokattam Corniche. The modern commercial center spans 14,000 sqm and features a mix of retail units, administrative spaces, and medical offices. The development consists of a ground floor and four additional floors, with an underground parking facility extending across the entire project area. The total investment in A40 is estimated between EGP 4bn and 5bn. Alaa Khedr, CEO of Scope, revealed that projected revenues from the Mokattam Corniche development have surged beyond EGP 200bn—an exponential increase from the initial estimate of EGP 1bn at the project's official launch in 2022. Speaking at the company's roundtable discussion, he announced that new offerings within the project are expected in 2025, valued between EGP 50bn and 75bn, while the residential phase is set to launch by the end of that year. Khedr emphasized that the Mokattam Corniche development is a prime example of successful investment partnerships between the state and international developers, generating a direct positive impact on Egypt's economy. He highlighted the project's role in transforming Mokattam's infrastructure, including enhancements to road networks and additional transport axes. 'From the moment we signed the contract, we committed to making this project a civilizational leap—one that stands among Egypt's most iconic leisure, entertainment, and tourism destinations,' Khedr stated. The Mokattam Corniche Development Project was contracted between Scope Properties and El Nasr Housing and Development, a subsidiary of Egypt's Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector. Spanning approximately 2 million square meters, the project has enlisted several globally renowned consulting firms. These include Hill International for project management, Foster + Partners for architectural design, Active Brains for geotechnical studies, Savills for feasibility and land-use planning, ICE for traffic and road consultancy, and Sabbour Consultancy as the local consultant and primary coordinator with international partners.
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PepsiCo Egypt appoints Karim Khedr as new SVP and CEO
Cairo: PepsiCo Egypt, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, has announced the appointment of Eng. Karim Khedr as Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his new role, Khedr will lead the company's next phase of growth and innovation, strengthening its market leadership and reinforcing its position as a key partner in supporting the local economy. With over 24 years of experience across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and Oil & Gas industries, including 16 years at PepsiCo, Khedr brings extensive expertise in business transformation and market expansion. His journey with PepsiCo began in Egypt, where he held various leadership roles over seven years, culminating in his position as Senior Sales Director. He then assumed strategic leadership roles across the Middle East and Asia. Before his current role, Khedr served as General Manager and Vice President of the Saudi and Levant Beverage Cluster, as well as Vice President of Beverages for Southeast Asia, where he managed complex bottling network across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Throughout his career, Khedr has overseen diverse business models, including franchise operations, company-owned operations, and joint ventures, equipping him with a broad perspective on leading various markets. Now, he returns to Egypt to leverage his global expertise and drive PepsiCo Egypt's continued growth and success. Karim Khedr said: 'It is an honor to return to PepsiCo Egypt after nine years. I am eager to work alongside our exceptional team to build on the company's legacy of success. Leveraging my global experience, I look forward to driving growth while addressing the unique dynamics of the Egyptian market.' He added: 'PepsiCo has been deeply rooted in Egypt's economy and has made significant contributions to community development. We will continue to prioritize innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt our business models to evolving economic trends.' PepsiCo Egypt has a long-standing track record of innovation and development. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality products while promoting sustainability and investing in local talent. Under Khedr's leadership, PepsiCo Egypt is poised for continued growth and prosperity, further strengthening its role as a key contributor to the nation's economic progress.
