Egypt

Egypt’s Suez Canal teams ‘partially refloat’ stuck cargo ship

About 12 per cent of global trade volume passes through the waterway every year

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A massive cargo vessel that ran aground in the Suez Canal blocking maritime traffic has been partially refloated and ships are again traversing the key trade route, port agent GAC and witnesses reported on Wednesday.

The 220,000-tonne Ever Given cargo ship was hit by sandstorms and 40-knot (74 kph) winds on Tuesday blowing it off course and leaving it stuck across the canal, blocking the trade route.

Taiwan-based Evergreen Line, the time charterer of the vessel, said wind had blown the vessel off course while GAC previously reported that the vessel suffered a power failure.

Excavators tried to dig out at both ends of the ship while a flotilla of tugboats assembled in the area to pull the ship back into the navigation channel.

  • The stranded container ship Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, after it ran aground in Suez Canal, Egypt. Reuters
    The stranded container ship Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, after it ran aground in Suez Canal, Egypt. Reuters
  • The stranded container ship Ever Given after it ran aground in Suez Canal. Reuters
    The stranded container ship Ever Given after it ran aground in Suez Canal. Reuters
  • A tugboat by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given container ship. AFP
    A tugboat by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given container ship. AFP
  • Tugboats by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given. AFP
    Tugboats by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given. AFP
  • Tugboats by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given. AFP
    Tugboats by the Panama-flagged MV Ever Given. AFP
  • The Ever Given container ship which ran aground in the Suez Canal, Egypt. EPA
    The Ever Given container ship which ran aground in the Suez Canal, Egypt. EPA
  • Ever Given container ship is pictured in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
    Ever Given container ship is pictured in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
  • A view of the earth moving equipment excavating sand near the bow of the Ever Given container ship in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
    A view of the earth moving equipment excavating sand near the bow of the Ever Given container ship in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
  • A view of the dredging operations which continue near the Ever Given container ship in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
    A view of the dredging operations which continue near the Ever Given container ship in Suez Canal in this Maxar Technologies satellite image. Reuters
  • Egyptian officials oversee the operation to free Taiwan-owned cargo MV Ever Given after it become stuck in the Suez Canal. AFP
    Egyptian officials oversee the operation to free Taiwan-owned cargo MV Ever Given after it become stuck in the Suez Canal. AFP
  • Egyptian officials oversee the operation to free Taiwan-owned cargo MV Ever Given after it become stuck in the Suez Canal. AFP
    Egyptian officials oversee the operation to free Taiwan-owned cargo MV Ever Given after it become stuck in the Suez Canal. AFP
  • Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
    Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
  • Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
    Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
  • Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
    Egyptian tug boats try to free the ship. AFP
  • The ship is shown lodged sideways. AFP
    The ship is shown lodged sideways. AFP
  • All movement in the canal comes to a standstill. AFP
    All movement in the canal comes to a standstill. AFP
  • A satellite image of the Ever Given. AP
    A satellite image of the Ever Given. AP
  • A satellite image of the Ever Given. AP
    A satellite image of the Ever Given. AP
  • Stranded container ship Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, is seen after it ran aground, in Suez Canal, Egypt in this still image taken from a video. Reuters
    Stranded container ship Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, is seen after it ran aground, in Suez Canal, Egypt in this still image taken from a video. Reuters
  • Egypt's Suez Canal authorities are redirecting shipping traffic on Wednesday after a 200,000-tonne container ship 'MV Ever Given' ran aground and blocked the canal's main channel. Reuters
    Egypt's Suez Canal authorities are redirecting shipping traffic on Wednesday after a 200,000-tonne container ship 'MV Ever Given' ran aground and blocked the canal's main channel. Reuters
  • Recovery teams are surveying the 'MV Ever Given', which ran aground in the Suez Canal on Tuesday as it headed for the Mediterranean after leaving the Red Sea. Its destination is Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Reuters
    Recovery teams are surveying the 'MV Ever Given', which ran aground in the Suez Canal on Tuesday as it headed for the Mediterranean after leaving the Red Sea. Its destination is Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Reuters
  • Lt Gen Osama Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority, second right, assesses the 'MV Ever Given' from the bridge of a cutter. AP Photo
    Lt Gen Osama Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority, second right, assesses the 'MV Ever Given' from the bridge of a cutter. AP Photo
  • This satellite image from Planet Labs shows the cargo ship 'MV Ever Given', stuck in the Suez Canal. AP Photo
    This satellite image from Planet Labs shows the cargo ship 'MV Ever Given', stuck in the Suez Canal. AP Photo
  • This satellite image from Planet Labs shows the cargo ship 'MV Ever Given', grounded in the Suez Canal since Tuesday. AP
    This satellite image from Planet Labs shows the cargo ship 'MV Ever Given', grounded in the Suez Canal since Tuesday. AP

The largest tug deployed to the site was the Baraka 1 that has four 3,990 horsepower engines and can tow 160 tonnes.

The Ever Given was heading from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean en route to Rotterdam when it ran aground at about 7.40am on Tuesday.

