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Mada
23-07-2025
- Mada
Police close off Kafr al-Sanabsah village in Monufiya after fatal crash exposes harsh living conditions
Police officers have been patrolling near the homes of victims of last month's deadly road crash in Monufiya to ensure that no 'outsiders' approach the families, three residents told Mada Masr. They were among four residents who said that security forces have surrounded the village of Kafr al-Sanabsah for over two weeks in an effort to keep journalists out. The heightened security comes after dire living conditions in the village were thrown into the spotlight by a major crash on the Regional Ring Road in Monufiya which killed 18 women and girls, aged 14 to 22, from Kafr al-Sanabsah on their commute to work as day laborers at agricultural export facilities. As scrutiny of the village increased, security forces have made it difficult for anyone from outside the village to enter. A car carrying visitors who had come to offer condolences was blocked on the grounds that they were not locals, a relative of two of the victims said. Officers inspected the car, checked ID cards for potential journalists and only allowed the group through after calling one of the victims' families to verify they were expecting guests. A relative of another victim said that a car affiliated with Al-Arabiya was barred from entering the village to conduct interviews. Other journalists, who had reached out to families by phone, canceled planned visits after being warned that police would not let them in. A third source, related to another two victims, said security even tried to block him from entry because he lives in a neighboring village. The incident brought attention to the village's dire living conditions, drawing many journalists and visitors in its aftermath. Media reports soon spotlighted the widespread poverty and lack of basic services in the village — particularly educational facilities. When Mada Masr visited Kafr al-Sanabsah, residents noted that there is only one middle school and no secondary school, forcing students to commute to nearby villages or the Menouf district to attend industrial or commercial secondary schools — adding to the financial burden that drives women and girls to seek work despite the high risk and minimal protections for agricultural laborers. Within a week of the crash, the state announced compensation packages: LE200,000 per victim's family from the Social Solidarity Ministry, LE300,000 from the Labor Ministry and LE100,000 from the Transport Ministry. Donations from business figures followed, including Ahmed Ezz and Mohamed Aboul Enein. Later, an unnamed businessman pledged LE2 million to each victim's family — though two families told Mada Masr they are yet to receive the money. 'They couldn't just let us have the donations,' one relative of a victim of the crash said. The village mayor Mohamed Allam summoned the victims' families to a meeting — some of whom attended. There, he asked each family to contribute part of the compensation and donated funds toward buying land to build a secondary school. He proposed that each family donate the equivalent of one kirat of land — around LE250,000. Several residents did not welcome the mayor's request. The relative criticized it, saying that the state owes it to residents to build a school. 'People here really need that money,' he said. 'You came and saw the state of the houses.' The father of one of the victims told Mada Masr that the mayor later tried to persuade those who objected by sending respected community members to mediate. Shortly after the meeting, however, a video circulated on social media in which Allam's brother — according to the same source — said that the initiative to buy land had come voluntarily from the villagers themselves. Mada Masr was unable to reach the mayor for comment, as his phone remained unavailable at the time of publishing. But a close associate of his — a member of the pro-state Nation's Future Party — denied that the initiative was the mayor's idea and insisted it originated with the villagers themselves, adding that the government's Haya Karima initiative would eventually fund the construction of the school. The planned school is set to be built on a 3,500 square meter plot of land, but according to the source, the full amount for the purchase had not yet been paid. Before the crash, villagers had already attempted to pool money to buy land for a school, a father of one of the victims told Mada Masr. But their efforts fell through amid what he described as the state's longstanding neglect of the village.
