Atheists in Egypt

What's inside: President El-Sisi calls Iran's president in a push for de-escalation, El-Sisi reassures Egypt's economy is safe, including atheists in Egypt, and much more inside.

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March 08 – 14 | 2026
Image: Muhammed Fatih Beki / Pexels

Hey friends,

With Ramadan in its final week, this edition of the roundup builds on the last by exploring the latest local impacts of the regional war on Egypt.

Egypt is on vacation mode starting Thursday: The government has announced an extended Eid Al-Fitr holiday from 19 to 23 March. To everyone celebrating, we wish you a joyful Eid with your families and loved ones.

Now, let’s dive into the news.

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IRAN | DE-ESCALATION
EGYPT PUSHES FOR DE-ESCALATION AS SISI CALLS IRANIAN PRESIDENT

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held an important phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as Egypt intensified diplomatic efforts to contain the rapidly escalating conflict across the Middle East. 

What happened: During the call, El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s “absolute rejection” of Iranian attacks targeting Gulf countries, Jordan, and Iraq, urging an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomacy. He warned that continued escalation could severely threaten regional stability and the wellbeing of millions across the Middle East. 

Egypt’s message: Cairo emphasized that several Arab states targeted by Iran were not involved in the war against Tehran and had instead supported diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. El-Sisi called on all sides to respect sovereignty, international law, and the principles of good neighborliness while working toward a negotiated solution. 

Iran’s response: President Pezeshkian reportedly expressed appreciation for Egypt’s diplomatic outreach and acknowledged Cairo’s role in pushing for de-escalation, reiterating Iran’s participation in previous negotiations related to its nuclear program. 

As fighting between Iran, Israel, and their allies continues to ripple across the region, Egypt is positioning itself as a key mediator seeking to prevent a broader Middle East war and further global economic damage. Cairo’s diplomatic engagement reflects both its regional influence and its interest in preventing further instability that could impact security, energy routes, and global shipping lanes. 

🌍️ MORE FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

🌍 ARAB NATIONS: Egypt has proposed forming a joint Arab defense force to strengthen collective security as regional tensions rise following attacks across the Middle East – Know more

🇱🇧 LEBANON: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s condemnation of Israeli military escalation in Lebanon during a call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam – Know more

🇪🇺 EU: Abdelatty urged the European Union to expedite the second EUR 4 billion tranche of its financial support package, warning that rising food and energy prices, higher shipping costs, and ongoing regional instability are placing growing pressure on the Egyptian economy – Know more

ECONOMY | WAR
SISI SAYS EGYPT’S ECONOMY REMAINS IN A “SAFE ZONE” DESPITE REGIONAL ESCALATION

President El-Sisi said Egypt’s economy remains in a “safe zone” despite the growing regional conflict, emphasizing that the country has built enough resilience to withstand external shocks. 

Speaking during the Armed Forces’ 43rd Cultural Symposium marking Martyrs’ Day, El-Sisi acknowledged that the escalating war in the Middle East presents serious economic risks but stressed that Egypt’s economy remains stable so far. He expressed hope that the ongoing conflict would not significantly disrupt the country’s economic trajectory. 

The broader context: The president noted that Egypt has faced a series of global and regional shocks in recent years — from the COVID-19 pandemic to wars in Ukraine and Gaza — yet has managed to maintain economic stability through reforms and international cooperation. 

Why Sisi’s statement matters: With the regional war already disrupting shipping routes, aviation, and energy markets, concerns are growing about its potential impact on tourism, Suez Canal revenues, and foreign investment — all key sources of foreign currency for Egypt. Cairo’s message is clear: despite mounting external pressures, the government wants to reassure businesses and investors that the economy remains stable for now. 

🏦 MORE BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

💷 EGP: The Egyptian pound slipped to around EGP 52 per US dollar as regional tensions put pressure on markets and investor sentiment – Know more

FUEL: Egypt raised domestic fuel prices by about EGP 3 per liter, part of ongoing subsidy reforms as global energy markets react to the expanding Middle East conflict – Know more

🚢 SUEZ CANAL: President El-Sisi said Egypt has lost around USD 10 billion in Suez Canal revenues due to recent regional conflicts disrupting Red Sea shipping routes – Know more

🏗️ REAL ESTATE: Analysts warn the ongoing regional war could push housing prices up by as much as 20 percent, driven by rising construction costs and currency volatility – Know more

📊 INFLATION: Egypt’s annual headline inflation rose to 11.5 percent in February, while monthly inflation increased by 1.4 percent, driven largely the market’s current volatility in reaction to regional conflicts – Know more

✈️ FLIGHTS: EgyptAir denied reports that ticket prices from Gulf countries to Cairo had surged, stating fares remain stable despite travel disruptions caused by the regional conflict – Know more

🎫 GOLDEN LICENSES: Egypt granted golden licenses to eight major investment projects worth roughly USD 1.2 billion, allowing companies to fast-track approvals and begin operations more quickly – Know more

RELIGION | ATHEISM | INCLUSION
SISI: THE STATE MUST SERVE BELIEVERS AND ATHEISTS ALIKE

Image: kmf164 / Wikimedia Commons

President El‑Sisi said the Egyptian state must serve all citizens equally, including believers and atheists, emphasizing that government institutions exist to represent society in all its diversity. 

Speaking during a Ramadan iftar hosted by the Police Academy, El-Sisi explained that while religion guides individuals in their personal lives, the state’s responsibility is broader. Governments, he said, must serve people of different beliefs and backgrounds without discrimination, ensuring equal treatment for all citizens. 

A broader message: The president also warned that misunderstanding religion or mixing religious practice with state responsibilities can lead to division within society. He stressed that faith relates to personal conduct — such as prayer or fasting — while the state must manage public affairs for everyone, including Muslims, Christians, and those with no religious belief. 

In Egypt, religion remains a central part of public life, and the country formally recognizes Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. People who identify as atheist or irreligious often face social stigma and lack formal recognition in some legal contexts. 

🏠️ MORE POLITICS & SOCIETY:

🫓 SUBSIDIZED BREAD: Egypt has imposed price caps on unsubsidized bread to prevent price manipulation and shield consumers following a recent surge in fuel costs – Know more

🚔 ARREST: Egyptian authorities arrested a man after a video circulated on social media showing him verbally abusing and attempting to assault another individual who confronted him about smoking during Ramadan – Know more