Egypt prepares for Eid Al-Fitr with 350 prayer areas in Cairo, intensive security and healthcare measures
Part of the Ministry of Interior's preparations for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations - MOI
CAIRO – 30 March 2025: As Eid Al-Fitr is only a few hours away, Cairo is making extensive preparations to welcome the festive occasion. Local authorities have heightened readiness across all service sectors, halting employee vacations to ensure smooth operations during the celebrations.
The local government has conducted thorough inspections of cleanliness in mosques and prayer areas, with 350 designated prayer sites across the city being carefully reviewed.
Additionally, the cleanliness of main thoroughfares, public bus stations, service areas, metro lines, and archaeological sites has been prioritized, with particular attention given to the Nile Corniche.
Preparations include ensuring the readiness of kiosks and mosaic seating areas along the Corniche to accommodate visitors.
In the governorate's parks, officials have confirmed the safety and functionality of recreational facilities, maintained green spaces, and ensured the upkeep of lighting systems, pathways, fences, and restrooms.
To preserve the parks' appearance, plastic bags will be distributed to visitors to encourage proper waste disposal.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Government agencies have also completed their holiday readiness plan, activating crisis management rooms under the leadership of Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health.
The plan includes providing all main roads nationwide with 838 ambulances equipped to function as mobile intensive care units.
Special attention has been given to coastal cities, where domestic tourism is expected to surge as citizens flock to enjoy the holiday.
The plan also encompasses the Cairo Metro system, with 15 fixed ambulance stations and increased coverage at interchange stations.
Ten river ambulances will secure the navigable waters of the Nile in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan, linking ambulance points to metro stations for rapid response to medical emergencies.
INTENSIVE SECURITY MEASURES
Moreover, the Ministry of Interior has raised security readiness levels across the nation, implementing comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of Eid celebrations.
Increased traffic services and patrols are deployed on major roads, supported by an integrated electronic monitoring system to ensure traffic discipline and respond swiftly to any emergencies.
The security plans extend to subway and railway stations, where a visible security presence will monitor conditions, particularly at entrances and exits, ensuring a peaceful environment for all celebrators.
Egypt is preparing for the first day of Eid Al-Fitr on Monday, with children excitedly donning new Eid clothes and families enjoying the traditional festive treat, Kahk.
Public and private sector employees nationwide are enjoying a paid holiday extending from Saturday to Wednesday, as per Cabinet's decrees.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
10-06-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Transport Minister orders measures for post-Eid travel rush during station inspections
Egypt's Minister of Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, conducted surprise inspections of Cairo's main railway and metro hubs on Monday, ordering measures to ensure smooth operations ahead of an expected surge in passengers returning from the Eid al-Adha holiday. The inspections at Ramses Railway Station and the Al-Shohadaa metro interchange aimed to confirm that all necessary preparations were in place to handle the return journeys of citizens from across the country, which are expected to peak from Monday. At Ramses station, Al-Wazir inspected the external plaza, ticket counters, and platforms, monitoring passenger flow through the electronic ticket gates. He stressed the need for 24/7 maintenance teams to address any gate malfunctions promptly and called for measures to prevent overcrowding. He also directed officials to improve signage, increase the number of rubbish bins, and maintain cleanliness in both stations and trains around the clock. During his tour of the platforms, the minister noted that a train arriving from Aswan had windows that had been shattered by thrown stones. In response, he called for continued public awareness campaigns to combat what he described as a 'dangerous phenomenon.' He urged cooperation with local communities, religious leaders, and education officials to hold seminars highlighting the risks of such acts, which endanger passengers and staff and cause costly damage to railway property. The minister stated that all senior railway officials must be present at stations to supervise operations and ensure schedules are maintained. Interacting with passengers, who reportedly praised the current service levels, El-Wazir reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to a comprehensive five-point plan for developing the railway system. This includes upgrading rolling stock, modernising infrastructure like tracks and stations, improving signalling systems, developing workshops, and training personnel. Later, Al-Wazir conducted a similar surprise inspection at the Al-Shohadaa metro station, a key interchange for the city's first and second lines. He instructed metro officials to be prepared for the immediate deployment of extra trains to any station showing signs of congestion as travellers return. He also ordered all senior metro leaders to be present across the network to monitor passenger traffic and provide the ministry with hourly reports on all three lines. The minister emphasised that these efforts align with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's directives to expand a network of 'sustainable and environmentally friendly green mass transit systems' that offer the highest level of service to the public.
