• Egyptian teacher Ali Al Saeed, 51, has turned his 1985 Fiat-127 into an electric car. All photos: Reuters
    Egyptian teacher Ali Al Saeed, 51, has turned his 1985 Fiat-127 into an electric car. All photos: Reuters
  • Amid rising fuel prices, Mr Al Saeed has changed to a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
    Amid rising fuel prices, Mr Al Saeed has changed to a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
  • Mr Al Saeed sits as his car charges in Cairo. He said there was a marked difference in cost between electric and petrol-powered cars.
    Mr Al Saeed sits as his car charges in Cairo. He said there was a marked difference in cost between electric and petrol-powered cars.
  • He says a tank of petrol gives him 'three or four days, whereas the electric charge lasts for up to a week.
    He says a tank of petrol gives him 'three or four days, whereas the electric charge lasts for up to a week.
  • He says it cost him 60,000 Egyptian pounds ($3,000) to convert the car. He can do 100 kilometres at 70kph. The car takes two hours to charge.
    He says it cost him 60,000 Egyptian pounds ($3,000) to convert the car. He can do 100 kilometres at 70kph. The car takes two hours to charge.
  • "With increasing prices, the price of fuel needed for just two days has doubled," Mr Al Saeed said. "It was problematic for me because I use it a lot, I love to travel. It was hectic. Therefore, I started thinking of an alternative, to make an electric car that would benefit me and allow me to travel for longer commutes in the future, for 200 or 300 kilometres."
    "With increasing prices, the price of fuel needed for just two days has doubled," Mr Al Saeed said. "It was problematic for me because I use it a lot, I love to travel. It was hectic. Therefore, I started thinking of an alternative, to make an electric car that would benefit me and allow me to travel for longer commutes in the future, for 200 or 300 kilometres."
  • Over the past few years, Egypt has phased out subsidies on most fuel products as part of an IMF-backed economic reform programme. In July, Egypt further raised domestic fuel prices by 0.50 Egyptian pounds for 80-octane and 92-octane petrol, adding more pressure after inflation.
    Over the past few years, Egypt has phased out subsidies on most fuel products as part of an IMF-backed economic reform programme. In July, Egypt further raised domestic fuel prices by 0.50 Egyptian pounds for 80-octane and 92-octane petrol, adding more pressure after inflation.

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Egypt

Egyptian teacher turns his 1985 Fiat into an electric car - in pictures

Ali Al Saeed has made his mode of transport more environmentally friendly

The National

October 18, 2022

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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Updated: October 18, 2022, 12:24 PM
EgyptPhotography