Shipping source told Reuters that the first ship from the northern convoy of the Suez Canal had departed after the Ever Given was cleared on Wednesday.

The company that owns the vessel reported no injuries, no pollution leakages or major damage.

Track the 'Ever Given' live:

"There have been no reports of injuries, pollution or cargo damage and initial investigations rule out any mechanical or engine failure as a cause of the grounding," Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, which is the technical manager of the Ever Given.

Canal authorities said they would "spare no effort to guarantee the flow of shipping in the channel" as they redirected ships.

“There is no need to worry about the flow of shipping,” Gen Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, told local news outlets.

He said that shipping was still able to navigate the Suez Canal despite the container running aground just north of Suez.

“I am now at the location of the vessel to follow up on efforts to refloat it. The movement of vessels will continue today in the canal’s main channel,” he said.

Gen Rabie’s assertion that the incident did not block traffic in the canal contradicts numerous reports, including some from eyewitnesses, that it did. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy.

Bloomberg reported that more than 100 ships seeking to use the canal were stuck at anchorages waiting for the ship to clear.

Canal officials initially told local media it may take up to two days to free the ship.

The Ever Given is 400 metres long, 59m wide, and can carry up to 20,000 20-foot equivalent shipping containers.

Instagram user Julianne Cona posted a photo of the grounded ship from the Maersk Denver, stuck behind the Ever Given.

"Ship in front of us ran aground while going through the canal and is now stuck sideways," she wrote. "Looks like we might be here for a little bit."

Oil tanker traffic also appears affected.

According to Tanker Trackers, a service that tracks the maritime movement of oil and goods, oil cargoes from Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the US are backed up in the canal.

The canal carries an estimated 8 per cent of global LPG cargoes, liquefied petroleum gas used in cooking, some converted vehicles and refrigeration.

The Suez Canal, dug more than 150 years ago, is one of the world's most important trade routes.

Nearly 19,000 ships, or an average of 51.5 ships per day, with a net tonnage of 1.17 billion passed through the canal during 2020, to according to the Suez Canal Authority.

About 12 per cent of the world trade volume passes through the man-made canal, which is a major source of hard currency for Egypt.

_____________

Gallery: The Suez Canal through the years

  • The Liberia-flagged container ship RDO Concord sailing through Egypt's Suez Canal near Ismailia on the 150th anniversary of the canal's inauguration. AFP
    The Liberia-flagged container ship RDO Concord sailing through Egypt's Suez Canal near Ismailia on the 150th anniversary of the canal's inauguration. AFP
  • A container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal in the Egyptian port city of Ismailia, 135km northeast of the caital Cairo on October 10, 2019. AFP
    A container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal in the Egyptian port city of Ismailia, 135km northeast of the caital Cairo on October 10, 2019. AFP
  • Malaysia-flagged oil tanker Bunga Kasturi sailing through Egypt's Suez Canal. AFP
    Malaysia-flagged oil tanker Bunga Kasturi sailing through Egypt's Suez Canal. AFP
  • Admiral Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, speaks during an official ceremony commemorating the canal's 150th anniversary on November 17. AFP
    Admiral Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, speaks during an official ceremony commemorating the canal's 150th anniversary on November 17. AFP
  • Portugal-flagged container ship MSC Giulia sailing through Egypt's Suez Canalnear Ismailia on the 150th anniversary of the canal's inauguration. AFP
    Portugal-flagged container ship MSC Giulia sailing through Egypt's Suez Canalnear Ismailia on the 150th anniversary of the canal's inauguration. AFP
  • A container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal in the Egyptian port city of Ismailia. AFP
    A container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal in the Egyptian port city of Ismailia. AFP
  • A man standing on a boat looks on as a container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal. AFP
    A man standing on a boat looks on as a container ship sails through the new section of the Suez Canal. AFP
  • In this file photo taken in 1860s shows the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
    In this file photo taken in 1860s shows the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
  • This file photo taken in November 1869 shows a painting by an unidentified artist shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt on November 17, 1869. AFP
    This file photo taken in November 1869 shows a painting by an unidentified artist shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt on November 17, 1869. AFP
  • This file photo taken in November 1869 shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
    This file photo taken in November 1869 shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
  • This file photo taken in November 1869 shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
    This file photo taken in November 1869 shows the inauguration of the Suez Canal in Egypt. AFP
  • In this file photo taken on November 10, 1973, Egyptians unload an amphibious vehicle carrying supplies for the Egyptian third army encircled in the Sinai on the Suez Canal, during the Yom Kippur War. AFP
    In this file photo taken on November 10, 1973, Egyptians unload an amphibious vehicle carrying supplies for the Egyptian third army encircled in the Sinai on the Suez Canal, during the Yom Kippur War. AFP
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Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.

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Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.

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  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

UAE v IRELAND

All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi

1st ODI, Friday, January 8

2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10

3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12

4th ODI, Thursday, January 14

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Day 1 results:

Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)

Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
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Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

Employees: 150

Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
Editor Ze’ev Rosenkranz
​​​​​​​Princeton

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

 

 

Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press

If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

UAE squad

Rohan Mustafa (captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Naveed, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Egypt