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Egypt to end early shop closures, incentivize solar energy transition
via Egypt Today1 min read
During a Crisis Management Committee meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly ordered the rapid launch of an incentive initiative for factories and households to transition to solar energy. The committee also approved ending the mandatory 11 p.m. closure for shops, malls, and restaurants, allowing them to return to previous standard operating hours, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsani. Officials at the meeting reviewed global economic projections, which indicate a slowdown in growth. The International Monetary Fund forecasts global growth to decrease to 3.1% in 2026 from 3.4% in 2025. A more significant decline to 1.1% is expected for the Middle East and North Africa region due to increasing commodity prices and investor risk aversion. The Ministry of Planning also noted that global trade growth is projected to fall from 5.1% in 2025 to 2.8% in 2026 amid fluctuating inflation trends.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Must ReadEgypt strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Mali, which led to the death of the Malian Minister of Defense and other casualties. In an official statement, Egypt expressed full solidarity with the people and government of Mali, reaffirming its rejection of acts that undermine the country's security and stability. Egypt reiterated its firm stance against all forms of terrorism and extremism, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted regional and international efforts to combat the phenomenon. The statement stressed the importance of cutting off funding sources and confronting extremist ideologies, particularly within the Sahel region and across the African continent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised Egyptian citizens in Mali to adhere to local authorities' instructions and exercise extreme caution for their safety.
Ten-man Al-Ahli secured their second consecutive Asian Champions League Elite title, defeating Japan's Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time. The decisive goal came from substitute Feras Al-Brikan, who scored from close range after a cross from Riyad Mahrez. Al-Ahli played with ten men after Zakaria Hawsawi received a red card in the 68th minute for headbutting Tete Yengi. Despite being outnumbered, Matthias Jaissle's team held strong, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy making crucial saves. The victory makes Al-Ahli only the second team to retain the trophy in the Asian Champions League era, following Al-Ittihad in 2005. The final match was held in Jeddah, Al-Ahli's home base, which hosted the centralized eight-team finals tournament for the second season in a row.
Arsenal secured a 1-0 home victory against Newcastle United, with Eberechi Eze scoring the decisive goal, to return to the top of the Premier League. The win came after successive league defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City, which had seen Arsenal drop from the summit for the first time since October. Despite the unconvincing performance, Mikel Arteta's side earned three vital points. Eze's ninth-minute strike, a curled right-footed shot, was Arsenal's 17th goal from a corner this season, setting a Premier League record. Newcastle, experiencing their fourth consecutive league defeat, remain in 14th place. Arsenal now has 73 points from 34 games, while Manchester City has 70 points from 33 games. Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted efforts in preparing Egypt's second National Strategy for Human Rights for 2026-2031, following directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Abdelatty chaired the seventh ministerial meeting of the Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights, which included ministers and representatives from national entities. The strategy's development involved extensive consultations with national entities, experts, youth, parliamentarians, civil society, and national councils. Participants expressed a belief that this strategy will significantly contribute to the national approach to human rights. Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy emphasized the right to development as a crucial pillar. The meeting featured discussions on national efforts to strengthen human rights across political, economic, social, and cultural fields, as well as legislative measures for human rights promotion and protection in Egypt.