The Egyptian Senate discussed during its plenary session on Sunday a report on a government-proposed bill to amend certain provisions of Law #196 of 2008 concerning the tax on built properties. Abu-Hashima said that amending the property tax law is part of the first phase of the tax relief initiative, which includes legislative reforms. Abu-Hashima added that the amendments include simplifying filing tax returns, reforming and developing the tax appeal system, easing the burden on taxpayers in dispute over tax bases, increasing the tax exemption threshold for private residences, waiving taxes for taxpayers during crises, and simplifying tax relief procedures. Waiving tax debtsThe amendments also include waiving tax debts and late payment penalties in specific cases, recognizing the validity of electronic tax payment receipts, and setting a maximum limit for late payment penalties with a full waiver upon payment of the principal debt within a specified period, he added. The representative noted the amendment to the Real Estate Tax Law includes raising the exemption threshold to LE 100,000 instead of LE 50,000.

Safety and Public Space: Navigating Social DynamicsA primary focus of the ECWR’s 2025 report is the ongoing prevalence of violence against women. While male labour force participation is at 70.3%, female participation stands at 16.9%. International Benchmarks and Comparative RankingsThe ECWR report includes an analysis of Egypt’s standing in various international indices. In the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Egypt ranks 139th out of 148 countries. The Road AheadUltimately, the ECWR report serves as an analytical look at the work remaining to be done.

The Cairo International Airport announced Sunday that it has raised its alert level to the maximum following the closure of Greek airspace due to a technical malfunction in air traffic control and navigation systems. Several international flights were diverted from Greece to Cairo International Airport as a safe alternative route. In an official statement, the airport reported receiving several diverted flights, including those operated by Saudi, Jordanian, and Algerian airlines, bound for European destinations and rely on Greek airspace as a primary transit corridor. The Greek Civil Aviation Authority said some flights through Greek airspace and in the region were still operating, but restrictions were in place at airports for safety reasons. Dozens of flights were disrupted, and the head of the Greek air traffic controllers’ association told state broadcaster ERT: “For some reason, all frequencies suddenly went down.

Egyptian TV host Amr Adib announced the renewal of his contract with MBC Masr for the upcoming period, without revealing any details about the new contract. During his show “al-Hekaya” (the story) on Sunday evening, Adib thanked the General Manager of MBC Masr and North Africa channels Mohamed Abdel-Motaal, hailing his role in utilizing every resource to present content worthy of its viewers. Adib also thanked the program’s team, saying, “My role might seem like a one-man show, but I’m not a one-man show. There’s a large team working behind the scenes to ensure the program is presented in the best possible way.”He also celebrated being chosen as the best television presenter in the “Washwasha” poll, in addition to “al-Hekaya” winning the award for best program. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh al-Hefny, announced that the paper departure card system for departing passengers at Egyptian airports will soon be phased out. In a phone interview with Sada al-Balad TV on Thursday, Hefny said the decision is expected to be implemented by the end of January, aiming to simplify travel procedures and provide a smoother experience for passengers. The minister explained that this development is part of a comprehensive effort to improve services offered to travelers and tourists. The Cabinet discussed the latest developments in the pilot implementation of the integrated electronic visa system during its meeting on Thursday, he said. Hefny added, “The meeting also discussed the procedures regarding emergency visas,” emphasizing that the goal is to ensure “the speed and ease with which tourists can obtain them” to boost inbound tourism in the coming period.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a high-level meeting to follow up on government efforts to streamline entry procedures and enhance Egypt’s international image, with the aim of attracting 30 million tourists annually.Madbouly stressed that tourism remains a key pillar of the national economy. He noted that following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Egypt recorded a record 19 million tourist arrivals last in 2025year, describing the figure as a strong indicator of the sector’s growth potential. “We now have a real opportunity to achieve our target,” the prime minister said, pointing to ongoing expansions at airports and continued growth in hotel capacity nationwide. The meeting, attended by the ministers of tourism, communications, and civil aviation, reviewed progress on developing an integrated e-Visa system, reducing airport processing times, and simplifying emergency visa and visa-on-arrival procedures.Discussions also covered measures to improve service quality and ease congestion at ports of entry, as part of broader efforts to enhance Egypt’s global image as a tourism destination.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly declared Wednesday, January 7, an official paid holiday on the occasion of Christmas.The decision applies to employees of ministries, government departments, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies. Madbouly extended his heartfelt greetings to all Coptic Egyptians at home and abroad.

Algeria’s Condor Group has officially launched its brand in the Egyptian market, marking a new phase in its regional expansion strategy focused on investment, partnerships, and local manufacturing, rather than exports alone. Speaking at the event, Mohamed Saleh Daas, Vice Chairperson of Condor Group, said Egypt represents a strategic market for the company’s long-term growth plans. As part of its industrial plans, Condor intends to establish a manufacturing base in Egypt, targeting local production of televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Condor aims to begin local manufacturing in Egypt by 2027, leveraging logistical proximity between the two countries. Condor Group operates 32 companies across 12 industrial sectors, employing more than 17,000 people.

The Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA) held its 100th board meeting, during which members approved a series of regulatory, financial, and technical measures aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Egypt’s health insurance system. At the meeting, the board reviewed and approved the Authority’s first Anti-Abuse, Anti-Fraud, and Anti-Manipulation Policy, designed to safeguard financial resources and ensure efficient spending amid the growing scale of health service delivery and the multiplicity of stakeholders. A new cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt Office was also endorsed to support capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and service quality improvements within the health insurance system. To enhance technical capabilities, the board approved a cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Finance, utilising technical support under the financing agreement between the French Development Agency and Egypt. The centennial board meeting underscores UHIA’s commitment to building an integrated health system based on sound governance, financial sustainability, digital transformation, and institutional cooperation, all aimed at delivering fair and sustainable healthcare coverage for all citizens.

Silver prices in Egypt declined by 4.6% last week, tracking a sharp global downturn of nearly 9% per ounce, according to a report by Safe Haven Hub. Historically, China absorbed between 30% and 50% of global silver production from the mid-16th to early 19th centuries, underpinning its monetary, fiscal, and trade systems. Today, China remains the world’s second-largest silver producer, a major refiner and exporter, and has recently imposed export restrictions aimed at strengthening control over global silver supply chains. Limited primary deposits and heavy reliance on secondary production—mainly from copper, lead, zinc, and gold mining—now account for 72% of global supply. Solar energy alone consumes more than 200 million ounces annually, a figure expected to exceed 450 million ounces by 2030.

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi pledged Egypt’s full support for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during a meeting on Sunday with its Executive Secretary, Yasmine Fouad. Al-Sisi expressed confidence in Fouad’s expertise to address global environmental challenges and support international efforts toward sustainable development goals, according to a statement from the presidency. The meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, explored opportunities to strengthen relations between Egypt and the UNCCD secretariat. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation and developing support mechanisms for member states, particularly across Africa and the Arab region. The presidency spokesperson, Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the talks aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the convention in supporting member states’ efforts to meet sustainable development goals amidst increasing environmental pressures.

Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hanno, inaugurated the “Noon El-Sahar 2” public library in Cairo on Sunday, ordering the facility to be immediately equipped with Braille publications to mark World Braille Day. The “Noon El-Sahar 2” public library in Zahraa El-Maadi was developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Cairo Governorate, the Maxim Charity for Development and Services, and the National Roads Company. It features a general library hall and four specialised areas: the Noon El-Sahar Cultural Salon, a training hall, an activity hall, and a computer laboratory for training programmes. Governor Ibrahim Saber said the high demand for the first Noon El-Sahar branch at the Shinzo Abe axis in Nasr City prompted the expansion into Zahraa El-Maadi. The library operates under the technical supervision of the Misr Public Library, headed by Ambassador Abdel Raouf El-Reedy.

Al Ahly Pharos, the investment banking arm of the National Bank of Egypt, successfully acted as financial advisor, transaction lead arranger, underwriter, and book-runner for Capital Securitization Company’s fourth securitization issuance of the 12th program, valued at EGP 3.52bn. The issuance is secured by a portfolio worth EGP 4.27bn assigned by Tasaheel for Financing S.A.E. The National Bank of Egypt also acted as placement agent, while Suez Canal Bank served as custodian. The securitization issuance comprises two tranches rated by MERIS as P1 and A-. The first tranche is valued at EGP 1.845bn with a 12-month tenor, while the second tranche totals EGP 1.675bn with a 24-month tenor.

Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of the Public Enterprises Sector, said that maximising the utilisation of industrial assets is a central pillar of the ministry’s strategy, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products in both local and international markets and supporting the requirements of sustainable economic development. El-Shimy made the remarks during a meeting with Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahleya, at the start of his visit to inspect Delta Fertilizers Company in Talkha. The company is one of the subsidiaries of the Holding Company for Chemical Industries, which is affiliated with the Ministry of the Public Enterprises Sector. El-Shimy said Delta Fertilizers Company is considered one of the key industrial entities within the public enterprises system and receives special attention under a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and modernise its operations. For his part, Dakahleya Governor Tarek Marzouk commended the Ministry of the Public Enterprises Sector’s efforts to develop state-owned companies and revitalise production.

Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), said the Authority remains committed to sustained consultation and continuous dialogue in connection with the second package of tax facilitation measures. Her remarks came during her participation in the conference on the second package of tax facilitations, organised by the Egyptian Tax Association and attended by a broad range of stakeholders. Abdel Aal explained that the second package includes a dedicated provision addressing company liquidation, describing the issue as a long-standing challenge. Abdel Aal commended the organisation of the conference, highlighting its role in strengthening societal dialogue, discussing tax policies, and supporting the development of the tax system. She stressed that the success achieved through the first package of tax facilitations places a significant responsibility on the Authority to sustain momentum through the second package and future reform phases.