Gaza peace deal in Sharm ✌️

What else: Fuel prices increased again this year, iconic garden renovated and reopened, wearing art made by Egyptians, and much more inside.

October 19, 2025

October 12 – 18 | 2025
Image: Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency / Facebook

Hey friends,

What a week it's been. From historic peace summits to economic motion and Egypt making headlines on multiple fronts.

Let's dive into this week's most significant stories.

A QUICK MESSAGE BEFORE YOU SCROLL…
WANT TO WEAR EGYPTIAN ART MADE BY EGYPTIAN ARTISTS?

We’re proud to announce the upcoming launch of Egyptian Streets’ first artist collaboration program - featuring limited-edition tees, totes, and art prints designed by four incredible Egyptian artists: Amira Tanany, Nada Abouelmaati, Seham Sultan, and Toka El Sayed. These four remarkable Egyptians, each capturing everyday life through bold, original art, were selected from over 100 submissions.

Four artists. Four designs. One limited-edition collection. From folklore and food to proverbs and everyday magic, this collection celebrates our culture, our humor, and the stories that make us who we are. The art reveal comes in the next newsletter - but you can already be first in line for early access and 10% off launch day. 

ISRAEL-PALESTINE | WAR ON GAZA | CEASEFIRE
HISTORIC GAZA PEACE SUMMIT BRINGS WORLD LEADERS TO SHARM EL-SHEIKH

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and US President Donald Trump co-chaired the "Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace" last week, bringing together 20 world leaders to solidify the Gaza ceasefire and establish lasting Middle East peace. The summit followed the announcement of a ceasefire on October 8, marking the end of a devastating two-year war by Israel on Gaza that saw several thousands of Palestinian civilians killed, hospitals and schools bombed, a widespread famine, and Israel’s military operations being formally defined as a genocide by leading scholars.

Summit outcomes: The gathering emphasized regional security and stability, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio coordinating implementation of the initial ceasefire phase. French President Emmanuel Macron and other international leaders participated in discussions on long-term peace frameworks.

Regional impact: The summit represents Egypt's continued role as a key mediator in Middle East conflicts, positioning the country as essential for regional stability and international diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire implementation will be closely monitored by participating nations.

🌍️ MORE FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

🇺🇸 TRUMP: Egypt awarded President Trump the Collar of the Nile, the country's highest state honor, recognizing his role in Middle East peace efforts and bilateral cooperation – Know more

🇺🇳 UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: Egypt secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term after receiving 173 votes during elections, strengthening its international diplomatic position – Know more

🇮🇱 ISRAEL: Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to restrict aid from the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, demanding all hostage bodies are returned first – Know more

🇶🇦 QATAR: Egypt has extended its condolences to Qatar after three employees of the Qatari Amiri Diwan were killed and two others injured in a car crash near the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh – Know more

ENERGY | FUEL PRICES | SUBSIDIES
EGYPT RAISES FUEL FOR A SECOND TIME IN 2025

Egypt increased domestic fuel prices by between 10 and 12 percent as part of efforts to align local rates more closely with global markets and ease pressure on state subsidies. The move affects key petroleum products including gasoline, diesel, and other fuel categories, signaling a shift in energy subsidy policy.

Rationale & context: Officials explained that the adjustment is necessary to support fiscal sustainability and maintain Egypt’s energy sector viability. The decision comes amid expectations that global oil prices will moderate, and as part of broader economic reforms tied to Egypt’s commitments with international partners.

Economic impact: Higher fuel costs will ripple through transportation, logistics, and production sectors, likely contributing to upward pressure on inflation in the short term. However, easing subsidy burdens may free up room for social spending and investment in infrastructure.

🏦 MORE ECONOMY:

💰 DEBT STRATEGY: Egypt will announce a new comprehensive debt management plan in December to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio below 75 percent within three years – Know more

📉 DEBT OUTLOOK: Egypt’s general government gross debt is projected to decline steadily through 2030, reaching its lowest level since 2016 – Know more

📊 PRIMARY SURPLUS: Egypt achieved a 2.5 percent primary surplus in FY2024/2025 and cut overall debt from 96 percent to 86 percent of GDP, according to the IMF – Know more

🇪🇺 EU PACT: The European Commission launched a new Mediterranean Partnership Pact to deepen cooperation with Egypt and other regional partners – Know more

CAIRO | PUBLIC PARKS | URBAN REDEVELOPMENT
ICONIC OBELISK GARDEN REOPENS AFTER EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS

Cairo’s historic Obelisk Garden in Zamalek has reopened after a major renovation, turning the site into an open-air museum and public park that blends heritage and modern city life.

NEW SPACES: The renovation added recreational areas, children’s playgrounds, pedestrian walkways, and dedicated corners for traditional crafts like copperwork, handwoven carpets, and khayamiya (tent-making). Infrastructure upgrades included sewage, irrigation, electricity networks, fire and safety systems, and a modern lighting setup to showcase the landmarks at night.

GREEN REVIVAL: Over 1,600 climate-suited trees were planted while preserving rare and heritage trees. The project reflects President El-Sisi’s vision to revive Cairo’s heritage identity and was executed by the Holding Company for Investment and Development, the National Organisation for Urban Harmony, Cairo Governorate, and the Tahya Misr Fund.

🏠️ MORE SOCIETY:

📞 FREE CALLS TO GAZA: Egypt’s four telecom operators are offering free international calls to Gaza for one week so families can check on loved ones – Know more

💥 CAIRO BLAST: An explosion at a weapons workshop in the military’s Al-Heikstep area triggered successive blasts; authorities say the situation is under control – Know more

🏋️‍♀️ POWERLIFTING MEDALS: Egypt won five medals at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, including two golds – Know more

✈️ TOURISM: Egypt welcomed 15 million tourists in the first nine months of 2025, up 21 percent year-on-year – Know more