Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, at the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 16, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National.
Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, at the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 16, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National.
Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, at the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 16, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National.
Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, at the Arabian Travel Market held at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 16, 2021. Pawan Singh / The National.

Egypt targets one million tourists a month and $8bn in revenue, minister says


Deena Kamel
  • English
  • Arabic

Egypt is targeting tourism revenue of more than $8 billion as it aims to attract more than 8 million overseas visitors in 2021, driven by the anticipated return of Russian holidaymakers and a revival in summer travel as the industry begins to recover, the country's tourism minister said.

The North African country hosted 1.8 million visitors mainly from eastern Europe between January to mid-May, earning nearly $2bn in revenue, Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's minister of tourism and antiquities, told The National on Sunday. In April, 525,000 tourists visited the country, representing about 60 per cent of April 2019 figures.

"I'm hoping that in the beginning of summer, with the return of the Russian, Arab and hopefully European markets, that we will reach our normal numbers at the nearest possible time," he said in an interview during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. "We are hoping to reach 1m visitors per month and we're not that far off."

Tourism is a key pillar in Egypt's economy, accounting for about 12 per cent of gross domestic product on average, with approximately one in five workers employed in the industry. Home to the Giza pyramids, the country also boasts various other attractions that include the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum, new archaeological discoveries, and turquoise beaches. It recently made waves around the world with the Golden Parade of royal mummies.

Egypt has it all, all year round, for all types of tourists, and for all tastes

The country is undertaking measures to ensure the safe return of tourists as the global industry looks to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Egypt hosted 3.6m travellers in 2020, down from 13m in 2019 due to the pandemic, according to the ministry. Since re-opening its borders in July 2020 until now, it attracted 3m visitors.

Russian tourists, Egypt’s top source market, are expected to return “very soon” with bookings already in place for June, he said.

Arrangements are under way between Russian and Egyptian government entities, tour operators, airlines and other businesses that will revive tourism traffic following agreements by the countries’ presidents to resume travel.

“I’m hoping before the summer season so they can enjoy Sharm Al Sheikh and Hurghada and the beaches there,” Mr El-Enany said. “We hope to see the 3.5m visitors that used to come before.”

Egypt has $15bn worth of tourism projects open to investors positioned as city destinations like Galala in the Gulf of Suez, Alamein in the north coast and Mansoura on the Mediterranean sea, the minister said.

“These are major tourism projects and we’re welcoming investors from around the world to participate,” Mr El-Enany said.

Investment incentives include tax exemptions, facilitating partnerships, customs waivers, government-backed guarantees of the projects’ success, enhancing infrastructure to alleviate the costs for investors, he added.

Egypt is also working on establishing a network of roads and rapid trains to connect its coastal cities with inland destinations while strengthening its domestic air travel network.

“Our aim is that every tourist who comes to Egypt and goes to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, must also visit the Grand Egyptian Museum as well as Luxor and Aswan, so we will increase domestic flights and make domestic travel cheaper,” the minister said.

Since the outset of the pandemic, Egypt’s central bank rolled out a 50 billion Egyptian pound ($3.2bn) package to support the vital tourism industry during the global crisis.

While the amount has not been completely used up yet, there is “no ceiling” for further funding until the sector has completely recovered, Mr El-Enany said.

In general, countries will not return to pre-crisis tourist numbers before the middle or end of 2022, the minister said.

The incident in Giza prompted outrage online. AFP
The incident in Giza prompted outrage online. AFP

Egypt to issue long-term visas

In response to the pandemic, Egypt has eased its tourism visa rules and created new visa categories to attract more visitors.

It added 27 nationalities that can obtain a visa on arrival, on top of the 46 nationalities that were already approved prior to the pandemic, making it possible for a total of 73 nationalities to get a visa at the airport, he said. Tourist visas cost $25.

For the first time, visitors with valid Schengen, UK, or US visas on their passport can also obtain a visa on arrival. Electronic visas will also be expanded to make it easier for visitors to apply.

The tourism ministry and the foreign ministry will start issuing long-stay tourism visas for a period of up to 90 days soon, Mr El-Enany said.

The foreign ministry is negotiating with several countries, particularly in Europe, to establish travel corridors. Egypt hopes to facilitate this by vaccinating all tourism workers in its Red Sea destinations and it will roll out an international media campaign in the fall to target new markets in the Far East and Arab world, the minister said.

It is also looking at crafting a tourism marketing strategy and investing $90m in a three-year media campaign, he said.

“I’m very optimistic about tourism in Egypt post-pandemic,” Mr El-Enany said, positing relatively low infection rates, open spaces at beaches or mountains that allow for greater social distancing and the diversity of its product offering.

“Egypt has it all, all year round, for all types of tourists, and for all tastes,” he said. “Egypt will be at the top of the destinations when travel resumes."

Archaeologists discover ancient Egyptian artefacts and hieroglyphics in hidden tombs – in pictures

  • Some of the artefacts from 250 graves discovered on a mountain in Al Hamidiyah cemetery, east of Sohag, Egypt. EPA
    Some of the artefacts from 250 graves discovered on a mountain in Al Hamidiyah cemetery, east of Sohag, Egypt. EPA
  • The tombs date back about 4,200 years, from the late years of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Ptolemaic era. EPA
    The tombs date back about 4,200 years, from the late years of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Ptolemaic era. EPA
  • Tombs at the site included “some with a well or several burial wells and other cemeteries with a sloping corridor that ends with a burial room,” the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry said. EPA
    Tombs at the site included “some with a well or several burial wells and other cemeteries with a sloping corridor that ends with a burial room,” the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry said. EPA
  • Experts found hieroglyphic inscriptions and a chamber for sacrifices in one of the tombs, reports said. EPA
    Experts found hieroglyphic inscriptions and a chamber for sacrifices in one of the tombs, reports said. EPA
  • A view of the site where the tombs were discovered. EPA
    A view of the site where the tombs were discovered. EPA
  • Graves of multiple styles were discovered at several levels of the mountain. EPA
    Graves of multiple styles were discovered at several levels of the mountain. EPA
  • Some of the objects found were used in daily life and others for funerary rites. EPA
    Some of the objects found were used in daily life and others for funerary rites. EPA
  • Egypt has announced several major new archaeological discoveries in recent months. EPA
    Egypt has announced several major new archaeological discoveries in recent months. EPA
F1 drivers' standings

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281

2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247

3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222

4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177

5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138

6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93

7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86

8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?

Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
 

Look north

BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

2017%20RESULTS%3A%20FRENCH%20VOTERS%20IN%20UK
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RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: M'A Yaromoon, Jesus Rosales (jockey), Khalifa Al Neydai (trainer)

5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: No Riesgo Al Maury, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Mahmouda, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AS Jezan, George Buckell, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Dolman, Antonio Fresu, Bhupath Seemar

Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

RESULT

Wolves 1 (Traore 67')

Tottenham 2 (Moura 8', Vertonghen 90 1')

Man of the Match: Adama Traore (Wolves)

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Results

Stage 7:

1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29

2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious

4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep

5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM

General Classification:

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35

3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02

4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42

5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45

MATCH INFO

France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')

Italy 1
Bonucci (36')

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

SPECS

Nissan 370z Nismo

Engine: 3.7-litre V6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 363hp

Torque: 560Nm

Price: Dh184,500

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed

Power: 620bhp

Torque: 760Nm

Price: Dh898,000

On sale: now

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Honeymoonish
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