Egypt Independent
08-07-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt expands insurance coverage for expats, raises payout to LE250,000
CAIRO, July 6 (MENA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates announced, in cooperation with the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), an upgrade to the personal accident insurance policy for Egyptians abroad and their families. The revamped policy is now more comprehensive and tailored to a wider range of Egyptians working overseas and their families, with the insurance payout increasing to LE250,000 (up from LE100,000) in cases of death or total permanent disability. The new coverage takes effect in July 2025. The move comes in line with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's directives to provide full care for Egyptians abroad and reflects the state's vision to integrate Egyptians working overseas and their families into social protection networks through flexible and secure insurance tools. Minister Badr Abdelaaty stated that the proposal to enhance the policy, submitted by the ministry to the FRA, underscores Egypt's firm commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens abroad and offering an insurance umbrella that affirms the state's dedication to their security and that of their families. He noted this step is part of a broader vision to connect Egyptians abroad with national institutions through tangible, reliable services that strengthen their sense of belonging and trust. The minister emphasized that the ministry will continue to coordinate with the FRA and relevant bodies to develop more mechanisms that protect Egyptians overseas and help ensure a stable, secure living environment in host countries. For his part, FRA Chairman Mohamed Farid described the policy as a successful model of collaboration among state institutions and highlighted the FRA's ongoing efforts to boost insurance inclusion and widen the base of beneficiaries. He noted that the authority is steadily working to develop and strengthen the insurance sector so it plays a robust role in supporting the national economy. Farid added that the FRA always strives to balance insurance protection needs with economic developments, which is why it has advanced the new Unified Insurance Law, marking a significant leap in the regulatory framework governing Egypt's insurance market. He stressed that the FRA is continuously enhancing the regulatory and legislative environment to support a modern, competitive insurance sector that ensures comprehensive protection for all segments of society, both inside and outside Egypt. He also explained that the Egyptian Pool for Travel Insurance, under its founding statute, manages this policy, which has now expanded for the first time to include all Egyptians working abroad and their families, not just those holding work permits under Law No. 173 of 1958, a step that underscores Egypt's commitment to its citizens wherever they may be. Deputy Foreign Minister for Migration Nabil Habashi noted that improving the scope and benefits of this policy came in response to requests raised by Egyptians abroad during the Fifth Conference for Egyptians Abroad last year, as well as through continuous engagement with Egyptian communities in recent months. Habashi extended his gratitude to the FRA and other agencies for embracing the proposal and working hard to turn it into a reality that will benefit millions of Egyptians living abroad. He stressed that expanding the coverage to include all Egyptians working overseas and their families, whether or not they hold work permits, is a significant step toward ensuring insurance equity and supporting all segments of expatriates. FRA Deputy Chairman Islam Azzam added that the authority prioritizes developing and offering flexible, integrated insurance solutions that enable Egyptians abroad to secure effective coverage aligned with the nature of their life outside Egypt. He described the expansion of the personal accident insurance for Egyptians abroad and their families as a strategic milestone in enhancing insurance inclusion and delivering financial protection to diverse groups of Egyptians. According to the policy text published in the Official Gazette, Egyptians abroad and their families who do not hold work permits can now enroll through the Pool's website, mobile app, and WhatsApp service. This aims to simplify access to insurance services and raise inclusion rates, providing greater financial protection in cases of natural death, accidental death, or accidents resulting in total permanent disability while overseas. For natural deaths, the pool covers the actual cost of repatriating the body up to a maximum of EGP 250,000. If burial takes place abroad, the Pool pays an amount equivalent to the cost of repatriation from the country of death to Egypt, guided by the actual compensation paid for reparations that same year. 'Repatriation' includes preparing, shipping, and transporting the body. In the event of death due to an accident, the Pool bears the actual repatriation costs within one year of the incident (upon submission of required documents), and the remaining amount is distributed among the legal heirs as per inheritance rulings. The insurance applies to individuals aged 18 to 70 years at the time of the incident. (MENA)
Egypt Independent
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Karim Abdel-Aziz sets unprecedented new record in Egyptian cinema's box office
Actor Karim Abdel-Aziz has set a new record in Egyptian cinema, unprecedented for any actor before him by becoming the first to have four films in the top 100 club, each having grossed more than LE100 million. Project X Premiering back in May, the film has already achieved revenues of LE 130 million, making it his fourth film to gross more than 100 million Egyptian pounds. It was written and directed by Peter Mimi, who also co-wrote the script and dialogue with Ahmed Hosny. 'Project X' is an action-thriller about Egyptologist Youssef al-Gammal, who seeks to uncover the secrets behind ancient Egyptian civilization and the Great Pyramids. Filmed in several countries, the film has been hailed as one of the most highly produced films in the history of Egyptian cinema. The film stars Yasmine Sabry, Eyad Nassar, Ahmed Ghazy, Essam el-Sakka, and a group of other artists and some guest stars, including Hana al-Zahed, Maged el-Kedwany, and Karim Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz. The Blue Elephant II and Kira & El Gin 'The Blue Elephant II' (2019) also exceeded LE 100 million in revenue, and grossed approximately LE104 million. In this sequel to 'The Blue Elephant' (2014), the protagonist Dr. Yehia gets married and is later assigned a new case from the Eight-West Women's Ward. Soon, he realizes that someone is trying to manipulate his life as well as his family's. In an effort to solve the mysteries haunting him, Yehia turns to the 'Blue Elephant' pills. The film was written by Ahmed Murad and directed by Marwan Hamed, and starred Hend Sabry, Nelly Karim, Eyad Nassar, Sherine Reda, and a host of other stars. 'Kira & al-Gin' (2022) (AKA Kira Wel Gen) grossed approximately LE 120 million. Set during the 1919 Egyptian Revolution against British occupation, the film follows the intertwined fates of two men: Ahmed Abdel-Hay Kira, a doctor secretly involved in the resistance movement, and Abdel-Qader al-Gin, a charismatic and rebellious figure. Beit al-Ruby 'Beit al-Ruby' (2023) grossed approximately LE 131 million. It was written by Mohamed al-Dabbah and Reem el-Kamash and directed by Peter Mimi. The film follows engineer Ibrahim al-Ruby, who has left modern life with his family following an embarrassing social media incident to a peaceful, secluded village. When he's forced to return to the modern world, the family finds themselves faced with absurd new challenges.
