For the love of Mary and hymn: Muslim singer perks up ears

Dalia Ihab Younis shrugs off critics who find it odd or somehow unacceptable that a Muslim woman in a hijab sings hymns venerating the Virgin Mary.

Egypt

Netanyahu’s diplomacy: success or failure?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents himself as a diplomatic magician, though he is accumulating failures on Syria, Iran and ties with Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia

Cairo to set design standards for mosques

Egypt's Ministry of Endowments plans to impose a single design style for new and even existing mosques being restored as part of the government's efforts to modernize Egyptian cities.

Egypt

Cairo keeps itself front and center in Syria negotiations

Egypt seems to be in demand as a negotiator between the Syrian regime and opposition forces, as the new UN envoy to Syria says he wants Cairo involved.

Egypt

Gazans reluctant to import from Egypt despite Hamas’ encouragement

Although Hamas reduced fees imposed on goods entering the Gaza Strip, it seems local traders are hesitant to import from Egypt, which imposes high fees on traded products.

Palestine

Suez Canal tunnels expected to bring new life to Sinai

Egypt is expected to complete the construction of four tunnels under the Suez Canal, which will boost economic growth in the marginalized Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt

Egypt eyes Asian tourists

Almost four years after the Russian plane crash over Egypt’s Sinai, the country’s recovering tourism sector is moving to expand the Asian markets.

Egypt

Egypt’s desire to eradicate slums leaves residents displaced

The Egyptian government has relocated dozens of families from the Manshiyet Nasr area after a rockslide, on the pretext that their houses are too damaged, while in reality the government is on a quest to develop Cairo’s slum areas.

Egypt

Egypt steps up efforts to combat foreign terrorists

Egyptian authorities, concerned about the infiltration of foreign extremists, have issued orders broadening and enhancing security measures at ports of entry.

Egypt

Egypt's Red Sea Mountain Trail creates jobs for local Bedouin community

The success of the Sinai Trail, a popular route for hikers, has spurred the development of another, more ambitious project along the Red Sea.

Egypt

Is Egyptian parliament encouraging alcohol consumption?

The Egyptian parliament's approval to lift the prohibition of the sale of alcohol in the law on shops has stirred a wide controversy in a country where Sharia is the source of legislation.

Egypt

Egypt campaign to reject Sisi's power grab gains traction

A campaign to reject constitutional amendments that would extend President Sisi's term has led to an unlikely alignment between Egypt's Islamists and secular activists.

Egypt