Daily News Egypt
10-06-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Ain Sokhna Port welcomes AROYA cruise ship with over 2,300 tourists
The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) announced on Monday that Ain Sokhna Port has received the AROYA cruise ship, arriving from Safaga. The vessel docked at 8:00 AM, carrying 2,351 tourists of various nationalities, along with a crew of 1,500. Sailing under the Maltese flag, the AROYA measures 303 meters in length with a draft of 8.5 meters. It is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, 10 June, bound for Jeddah. The ship's arrival supports SCZONE's ongoing strategy to position its ports as a regional hub for tourism, maritime services, and logistics. This strategy leverages the zone's unique geographic location along the Red Sea and Mediterranean, coupled with continuous infrastructure enhancements aimed at boosting operational efficiency and global competitiveness. The timing of the AROYA's reception during the Eid Al-Adha holiday highlights the port's readiness and capacity to operate efficiently during peak travel seasons and public holidays. The cruise's arrival also aligns with Egypt's broader national efforts to revitalize marine tourism. The government has launched a comprehensive strategy to establish the country as a key destination for cruise and yacht travel, including major upgrades to port facilities in Ain Sokhna, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh. Key initiatives include the development of modern marinas, the implementation of a unified digital platform to streamline yacht entry procedures, and international partnerships—such as with AD Ports Group—to manage and develop cruise terminals. These efforts form part of Egypt's long-term vision to integrate marine tourism into the national economy and promote sustainable growth within the blue economy.
Egypt Independent
09-06-2025
- Egypt Independent
Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety
My visits to Egypt are not infrequent; indeed, I return there continuously. The intervals are short between each trip, and every time my feet touch the 'Land of Kinana' I see major, diverse changes across the country. My latest visit saw a distinctive blend of progress and excellence, evident not only in tangible developments but, more significantly, in remarkable human interactions. I'm certain that this positive shift will be felt by anyone who experiences what I did. As the saying goes, 'Egypt is illuminated by its people.' My recent journey aimed to finalize various personal transactions, particularly my residency permit and vehicle license. As usual, I headed to the relevant authorities under the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. Upon inquiring, I learned that the entire process had been transformed, taking on a new system. Foremost among these changes is that every visitor, regardless of their residency type, now receives an official card to carry instead of their passport. The process for receiving this card has also been streamlined, taking no more than 24 hours, with the option to pick it up from various designated locations across the country. Additionally, the Abbassia residency office is housed in a building with numerous departments designed to assist you in obtaining necessary documents for yourself or your parents. There is even a VIP service called 'Tarabot' (Bonding) for those seeking premium service. Having completed my residency, it was time for my vehicle license. I proceeded to the relevant authority – the Agouza Traffic Department – where from the very first moment I was profoundly touched by the humanity being displayed. I found the official in charge of vehicle licensing sitting among the applicants, assisting everyone who sought help, and even those who didn't. This level of service wasn't limited to the supervisor; it extended to everyone working at Agouza Traffic. They marvelously embodied the saying: 'The soldiers of Egypt are the best on Earth.' Their conduct was refined, their efficiency remarkable, and their adherence to the law meticulous. I completed my vehicle license in a short amount of time. Truly, Egypt, you are magnificent. In just a few days, I witnessed governmental achievements marked by remarkable progress and speed. Our words spring from letters of love for the Land of Kinana, as an expression of gratitude for every Egyptian citizen contributing to the wheels of development – ensuring peace, security, and tranquility for all who live there. I conclude my words with the best verse from the Quran: 'Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety.' Author's biography Nermine al-Houti is an associate professor of the Department of Criticism at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait. She holds a PhD in Philosophy of Literary Criticism and is a graduate of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts. Houti is a member of the Association of Writers and the Journalists Association, and is also part of the literary arbitration committees on theater or poetry in Kuwait and other Arab countries. She has authored numerous newspapers and magazines articles and several books on significant theatrical works examining women's issues, the latest of which is 'The Women in Ismail Abdullah's Theater'. She has been chosen as a panelist in various significant cultural events and has participated in multiple seminars across the Arab region.