Egypt Independent
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Karim Abdel-Aziz sets legendary new record in Egyptian cinema's box office
Actor Karim Abdel-Aziz has set a new record in Egyptian cinema, unprecedented for any actor before him by becoming the first to have four films in the top 100 club, each having grossed more than LE100 million. Project X Premiering back in May, the film has already achieved revenues of LE 130 million, making it his fourth film to gross more than 100 million Egyptian pounds. It was written and directed by Peter Mimi, who also co-wrote the script and dialogue with Ahmed Hosny. 'Project X' is an action-thriller about Egyptologist Youssef al-Gammal, who seeks to uncover the secrets behind ancient Egyptian civilization and the Great Pyramids. Filmed in several countries, the film has been hailed as one of the most highly produced films in the history of Egyptian cinema. The film stars Yasmine Sabry, Eyad Nassar, Ahmed Ghazy, Essam el-Sakka, and a group of other artists and some guest stars, including Hana al-Zahed, Maged el-Kedwany, and Karim Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz. The Blue Elephant II and Kira & El Gin 'The Blue Elephant II' (2019) also exceeded LE 100 million in revenue, and grossed approximately LE104 million. In this sequel to 'The Blue Elephant' (2014), the protagonist Dr. Yehia gets married and is later assigned a new case from the Eight-West Women's Ward. Soon, he realizes that someone is trying to manipulate his life as well as his family's. In an effort to solve the mysteries haunting him, Yehia turns to the 'Blue Elephant' pills. The film was written by Ahmed Murad and directed by Marwan Hamed, and starred Hend Sabry, Nelly Karim, Eyad Nassar, Sherine Reda, and a host of other stars. 'Kira & al-Gin' (2022) (AKA Kira Wel Gen) grossed approximately LE 120 million. Set during the 1919 Egyptian Revolution against British occupation, the film follows the intertwined fates of two men: Ahmed Abdel-Hay Kira, a doctor secretly involved in the resistance movement, and Abdel-Qader al-Gin, a charismatic and rebellious figure. Beit al-Ruby 'Beit al-Ruby' (2023) grossed approximately LE 131 million. It was written by Mohamed al-Dabbah and Reem el-Kamash and directed by Peter Mimi. The film follows engineer Ibrahim al-Ruby, who has left modern life with his family following an embarrassing social media incident to a peaceful, secluded village. When he's forced to return to the modern world, the family finds themselves faced with absurd new challenges.
