PM attends New Year celebrations in New Capital
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Wednesday December 31,2025 attended New Year celebrations held by the Administrative Capital for Urban Development company in the New Capital, during which he greeted Egyptians and conveyed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s greetings and best wishes for the new year. He praised the New Capital as a smart, fully integrated city built to the highest standards for future generations, thanking all who contributed to turning the dream into reality. Madbouly also expressed confidence in positive economic indicators for Egypt, saying the coming years would bring growth and development. He also extended appreciation to the Armed Forces and police for maintaining security and stability.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 01, 2026 11:12 UTC
Cairo sees mild day followed by cold night on Thursday as temperatures hit 12°C
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has released the weather forecast for Cairo and other provinces on Thursday, predicting extremely cold conditions in the early morning and at night across most areas, with mild warmth during the day. In Cairo, the weather is expected to reach a high of 20C and a low of 12C. Weather maps warn of occasionally dense morning fog on roads leading to and from Northern Egypt, Greater Cairo, Upper Egypt, and Central Sinai. There is a slight possibility of light rain in Greater Cairo and Northern Upper Egypt. Wind activity is expected across the North Coast, Lower Egypt, Greater Cairo, and South Sinai, particularly in open areas.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 01, 2026 09:59 UTC
Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who campaigned on a promise to tackle the affordability crisis in one of America’s most expensive cities, was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor early Thursday. Mamdani, a 34-year-old immigrant from Uganda, makes history as the city’s first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor and the youngest mayor to hold the high-profile office in more than a century. Mamdani was sworn in on the platform of the old City Hall subway station underneath City Hall Park in Manhattan – an architectural marvel where tiled, arched ceilings, colored glass skylights and brass chandeliers have laid dormant since the station was shuttered in 1945. The typically dormant City Hall subway station, seen here in 2004, played host to Zohran Mamdani’s private swearing-in. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks after taking the oath of office inside the the Old City Hall subway station, New York, on January 1.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 01, 2026 09:59 UTC
Sisi greets Egyptians, the world on New Year
CAIRO, Dec 31 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended his heartfelt greetings to the Egyptian people and to peoples around the world on the occasion of the New Year 2026. In a post on his official social media accounts, Sisi expressed hope that the new year would bring goodness and prosperity, and that peace and stability would prevail across the world. He voiced his wish for wars and crises to come to an end and for values of cooperation, integration, and peaceful coexistence to grow in pursuit of a better future for all humanity. The President concluded his message by wishing everyone well and affirming his hope that Egypt will always remain safe and prosperous.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 01, 2026 09:59 UTC
Netanyahu and Trump consider new attacks on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of launching a new offensive against Iran in 2026 during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, according to a report by Axios. Both Trump and Netanyahu viewed the 12-day conflict with Iran in June as a major success. Following the meeting, Trump stated that if Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear program, the US would ‘destroy it’ once again, while simultaneously adding that he would prefer to reach a nuclear deal with Tehran. Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials have warned recently that Iran is seeking to rebuild its missile program. During the meeting, Netanyahu discussed with Trump the status of Iran’s nuclear program six months after the conflict and raised Israel’s concerns regarding the Iranian missile program, according to sources.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 01, 2026 08:37 UTC
How AI shook the world in 2025 and what comes next
Hundreds of billions of dollars spent, a surge in mental health concerns and thousands of jobs lost. Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesThis year, Trump introduced an AI action plan aimed at stripping back regulation and boosting AI use in the government. Several AI applications seen on a smartphone screen, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, Grok and DeepSeek. Mental health experts and safety advocates say they hope to see greater guardrails from tech companies, especially when it comes to young AI users. Microsoft, Amazon and Meta, among other tech companies, made significant cuts to their staff, driven at least in part by AI.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 31, 2025 13:24 UTC
Churches across Egypt celebrate New Year with hymns, prayers, and Christmas trees
Churches all throughout Egypt, representing various denominations (Orthodox, Evangelical, Catholic, and Anglican), are preparing to welcome the New Year this evening with prayers, spiritual vigils, and festive rituals. These celebrations will include hymns and Christmas carols, reflecting the spirituality of the occasion and joy at the end of one year and the beginning of another. Festive joyThe churches are adorned inside with Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures, angels, and flowers in vibrant shades of green, red, and white—the colors characteristic of New Year’s celebrations. The evening prayer includes Kiahk hymns and praises to the Virgin Mary, according to the established church ritual. The dioceses of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the governorates and other denominations will at the same time see similar celebrations in the presence of the Metropolitans and Bishops, amidst hymns and church chants, in addition to artistic and service performances.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 31, 2025 13:14 UTC
Ramadan Sobhi sentenced to one year in prison for exam fraud
The Giza Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced Ramadan Sobhi, a player for Pyramids FC, to one year in prison with hard labor over the case of exam fraud in which he and three others were accused. The court also convicted the individual who took the exams for the other defendant and sentenced him to the same punishment. The court acquitted a security guard involved in the case, and sentenced the fourth defendant, who remains at large and is known as “Tarek al-Masry,” to 10 years in prison. Al-Masry Al-Youm observed Sobhi being transported under heavy security escort to his prison at kilometer 10.5 on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road after the verdict was issued. Sobhi explained that his interest in these documents was for travel and social appearance purposes, denying any knowledge of the exam details or any impersonation.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 31, 2025 12:48 UTC
Egypt comments on Saudi-UAE dispute in Yemen