CairoScene
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Egyptian Label Anippe's FW'25 Collection is a Clash of Commanding Cuts
Tailored, tactile, and dripping with nonchalance, Anippe's ready-to-wear Fall/Winter 2025 collection is a collision of dominant energy, '90s supermodel attitude, and rock-and-roll grit—wrapped in razor-sharp silhouettes and rebellious textures. This isn't Anippe's first foray into raw, unapologetic design. Take 'Resilient Beauty', for example, or even their debut collection, 'Hope'—both steeped in defiance and sensuality, yet each interpreting that ethos in its own way. 'Hope' was saturated in crimson red, electric blue, and acid green, contrasted against kinetic, angular silhouettes. While Hope played with color-blocking and high-cut bodysuits, its DNA was laced with '80s power dressing, '90s minimalism, and a futuristic edge—elements that resurface in this new collection. Then came Resilient Beauty, sharpening that narrative, stripping it down to strength in its most distilled form: structured corsetry and commanding silhouettes. The Muse: 'Every collection starts with a concept and a personality I want to convey,' Shaza Khedr, the founder and creative director of Anippe, tells Scene Styled . 'For this one, I wanted to create a collection inspired by the woman who embodies vulnerability and honesty, and is unafraid to show her personality and her boundaries.' To embrace both facets of femininity and boldness, the creative direction of this shoot is razor-sharp, leaning into a hyper-stylized, cinematic aesthetic that feels both futuristic and nostalgic. The subtle blue tint washing over the images adds a cool, detached undertone, giving the collection a sleek, nocturnal feel. The models' poses are commanding—wide stances, sharp angles, a sense of defiant ease that speaks to the power of the garments. 'The shoot sharpens the powerful, feminine essence of this collection, from the blue-tinted lighting, to the models' confident poses,' Khedr comments on the creative direction. The Collection Dissected: This collection is about power. Every look feels unapologetic, with strong shoulders, nipped-in waists, hardware buckles, and silhouettes that flirt between structure and sensuality. "The toughness and edginess of leather led me to pair it with structured tailoring, striking a balance with the energy of this collection," she says. The palette stays sleek: deep black, a contrasting ivory, and a high-impact red. Black dominates, playing into the slinky aesthetic. Texture is the real storyteller here. Leather leads the charge, but not in the conventional, polished way. Instead, it's cracked, distressed, and lived-in—more like something stolen from a rockstar's closet than fresh off the factory floor. "I love experimenting with unique fabrics, like the red croc leather,' she adds. 'It's strong and striking, yet still embodies the vulnerability and freedom that define this collection.' The pieces in the collection include elements like corset-tight waists, sharp lapels, halter cuts, fluid drapes, ruched detailing and structured shoulders that channels Bianca Jagger's style. In a head-spinning contrast, Khedr also incorporates layered pearls, strung delicately but styled with an edge– a knowing wink to 80s vintage glamour without ever veering into demure territory. The Collection in Three Words: 'Bold, feminine, and vulnerable,' Khedr tells SceneStyled. Where to Wear It: For a collection this bold, we'd definitely suggest wearing it at the kind of underground club where the drinks are overpriced, and the guest list is impossible to get on. The deep-plunge, body-hugging Lezzy bodysuit, for example, belongs under the dim glow of chandeliers at an exclusive after-party or a swanky rooftop soirée. How to Style it: The Designer Suggests: For Khedr, the secret to styling pieces from this collection is to balance the statement-making pieces with more understated basics. 'I love to pair the Steel Jacket, for example, with black leggings and New Balance sneakers for a casual, daytime look,' she shares. 'For a night out, layer it over the Lezzy black jumpsuit with heels for a sharp, sleek silhouette.' Scene Styled Suggests: Massimo Dutti Heeled Slingback Shoes Toteme T-Lock Croc-Effect Leather Clutch Ettika Cuffed Up Cuff in Metallic Gold Saint Laurent Oversized Hoop Earrings Karen Wazen The Bond Belt The Collection's Stand-Out Pieces: 'My favorite piece is Steel Jacket. It's perfect for both day and night and elevates the most basic outfit into a statement look,' the founder says. 'Also, it works perfectly for both men and women.' Almost militaristic in its execution, this cropped leather piece features oversized, exaggerated pockets and an armor-like structure, exuding a kind of runway-ready, combat energy. A nod to the 90s power suit but reinterpreted in glossy black, the Catsy Leather Set also stands out. A cropped, buckled-up leather jacket paired with sculpted, high-waisted pants, this set screams dominance with its juxtaposing proportions and belted details. The fitted waist and elongated pants also create an edgy, statuesque silhouette. In The Words of Shaza Khedr…. 'For me, the Anippe woman is someone who's confident, vulnerable, and open to new experiences. She's not afraid to express herself and make a statement with her style– our FW25 collection is all about capturing that energy.' The Verdict: Anippe's FW25 isn't here to blend in, and neither is the woman who wears it. With high-octane pieces, structured leather, and glossy coats, this collection is for the ones who understand that fashion is also about armor and attitude. There's a stark minimalism to the campaign—no distractions, no elaborate backdrops on set, reeling in focus on the pieces and the energy they bring.