Al-Ahram Weekly
18-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Securing Ramadan essentials - Economy - Al-Ahram Weekly
The government's Ramadan exhibitions ensure the availability of foodstuffs throughout the month at discount prices The government is ramping up efforts to secure strategic commodities and regulate market prices with the advent of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, in collaboration with the private sector and the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, has launched Ahlan Ramadan (Welcome Ramadan) exhibitions across the country to provide essential foodstuffs at reduced prices. The exhibitions are being held in public squares, retail chains, hypermarkets, shopping malls, and ration food outlets. Hisham Al-Degwi, head of the Foodstuffs Division at the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, said food security, particularly during Ramadan, 'is a collective responsibility shared by multiple entities, such as the Ministry of Supply, the private sector, the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, and various government bodies. The governorate of Giza will host five Ahlan Ramadan exhibitions, alongside one-day fairs.' Nouran, a woman in her 30s, visited an Ahlan Ramadan outlet with her son and daughter. With a carefully planned budget, Nouran prioritised purchasing staple items, including rice, pasta, milk, cheese, and cooking oil. Though she had not intended to buy Ramadan's yameesh (dried fruits and nuts), her son's request for meshmeshiya (dried apricots) tugged at her heart. To satisfy his desire without exceeding her budget, she opted for a small quarter-kilo box priced at LE100. For the third consecutive year, Nouran, a public sector employee, has excluded yameesh from her Ramadan shopping list. 'Prices have skyrocketed to an extent that makes it impossible to buy yameesh,' she said, noting that her budget no longer allows for such luxuries. Instead, she carefully selects a small quantity of whatever her children request, alongside essentials like dates and qamareddin (apricot juice) to break her fast. Despite the financial strain, Nouran acknowledges the discounts at Ahlan Ramadan exhibitions. 'A bag of sugar that costs LE35 elsewhere is available here for LE30. There's also a brand of semolina-based pasta sold at an LE8 discount compared to market prices,' she added. Throughout the past couple of years Egyptian family budgets have been strained by high inflation caused by the depreciation of the local currency and high global prices of commodities. Annual headline inflation peaked in September 2023 at 38 per cent but has since started easing down. Inflation figures out on Monday showed annual headline inflation decreased to 24.1 per cent in January 2025. At another supply outlet, Um Mohamed, in her 60s, said she had saved LE1,000 to buy her newly married daughter Ramadan supplies. Working as a cleaner, Um Mohamed added she saved up the amount to purchase rice, pasta, dried dates, dates, a frozen chicken, and tea. Um Mohamed said that prices remain high but was relieved at being able to buy her daughter's essential items. However, she laments the decline of the traditional Ramadan box which is available in supermarket chains and delivered by benefactors. 'It used to be full of goods. Now, it barely contains the basics: no dates, no qamareddin. Even a bag of rice has shrunk to 900 grams instead of a kilo, while a bottle of oil has been reduced to 650 millilitres instead of a full litre.' Goods available at Ahlan Ramadan are offered at discounts reaching 30 per cent, raising scepticism among some consumers about their quality. Mustafa, a father shopping alone for Ramadan provisions, deliberately left his children home, fearing they would request items he could not afford. Expecting the discounts to be superficial, Mustafa was surprised to find that the price reductions were genuine without compromising quality. 'If these discounts are possible now, why do we pay such high prices the rest of the year?' he asked. 'Traders at these exhibitions do not pay rent, and the goods come directly from food factories to the consumer, bypassing middlemen,' Al-Degwi explained to Al-Ahram Weekly. Moreover, 'pasta sold in regular stores is packed in cartons, each costing LE10, with the cost factored into the price of every bag. At the exhibitions, however, pasta is packaged in plastic bags, eliminating the cost of cartons and allowing for further discounts.' The exhibitions often frustrate conventional retailers as the same products are sold at prices lower than what wholesalers themselves pay. 'Consumers then assume that traders are making exorbitant profits throughout the year,' he added. In addition, 'the transport of goods is streamlined, reducing logistical costs, and the electricity powering the exhibition is provided free of charge. Additionally, Civil Defence ensures security, the Ministry of Electricity covers lighting expenses, and the Chambers of Commerce finance the setup of lamps in public squares. This collective effort allows merchants to offer goods without adding additional costs on consumers,' Al-Degwi stated. Sherif Farouk, the minister of supply, had earlier convened a meeting with representatives of major commercial chains to bolster cooperation between the public and private sectors and ensure that essential goods remain accessible at fair prices throughout Ramadan. Market monitoring will be intensified during the month to prevent speculative pricing or disruptions in supply, with the Supply Ministry set to ramp up inspection campaigns and implement well-structured distribution plans, Farouk said. Commercial chains are hosting Ahlan Ramadan exhibitions to increase the availability of essential goods while integrating products from companies affiliated with the Holding Company for Food Industries into mainstream retail outlets, he added. Representatives of commercial chains reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state's food security efforts, pledging to supply competitively priced, high-quality products in line with government directives. Furthermore, a joint operations room was set up between the ministry and retail chains to monitor the steady flow of goods and address logistical challenges that may arise in the coming weeks. This year, Ramadan is likely to start on 1 March, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. * A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