Egypt announced that it is closely monitoring recent developments in Yemen and is conducting intensive, round-the-clock contacts at the highest levels with all relevant parties. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Egypt affirmed its complete confidence in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to deal wisely with the current developments in Yemen. Egypt called for upholding Arab unity during this critical period for Yemen and the region. Egypt affirmed that it will spare no effort in continuing its ongoing contacts with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as with the Yemeni side and other relevant regional and international parties, to work towards de-escalation. It emphasized its commitment to working towards a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen that fulfills its legitimate aspirations towards a secure and prosperous future and support stability in the region.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 31, 2025 12:34 UTC
As Russia approaches a grim milestone, Putin projects confidence
But as the year comes to an end, Putin is projecting confidence that time is on his side and that winning is inevitable. That spectacle was followed by a very public dressing-down of Zelensky by Trump and Vance in the Oval Office. The relationship between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump was turbulent in early 2025, but appeared to heal as the year progressed. The US president, who often has words of praise for Putin, expressed frustration with his Russian counterpart. Asked later about the video during his year-end press conference, Putin was dismissive, mocking the Ukrainian president as “a talented artist” engaged in theatrics.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 31, 2025 09:26 UTC
Egypt's GlobalCorp issues eighth securitization bond
GlobalCorp Financial Services has successfully completed its eighth securitization bond issuance, valued at EGP 2.5bn, following approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). A notable feature of the issuance was the participation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking its first-ever investment in an Egyptian securitization bond. The issuance was led by Commercial International Bank (CIB) and Al Ahly Pharos as financial advisors, arrangers, promoters, and issuance managers. Subscription saw participation from several major financial institutions, including the National Bank of Egypt, Commercial International Bank, Arab African International Bank, Suez Canal Bank, Al Baraka Bank, Attijariwafa Bank, in addition to the International Finance Corporation. Founded in 2015, GlobalCorp Financial Services Group provides integrated financial solutions across leasing, factoring, securitization, consumer finance, and mortgage finance.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 31, 2025 06:27 UTC
Valero Developments partners with KAD to strengthen project management, operational performance
Valero Developments has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with KAD Commercial Property Management to enhance the operational performance of its projects and support their long-term investment value. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Fahmy, Chairman of Valero Developments, and Maha El-Fangary, General Manager of KAD Commercial Property Management, in the presence of senior executives from both companies. He added that partnering with KAD supports Valero’s integrated approach by bringing specialized expertise in facilities and property management. The partnership, he said, will enable Valero Developments to integrate specialized operational and facilities management services that help maintain project quality over time and enhance sustainability. For her part, El-Fangary said the cooperation brings together Valero Developments’ real estate expertise and KAD’s professional project and property management capabilities, with the shared goal of improving operational efficiency and maximizing project value.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 30, 2025 19:58 UTC
GlobalCorp issues eighth securitization bond worth EGP 2.5bn
GlobalCorp Financial Services has successfully completed its eighth securitization bond issuance, valued at EGP 2.5bn, following approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). A notable feature of the issuance was the participation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking its first-ever investment in an Egyptian securitization bond. IFC’s involvement reflects growing international confidence in GlobalCorp’s financial strength and asset quality, while contributing to the development and diversification of Egypt’s securitization market. The issuance was led by Commercial International Bank (CIB) and Al Ahly Pharos as financial advisors, arrangers, promoters, and issuance managers. Founded in 2015, GlobalCorp Financial Services Group provides integrated financial solutions across leasing, factoring, securitization, consumer finance, and mortgage finance.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 30, 2025 19:58 UTC
MSMEDA expands marketing support for SMEs: Rahmy
Basil Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing strong marketing support to small and medium-sized enterprise owners by facilitating their participation in various exhibitions, particularly international fairs, to help develop their products and expand access to regional and global markets. Rahmy explained that MSMEDA aims to enhance the productive capacities of SMEs and prepare them for export, with a special focus on promising African markets. These remarks were made on the sidelines of MSMEDA’s participation in the 33rd edition of the FIDAK International Fair in Senegal, organized in coordination with the Egyptian Exhibitions and Conferences Authority. The agency is represented by a number of project owners showcasing a diverse selection of productive and handicraft goods that are in demand in the Senegalese market, including leather products, carpets, ready-made garments, and heritage items. Rahmy emphasized that exhibition participation also helps project owners gain deeper insights into market needs, allowing them to develop existing products or introduce new offerings that better meet customer demand.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 30, 2025 19:57 UTC
Egypt, Sudan move to deepen industrial, trade cooperation
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, met with Sudan’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mahasin Ali Yaqoub, and her accompanying delegation to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand industrial and trade cooperation between the two countries. At the outset of the meeting, Al-Wazir underscored the historic and geographic ties linking Egypt and Sudan, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to supporting its Arab neighbors. He stressed that Cairo places high priority on deepening cooperation with Sudan—particularly in the industrial and trade sectors—to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity. Discussions focused on enhancing industrial integration and facilitating trade exchange. The Egyptian Ministry of Industry presented its vision for closer industrial cooperation with Sudan, emphasizing the optimal use of Sudan’s abundant raw materials and skilled labor to establish joint industrial projects that increase value addition and benefit both economies.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 30, 2025 19:57 UTC